The McKee story began during the height of the Great Depression when young entrepreneur O.D. McKee began selling 5¢ snack cakes from the back of his 1928 Whippet. In 1934, he and his wife, Ruth, bought a small, failing bakery, using the family car as collateral. Money was so tight they had to put up a sheet near the back of the bakery for the family's living quarters.
Despite years of great adversity, O.D. and Ruth's rare determination finally began to pay off in 1960 when they began selling the first family pack of baked goods, naming them after their granddaughter, Debbie. Around this time, the company finally began making a steady profit.
The bakery continued to grow but remained a family bakery. O.D. and Ruth’s sons, Ellsworth and Jack, eventually took leadership positions, and today Ellsworth and Jack's children hold leadership roles. They are beginning to introduce the 4th generation of the McKee family to the business.
McKee Foods stands as a living legacy of a young couple with a big dream. O.D. and Ruth shared a strong commitment to family values that remains our company's foundation today.
Now Debbie McKee-Fowler serves as Executive Vice-President and serves on the McKee Foods Board of Directors. The original image of Debbie used on packaging and advertising, which began on August 23, 1960, was based on a black-and-white photo. Full-color portraits of Little Debbie started later in 1960.
McKee's granddaughter, of course! O.D. thought his granddaughter, Debbie, would be the perfect face for his delicious treats, and on August 23, 1960, the brand was born. The first full-color Little Debbie portrait was created in 1960, the same year as the original line art version.
Debbie is still involved with the business today! Debbie McKee-Fowler currently holds the position of Executive Vice President and serves on the McKee Foods Board of Directors. The top-selling Little Debbie varieties are Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Cake Rolls and Nutty Buddy Wafer Bars.
Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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