Ben Rosenthal featured in UVA McIntire school Q&A

Congratulations to our co-president and CEO Benjamin Rosenthal for his feature in the UVA McIntire School of Commerce blog!

Here's a clip:

What’s it like to serve as a Co-President with your sister Ashli? What are the pros and cons of that working arrangement that might surprise some people?
I’m fortunate to get along really well with my sister. We have different personalities and skill sets, which helps us work together and know how to divide responsibilities. Ashli came from the fashion industry in New York before getting into the food business. I began in finance. Our backgrounds offered each of us different perspectives on the world and business. Ashli’s focus is on marketing and sales, while mine is finance and operations. Both of us share common goals for the business, and I think we balance each other on the right ways to achieve those goals.

One of the biggest pros is having each other. Business is challenging, and leadership can be lonely at times, so we’re fortunate to be able to share this journey.

I also think we push each other more than other executives might be willing to push us. Occasionally, that equates to “healthy debates.” Ashli and I were debating a topic outside our office one day, and a newly hired employee was down the hall. We then went and introduced ourselves with smiles on our faces. He later asked us if we were okay. Ashli and I laughed and said we were just talking! That’s the beauty of working with family. It’s okay to disagree. We may get frustrated at times, but then we shake it off and move on, both as family and as colleagues.

The best part of my role is working with my team. We have a lot of fun together.