Company leaders cite family, collaboration and hard work for success at annual event

Highly effective leaders live by principles that are irrefutable and stand the test of time. Integrity, vision, strategic thinking, humility and a collaborative approach to solving problems are just some of the qualities many local business leaders are using to help change the way business is conducted in Idaho.

For their efforts paving the road to success, 21 top leaders were honored during the 15th annual CEO of Influence celebration hosted by Idaho Business Review May 22 at Boise Centre.
Since the program’s inception 189 leaders statewide covering all areas of the business sector have now been recognized through the distinguished CEO program.

In addition to the 21 standouts, J.R. Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto was recognized as this year’s Link of Distinction award winner, the third recipient of an honor that singles out the best of the best.

To be considered for the Link of Distinction award, honorees must have previously been selected as a CEO of Influence award winner and continue to maintain the position for their respective company. Lofto received the honor in 2020.

An ability to “balance vision with practical execution” and an “approachable demeanor” were only some of the numerous descriptors used to illustrate Lofto’s leadership style, built during the course of his continuing 33 years of service to the company.

His first position with the global firm more than three decades ago was as a probational sales agronomist. Today he still adheres to his straightforward message to employees to “get the job done,” irrespective of official job titles.

“If I had to clean, we cleaned toilets,” he said. “We did whatever we needed to do at the location we were at.”

Collaboration and finding the right fit for the job remain atop his list of priorities for producing solid results.

“I believe we can do more together versus individuals,” Lofto said. “And when you hire people, you have to hire people you trust and let them do their jobs. The last thing we need to do is micromanage.”

Such humility led Lofto to question whether he’s truly “done anything significant” to deserve the award.

“Recognition, as you heard from so many of the leaders is all about the people that surround you,” he said. “They’re the ones who make it happen every single day. They’re the ones who actually do the work and they are the ones who give you pleasure to be able to find success because they have succeeded.”

Growing up on his family farm in Canada he learned the value of hard work in an environment he described as “rich in love.” The experience helped to shape his own work ethic and led him to develop the tools to deal with people, personally and professionally.

“It’s the people in our business career and the people personally in our lives who shape us,” Lofto said. “Every single person we come across shapes us a little bit. Whether it is good or bad we learn from it.”

Along with graciously thanking the Simplot family for building a company that can “stand the test of time,” he also acknowledged all fellow employees who “make him better,” as well as his three grown sons, and his wife, Carol, his former kindergarten classmate.

“The reality is Carol sacrificed her career for me,” he said emotionally. “She is the biggest advocate for the Simplot Company outside of the company.”

First-time CEO of Influence honoree Rollin Hansen, CEO of 208.properties, expressed a similar family sentiment. An eight-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, he thanked his mother for showing him the true meaning of hard work and resilience.

“Her efforts instilled in me the core belief that you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but if you work hard, you can overcome anything,” he said.

Shawnda Huffman, CEO of Tuuti, described her journey and humble beginnings as a teenager working in her hometown radio station, to now overseeing a full-service, women-owned marketing agency.

She shared how adapting to unforeseen and necessary change requires the fortitude to deal with what comes one’s way when serving at the top.

“It’s the kind of change that brings growing pains, tests your culture, wears on your energy and makes you question everything,” Huffman said. “Being named a CEO of Influence is a reminder of the responsibility we each carry to lead with intention, courage and heart.”

Another of the many key messages honorees delivered that resonated with Lofto, who said he “loves to hear the stories” of all those recognized and the companies they represent.

“They are all doing so much important work to help make this state [Idaho] the best state in which to live,” he said. “It’s such a great place because of the people.”

And with 15,000 Simplot employees globally, it’s all the people who represent the company in Idaho and worldwide that he said truly humbles him. “Humility and a belief in servant leadership are the mentality we have to have at Simplot. We have to take down the barriers so that people can get their work done.”