Four Side Steps

 

Rather than selling Bob’s Red Mill to a large corporation, Bob Moore transferred full ownership to his 700 employees. He founded the company at age 49 and passed away at 94 last February. In 2010, Bob established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving employees collective ownership of the business. He made the announcement on his eighty-first birthday, emphasizing the importance of sharing the company’s success with those who contributed to its growth. The ESOP protects the company’s values and mission from potential takeovers. Bob’s decision to keep the company independent reflected his commitment to long-term success and his employees’ well-being. This not only ensured financial security for the workforce but also strengthened the sense of ownership and community within the company. Bob’s legacy lives on through the employee-owned business, which continues its focus on producing wholesome, natural foods. Several of these, like chia seeds, stone-ground cornmeal, and powdered milk are in my pantry right now.