2025 Impact Awards: Davis Christensen

DAVIS CHRISTENSEN

Owner (retired) and board member, Idaho Steel Products

Hometown: Shelley, Idaho

Potatoes have always been a family affair for Davis Christensen. 

The owner of Idaho Steel Products was born and raised on an Idaho potato farm, and his father-in-law, Lynn Bradshaw, scaled up that lifelong love by giving him the opportunity to join Idaho Steel, which marked its 100th year as a potato processing equipment pioneer in 2018.

“My family has been tied to the potato industry for generations, working in both farming and fresh pack operations, so it was something I grew up with and understood from a young age,” Christensen said. “(Idaho Steel) felt like a natural continuation of my family’s legacy in this industry, and I’ve never looked back.”

Christensen carried that feeling of family through decades of industry service as co-owner of Idaho Steel Products and Reyco Systems before his April 2024 retirement. While Christensen continues to serve on the companies’ board, his son, Jon Christensen, carries on his legacy as Idaho Steel’s vice president of sales and marketing.

“There’s something special about working with family, building something together that we can all be proud of,” Davis Christensen said. “And it’s not just my own family; it’s the Idaho Steel family and everyone in the industry who’s part of this journey. Seeing my son Jon choose to be involved and make his own mark in the industry has been a great joy.”

Christensen’s proudest career moment came from creating another partnership. Nearly 30 years ago, Idaho Steel formed a strategic alliance with fellow processors Reyco Systems and Kiremko to create one groundbreaking brand with production facilities in the U.S. and the Netherlands.  

“That partnership turned out to be even more meaningful than I could have imagined, as it’s been built not just on business but on the trust and commitment of partners who are like brothers,” Christensen said. 

In keeping with the family theme, Christensen cites his father, Dewey Christensen, along with Bradshaw as his biggest influences because of their dedication and hard work. He also honors his roots when selecting his favorite potato variety. 

“Growing up in Shelley, Idaho, where the Russet is king, it’s in my blood,” he said. “There’s nothing quite like the versatility and quality of a good Idaho Russet, and I take a lot of pride in it as a local.”

Christensen has tried to treat others well as he’s carved out a memorable career in the potato industry. 

“I take great pride in knowing we’re helping to bring food to people’s tables, from farm to table, and that every step of the process is filled with hard work and dedication,” he said. “Being part of an industry that feeds the world and knowing the integrity that goes into every part of it — that’s incredibly rewarding.”