Photo: The Family Behind Badger Balm | Source: Badger Balm - Website
In the rolling hills of rural New Hampshire, a family-owned business is making waves far beyond its quaint surroundings. The WS Badger Company, led by Rebecca Hamilton and her family, is not just crafting organic personal care products; they're pioneering a movement towards sustainability and climate action. Through innovative leadership and a steadfast commitment to their values, they're showing the world how businesses can be a force for good. But how does a small company turn into a sustainability powerhouse? Let's dive in and discover the secret sauce behind Badger Balm's success.
Quick Bites:
- At the heart of Badger Balm is a family working together to make a difference.
- Sustainability is non-negotiable
- Leading with a collaborative spirit, they redefine what it means to be CEOs.
- Their initiatives, from solar projects to regenerative agriculture, are tangible steps towards a greener future.
Roots Run Deep: The Essence of Family Business
At the core of Badger Balm's ethos is a deep-rooted belief that business and family can not only coexist but flourish together. Rebecca Hamilton, a co-CEO who took the helm alongside her sister, shares the unique dynamics of running a mission-driven company with her closest kin. Imagine your family gatherings turning into strategic meetings and your shared values shaping the future of a thriving business. This is the reality for the Hamiltons, where each member plays a pivotal role in steering the company's direction, grounded in a mutual commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
"Working with my family means everything is built on a foundation of love, respect, and shared values. It’s an overwhelmingly positive experience that brings depth to our mission and strength to our commitments."
But what's it like to blend family dynamics with business? Rebecca paints a picture of harmony and shared purpose but doesn't shy away from acknowledging the complexities. It's a delicate balance, maintaining personal relationships while making tough decisions for the good of the company. Yet, this unique setup provides a solid foundation for their values-driven approach, allowing them to navigate challenges with a collective resilience and unwavering focus on their mission.
Leading a company with your sibling might raise eyebrows in the conventional business world, but for Rebecca and her sister, it's a dynamic that fosters innovation and growth. Their roles as Collaborative Executive Officers reflect a leadership style that's all about partnership and shared vision. This collaborative approach extends beyond family ties, involving the entire team in strategic decision-making and ensuring a multitude of perspectives are considered. It's a testament to the belief that a united team can achieve far more than individuals working in silos.
"Our titles aren’t just ‘Co-CEOs’; we consider ourselves ‘Collaborative Executive Officers’. This reflects our commitment to a leadership style centered around partnership, shared vision, and inclusivity."
The transition to leadership was both a natural progression and a leap into the unknown for Rebecca and her sister. Taking over from their father, they've had to navigate the challenges of upholding the family legacy while steering the company through rapid changes and unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic. Their journey underscores the importance of adaptability, clear vision, and the strength found in unity, principles that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of their family and business.
Illuminating the Path: Sustainability in Action
Diving headfirst into sustainability, Badger Balm's transition to solar power is a bold statement of their commitment to the environment. It's not just about reducing their carbon footprint; it's about leading by example, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only viable but essential for the future of business. But the decision to go solar wasn't just an environmental one; it was a strategic business move that speaks volumes about their innovative approach to problem-solving.
"We embarked on this project with investors who shared our vision. This decision wasn't just about going green—it was about setting a new standard for manufacturing."
Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Hamiltons saw an opportunity to accelerate their sustainability goals. While many companies were in survival mode, Badger Balm doubled down on their environmental initiatives, showcasing their resilience and commitment to their mission. This period of adversity became a catalyst for change, highlighting the importance of a strong mission and values in guiding a company through uncertain times.
From regenerative agriculture practices to comprehensive waste reduction strategies, their efforts span multiple facets of environmental stewardship. Each initiative is a step towards their ambitious goal of not just minimizing harm but actively doing good for the planet. It's a holistic approach that looks beyond the bottom line, focusing on the long-term health of our environment and communities.
Beyond the Horizon: Envisioning a Greener Future
The journey doesn't stop with solar panels and organic gardens. For Badger Balm, these initiatives are stepping stones towards a broader vision of sustainability that encompasses every aspect of their operations and supply chain. They're not content with just being less bad; they aspire to be unequivocally good. It's a vision that drives them to explore innovative solutions and push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable business practices.
This forward-thinking mindset has led them to tackle some of the most challenging issues facing the industry today, from regenerative agriculture to reducing plastic waste. They understand that the path to sustainability requires continuous improvement, learning, and adaptation. By taking bold steps like their solar project and regenerative farming initiatives on their own property, they're not just talking the talk—they're walking the walk, setting a benchmark for others to follow. It's not just about leading by example; it's about sparking a movement that encourages collaboration and collective action.
What's truly remarkable about Badger Balm's approach to sustainability is their openness to collaboration and learning. They recognize that they don't have all the answers and that achieving their ambitious goals requires partnership and knowledge sharing. This is where their involvement in the broader B Corp community comes into play, providing a platform for collaboration and collective action towards a more sustainable and equitable business landscape.
"We believe that the challenges we face cannot be solved in isolation. It's through partnerships, shared knowledge, and a united front that we can make the most significant impact."
As they look to the future, the Hamiltons are not just focused on expanding their product line or growing their market share. They're committed to leveraging their business as a force for positive change, driving initiatives that benefit the planet, their customers, and the communities they serve. It's a holistic vision of success that transcends financial metrics, embodying the true spirit of social entrepreneurship.
Actionable Steps: Join the Movement
Inspired by Badger Balm's journey? Here are a few steps you can take to contribute to a more sustainable and ethical business world:
- Support Ethical Brands: Make conscious choices about where you spend your money. Look for companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
- Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for environmental and social change. Whether it's through social media, community involvement, or discussions with friends and family, every conversation matters.
- Embrace Sustainability in Your Daily Life: Small changes can make a big difference. Consider adopting more sustainable habits, like reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting local and organic farmers.
- Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Join or form communities that are committed to sustainable living and ethical business practices. Sharing knowledge and experiences can amplify your impact.
- Stay Informed and Educated: Keep learning about environmental issues and sustainable solutions. The more you know, the more effectively you can contribute to positive change.
The story of Rebecca Hamilton and the WS Badger Company is a powerful reminder that businesses have the potential to be a force for good in the world. Their journey from a small family-owned business to a sustainability leader is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for all of us. By embracing our values, collaborating with others, and making conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Questions on the Topic
Q: How did Badger Balm transition to being solar-powered, and why?
A: By partnering with Revision Energy, they found a way to power their manufacturing entirely by the sun. This move not only saves them money but also drastically reduces their carbon footprint. It's a win-win-win situation: for the company, the community, and the planet. Imagine slathering on sunscreen that's literally powered by the sun — that's the kind of full-circle sustainability Badger Balm is all about.
Q: How does being part of the B Corp community impact Badger Balm?
A: For Badger Balm, being a B Corp is like wearing a badge of honor. It’s a testament to their commitment to not just be the best in the world, but the best for the world. This certification isn’t just about meeting rigorous standards; it’s about joining a community of like-minded businesses that are driven to make a positive impact. Imagine a global squad of businesses, all rallying together, sharing strategies, and pushing each other towards greater sustainability and ethical business practices. For Rebecca and the Badger team, it's a powerful reminder that they're part of something much bigger—a movement towards a more sustainable and equitable economy.
Q: What's next in Badger Balm's sustainability journey?
A: They're diving deep into regenerative agriculture, starting with a mini-project on their own property. This initiative, along with their ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and waste, is part of their bold pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. They're not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk—measuring their carbon footprint, boosting soil health, and even implementing a gleaning program to feed the local community. They envision a future where every product not only does no harm but actively does good. In Rebecca’s eyes, reaching net zero by 2030 is just a milestone, not the finish line. The real dream? A product line that heals the planet. Now, that’s a future worth striving for.
Q: What advice does Rebecca Hamilton have for other mission-driven business leaders?
A: Stay true to your mission, but don’t get bogged down by comparison. Every business is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Focus on making decisions that align with your values, and trust that your commitment to doing the right thing will guide your business to success. It’s about being kind, thoughtful, and authentic in every choice you make. Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most to you and your mission. In the end, it’s your passion and purpose that will define your legacy.
