2024 Spudman Impact Awards – Bryan Wada

Bryan Wada

CEO, Wada Farms

Family is a defining theme in Bryan Wada’s career.

Wada, CEO of Wada Farms in Pingree, Idaho, is a third-generation potato farmer. His potato industry path began when his grandfather, Frank, relocated to Idaho in 1942, and Bryan credits his father, Albert, as his biggest influence.

Bryan’s father, Albert, took over the family farm in 1976 and helped guide the business’ growth into an operation spanning nearly 30,000 acres.

“I have had the chance to meet a lot of people in agriculture and business in general, and I have yet to meet anyone with the same level of passion, commitment, and attention to detail that my father has,” Wada said. “He and my mother both have set a very high standard that I hope to get close to one day.”

After graduating with a business degree from Pepperdine University in 1996, Bryan joined the family business, beginning his career in the fresh packing operation. The best thing about his job, he said, is the people he works with.

“Every day, I learn something new from them. Every day I am so very appreciative of their dedication, skill, professionalism, and integrity,” he said. “It is great being part of a great team and makes challenges more manageable and successes more rewarding.”

That said, Wada ranks his own family — wife Julie and children Elizabeth, Andrew and Jack — as his proudest achievement.