Lori Taylor recognized on Forbes Next 1000 list of notable entrepreneurs

Lori Taylor, founder of The Produce Moms, has been named to the first-ever Forbes Next 1000 list, which recognizes “upstart entrepreneurs redefining the American dream.”

The Produce Moms creates consumer-facing content designed to encourage and empower people to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, with content ranging from recipes to e-books to a popular podcast. The Produce Moms also has influencer partnerships with a number of produce companies looking to connect more closely with consumers.

“I feel like I’ve arrived as an entrepreneur with this recognition by Forbes,” Taylor said in a news release. “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!”

Taylor has been involved in several Forbes programs. She was invited to participate in the Forbes Power Women Summit, and she recently attended the Forbes Culturally Accountable Summit, according to the release. Her selection as one of the Forbes Next 1000 also gives her access to participate in programs built to foster business growth.

The judges panel for the Forbes Next 1000 includes notable executives, entrepreneurs, investors, athletes, artists and more.

The Forbes Next 1000 profile on Taylor describes her story this way: “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, borrowed money and purchased it, launching The Produce Moms, a media and lifestyle brand dedicated to driving sales and consumption of fresh produce and educating consumers about the fruit and vegetable supply chain.”

Check out the following articles for more about Taylor and The Produce Moms.

Applewood Fresh and the Produce Moms co-brand apple packages — Sparta, Mich.-based apple shipper Applewood Fresh and The Produce Moms have launched a co-branded apple package timed for fall sales and the holiday baking season.

The Produce Moms promotes Desbry tropical avocados — Miami-based WP Produce is partnering with The Produce Moms to increase awareness and build a following for Desbry brand of tropical avocados, a large variety that’s slow to oxidize after being cut.

The Produce Moms launches series for children during crisis — In response to followers asking for more content encouraging children to eat fresh produce, Taylor and her team launched a series for parents to use for preschool and elementary school students while schools remain closed.