John Richard Simplot Founder of JR Simplot Company Date of Birth: 04.01.1909 Country: USA

Biography of John Richard Simplot

John Richard Simplot was the founder of the "J.R. Simplot Company," a company specializing in the supply and processing of potatoes and potato products. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, John grew up in a farming family, with his parents Charles and Dorothy Simplot. He had five siblings, making their family a large one. When John was in the eighth grade, the family had to move to a farm in Magic Valley.

In 1923, at the age of 14, John left his parents and began working on a neighboring farm near Declo. It was there that he started his first business. After World War II, Simplot's company became the largest potato supplier in the country. By the early 1960s, it was the main supplier of frozen french fries to companies like McDonald's. In 2005, Simplot's company supplied more than half of all the french fries for fast food chains. Simplot also engaged in the development and production of fertilizers for agriculture.

In 1973, he stepped down as the president of J.R. Simplot Company but remained the chairman of the board. In 1994, he retired from that position as well, earning the title of "emeritus" chairman of the board. Simplot received an honorary degree from Utah State University for his contribution to the development of agriculture in America.

Simplot's immense fortune was also attributed to his innovative project of creating potato chips using the then-unknown "Micron" technology. Additionally, he invested his capital in the oil industry. In 1961, Simplot funded a prestigious ski resort located a few hours drive from Boise. In 2006, he sold 50% of his shares to his partner Debouur.

John Simplot and his wife Esther currently reside at the Grove Hotel in downtown Boise. This philanthropic couple has made significant donations to the state, including donating their mansion for the state governor's administration.