Seventh Generation: Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender. A Partnership that Flourished—until it Failed. (2021)

About this episode

With its eco-friendly paper towels, diapers, and cleansers, Seventh Generation was one of the first—and most successful—green household brands to hit the market. But in the early 1990s, its two founders had a bitter falling out. Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender have barely spoken since that time, but they both agreed to come on the show to talk about the business they were both passionate about, and the delicate nature of partnership. What you'll learn: • Why Alan says his great strength—and his greatness weakness—is his tendency to say “yes” • How Jeffrey and Alan lost their friendship and business partnership after only three years. • How Jeffrey grew Seventh Generation into a household name–and then got fired • How two formerly estranged partners feel about partnership now • Generation into a household name • Why Jeffrey and Alan agree that having a co-founder isn’t for everyone Timestamps: 7:55 - Jeffrey makes it big in Canada selling adult-learning courses…before he’s forced to leave the country 14:15 - Alan moves to Vermont on a whim, and winds up in a mail-order catalog business 26:56 - Alan and Jeffrey meet for the first time and find common ground: Alan need