Jerry Greenfield Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jerry Greenfield is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for co-founding the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, blending business success with social activism.

A Scoop on Jerry Greenfield

Jerry Greenfield (birthdate March 14, 1951) is a pioneering American businessman and activist who co-founded Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. with his childhood friend Ben Cohen. Together they transformed a small ice cream shop in Burlington, Vermont into a globally recognized brand that stands for high-quality ice cream and progressive values. Greenfield’s story mixes entrepreneurial spirit, cultural influence, and a strong commitment to social responsibility. His estimated net worth reflects decades of success and legacy in business.

Quick Facts

From Long Island Beginnings to Ice Cream Legends

Jerry Greenfield’s journey begins in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on March 14, 1951. Raised on Long Island, he met Ben Cohen in junior high — a friendship that would later fuel one of the most beloved business stories in American food culture. Greenfield was academically accomplished, earning a National Merit Scholarship and attending Oberlin College for a pre-med curriculum. Yet after repeated medical school rejections, he pivoted toward entrepreneurship, ultimately choosing ice cream over science.

Together, Greenfield and Cohen took a correspondence course in ice-cream making before opening their first shop in Burlington, Vermont in 1978. From this humble start — a renovated gas station — they built a brand that became synonymous not only with inventive flavors like Cherry Garcia but also with progressive social values that influenced corporate activism in America.

Defining moments in Jerry Greenfield’s journey include:

• Meeting Ben Cohen in junior high school on Long Island.

• Taking an ice-cream making course that led to the first Ben & Jerry’s shop.

• Opening the iconic Burlington parlor in 1978.

• Growing Ben & Jerry’s into a global brand with social mission values.

• Selling the company to Unilever while retaining its mission framework.

The Core Pillars of Jerry Greenfield’s Wealth

Jerry Greenfield’s financial success derives largely from the global expansion of Ben & Jerry’s and the brand’s acquisition and licensing arrangements:

The core pillars of Jerry Greenfield’s wealth include:

• Ben & Jerry’s Brand Equity: Co-founding one of the world’s most recognizable ice cream brands, sold internationally.

• Unilever Acquisition: The brand’s purchase by Unilever provided significant financial returns to its founders and ensured royalties and compensation linked to the brand’s success/

• Brand Licensing & Royalties: Ongoing earnings from licensing the Ben & Jerry’s name and products as part of global distribution.

Net Worth Estimates: While CelebrityNetWorth and similar outlets often cite approximately $150 million, other reputable estimations reference a range closer to $100 million. These figures vary due to private compensation details and investment structures not publicly disclosed.

Jerry Greenfield Relationships & Personal Life

Jerry Greenfield married Elizabeth Skarie in 1987. The couple has one son, Tyrone, and they have resided in Vermont, embracing a community-focused, values-driven lifestyle that reflects Greenfield’s personal and professional ethos.

Key insights into Jerry Greenfield’s relationships and personal life:

• Married to Elizabeth Skarie with one son, Tyrone.

• Lifelong friendship and business partnership with Ben Cohen.

• Known for supporting community causes and social activism rooted in progressive values.

Lifestyle, Interests & Personal Values

Beyond his role in building an ice cream empire, Jerry Greenfield is recognized for his activism and modest lifestyle. He’s been involved in protests and movements supporting racial justice, environmental sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Beyond career success, Jerry Greenfield leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Philanthropic engagement: Supporting progressive causes and nonprofit initiatives.

• Community involvement: Participating in social justice campaigns.

• Personal interests: Advocacy through speaking engagements and educational events tied to ethical business.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Note: These figures are approximations drawn from public financial analyses and media reporting — not official audited disclosures.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Jerry Greenfield’s legacy extends beyond the sweet success of ice cream. He embodies a model of values-led entrepreneurship — combining commercial achievement with a commitment to activism and social equity. In recent years, news reports highlighted his departure from the company he co-founded after decades of advocating for the brand’s independent social mission, underscoring his dedication to principle over profit.

Today, Greenfield is seen as an influential voice in conscious capitalism, encouraging business leaders to balance profit with purpose.

Wrapping Up the Scoop

Jerry Greenfield’s story is rich with inspiration: from Brooklyn beginnings to leading one of America’s most beloved brands, and from corporate success to social activism. His journey — with a birthdate of March 14, 1951 and a birthday honored each March 14 — reflects a lifetime of innovation, partnership, and influence. His estimated net worth (reported around $100M–$150M) stands as testament to his entrepreneurial legacy and commitment to values-driven business.