Debbie Eskelson

OWNER | PARTNER STEEL CO.

Born and raised in Pocatello, Debbie Eskelson (far left) began attending college right after graduating high school, but left without completing her degree a few years later. “I left my studies because I had a secure, well-paying and full-time job at a company called AMI, now known as ONSemiconductor.” She worked for ON as their “in-house travel agent,” managing travel arrangements for other employees. Eskelson said she had originally only planned to take a one-year hiatus from school but that quickly turned into seven, during which time she had a baby. After those seven years, Eskelson hit the pay ceiling and came to a point where she could no longer progress in her career without a college degree. “I wanted to pursue a different path in the company, but needed a bachelor’s degree to make it happen.” So, she decided to return to ISU. With just 15 credits left, Eskelson graduated quickly with her bachelor’s in marketing in 1997. With her new degree, she was able to earn more and advance in her career, becoming a business analyst, handling $100 million in annual sales. After retiring, Eskelson and her husband became the owners of Partner Steel Co. in Pocatello.