Potato Grower

12 IGSA | 2018 2018 YEARBOOK But as is the Mickelsens' wont, "we got through it and started rebuilding." They leased a small facility in Idaho Falls to run some of their crop that year and got to work rebuilding the new shed. It took almost a year, but the Rigby Produce plant was ultimately rebuilt and shipping world-famous Idaho potatoes around the country. The decision to rebuild the facility turned out to be a good one, as Rigby Produce continues to churn out quality fresh potatoes more than two decades later. "This place increased in volume out of necessity as the farm grew," says Mickelsen. "And we do a good job. We've kept a lot of the same customer base all these years, and we work with several farmers we've worked with since we got into this business." Mickelsen has donated a fair share of his time over the years to supporting the industry. He has served on the IGSA board, as a commissioner on the Idaho Potato Commission, and as a member of the U.S. Potato Board (now known as Potatoes USA). "It's a way to give back to the industry that's been good to you," he says. "It takes a lot of time to do those things; it's a big thing. By helping the entire industry, it helps you in your business." Mickelsen says the key tenets that have led to the success of Rigby Produce are active opportunity-seeking, confident decision-making, and a dedication to quality. "Once you get a vision of where you can go," he says, "you do things that can support that vision."

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