**Subject:** Restore Ben & Jerry’s Independence – And a Note About Employment .
Dear Unilever and Magnum Leadership,
As a loyal Ben & Jerry’s customer, I respectfully urge you to restore the company’s independence. Ben & Jerry’s must be able to live its values without interference. Unless the company can operate freely and stay true to its founding principles, you risk losing the trust and patronage of customers and employees like me.
For nearly fifty years, Ben & Jerry’s has proven that a socially conscious business can generate both loyal customers and strong profits. People pay a premium because they believe that every pint supports a greater good. Each flavor symbolizes more than just a product—it represents hope and shared values.
Unfortunately, Ben & Jerry’s independence has been steadily eroded under Unilever and now Magnum. The independent board, originally created to safeguard its mission, has been overruled. Key decisions were blocked, and agreements meant to protect its social values were broken.
This situation goes beyond ice cream. If even Ben & Jerry’s can be silenced or controlled, it sends a discouraging message to every business and individual who stands for ethical principles. The risk isn’t just lost sales—it’s the loss of authenticity, the very quality that made Ben & Jerry’s iconic.
Magnum has a choice:
●- Restore Ben & Jerry’s independence and allow values-aligned investors to preserve its social mission,
●- Or risk alienating loyal customers and diminishing the trust and love that built the brand’s success.
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Separately, on a personal note—my brother, Randy Paul Richard, once worked for your company and left due to low pay, outdated equipment, and limited employee accommodations. He still struggles with wrist pain from that experience. This highlights a need for upgrades and fairer working conditions, whether you keep or sell the brand.
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Finally, I’m currently seeking employment. While I may lean politically left, I’m committed, responsible, and focused on professionalism—not public stunts or disruptive activism. During a devastating government shut down, i am willing to work under those poor conditions my brother complains about. If you are serious about hiring in Washington State, I’d be glad to discuss opportunities.
Sincerely,
**Michael Dimitri Richard**
Renton, Washington 98056
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