– Bob Moore Red Mill founder
– Bob Moore dies at 94.
Bob Moore, Founder of Bob’s Red Mill, Passes Away at 94
Bob Moore, the beloved entrepreneur and founder of Bob’s Red Mill, a renowned artisan cereal company, passed away at the age of 94 at his home in Milwaukee, Oregon. The news of his death was announced by the company, although no specific cause was given.
A Legacy of Organic Goodness
Born on February 15, 1929, in Portland, Bob Moore grew up in San Bernardino, California. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he took on a management position at a department store in Los Angeles. After serving in the Army during World War II, he met and married his wife, Charlie Lou Coote.
In pursuit of a business venture, the couple ran a gas station in Mammoth Lakes, California, before eventually settling in Sacramento. There, Mr. Moore found work at a hardware department in a local Sears store. However, it was a fateful encounter with a book about a family flour mill in New Hampshire that sparked his passion for milling grains.
Driven by a desire to provide wholesome and nutritious products, Bob and Charlie Moore established Bob’s Red Mill in Milwaukee in 1978. The company started small, serving the Portland area, but quickly grew into a global natural-foods giant, offering over 200 products in more than 70 countries.
Bob’s Red Mill gained popularity as consumers shifted towards healthier eating habits and a preference for whole grains. Mr. Moore spoke out against processed foods and grains stripped of their nutrients, advocating for a return to natural and nourishing ingredients.
A Commitment to Employees
Despite numerous offers from larger food corporations, Bob Moore chose to retain ownership of his company and ensure its future by establishing an employee stock ownership plan in 2010. By April 2020, the plan had transferred 100 percent of the company to its more than 700 dedicated employees.
In an interview, Mr. Moore explained that his decision was guided by the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated. This commitment to fairness and inclusivity reflected his observant Christian beliefs and his desire to create a positive impact on his employees’ lives.
A Beloved Figure and a Wholesome Brand
Bob Moore’s warm and grandfatherly presence, complete with his trademark red vest, white beard, bolo tie, and newsy cap, made him instantly recognizable to customers and fans alike. Often compared to Santa Claus, his friendly face adorned every Bob’s Red Mill product, conveying the company’s dedication to customers’ good health.
With its earth-tone packaging and emphasis on natural ingredients, Bob’s Red Mill captured the spirit of the back-to-the-land movement and appealed to both former hippies and wellness enthusiasts. The company’s image, coupled with Bob’s genuine connection with people, fostered a sense of community and trust.
A Lasting Impact
Bob Moore’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges, but his dedication to providing high-quality, nutritious products and his commitment to his employees made Bob’s Red Mill a resounding success. His legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments and lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
As the Bob’s Red Mill community mourns the loss of its founder, his spirit of wholesome goodness and the principles he embodied will continue to guide the company’s future endeavors.
Source: www.nytimes.com
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1. Bob Moore founder of Bob’s Red Mill passes away at 94
2. Bob Moore, founder of Bob’s Red Mill, dies at the age of 94.
