The Family Tree: Joel Stanley

Family is everything. Especially when you’re talking about Charlotte’s Web, started by the Stanley Brothers. Although the branches on this family tree grow in different directions, the roots work as one, sturdy foundation. The Charlotte’s Web mission is simple – improve the quality of life of others. Get to know the brothers behind the brand!

Joel Stanley, Chairman

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about you?

A comment about my family by a Canadian pharma company developer: “I’ve sat in high-rise conference rooms listening to pharma execs discuss how much money they stand to make. There is a big difference in the Stanley’s Social Enterprise. I’ve sat and listened as the Stanley’s discussed how many people they could help.”

Name one thing you hated to share with your brothers

Drinks when we were kids. My parents would buy 2 big gulps on road trips.

1) I need more fluid than most so everyone knew not to let me have a drink till the end, and

2) Kids backwash a LOT!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

That I’ve too often cared more about being right or winning an argument than I did about the person in front of me. Better late than never.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Fly fishing.

Who in the world would you most like to share a meal with?

Jack Nicholson, Brad Pitt, or Noam Chomsky.

What’s the last picture you took on your phone?

My daughter, Kalyn, smiling over her 10th Birthday cake.

Do you have any regrets?

Not when I’m thinking clearly. “For every path, you follow there’s another left behind. Every door you don’t kick open there’s a million more to find…..There is nothing but this moment, don’t you waste it on regret.”- Glen Phillips

What lessons has your work life taught you?

There is no amount of marketing dollars that can replace a group of people that truly care about helping others.

Your first pop-culture crush?

Carrie Fisher, immediately followed by Elisabeth Shue.

Which is the best vacation you have ever had?

In spring 2012 I took my kids to the redwoods in a rented RV. It rained the whole time and the RV leaked from every corner. Somehow it was the best vacation.

What’s the most important thing to you in life?

That my kids want to come to see me by the end of it all.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Accept the loss of my second child, a couple of hours after she was born.

Most moving moment working with Charlotte’s Web?

The first one was Charlotte herself. Now there are thousands of those individual stories and moments.

What was your nickname growing up, or now?

Growing up my Dad called me the “holy man”. Now, as CEO, I don’t even want to know what they all call me.

What is your favorite quote?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Which member of your family has had the greatest influence on your current way of thinking?

Mom

What was the first car you drove?

My older brother’s red Nissan something or other. I was 12 and he just found this out last year. My first legal car was a 70’s, Chevy Nova.

What kind of hat describes your personality?

The outback hat was worn by Tom Burlinson in “The Man From Snowy River.”

What do you think the secret to a good life is?

Hate to be cliché, but the Golden Rule is the only rule: Learn to love yourself, then love your neighbor as you love yourself.

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