Bob Stiller, Author of Better & Better

Bob Stiller is an American entrepreneur who co-founded E-Z Wider in 1971 and then Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in 1981 serving as its Chief Executive Officer and President from 1981 to 2007. He was named Forbes' first "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2001 and one of Investors Business Daily's "Top 10 leaders and successful CEOs" for transforming the humble Vermont coffee roaster into one of the most financially successful companies of the past 25 years. He built GMCR into a multibillion-dollar coffee empire by embracing the idea that businesses can make the world a better place when they focus on social responsibility, prioritize employee and stakeholder engagement, and provide a great place to work. Mr. Stiller credits Appreciative Inquiry as his key management practice which transformed the potential of all GMCR stakeholders from the coffee tree to boardroom. Mr. Stiller was instrumental in the Fair Trade coffee movement and under his direction, GMCR became the largest supplier of Fair Trade coffee in the world. He continues to model a commitment to corporate responsibility and public service through the Stiller Family Foundation, a wide-ranging philanthropic venture that focuses on helping people help themselves. The Stiller Family Foundation received the 2013 Outstanding Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.