First may I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sincere, very moving, transparent “Bentley College Commencement” speech I came across just today, on your WFM website. I could not help but put my “priorities” aside to acknowledge it immediately.

The first time I caught my eyes well up while reading it was when you spoke about honoring one’s parents. WOW! And when I saw my son a short while later and I started to share with him what I found, including your “Bentley College Commencement” and “Conscious Capitalism” speeches, my voice broke. I started crying, I was again so moved attempting to describe what I just read. What I just found out about the history and cause of WFM, this stellar company.

We have much hope in America and in the world, while we have citizens, human beings like you.

I happened to hear of Whole Food Market initially from my son, who brought my attention to it and how impressed he was by it. Thus, my introduction to WFM. From my subsequent experience, I am not surprised why he recommended WFM so highly to me.

I have had very positive experience and encountered an indescribably unique inviting atmosphere each time I entered any one of your stores, whichever location, whichever state; whether from the WFM Team, the quality and array of your true whole food selection, and the warmth of the physical atmosphere.

This morning I got on your website, as I have been so impressed, I decided to apply for a position to become one of your Team. As I opened up the WFM website, I got “sidetracked”…:) to your speeches. What a wonderful “diversion”!

Now I know, WHY the company is as it is, and WHY the stores FEEL the way they do. I very much appreciate ALL you stand for, your cause, both as an entrepreneur and highly successful business gentleman, as well as a human being, and yes…also you stance on Conscious Capitalism. If you would know my background, you would understand why. I do not take our freedom in America lightly.

On faith I am now applying for a position at WFM. It will be truly a privilege to be on the WFM Team.

I thank you for being you. You HAVE made your parents very proud.

God continue to bless you with a long healthy life to continue to enrich the world.

Respectfully,
Marta

WSJ OPED: Something as important as healthcare reform requires more than a rush to a quick fix and I am glad you spoke out. It’s a shame that those that would lecture us about free expression would want to punish you for yours.

Actually, for me, it answered a personal question I had about Whole Foods for some years. I am an attorney with very conservative business principals. I own a small security guard company and as such first came across Whole Foods when given a contract for one of your Boston stores. I could not help notice how everyone at the store acted really nice, dressed differently, some wore decorations on their face, hair was “individualized,” but most of all how friendly and non-confrontational, if you ask for help.

Yet, this “hippy” organization was on the top ten of Fortune 500! This did not make sense. Or did it; I had to ask myself. This type of customer service is very strange in the city where rudeness is the norm and expected response!

Well, in brief, after reading your article I understand now what you are saying and doing and why. I now subscribe to your “Conscious Business” for the 21st century idea. It is an idea that has come of age, almost out of necessity. Government can keep to itself and all of us can remain free to pursue freedom and happiness. I feel better already. Thank you.

I’d never heard of John Mackey until I saw him listed as a guest speaker on John McDougall’s website. I wondered what on earth the CEO of Whole Foods had to say. So, I did a search and realized he had embraced the diet with NO ADDED OIL.

Do you realize how hard it is to find restaurant food with no added oil, no salt, no dairy, no meat? Do you realize how many people eat out? Seniors, adolescent males, construction workers, students. The school lunch program sucks.

I hate to cook! I want/need and am totally excited about Whole Foods movement in this direction. John Mackey is totally right on with his prescription for health care. I have/had diabetes and took the AMA’S prescription of insulin, 3 blood pressure pills, cholesterol lowering drugs and guess what? I swelled up to 216 lbs and my legs got edema so bad I couldn’t cut my own toe nails, my doctor was totally non-plussed with this development. As McDougall says, you die sooner with better numbers!

I don’t know what it is about consuming fat/oil but it’s dangerous! There is much backup out there for this diet. Campbell, Ornish, McDougall, Pritican, Furhman, the rice diet in Durham.

Our government has known at least since the 30’s what diet does. You may not appreciate the Nanny State but we need the governments help to clean up our food supply, label products w/GMSO, get the salt and oil out. I pray that Obama will tackle that issue in due time. Mackey’s right, we need education and support.

Thank you John Mackey for your inspiration!