J. R. Simplot: A billion the hard way

by Louie Attebery

Distributed by the University of Nebraska Press for Caxton Press
This is the story of a kid from Declo, Idaho who parlayed a few "bum" lambs into one of the largest privately held companies in America. J.R. Simplot is one of the last of the classic Horatio Alger success stories–a man who spent seventy-five years building an international empire.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The great cream separator, brings to the top those whose struggles to get there are in harmony with the operations of the centrifuge"

"you start thinking about other planets...we've got to run the universe"

"... if we don't get it under one head you're gonna get two, and when you get two you're apt to be back fightin'"

On monopoly: "Those creatures that survive are those most fit to survive, and if nature's great cream separator brings to the top those creations that result from cooperation, their triumph is no less secure"

[Aaron Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

What could have been a great story was bogged down with some really poor writing.

[Andy Gutwein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about Simplot and his work the built his company; light on business details; easy read except for a handful of big words that weren't necessary

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn more about the man/company my grandpa and mom worked for over a combined 50 years. Grandpa was always so impressed with him. I didn't realize before reading the book how multi-faceted the JR Simplot company was. It was really inspiring to learn more about how a man started with nothing, worked hard - physically and creatively - and built a legacy. I was a bit surprised by his comments about one currency/government/language, though. And his beliefs regarding God.

[Natalie Hodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn the history of how Idaho earned much of their state land (through the Carey Act) in 1984. The federal govt would cede as much as one million acres to any western state that would take on the responsibility of irrigating those acres. This increased the land quality and brought many farmers from the mid west to Idaho.

[Lara2758 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hardly a guide but evidently educational.