Litehouse CEO Frank talks to Dairy Foods about the challenges of heading an employee-owned business; achieving SQF Level 3 certification; and growth plans.
Litehouse Inc. President and CEO Jim Frank is the first nonfamily member to head the Idaho-based manufacturer of refrigerated salad dressings and blue-veined cheeses. The Hawkins family founded the company more than 50 years ago, and starting in 2006 the owners began selling shares to employees. By 2014, the conversion to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ESOP was completed. Today, Litehouse is 100% owned by 700 employees in Idaho, Utah and Michigan.
Company revenue grew more than 10% in 2015 to $215 million, placing it at No. 79 on the Dairy 100, this magazine’s ranking of the largest dairy processors in North America.