Clif Bar Love

Simply put, Clif Bar rocks! I've said it time and time again on this blog and let me say it one more time. Fed up with money grubbing, greedy corporations, I was once a socialist. But then a friend reminded me that if we lived in a socialist society, I wouldn't have Trek, Cervelo, Kuota, and the myriad of bike companies to choose from. And all of my tri toys? Learn to live without 'em because socialism just doesn't lend well to those items considered luxuries. What's my point again? Oh yeah, Clif Bar. Well, my socialist ways was short lived, and now I call myself a compassionate capitalist. In other words, let's make money, but not at all costs, and let's not be greedy about it. I think 3-4 of the top 10 billionaires in the world are the children of the Wal-Mart Corporation. They have so much money that they, their children, their great grandchildren, and several more generations will not be able to to spend the money in their lifetime. And yet, Wal-Mart still cuts back on employee benefits, outsource goods, and everything is about the one bottom line, profit. In other words, they want even more money. Clif Bar restores my faith in humanity. They are playing the capitalism game, just not exploiting it. Because I have a good friend who has worked at Clif for a long time, I've not only seen first-hand all the good they do, but I've also benefitted from all the good they do. It was really nice to see this article published today: Gary Erickson Reflects

My favorite quote from the interview: "Unlike most companies, which have one bottom line, Clif Bar has five bottom lines: sustaining our business, brands, people, community and the planet. All five of these goals, which my wife, Kit, and I refer to as the "Five Aspirations," are of equal importance. Before anyone at Clif Bar makes a business decision, we think about how it will affect these five areas. The new headquarters is just one example of this."

As consumers, we have a choice, and I hope that you all will choose to support companies that practice responsible and compassionate capitalism. Alright, off my soapbox. It is the off-seaon, what else am I going to talk about?