In the Lead – Best Legacy Businesses

IBR Staff//April 14, 2025//

IBR Staff//April 14, 2025//

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Years in business: 96

Number of employees: 15,000-plus

Location: Boise

Founded 96 years ago when 14-year-old J.R. Simplot struck out on his own with entrepreneurial instincts and boundless energy, the J.R. Simplot Company has grown into a global agricultural powerhouse with revenues reaching $11 billion in 2024, up from $9 billion in 2023.

Under President and CEO Garrett Lofto, this vertically integrated company employs more than 15,000 people across farming, ranching, cattle production, food processing, phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing operations.

The company’s significant milestones include becoming the largest shipper of fresh potatoes during World War II and creating the first commercially viable frozen French fry in the late 1940s — innovations that helped shape modern food systems.

Guided by their purpose of “Contributing to Feed Our World” and core values of “Passion for People, Spirit of Innovation, and Respect for Resources,” Simplot maintains its founder’s visionary mindset — seeing opportunities where others see obstacles — while embedding sustainability and corporate responsibility throughout their global operations.