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 We have some exciting news to share with you! Our founder Bob Moore turned 81 on Monday, Feb. 15. Of course, that’s good news. But what Bob shared with everyone at his birthday celebration was monumental to all company employees, and we believe will be meaningful to you, too.
On behalf of his partners in the business, Bob announced that through the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Bob’s Red Mill is now an employee-owned company. What this means to you, our customers, is that Bob’s Red Mill has secured its own destiny, committing to the long term that the values and high standards we all cherish will last into the future.
And while nothing in the company’s day-to-day operations will change, an ESOP provides an opportunity for the partners in the company to reward employees for their contributions to our ongoing success and growth. We believe our employees are the finest people in the natural foods business, and by offering our current and future employees an ownership in the company we will continue to retain and attract the best.
As we were trying to determine how best to communicate this news to you, we thought what better way than to hear it directly from some of the folks who work for Bob’s Red Mill. First, from Bob himself:
Bob Moore, Founder: “It’s been my dream all along to turn this company over to the employees, and to make that dream a reality is very, very special to me. This is the ultimate way to keep this business moving forward. I get to spend every day with our many loyal and long-time employees who will now share in ownership, and it just thrills me to know they will be joined by many new faces over the years.”
Roger Farnen, Quality Assurance Manager: “By creating the ESOP, Bob and the partners have fulfilled their ultimate quest for sharing success among all employees. And it provides tangible incentives for optimal achievement no matter what their position in the company. Bob is basically passing the entrepreneurial torch on to his employees and is instilling in us that hard work provides rewards.”
Operations VP Dennis Vaughn: “The partners could have sold this company many times for a lot more money, but to them this company is about so much more than the money. I’m just proud to wear the Bob’s Red Mill logo because anywhere I go in this country people say nice things about the company.”
Basic “Whole Grain Foods for Every Meal of the Day” continue to connect us with customers seeking nutrition and value. Thanks for your continued support of Bob’s Red Mill.
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Comments
"Let me start by saying, I am not the type of person who usually comments on websites. However, the recent story/interview about the workers inheriting the business and the kind words and sincerity of the owner captured my attention in a big way.
At a time when it seems the American worker has never been more undervalued, a wonderful story, such as this one, restores some hope. I really just want to say thank you. I have a cupboard full of Red Mill products (purchased prior to this) and they are great. Now I will make sure that not only I buy them, but that I will encourage everyone I know to buy them. I have already passed along the interview. I hope your business continues to thrive beyond your expectations.
Best of Luck. You sure deserve it."
"Congratulations to Bob and the entire company on your recent ESOP installation! My husband and I formed our ESOP at our winery in 2006. We share with Bob and his partners the desire to reward those who have been instrumental in our success and want our employees to carry the torch into the future.
Best wishes for continued success!"
"Just saw the clip that Bob has given his shares in the company to the employees because he believes that it is the employees who make a company succeed. I couldn't agree more, but with one caveat , without a good leader the organization wouldn't succeed, it takes teamwork, WITH good leadership that includes vision, passion and compassion. Apparently, Bob has all that and has hired people who share his values. As he mentioned in his video, our business world seems to be so focused on the bottom line it has lost sight of how to keep it healthy. I was just talking with a colleague and said our employer is like a short sighted farmer who is trying to starve a cow but still expects her to produce abundant milk! Happy employees are productive employees. I hope other companies begin to see the wisdom of people like Bob and a few others, their bottom line and America will benefit. Thank you, very well done!
PS: I never purchased, or even noticed your products, but now will make a point of looking for them, but I see they are available here so I will give them a try."
"I've been an occasional customer for some time now and always knew there was something special about the management style as well as your products.
It is so good to hear news like this in a time where most news items relating to business, labor and the economy are troubling.
Best wishes to all! (now let me go place my order)"
"I just saw the news that Bob has transferred the ownership of his company to his employees and it literally brought me to tears --- of utter joy. What a wonderful, wonderful gift. I love the company's products and I will now double my efforts to support this wonderful man and the company by purchasing more Red Mill products in the future. If only more would take this message to heart, we could come so much closer to truly fulfilling the "promise of America". I'm not an overly religious person, but this truly deserves a "God Bless" to all of you.
With very kindest regards."
"Dear Mr. Bob,
Living in central Texas I had never heard of your company. After seeing the news piece and learning you gave your company to the people who helped you build it, I was so touched I googled you and placed an order!! You are the good, the lifeblood that still flows through the veins of those of us who choose to believe that life is what we as human beings make it. You "are" the American spirit and I thank God for this opportunity to know it still flows."
"I was watching the ABC News Feature on the Internet that you had made all your employee's owners of your company. It warmed my heart to watch that feature. You are truly a beacon of light during these tough economic times!!! And while my heart was warming over this feature, so was my tummy - I was eating steel cut oats from your Company!!! "
"Most folks will take the time to notify you when they think that you have done something wrong, I just wanted to take a minute to say that I think you have done something right!!
As many other Americans, I have recently seen the coverage of your generosity to your staff and think that it is wonderful that you made the decision to hand your company over to those that have helped to build it. I can't even imagine what that means to them, especially in this time of economic struggle. You may have been blessed while on this Earth, however I would venture to guess that your true rewards are yet to come. I too, own a small family business and intend to handle my affairs the same way some day. God Bless."
"Hello,
I just wanted to write this letter to Mr. Moore and let him know he has really made my day. I use various products that you all produce and love them. However, it is rare in this day and trying times for many for a true gentleman to do the right thing!! His passion and virtuosity are not to be equaled. Giving his company to the employees shows dignity beyond compare. I can't express enough my appreciation of his actions, and I do not and have never worked for him. I can only imagine how wonderful it makes him feel, much less for his employees who didn't even see it coming! Phenomenal!
If Bob could only be an example for so many other companies where employees have helped make it all happen. I know several ex employers I have had that surely could take heed to his generosity.
So, THANKS BOB MOORE, you put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye this day, and I know you made 200 peoples lives something they might have never imagined!"
"I was so thrilled to see the Diane Sawyer interview on TV last night. You are a truly generous man, I wish MORE people especially business owners had your good genes, less greed and more compassion certainly would help not only America's problems, but those throughout the world.
I love your quality products and will happily continue supporting your amazing employee-owned company...hope the press continues to cover this story, more people need to hear your message.
Thank you for the smile your put in my heart."
"Saw the piece on ABC Nightly News - HURRAY for you!!! Bob is my new hero. His actions have strengthened my belief in and support for small independent businesses here in the United States of America. Hurray for employees who have proven themselves and believe in following this man in doing the right thing. My heart is soaring right now. I have been a customer - through our local Food Co-op - for several years now and just couldn't be prouder."
"I just heard the news that Bob is giving the company to his employees.
Here is my pledge. I will only buy Bob's Red Mill grains in the future.
Go, Bob!!!!!"
"I just heard Bob's interview on Marketplace on public radio and wanted to share how it made me smile. I have a 3 year old with a wheat allergy and was happy to discover the Red Mill line of gluten free products about a year ago. I thought the family behind these quality products must be good people with positive intentions of helping those challenged with gluten allergies. Having now heard Bob in the interview it has confirmed my original impression that Red Mill is a company built on character with a mission of caring for others. It was refreshing to hear how the company leadership elected to create an ESOP to ensure the integrity of the company culture is maintained instead of selling out for a profit. A very rare event in the business world. I applaud the Red Mill leadership and look forward to many more years of purchasing great products from your unique and caring company. Thank you!"
"Wow - I've never heard of Bob's Red Mill in Portland, Oregon until tonight during the news. I loved what Bob said about all the greedy people, greedy businesses and the almighty dollar ruling the world today.
Thank you for such a heartwarming story and for being so kind, caring and loving to other human beings on Earth. I plan to order from you now and in the future and I'll bet your sales increase dramatically!!!! More people should learn from you, Bob.
I wish you and all your employees the very best - always!"
"Just heard on ABC that Bob's Red Mill company has been handed over to the employees. Thank you for reaffirming the values that many of us seek in our business relations. I am giving you my business for as long I breathe."
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| Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods :: 800-349-2173 |
© 1978-2010 Bob's Red Mill
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