Most folks have come across Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal or purchased their quinoa flour for a baking experiment, but they are always surprised to learn that there is a real Bob. Over the past three decades, Bob Moore has built his company from a humble mill to a multimillion-dollar operation, but he still takes a hands-on approach to management. Visit the 15,000-square-foot Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Visitors Center just south of downtown Portland and you’re likely to run into the company’s octogenarian founder chatting with customers and tucking into a bowl of Scottish oatmeal. The store boasts all 400 of Bob’s products—from exotic whole grains to staple beans, baking ingredients, and their extensive line of organic and certified gluten-free products.
Beyond helping us eat better, Moore’s focus on giving back to the community has garnered him national praise. In 2010, Moore handed ownership of his company to his employees through an Employee Share Ownership Program, and he’s subsequently donated millions to nearby Oregon Health Sciences University and the National College of Natural Medicine to create institutes to conduct research and educate the community on how to eat better to prevent chronic diseases.
5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie, OR 97222 (503) 607-6455 bobsredmill.com
