Dean Cycon is the founder of Dean’s Beans, whose mission statement is a model for ethical, socially responsible, Earth friendly business practices. After 30 profitable years working with an ethical business model, Dean is retiring and turning the company into an Employee Owned Co-operative.

Dean returns to Paradigms after 13 years. He has a lot to share about how Dean’s Beans has grown, and about how their business model differs from the prevailing models; how they became a carbon negative venture (sequestering more carbon than they put out), how profits have been donated to local schools in Western Massachusetts to feed hungry children, and also to help refugees in Ukraine.  Dean is an example of someone who has high ethical standards and who walks their talk. He’s also a lot of fun to talk with.  He is currently writing a second book to follow up his 2007 Javatrekker: Dispatches from the World of Fair Trade Coffee.

In light of the recent ruling by the illegitimate “SCOTUS” enabling pollution to be unregulated, the need for ethical Earth Friendly business practices has never been greater.

Music by: Craig Chaquico, The Eagles, Aditya Prakash Ensemble, Fantomaticos, Stanley Clarke, and Bonnie Raitt.

Podcast: Download (Duration: 59:55 — 137.6MB)