THE BETTER CAPITALISM STORY
(Once upon a time…) Paul and Aaron met in grad school in Atlanta, Georgia. Paul was a working attorney and former engineer studying for his MDiv. Aaron was studying for both his MBA and MDiv, programs held in separate buildings that might as well have been separate worlds. Paul and Aaorn shared a sense that the operations of business and the soul of business were also too separated and would benefit from an integrated approach. A mutual ethics class made it clear to them both that economic ethics was a way to integrate perspectives and solve real-life problems. With the support and encouragement of Dr. David Gushee, their initial economic ethics spark fanned into a flame that earned a book deal with Wipf and Stock publishers in March of 2020. The Covid pandemic and its impact on all aspects of economics and society furthered their focus, resulting in the publication of Better Capitalism in May of 2021. Since then, Paul and Aaron have been working to help courageous business leaders, academics, and religious leaders reclaim capitalism for shared prosperity and purpose.
Paul Knowlton, Co-founder & CEO
Paul Knowlton, JD, MDiv, has established a reputation as an accomplished leader who merges compassion with tactical planning to affect positive change and results. A former engineer, practicing attorney, seminary-trained and ordained minister, and successful entrepreneur, Paul brings an interdisciplinary approach to every question. Paul brings that interdisciplinary approach to the research, logic, and reform proposals in Better Capitalism, which are designed to help us all transform toward a better capitalism. Paul lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Amy.
Aaron Hedges, Co-founder & Board
Aaron Hedges, MBA, MDiv, engages modern economic life with a realistic yet values-rich challenge to move from plantation economics (exploitation) to Partnership Economics (mutual benefit). He has lived the organizational life, from first-paid employee of an entrepreneurial start-up to its CEO as the organization has grown to serve families from 49 states. Aaron has consulted for small businesses, served in multicultural ministries ranging from sports camps for urban youth to church planting in Andean Bolivia. He possesses a piercing curiosity and practical intellect while seeking both greater understanding of and better possibilities for our society. Aaron lives with his wife, Allison, and their four children in Knoxville, TN.
Karen Kuykendall, Executive Assistant
Karen Kuykendall serves as Better Capitalism's executive assistant, editor, and marketing specialist. Karen brings more than 20 years of administrative and marketing experience to her position and keeps operations running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. As an advocate of Better Capitalism principles, Karen also contributes to the weekly blog post with current and relevant topics, as well as actionable steps for readers to incorporate these principles into their lives. Karen lives in Anderson, SC, with her husband Daniel; they have four adult children and are gardening and e-bike enthusiasts.
