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 Aaron 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 both of them that economic ethics was a way to integrate the two 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 sharpened 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, academic, and faith 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.
See more about Paul and connect with him at linkedin.com/in/peknowlton/
Aaron Hedges, Co-founder & Board Member
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 ventured from first paid employee of an entrepreneurial start-up to CEO as the organization has grown to serve families from all 50 states. Aaron has consulted for small businesses, served in multicultural ministries ranging from sports camps for urban youth to church planting in Andean Bolivia, and co-authored Better Capitalism, a 2021 Amazon #1 new release. He possesses a piercing curiosity and practical intellect while seeking both greater understanding of and better possibilities for our society. Aaron lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and their four children.
See more about Aaron and connect with him at linkedin.com/in/aaronernesthedges
Karen Kuykendall, Executive Assistant
Karen Kuykendall serves as Better Capitalism's executive assistant, editor, and marketing specialist. Karen brings more than 15 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 to help readers 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.
