Our Story

Bigger than Business

Faithfulness in the small things, that's our business.

Making big things out of small things, that's God's business.

In God's economy, we aren't promised that our efforts will lead to success, though sometimes success, and even great success, is in God's plan. We are promised, however, that small acts done in faith are not overlooked by God. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths". 

Our story is of God's faithfulness to each one of us every day. It has been his plan to see Purple Crow grow and he has used us and many others to do it.

Dan, Nat, and Phil Calhoun grew up in Poza Rica, Mexico where their parents served as missionaries. There in Mexico, the three brothers learned to speak Spanish fluently and developed an appreciation for the people and culture.

1962-1977

A man and woman standing side by side in a living room, both smiling, with a fireplace, framed picture, and television behind them.
Group of eight people standing in front of a church with a sign that reads 'Welcome to Baptist Mid-Missions of Mexico' in the background.

1995-2000

By the early 1980s, all three brothers had returned to the United States to further their education. During their time in college, they teamed up and started a landscaping business called Grass Busters.

A man carrying a young child in front of a red tractor outside a building at sunset.
Construction workers operating a New Holland skid-steer loader and working on a stone retaining wall.

1995-2000

While working in the landscaping business alongside many workers from Mexico and other Latin American countries, the brothers recognized a need for authentic products. After researching the tortilla-making process in Guadalajara, Mexico, and importing the necessary equipment to Winston Salem, the idea to manufacture and distribute tortillas came to life.

Two men wearing white T-shirts and red caps with green and yellow writing are cooking at a table in a tent, surrounded by bottles, food items, and cooking supplies, with a black crate in the background and people nearby.
A food stand at an outdoor event, with a yellow banner reading "La Tortillería La Del 'Cuervito Morado'" and surrounded by people. The stand has colorful balloons and two men wearing white shirts with colorful designs.
A man standing inside a store aisle filled with soft drinks and snacks, posing with one hand on the shelf and the other on his hip, smiling at the camera.
Three men standing behind a counter in a store, one of Spanish descent, one in a suit, and one with a hat, inside a grocery store near a refrigerated section with salads and deli meats.

In 2000, the company met the needs of its customers by supplying additional grocery items. Today, with a broad portfolio of products and a footprint of ten States throughout the East Coast, Purple Crow has become one of the country’s largest suppliers of Hispanic products.

1995-2000