Stirring It Up

November 19, 2007
When a CEO—or in this case a “CE-Yo”—writes a book about the philosophical and environmental underpinnings of the company he founded, it is natural to expect an ego-driven text. But Hirshberg, founder of Stonyfield Farm, the organic yogurt maker, dilutes the ego with “eco.” After all, this is a book that presents management lessons gleaned from life on a farm: in one such lesson, a herd of hungry pigs attacks a mound of damaged plastic yogurt cups, devours the contents and teaches Hirschberg nature's idea of recycling. While there is some cultured finger-pointing at big-name competitors and other corporations for organic abstinence and environmental insensitivity, Hirshberg focuses on how Stonyfield succeeds in pursuing sustainability and profitability—not to mention valuable shelf space alongside giants like Kraft and Yoplait. But in addition to describing how his company addresses such tasks as negating its own carbon footprint or establishing a “handshake with the consumer” in lieu of advertising, Hirshberg shares stories of similar successes at other companies, including Whole Foods, Timberland and, more recently, at Zipcar. Hirshberg has produced a manual of use for managers at any size company with an earnest interest in learning how to save the world while enriching employees and shareholders.

Gary Hirshberg blends leadership skills, charisma, and vocal talent with a captivating business story. This is the story of his yogurt company, Stonyfield Farm, and a chronicle of the best and brightest businesses that are fighting to save our planet, and to do it while making a profit. He even pays homage to Wal-Mart in his litany of great environmental pioneers. Hirshberg's voice doesn't sound quite like a professional narrator's, but he imbues his effort with all the passion he's brought to his great company. His narrative style and pacing are at once conversational and exciting. Students of business, business innovators, and the those newly energized by the hope of the new administration will especially enjoy this. M.C. 2009 Audies Finalist (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine