Ben Cohen (businessman) is not your typical entrepreneur. As the visionary behind Ben & Jerry’s, he disrupted the ice cream industry with bold flavors and bold ideals. But his legacy stretches far beyond dessert. Cohen has become a prominent activist, using his voice, platform, and wealth to fight for peace, justice, and progressive reform in America. Whether in boardrooms or protest lines, he represents a rare fusion of business acumen and moral conviction.
In a world where profit often overshadows principle, Ben Cohen (businessman) stands out as a model of ethical leadership. His transition from a scoop shop in Vermont to national headlines about defense spending and civil liberties reveals the depth of his mission. More than a businessman, Cohen is a movement-builder—a relentless advocate for reshaping the American Dream with compassion at its core.
Born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Ben Cohen (Businessman) grew up in a modest, working-class Jewish family. His upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of fairness and a passion for social justice. Even from a young age, Cohen showed signs of unconventional thinking, often challenging norms and dreaming of doing things differently. That mindset would later revolutionize how Americans think about business and branding.
After stints at Colgate University and Penn State—neither of which he completed—Cohen found his true calling in entrepreneurship. Teaming up with his childhood friend Jerry Greenfield, the pair opened their first Ben & Jerry’s shop in 1978 inside a refurbished gas station in Burlington, Vermont. With a $12,000 investment and a homemade ice cream recipe, the duo began scooping out more than just frozen treats—they dished out a new kind of business philosophy rooted in values, fun, and activism.
What made Ben Cohen (businessman) and Jerry Greenfield different wasn’t just their imaginative flavors—it was their mission. From the start, Ben & Jerry’s aligned profits with purpose. Cohen helped steer the company toward environmentally conscious sourcing, fair trade ingredients, and vocal support for progressive causes like LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and climate action. They were the first major brand to openly connect product sales to activism on such a visible scale.
Under Cohen’s guidance, Ben & Jerry’s became a beacon for socially responsible capitalism. The brand’s quirky charm masked a serious commitment to ethics. Whether supporting climate strikes or marriage equality, Cohen never shied away from controversy. His belief was simple: a business can be a force for good, and the more influence it has, the greater its responsibility to society.

After retiring from day-to-day operations, Ben Cohen (businessman) didn’t slow down—he scaled up. Channeling his energy into advocacy, Cohen launched numerous initiatives, including TrueMajority and Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities. These platforms called for reallocating bloated Pentagon budgets toward healthcare, education, and social services—issues Cohen saw as critical to a just and functional democracy.
In 2025, his activism reached new heights—and headlines—when he was arrested during a protest at a U.S. Senate hearing. His demonstration highlighted U.S. military aid to Israel and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The moment went viral, with clips of Ben Cohen being removed from the chamber sparking widespread discussion online. Far from being silenced, his arrest only amplified his voice and commitment to nonviolent resistance.
Despite his high-profile activism, Ben Cohen (businessman) lives a relatively private personal life. He has a daughter named Aretha Cohen and is married, though his wife chooses to stay away from public attention. It’s worth noting that he is often confused with Ben Cohen, the British rugby star—resulting in search traffic involving unrelated terms like “ben cohen rugby” and “ben cohen nude,” which have no connection to the businessman.
His Jewish faith and moral compass continue to guide his choices. Cohen has often said that his activism is deeply rooted in his upbringing and religious teachings. He remains a role model not just in business circles, but among social reformers, nonprofit leaders, and those seeking to merge ethics with enterprise.
Ben Cohen (businessman) has an estimated net worth in the millions, much of which was generated from the success of Ben & Jerry’s. But he defines wealth not by money alone, but by influence, impact, and values. Instead of expanding luxury, Cohen has invested in change—supporting progressive candidates, nonprofit movements, and public education around social justice.
To Cohen, wealth is only valuable if it serves others. That philosophy has made him not only financially successful, but also morally wealthy. Even after selling the company to Unilever, he continued to push for transparency and progressive accountability within the brand, insisting that corporate success should always come with a conscience.
Ben Cohen (businessman) is still writing his story. From speaking at rallies to calling out what he views as injustice on social media, he remains one of the most active voices in American advocacy. His Twitter/X account is a firehose of sharp critiques, powerful infographics, and calls to action aimed at awakening civic responsibility.
He may be removed from boardrooms, but he has never been removed from purpose. Whether discussing Pentagon waste or the importance of voting rights, Cohen proves that retirement from business doesn’t mean retreat from relevance. His brand of activism is bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in lived experience—qualities that continue to inspire new generations of changemakers.
Ben Cohen (businessman) is not just the mind behind your favorite ice cream flavor—he’s a symbol of what happens when business meets bravery. His journey from a Brooklyn childhood to co-founding a global brand, and then becoming a headline-making activist, is nothing short of extraordinary. His life serves as a case study in using privilege and profit for a higher purpose.
Whether you’re enjoying a pint of Cherry Garcia or following his protests online, one thing remains clear: Ben Cohen (businessman) continues to stir hearts and challenge systems. He’s not just building a legacy—he’s leading a revolution of conscience.
Who is Ben Cohen (businessman)?
He is the American co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s and a renowned activist focused on progressive change and government accountability.
Why was Ben Cohen arrested?
He was arrested in 2025 during a Senate protest over military spending and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Is Ben Cohen Jewish?
Yes, Ben Cohen (businessman) comes from a Jewish background, which influences his ethical and moral outlook.
What is Ben Cohen’s net worth?
While his exact net worth is undisclosed, it is estimated to be in the multi-million-dollar range from his success with Ben & Jerry’s.
What is the difference between Ben Cohen the businessman and the rugby player?
Ben Cohen (businessman) is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, while Ben Cohen the rugby player is a British sportsman and LGBT activist.
Is Ben Cohen still involved in Ben & Jerry’s?
He is no longer involved in day-to-day operations but continues to influence the company’s values and public positions.
What causes does Ben Cohen support today?
He focuses on cutting excessive military spending, promoting social welfare, defending civil rights, and supporting peace efforts globally.
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