Bio
John Richard Simplot (1909–2008) was an American entrepreneur and founder of the J.R. Simplot Company, known for revolutionizing the potato industry and building an agricultural empire. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Simplot moved to Idaho as a child. Leaving school at 14, he ventured into the farming and potato business, developing innovative ways to feed hogs and growing his enterprise during the Great Depression.
By World War II, the J.R. Simplot Company had become the largest fresh potato supplier in the U.S. Simplot’s pivotal partnership with McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc in 1967, which supplied frozen french fries to the chain, transformed the fast food industry. By 1972, McDonald’s had fully adopted frozen fries, propelling Simplot’s company to new heights. By 2005, Simplot was supplying over half of McDonald’s fries globally.
Beyond potatoes, Simplot invested in fertilizer production and other industries. He provided startup capital for Micron Technology, a major memory chip manufacturer, and invested in ventures such as Remington Oil. He also played a key role in developing ski resorts like Brundage Mountain and Bogus Basin in Idaho.
Simplot’s business success earned him recognition as one of the wealthiest people in the U.S., and he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners in 1996. He remained involved in his company until he died in 2008 at age 99. A philanthropist, Simplot and his wife Esther donated their home to the state of Idaho, and his legacy endures through his company and numerous contributions to agriculture and industry.
