**Lepro Foods: From Family Legacy to Mozzarella Powerhouse**
In the world of cheese, there’s nothing quite as iconic as mozzarella, especially when it’s on top of a delicious pizza. Denver-based Lepro Foods holds the crown as the world’s largest mozzarella maker, producing over a billion pounds of this cheesy delight each year. But this story isn’t just about cheese; it’s a tale of family, legacy, and big ambitions that shape the future of one of the biggest names in pizza toppings.
Last summer, the cheese empire faced a significant transition with the passing of its founder, the elusive billionaire James Lepino. At the age of 87, Lepino left behind more than just a successful business; he left a legacy built on the pioneering technology for manufacturing pizza cheese at scale. His daughters, Terry Lepino and Gina Vearelli, inherited a combined 90% stake in the company, bumping them into the billionaire club, each valued at about $1 billion. Talk about hitting the cheese jackpot!
Interestingly enough, James Lepino didn’t pressure his daughters to dive straight into the cheese business. He had hopes they would lead fulfilling lives, free from corporate grind, a sentiment he expressed in an interview before his passing. He believed that family happiness should come first, and he had faith that both daughters would be able to steer the ship as directors. Nevertheless, it seems he provided enough of a foundation for them to flourish in this cheesy empire.
Terry Lepino, 65, is no stranger to the company. With a decade of experience under her belt as the marketing director, she now serves as the president of the Lepro Foods Foundation, supporting Christian organizations and helping youth through her philanthropic work. Her sister, Gina, 62, is focused on family while also contributing to Make-A-Wish and ensuring a good balance between work and home life, especially with her two daughters nearing graduation. Meanwhile, Gina’s husband, Dan Vearelli, 60, has taken the reins as chairman of Lepro Foods.
In celebrating Lepro’s 75th anniversary, the company recently opened an impressive new plant in Lubbock, Texas, as part of a $1 billion investment plan. This facility isn’t just a factory; it symbolizes the future of cheese for both Lepro Foods and the local economy. The plant is expected to recruit 300 full-time workers, with plans for total employment to double shortly.
As if that weren’t enough, estimates suggest this new investment will generate a whopping $10.6 billion in economic impact for Texas — now that’s some serious cheese power! While the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a grand affair, the Lepino sisters chose to skip it, which keeps with their low-profile approach to business affairs. However, Dan Vearelli took the spotlight, emphasizing a commitment to long-term growth and innovation for the company.
This family story is a cheddar-filled slice of American entrepreneurship. With their father’s vision guiding them, the Lepino sisters and their families are ready to embark on a new chapter for Lepro Foods, ensuring that their mozzarella will remain a staple on pizzas for generations to come. There may be plenty of challenges ahead, but with a billion-dollar investment in hand and a family legacy to uphold, Lepro Foods is surely set to conquer the cheese world!
