Ever Onward Podcast

Ahlquist.

The Ever Onward Podcast is your go-to business podcast, offering engaging discussions and diverse guests covering everything from business strategies to community issues. Join us at the executive table as we bring together industry leaders, experts, and visionaries for insightful conversations that go beyond the boardroom. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply curious about business, our podcast provides a well-rounded experience, exploring a variety of topics that shape the business landscape and impact communities. Brought to you by Ahlquist. 

  1. 1 day ago

    AI That Strengthens Human Relationships with Travis Hawkes & Aaron Klein | Ever Onward - Ep. 136

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with entrepreneur and AI founder Aaron Klein to discuss what it really takes to build a successful company, create a strong culture, and lead through constant change. Aaron shares his journey from working in his father's business to building Riskalyze into one of the financial industry's leading technology companies, achieving more than 42 consecutive quarters of growth before its acquisition. He reflects on the lessons learned through failure, hiring, leadership, and scaling a business while staying true to a mission-driven culture. The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence and why Aaron believes AI should strengthen human relationships—not replace them. As the founder of Contio, he explains how AI can eliminate repetitive work, improve collaboration, and help professionals spend more time doing what matters most. They also discuss: Building and scaling a startup from the ground upCreating a values-driven company cultureHiring great leaders and avoiding common mistakesIdaho's growing technology ecosystemThe future of AI and the workforceWhy entrepreneurs should focus on the craft—not just the exitWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, technology leader, or simply curious about where AI is headed, this episode offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on building impactful companies. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping Idaho's future and beyond. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    AI That Strengthens Human Relationships with Travis Hawkes & Aaron Klein | Ever Onward - Ep. 136

  2. 27 Jul

    The Truth About AI Data Centers, Power & America's Future with Travis Hawkes & Eric Sonner | Ep. 135

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with Eric Sonner, founder and CEO of Data Airflow, to explore one of the fastest-growing industries in the world: AI data centers. Eric shares his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in Buhl, Idaho, to becoming an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist while building one of the nation's leading engineering firms serving AI and high-performance computing facilities. Along the way, he explains how his early work solving cooling challenges for Bitcoin mining evolved into designing next-generation infrastructure powering artificial intelligence across the United States. The conversation tackles many of the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI data centers, including water consumption, energy demands, economic impact, and why the United States is racing to build the infrastructure needed to stay competitive. They also discuss: How AI data centers actually workThe truth about water usage and cooling systemsAmerica's growing power generation challengeNuclear, natural gas, and the future of energyWhy AI infrastructure is a matter of national securityIdaho's role in the future of technologyLeadership lessons from building a company at rapid scaleThe importance of hiring great people and casting a compelling visionWhether you're interested in AI, entrepreneurship, energy, technology, or the future of America's economy, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most important industries shaping the next decade. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping Idaho's future and beyond. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    The Truth About AI Data Centers, Power & America's Future with Travis Hawkes & Eric Sonner | Ep. 135

  3. 20 Jul

    How Idaho Is Building Billion-Dollar Companies with Travis Hawkes | Ever Onward - Ep. 134

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and Capital Eleven founder Travis Hawkes to discuss the future of Idaho's innovation economy, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build companies that create lasting impact. Travis shares the story behind Capital Eleven, why he believes Idaho is uniquely positioned to become one of the nation's leading technology hubs, and how venture-backed companies can create the next generation of high-paying jobs. He also reflects on lessons learned from his father, Bill Hawkes, whose legacy of hard work, humility, and service continues to shape his approach to business and leadership. The conversation explores what investors look for in founders, why grit matters more than almost anything else, and how entrepreneurs can navigate failure, pivots, and the realities of building a company from the ground up. They also discuss: Why Idaho is becoming an emerging technology ecosystemHow Capital Eleven has invested in more than 90 startupsThe traits of successful founders and entrepreneursVenture capital, fundraising, and building unicorn companiesWhy company culture and mentorship matterThe impact AI will have on startups and innovationCreating the next generation of Idaho's high-paying jobsWhether you're an entrepreneur, investor, business leader, or simply interested in the future of Idaho's economy, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and building companies that make a lasting difference. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping Idaho's future and beyond. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    How Idaho Is Building Billion-Dollar Companies with Travis Hawkes | Ever Onward - Ep. 134

  4. 13 Jul

    Idaho’s Tech Boom: Boise State, Micron, AI & the Jobs Coming Next with Dr. Amy Fleischer | Ever Onward - Ep. 133

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to prepare the next generation of engineers, innovators, and technology leaders? On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy sits down with Dr. Amy Fleischer, Dean of the College of Engineering at Boise State University, for a fascinating conversation about Idaho’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem and the critical role engineering will play in shaping the state’s future. From Micron’s expansion and the rise of artificial intelligence to semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, workforce development, and Boise State’s growing impact, Dr. Fleischer shares why Idaho is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in engineering and innovation. She also tells her remarkable personal story—from an eighth grader writing letters to NASA contractors because she wanted to build spaceships, to becoming an internationally recognized mechanical engineer and one of the nation’s leading engineering educators. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why engineering and the skilled trades both matter • How AI is changing education and the workforce • The future of data centers and semiconductor technology • Why Boise State is expanding engineering and AI programs • Idaho’s partnership with Micron, INL, and leading technology companies • The importance of critical thinking in the age of AI • How Boise State is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow Whether you’re a student, parent, business leader, educator, or simply curious about where technology is headed, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the future of Idaho and the opportunities being created for the next generation.  Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    Idaho’s Tech Boom: Boise State, Micron, AI & the Jobs Coming Next with Dr. Amy Fleischer | Ever Onward - Ep. 133

  5. 6 Jul

    The Website Every Idaho Taxpayer Should Know with Brandon Woolf | Ever Onward - Ep. 132

    Send us Fan Mail What if every Idaho taxpayer could see exactly where public money is being spent? On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Brandon Woolf, Idaho State Controller, to discuss the groundbreaking work behind Transparent Idaho—the online platform that gives citizens unprecedented access to state and local government finances. Brandon shares how a commitment to transparency has guided his leadership since taking office, why building trust in government matters more than ever, and how technology and AI are helping make public information more accessible and meaningful for Idahoans. The conversation also goes beyond government. Brandon reflects on growing up on a dairy farm in Preston, the real-life inspiration behind Napoleon Dynamite, lessons learned from family and hard work, leadership, serving others, and why Idaho’s future remains incredibly bright. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Transparent Idaho and government accountability • Where Idaho tax dollars go • Public payroll, budgets, and financial reporting • AI and the future of state government • Leadership, culture, and servant leadership • Idaho’s Endowment Lands and natural resources • Work ethic, family, and growing up in Preston • Why optimism still matters in Idaho Whether you’re interested in Idaho politics, government transparency, leadership, technology, or simply want to better understand how your state operates, this is a conversation every Idahoan should hear. Explore Transparent Idaho for yourself at Transparent.Idaho.gov⁠ and discover where your tax dollars are being spent. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    The Website Every Idaho Taxpayer Should Know with Brandon Woolf | Ever Onward - Ep. 132

  6. 29 Jun

    The Human Side of Politics with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane | Ever Onward - Ep. 131

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to serve in public office? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, election integrity, public service, family, and the personal sacrifices that often come with serving others. As Idaho’s 28th Secretary of State, Phil McGrane oversees elections, business registrations, campaign finance reporting, and official state records. He shares how his office is working to modernize voter services through VoteIdaho.gov, improve election transparency, strengthen election security, and build public trust in Idaho’s election process. The conversation goes beyond policy. Phil opens up about the realities of campaigning, the emotional toll of running for office, balancing leadership with family life, navigating criticism, and why resilient, principled leaders are still needed in government today. Tommy and Phil also reflect on the lasting leadership legacy of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, the importance of mentorship, building strong teams, and why they remain optimistic about Idaho, America, and the next generation of public servants. Whether you’re interested in Idaho politics, leadership, elections, government, or simply hearing an authentic conversation about service and purpose, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders in every field. In this episode: Phil McGrane’s path to becoming Idaho Secretary of StateElection integrity, security, and transparencyModernizing Idaho’s elections and voter servicesLeadership lessons from public serviceTeam building and organizational cultureThe personal cost of campaigningFamily, resilience, and overcoming adversityMentorship and the legacy of Dirk KempthorneWhy good people should still consider public officeHope for Idaho’s future and America’s futureAbout Ever Onward Ever Onward is hosted by Tommy Ahlquist and features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, and changemakers who are building stronger communities and creating lasting impact throughout Idaho and beyond. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    The Human Side of Politics with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane | Ever Onward - Ep. 131

  7. 22 Jun

    Why Housing Costs Keep Rising in Idaho with Ali Rabe | Ever Onward - Ep. 130

    Send us Fan Mail Housing affordability has become one of the most important issues facing Idaho families, communities, and the state’s future. In Episode 130 of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with housing advocate, former Idaho legislator, and Executive Director of Gem State Housing Alliance, Ali Rabe, for a candid conversation about why housing costs keep rising across Idaho—and what can be done about it. Together, they explore the connection between housing affordability and homelessness, the challenges facing working families, the impact of population growth, local regulations, infrastructure, housing supply, and the policies shaping Idaho’s future. Ali shares lessons from her time in the legislature, her work at Jesse Tree, and her vision for creating more housing opportunities throughout the state. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business leader, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about Idaho’s future, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today. Topics include: • Housing affordability in Idaho • Homelessness prevention and housing stability • Housing supply and development challenges • Local zoning and regulatory barriers • Growth, infrastructure, and community planning • The future of housing policy in Idaho Learn more about Gem State Housing Alliance: gemstatehousing.org #EverOnwardPodcast #IdahoHousing #HousingAffordability #AliRabe #IdahoGrowth #HousingPolicy #GemStateHousingAlliance Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    Why Housing Costs Keep Rising in Idaho with Ali Rabe | Ever Onward - Ep. 130

  8. 15 Jun

    Preventing Heart Disease Before It Starts with Dr. Danny Noonan | Ever Onward - Ep. 129

    Send us Fan Mail Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, yet much of it is preventable. In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Dr. Danny Noonan, cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and co-founder of High Desert Heart & Vascular, for an eye-opening conversation about the future of medicine, cardiovascular health, and what patients should be doing long before symptoms appear. Dr. Noonan shares his journey from launching an independent cardiology practice to helping patients take a more proactive approach to their health. Together, Tommy and Danny discuss the importance of patient-centered care, the growing role of AI in healthcare, advanced screening tools like calcium scoring and CT angiograms, and why exercise may be the most powerful medicine available. They also dive into nutrition, VO2 max, longevity, prevention strategies, healthcare costs, and the simple habits that can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health. Whether you’re focused on optimizing your health, preventing disease, or simply understanding the rapidly changing world of medicine, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable takeaways. Learn more about High Desert Heart & Vascular at highdesertheart.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation. Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

    Preventing Heart Disease Before It Starts with Dr. Danny Noonan | Ever Onward - Ep. 129
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About

The Ever Onward Podcast is your go-to business podcast, offering engaging discussions and diverse guests covering everything from business strategies to community issues. Join us at the executive table as we bring together industry leaders, experts, and visionaries for insightful conversations that go beyond the boardroom. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply curious about business, our podcast provides a well-rounded experience, exploring a variety of topics that shape the business landscape and impact communities. Brought to you by Ahlquist. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ahlquist.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ever Onward Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ever Onward Podcast

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