Cindi Bigelow is the 3rd generation President and CEO of the family-owned Bigelow Tea company. She was born with the name. But name alone does not make for sustainability at the top. It takes the skill and determination to make themselves better every day. For over 25 years, Cindi has made sure that she’s better and better every day.
Bigelow Tea is the national market leader of specialty teas. Cindi’s initiatives have included leading the company’s greening efforts. Conserving water and natural gas earned Bigelow Tea’s 2012 designation of being a ‘Zero Wat to Landfill’ company.
A working mom to two children, now in their 20’s, Cindi always took calls from her children. Scheduling and family, priorities that are not just for the head of the company.
Cindi initiated the Annual Bigelow Tea Challenge in 1987. From its modest beginning of raising money for one individual, the annual challenge has donated nearly $1.1 million to local charities. A fun filled day; the challenge takes place on the last Saturday in September.
An advocate for education, Cindi can be found speaking to students about business, business ethics and career development. She has been the keynote speaker at major conferences. Cindi is the ‘Champion’ for Connecticut’s first Center for Family Justice, providing one-stop crisis management services to victims of domestic violence.
Cindi holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management and Honorary Doctorate from the University of New Haven. Her numerous awards include the 2014 Walter Wheeler Jr. Leadership Award, 2014 Best in the State Connecticut Philanthropy Award, 2014 John Winthrop Wright Ethics in Action Award, and the 2012 Woman of Influence in the Food Industry.