Forbes Next 1000 Welcomes Lori Taylor to Its First-Ever Class
Feb 17, 2021, Updated Apr 08, 2021
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Forbes Welcomes Lori Taylor to Its First-Ever Class of Forbes Next 1000
Lori Taylor continues to receive recognition for her work creating and building The Produce Moms® brand, and helping people incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into their daily eating habits. Yesterday, Forbes announced their inaugural Forbes Next 1000, and Lori Taylor, CEO and Founder of The Produce Moms and produce industry advocate, has been chosen to join the first class of 250 of the 1000 outstanding entrepreneurs. Forbes Next 1000 is billed as “The Upstart Entrepreneurs Redefining the American Dream” and is presented by Square, marketer of software and hardware payment products. Visit Lori’s Forbes Next 1000 Profile
A welcome letter to Lori from Forbes Senior Editor, Maneet Ahuja, declares that the Forbes Next 1000 (#Next1000) “celebrates small business owners across the country on the road to success.” Lori’s profile on Forbes Next 1000 depicts Lori’s story as, “While working in produce sales for the Indianapolis Fruit Company, Taylor had the idea of starting a blog to help its marketing.
When the company decided to part with the blog in 2015, Taylor emptied her 401k and borrowed money to purchase it, launching The Produce Moms, an educational forum on public goods that also facilitates direct sales with farmers.” For more about Forbes Next 1000: https://www.forbes.com/next1000/
“I feel like I’ve arrived as an entrepreneur with this recognition by Forbes,” exclaims Lori. “As I read about all of my other “classmates” on the Forbes Next 1000, I feel so proud to be a part of small business and start-ups in America, and I feel especially honored to represent the produce industry and the farmers that feed not only the U.S. but the globe!”
In December 2020, identified as a noteworthy female entrepreneur, Lori was invited to participate in Forbes Power Women Summit at the recommendation of The Boardlist. Being selected as one of the Forbes Next 1000 allows Lori to participate in programs exclusively designed to grow successful businesses. She recently attended The Forbes Culturally Accountable Summit, a one-day event focused on diversity and inclusion. You can view the inaugural class here.
About Forbes Next 1000
America is rich in small businesses. These enterprises account for over 30 million U.S. businesses and some two-thirds of net new jobs. While venture-backed startups generally skew white, male and coastal, these Main Street companies actually look like—and drive—America.
To shine a light on these entrepreneurial heroes, Forbes has created the Next 1000. This year-round initiative showcases the ambitious sole proprietors, self-funded shops and pre-revenue startups in every region of the country—all with under $10 million in revenue or funding and infinite drive and hustle.
Fueled by your nominations and screened by top business minds and entrepreneurial superstars, these new faces will number 1,000 by year’s end.
The panel of A-list judges of the Forbes Next 1000 includes notables from all walks of success; Sheryl Sandberg-COO of Facebook & Founder of LeanIn.org and OptionB.org; Russell Wilson, NFL Quarterback & Super Bowl Champion; Ciara, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, Alex Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of A-Rod Corp, World Series Champion & baseball legend; Jean Case, Chairman of National Geographic Society & CEO of the Case Impact Network; Ayesha Curry, Entrepreneur, Restaurateur, New York Times Best-Selling Author; Carla Harris, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Morgan Stanley; Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President of Ariel Investments, Vice Chairman of Starbucks; Reid Hoffman, Cofounder of LinkedIn & Partner at Greylock; Aileen Lee, Founder & Managing Partner of Cowboy Ventures, board member of All Raise; Lilly Singh, Comedian & Host of NBC’s A Little Late with Lilly Singh.
Related: Small Business Strikes Back: The Numbers Behind The Next 1000
Thank You
Thank you to our brand partners, the entire fresh produce industry, the TPM team and of course all of our followers and fans for your support of the The Produce Moms’ growth since Lori Taylor took her entrepreneurial leap in 2015. We are glad you are here and we are just getting started!
