Bob's Red Mill: Bob Moore

Life Decisions

Bob Moore's journey into entrepreneurship began with a series of life-changing decisions, deeply influenced by personal events. After his father's unexpected death, Bob, who had initially planned to go into business with him, found himself at a crossroads. He took a leap of faith by purchasing a gas station, which fulfilled his dream of owning a business, albeit without his father by his side 1. This pivotal moment set the stage for his future endeavors, including his fascination with milling, sparked by a book about whole grains 2.

The excitement of having my own business, it's still with me. It fulfilled every single thing my dad and I had talked about.

--- Bob Moore

Bob's determination to pursue his passions, despite setbacks, laid the foundation for his eventual success in the milling industry.

   

Finding Mills

Bob's quest to start a milling business was marked by his relentless pursuit of old stone mills, which he believed were essential for producing quality whole grain products. His journey led him to acquire ancient milling equipment, which he stored in his garage, and eventually to a serendipitous discovery of an old mill for sale near his seminary in Portland 3 4. This discovery was a turning point, as it allowed Bob to transform his milling dream into reality, despite initial skepticism from others about his unconventional hobby.

I felt it was time for healthier food to come along. Our world needed better food, needed more whole grains.

--- Bob Moore

Bob's vision for healthier food options resonated with those around him, and his commitment to this cause was unwavering.

   

Mill Success

The opening of Bob's first flour mill, Moore's Flour Mill, marked the beginning of a successful venture into the health food industry. With the support of local media and strategic partnerships with grocery chains, Bob's products quickly gained popularity 5. His dedication to quality and whole grains aligned perfectly with the emerging health food trend of the 1970s, propelling his business forward.

We had a kind of a tiger by the tail over this whole thing. You know, there's a lot of revelation in this stuff.

--- Bob Moore

Bob's Red Mill eventually grew into a $100 million business, becoming a staple in supermarkets across the country 6.