In a most generous and heart-warming manner, Bob Moore, the founder of Bob’s Red Mill, decided that he would rather give his company to his employees than sell it to a major corporation. The decision guaranteed that the 700 workers who helped to build the amazing whole-grain food brand would still be able to participate in the good times.
A Legacy Built on Integrity
Bob’s Red Mill was established by Bob Moore and his wife, Charlee, in 1978 in Oregon. The company focused on providing stone-ground grains, cereals, and baking mixes with a commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients. Throughout the year, Bob’s Red Mill has become a nationally known brand, nd and large food conglomerates have set their sights on acquiring it.
Moore, however, did not want to be swayed by high offers and chose not to sell out. As a result, in the year 2010, when he was 81 years old, on his birthday, he made it clear to his employees that they were the new owners of the company through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Why an ESOP?
ESOP means that employees acquire shares in the company over time, thus they have a direct stake in its success. Moore’s idea was that this represents the most effective way to give his team’s hard work and dedication the due recognition.
Moore said, “At that time, these folks perform their tasks too well if I were to sell it. I only wanted to make sure that they were well taken care of.”
The result was that instead of a cooperative leading force, the employees, many of whom had been there at Bob’s Red Mill for a long time, were not only the owners but also the profit-making party.
A Lasting Impact
Moore’s action was uncommon in a time when most people cashed out to big corporations. The decision he demonstrated his values: a great love for employees and a promise to keep the company’s integrity.
Moore did not step down as CEO in 2018, and he remained with the company until he died in 2024 at the age of 94. The company’s employee-owned structure and its continued dedication to quality are the ways through which his legacy lives on.
Today, Bob’s Red Mill is still a flourishing, independent company. It is the business that proves success is not always about selling out—sometimes it is about giving back to those who have helped to build the dream.
