From Peace Corps to Madagascar: How One Volunteer Built a Business That's Changing Lives

The Human Side of Business

When I first heard about Beyond Good Chocolate, I wasn't expecting a story about business innovation—but rather one about how one person's commitment to social impact could transform an entire community. That's exactly what we're seeing in Madagascar, where a former Peace Corps volunteer has built a company that goes beyond profits to create lasting change.

At its core, Beyond Good Chocolate is more than a brand—it's a mission to empower local farmers and artisans while delivering premium products to consumers around the world. But it's also a reminder of how business can be used as a force for good when approached with intentionality and long-term thinking.

From Volunteer to Entrepreneur

In 2013, Benjamin Glick, a Peace Corps volunteer stationed in Madagascar, noticed something that struck him deeply: the potential of vanilla, one of the country's most valuable crops, was going largely untapped. While Madagascar produces nearly 80% of the world's vanilla, the farmers were often paid meager wages and lacked access to markets that would allow them to earn fair returns for their labor.

Glick saw an opportunity—not just to sell a product, but to create a system that would support the people who grew it. He started by working directly with local cooperatives, learning about their needs, challenges, and aspirations. That partnership laid the foundation for Beyond Good Chocolate in 2015.

"I realized that if we wanted to make a real impact, we couldn't just be another buyer in a global supply chain. We had to become part of the solution," says Glick.

Building a Model for Sustainability

Today, Beyond Good Chocolate works with over 500 farmers across Madagascar, sourcing vanilla and cacao from cooperatives that prioritize ethical labor practices, environmental stewardship, and community development. Their model isn't just about fair trade—it's about equitable partnerships, where local producers aren't just suppliers, but stakeholders in the business.

By providing technical training, financial support, and direct market access, Beyond Good has helped farmers improve yields and quality while ensuring that they receive a significant portion of the final sale price. This approach has resulted in increased incomes for families who were once struggling with poverty.

A Global Brand with Local Roots

The company's products—premium chocolate bars, vanilla pods, and other artisanal goods—are sold in major retailers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. These aren't just any ordinary products—they represent a story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration between producers and consumers.

What sets Beyond Good apart is not only its commitment to ethical sourcing but also how it shares that story with customers. Each product is accompanied by a label that tells the tale of the farmer who grew the beans or picked the pods, giving buyers a personal connection to their purchase. This kind of transparency helps build trust and supports the brand's mission.

Challenges in the Supply Chain

Despite its success, Beyond Good hasn't been without challenges. Vanilla prices have historically been volatile due to factors like climate change, crop disease, and global demand fluctuations. For example, in 2017, a severe drought in Madagascar led to a significant drop in vanilla production, which affected many of the farmers the company works with.

However, Glick's team responded quickly by diversifying their sourcing and investing in sustainable farming techniques. They've also developed long-term contracts that help stabilize income for farmers during uncertain times. These measures show how thoughtful business practices can act as a buffer against systemic risks.

The Bigger Picture: Business as Social Capital

What I find most compelling about Beyond Good is how it demonstrates that businesses don't have to be solely profit-driven to be successful. In fact, when aligned with social values and community needs, companies like Beyond Good can create a virtuous cycle of growth. They provide stable income, encourage investment in education and infrastructure, and inspire others to follow suit.

This isn't just about giving back—it's about recognizing that sustainable development requires both financial viability and human dignity. When businesses prioritize these elements together, they become powerful agents of change.

Looking Ahead

As Beyond Good continues to expand, its leaders are focused on scaling their impact without compromising the integrity of their supply chain. Plans include opening new distribution channels in emerging markets and investing in local processing facilities that will further boost farmer incomes and reduce reliance on external buyers.

Ultimately, this story reflects a broader shift in how consumers think about brands—especially those rooted in ethical practices and long-term community investment. As investors and shoppers alike demand more accountability from corporations, companies like Beyond Good are proving that purpose-driven business models can be both profitable and impactful.

In Conclusion

Benjamin Glick's journey from Peace Corps volunteer to founder of a socially conscious enterprise shows us what's possible when passion meets persistence. In a world where corporate responsibility often feels tokenistic, Beyond Good proves that meaningful change is achievable through strategic thinking and deep relationships with local communities.

This isn't just a business success story—it's a blueprint for how economic systems can be reimagined to uplift rather than exploit. And in an era when many companies are under pressure to demonstrate their social impact, Beyond Good stands as a compelling example of what it means to do business responsibly.