Spudman 7: Q&A with David Parish
David Parish is an industry veteran in snack food manufacturing, agricultural production, agricultural research and development and procurement.
In 2008, Parish embarked on a new business opportunity when he started AIS Consulting LLC, an agricultural consulting and research and development-oriented firm located in Allen, Texas. AIS provides business and technical solutions to a select group of clients in the potato industry.
Parish grew up in rural South and North Dakota, graduating from Chamberlain High School in Chamberlain, S.D. After high school, he moved to Fargo, N.D., where he received a bachelor of science in biological sciences from North Dakota State University.
Parish currently lives in Allen, Texas, where he enjoys spending time with his daughter, Paige, and doing all things outdoors.
What are the best words of advice you’ve received?
Today is irreplaceable, it is your decision to choose if it is going to be a good day or a bad day, no matter what else happens to you today, you can choose to make it a good day.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
• Continue moving the industry forward on variety development by delivering data that supports new variety options.
• Increase the industry awareness of the work we are doing.
• Add additional year to work plan for the Fry and Chip Programs.
• Add talent to our staff.
• Develop QSR testing program for FF Processing Program.
What do you do to relax or get away from work?
Spend time with my daughter playing games, enjoying the outdoors and traveling. I enjoy bow hunting, riding motorcycles, going to the gym and reading.
What would you like to be your lasting legacy?
That the work we accomplished made a difference and the potato industry was more collaborative, more capable and more prepared for the future.
What are the top three things on your bucket list/ must-do list?
• Travel to Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with my daughter.
• Visit New Zealand and Australia.
• Ride in a fighter jet.
What would you be doing if you weren’t with AIS Consulting?
I would still be working in the agricultural industry, most likely working on the development of technologies and methods to feed the increased global demand for food.
What is the one truth you’ve learned about the potato industry?
When we work together, anything is possible.
