'An Absolute Dream': Millionaire Transfers Company's Ownership To His 700 Employees

Bob Moore, the visionary behind Bob¡¯s Red Mill, a beloved natural foods company, passed away at 94, leaving behind a legacy of employee empowerment and whole grain excellence.

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Transfered ownership of the company in 2010

Moore¡¯s commitment to his employees was witnessed in his decision to transfer ownership of the company to them in 2010, through an employee stock ownership plan initiated on his 81st birthday. What began as a modest endeavor with 209 staffers blossomed into a thriving enterprise with over 700 employees by April 2020, all of whom became stakeholders in the company's success.

Moore's entrepreneurial journey was unconventional, starting with humble beginnings like managing gas stations and stores at JCPenney before venturing into goat farming with his late wife Charlee. In 1968, Moore's life took a transformative turn when he stumbled upon the tale of "John Goffe¡¯s Mill," inspiring him to establish his own grain mill in Redding, California, at the age of 49.

His commitment to preserving the integrity of grains, abstaining from conventional processing methods, laid the foundation for Bob¡¯s Red Mill's ethos. Under Moore's leadership, the company flourished, expanding its reach to over 70 countries and achieving revenue exceeding $100 million by 2018.

Wanted to avoid conventional business models

He had earlier told Fortune that he intended to avoid conventional business models in which owners and management prioritise their profits over employees. "I learned almost 70 years ago how integral hard work and kindness is to success," Moore said. "As our small business grew, I realized I had a great opportunity for generosity. My favourite bible scripture, Matthew 7:12, says do unto others what you'd want them to do unto you. That's something I think we should all live by," he continued.

Despite lucrative offers to sell, Moore remained steadfast in his dedication to Bob¡¯s Red Mill, emphasising the importance of preserving his legacy. His profound attachment to the company was evident in his statement to Forbes in 2018, where he described it as "an absolute dream come true."

Retiring in 2018, Moore continued to serve as a board member, ensuring the company remained true to its principles even after his passing. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to employee ownership have left an indelible mark on Bob¡¯s Red Mill and the natural foods industry as a whole, embodying the essence of integrity, empowerment, and legacy.

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