| Richard Ransom | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1919-09-13)September 13, 1919 |
| Died | April 11, 2016(2016-04-11) (aged 96) |
| Known for | founding Hickory Farms |
Richard K. Ransom (September 13, 1919 – April 11, 2016) was an American businessman and founder of Hickory Farms.
Life
Ransom graduated from DeVilbiss High School (Toledo, Ohio) in 1938. He served in World War II, at Okinawa. Starting in 1951, he built a specialty foods business, using the technique of "free samples". He sold Hickory Farms to General Host Corporation in 1980.
Philanthropy
He was on the board of the Toledo Zoo and Riverside Hospital. He was board chairman of St. John's Jesuit High School and Academy.
References
- Toledo Blade obituary]
- Walsh, Mary Williams (2016-04-16). "Richard K. Ransom, Founder of Hickory Farms Specialty Foods Chain, Dies at 96". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- Hagerty, James R. (2016-04-22). "Richard Ransom Founded Hickory Farms Chain: 1919–2016". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- "Richard K. Ransom (1919–2016): Businessman aided children's charities". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- "Hickory Farms founder's real passion was civic philanthropy". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2016-04-28.