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When J.R. Simplot met with Ray Kroc (McDonalds) and sold him on the idea of “consistent” frozen Idaho potatoes, the Simplot company was headed for big things. A second encounter with a guano (bat poop) salesman, led to an experiment that would inspire Simplot to build a large fertilizer business. And finally, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Flo Jo) would help jump start the J.R. Simplot Games as one of the largest indoor high school track meets in the nation.

These are the stories told by Rick Phillips who personally knew J.R. Simplot and worked as his Manager of Public Affairs for the past 34 years before recently retiring. He gives a fun and insightful look into what built this company and how Mr. Simplot’s personal connection to people was his secret to success.