Saturday, January 17, 2015

Business Spotlight: W.S. Badger Co.

I don't think it is a surprise to people out there that most businesses do not have their best interests at heart. Money rules the day. So if there is money to be made, it will be made, even if it is at the expense of your health and safety. But not all businesses operate in this way.

As the Wellness Coordinator of a health food store, and specifically one that is a cooperative, being mindful of quality is very important. Be that the quality of ingredients, or how the product is made, or the standards a business holds itself to. This year, instead of focusing on what is wrong about current business operations, I thought I'd highlight some businesses that are getting it right. Let's start with one of the best: the W.S. Badger Company.

This small company out of Gilsum, New Hampshire began back in 1995 when owner Bill Whyte began looking for a solution for his dry, cracked hands due to the cold winters of New Hampshire. Badger Balm was born, and with it a company founded on sound principles and devoted to quality products. Their mission is, "to create fabulously pure and effective products of the highest natural quality, based on simplicity and thoughtful preparation, with the intention to soothe and heal. To run a business that is fun, fair and profitable; where money is fuel, not a goal; and where their vision for a healthier world finds expression through the way they work and through the way they treat each other and the people they serve."

Their Core Principles:
1. Individual responsibility in a team concept
2. Personal and caring approach in communications
3. Supporting organic, sustainable agriculture through their purchasing practices
4. A business environment that is respectful and supportive of all employees, and of the people they serve
5. Personal and social healing through their charitable giving
6. Environmental responsibility
7. Honesty and integrity
8. Fun is good
9. Generosity

The W.S Badger Co. shares its financial information with all of its employees. They provide free, home-cooked meals to all employees every day. Employees receive a living wage, 6+ weeks paid maternity leave and a "Babies at Work" program. They donate considerably, most of their products are 100% organic, and they support suppliers that have third party social and environmental certifications, as well suppliers that support sustainable practices. And they are a B Corporation!  A B Corporation is a certification given to businesses that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance as well as accountability and transparency. So it's no wonder that Badger has won the 2013 Best for the World Award given to outstanding B Corporations, as well as numerous other awards and recognitions. And I haven't even mentioned their fabulous products!

Their products are amazing! All their balms are made with organic olive oil produced on a 200 year-old estate in Spain. Most beauty products that contain olive oil are made with very low quality stuff, I've tried the olive oil they use in their products and it is seriously one of the best olive oils I've ever tasted. Up until recently, if you asked me my favorite product from Badger I would have told you it was their Foot Balm. But they have just come out with a new line of skin care, and their Cleansing Oils are now my new favorite. It just makes sense. We are all washing our face with cleansers that are basically removing that top protective layer of skin on our face. These Cleansing Oils gently cleanse while protecting the integrity of your skin. What a concept! It's actually nothing new, people cleansed with oils for centuries, but I'm happy to see it coming back in style.

W.S. Badger Co.: quality business, quality products! It's great to see a business getting it right.