About Us

History of E.K. Bare as told from different generations of family owners.


75 Years of Potato Farming and Potato Supply

In 1948, teenage brothers Bob and Jake Bare went to their parents with a business idea: a company to market and transport the potatoes they grew on the family farm. With an initial investment of $2,500, they were off and running—naming the business after their father, Elvin Kreider Bare.

Bob Bare’s son-in-law, Bob Horst, joined the team in 1981 to help handle the company’s rising volume. When Bob and Jake were ready to retire, they transitioned the ownership to Bob Horst and his partner Rob Hess. Together, the partners led E.K. Bare for over two decades.

Today, E.K. Bare is owned by Ragen Horst (great grandchild of Elvin Kreider Bare) and Brad Halladay (son-in-law of Bob Horst). Ragen and Brad are building on E.K. Bare’s history and reputation while finding ways to better meet the needs of today’s growers and processors.

Bob Horst’s adage,
“You are only as good as your next delivery,”
continues to guide us as we look to the future.

Meet Our Team


Ragen Horst

President and CEO

Bradley Halladay

Chief Technology Officer

Rachel Sweigart

Chief Financial Officer

James Stewart

Customer Service Manager

Zac Eichelberger

Director of Transportation, CLTD

Sean Malloy

Potato Supply Manager

Corinne Martin

Controller

Paul Holliday

Bird in Hand Potato Co.

Bob Horst

Advisor

Ready to see how we can help with your potato supply needs?