Ain't That Somethin'

Les Grigg shares the story of how his great uncles, Nephi and Golden, grew up during the Great Depression, raised money to start Ore-Ida and then out of frustration with all the scraps coming off the french fry line created a beloved American original - Tater Tots. Les also shares how he's working to preserve the Tater Tot story and his family's legacy through a foundation he launched, which also has a childhood prevention program, Protect Your Tots, and is working to launch a documentary with a trailer now available for viewing.

A special thanks to our Season 2 sponsor Trus Joist!

Tater Tots is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida and Kraft Heinz.

Chase Millemann shares the story of how First Lite's founders figured out a way to print camo patterns on merino wool, launch a brand and cultivate a community. You'll hear how Chase found his way to joining the company more than a decade ago and how the brand and products have evolved after First Lite was acquired by MeatEater.

The timing of this episode's launch is in conjunction with First Lite's grand opening of a new flagship store in Hailey, Idaho. If you're able to join them on Sat, Aug 22nd for the grand opening they would love to see you there!

A special thanks to our Season 2 sponsor TrusJoist!

Rick Lierz shares the story of how his dad and a friend started Franklin Building Supply back in 1976. Among their dreams, none included ever having any kids in the business. Rick unpacks the story of how the company evolved and to everyone's surprise he and his sister eventually came into the business. He also shares how how they navigated the Great Recession to eventually realize a long held dream to turn the company into a 100% employee-owned company. After 10 years of employee-ownership and 50 years of business, Franklin Building Supply is going stronger than ever!

A special thanks to Season 2 sponsor Trus Joist!

Nicole Kissler, CEO of Norco, shares the story of how she realized her childhood dreams to come back and work for the family business headquartered in Boise, Idaho. From its humble beginnings back in 1968, to a vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of industry and medical gas and related supplies, Norco today is 35% employee-owned with nearly 90 locations and almost 1500 employees.

A special thanks to Season 1 sponsor Trus Joist!

Greg Williams, CEO of Eberlestock, shares the story of how he found his way into the role of stewarding the legacy of Eberlestock. Since 1985, the founder, Glen Eberle, has been focused on solving problems he encountered in his "everyday" life as an Olympic biathlete, fighter jet pilot and backcountry hunter. Today, Eberlestock offers solutions for the military, hunters and EDC from its home in Boise, Idaho.

Special thanks to Season 1 sponsor Trus Joist!

Jason Vickrey, CEO of TitleOne, shares the story of devastating loss after one of his best friends, Jae Bob Bing, committed suicide and how he and others turned a shocking tragedy into a legacy at the Jae Foundation. Through their boot check and other programs, the Jae Foundation is working to change the western culture around mental health and reduce suicide risks in their communities.

If you are in crisis, please dial 988. For other mental health and suicide prevention tools or resources, please visit the Jae Foundation.

Donations made to the Jae Foundation with the word "FBS" in the comments will be matched up to $2,000 by Franklin Building Supply and HUB International.

A special thanks to our Season 1 sponsor Trus Joist!

Kelly Prior, CEO of Litehouse Foods, shares how he went from counting beads in elementary school for his family business to a twenty year career with Litehouse Foods. In addition to its iconic creamy blue cheese dressing, Litehouse produces a variety of salad dressings and other products distributed across the country. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Litehouse has been 100% employee-owned since 2014.

Special thanks to Season 1 sponsor Trus Joist!

Gary Schweizer, a longtime engineer for Trus Joist, helps me unpack the story of how the company and some of its iconic products - and projects - came to be starting with the dynamic collaboration between two entrepreneurs, Art Troutner and Harold "Red" Thomas, in Boise back in the 1950s.

Jake Peters shares the story of Decked, a Ketchum Idaho based company that brought tough, affordable and functional drawer systems to pickup truck beds. You'll also hear a little about Edjy, a new venture, and the importance of connecting with the right people!

CJ Buck shares the story of how Buck Knives began and evolved over the past one hundred and twenty years to become the storied company it is today which for nearly twenty years has called Post Falls, Idaho home.