Seventh Generation: Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender. A Partnership that Flourished—until it Failed. (2021)
Summary
This episode of *How I Built This* features co-founders Jeffrey Hollander and Alan Newman recounting the dramatic rise and bitter fall of Seventh Generation. They detail how their partnership began in 1989, combining Hollander’s fundraising skills with Newman’s operational expertise to build a pioneering eco-friendly catalog business. The story covers their explosive growth, unique company culture, and the devastating impact of the early 1990s recession and Gulf War, which forced massive layoffs. Ultimately, the episode explores the personal and professional tensions that led to Newman’s ou…
Topics discussed
Sponsors and episode introduction
The story of Seventh Generation and its founders
Alan Newman's background and early ventures
Jeffrey Hollander's background and meeting Alan
Founding Seventh Generation and early growth
Scaling the business and operational challenges
The recession, conflict, and Alan's departure
Sponsors and return from break
Jeffrey's leadership and pivot to retail
Expansion, greenwashing debates, and IPO
Jeffrey's ouster and the board conflict
Post-7th Generation ventures and reflections
Lessons on partnership and closing remarks
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