Co-founder of Whole Foods Market John Mackey, is also the company’s CEO. The company was launched in 1980 and in 2003, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. He supports free market economics and is a strong proponent of organic food. On his route to establishing this market, he opened Texas’ first ever vegetarian supermarket, Safer Way. From there, Whole Foods emerged which is now a national organization, boasting outlets throughout America. His corporation took over Wild Oats Market Inc. in 2007. When some of his organic products were questioned by the Organic Consumers Association, Mackey threatened a lawsuit.