James Ford Bell

James Ford Bell (August 16, 1879 – May 7, 1961) was an American business executive and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of General Mills, a leading American producer of packaged foods and consumer goods.

Early Life

James Ford Bell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1879. He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1885 with his family. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied business and economics.

Career

In 1900, Bell joined his uncle's grain milling company, Washburn-Crosby Company, as a clerk. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming president of the company in 1925. Under his leadership, Washburn-Crosby merged with several other regional millers in 1928 to form General Mills.

Bell's vision for General Mills was to create a national, diversified food company. He pioneered the concept of selling high-quality, ready-to-eat foods that were easy to prepare and convenient for consumers. This strategy proved successful, and General Mills became one of the largest food companies in the United States.

Philanthropy

Bell was also a noted philanthropist. In 1955, he established the James Ford Bell Foundation, which supports educational, cultural, and environmental organizations. He also donated his extensive collection of rare books and maps to the University of Minnesota, forming the basis of the James Ford Bell Library.

Legacy

James Ford Bell's impact on the American food industry is still felt today. His innovative approach to food production and marketing helped shape the modern food industry. The James Ford Bell Foundation continues his legacy of philanthropy, supporting a wide range of causes in his name.

See Also

• General Mills
• James Ford Bell Foundation
• James Ford Bell Library