The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism

John Mackey, who served as Cofounder and CEO of Whole Foods Market for 44 years, offers an account of the company's rise alongside his personal and spiritual journey. The growth of Whole Foods represents a retail, cultural, and dietary shift that transformed the industry and eating habits. The Whole Story chronicles the building of Whole Foods Market, including the idealists and foodies who shaped the company, breakthroughs and missteps, camaraderie and conflict, and near-disasters. Mackey shares consequential decisions he made and reflects on his regrets. Beyond the business narrative, Mackey explores his spiritual journey from Christianity to New Age mysticism and Eastern wisdom; his political and intellectual development from countercultural co-op dweller to libertarian and Conscious Capitalist; his philosophical and ethical awakenings regarding animal welfare and tensions between personal values and industry practices; and his personal passion for long-distance, ultra-light backpacking. For those familiar with Whole Foods, this is a candid look at how a startup hippy food store became a market-leading international brand through shared mission and entrepreneurial leadership.