Ever Onward Podcast

Ahlquist.
  • 4.4 (27)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. The Future of Education in Idaho | Roger Quarles on AI, Leadership & What’s Next | Ever Onward - Ep. 118

    6D AGO

    The Future of Education in Idaho | Roger Quarles on AI, Leadership & What’s Next | Ever Onward - Ep. 118

    In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Roger Quarles, Executive Director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of education in Idaho. Roger brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective—having served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, chief deputy state superintendent, and university leader at Boise State. Few people understand Idaho’s education system—from classrooms to policy to innovation—at the level he does. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level talking points. It explores the structural realities, challenges, and opportunities shaping education today—and what must change to prepare the next generation. Key topics include: 1. The State of Education in Idaho How Idaho’s system has evolved over the past 20+ yearsWhere real progress is happening (and where it’s not)The growing gap between urban and rural accessThe role of community identity in shaping school systems2. The Future of Learning in an AI-Driven World Why the traditional education model is becoming increasingly outdatedHow AI, automation, and instant access to knowledge are changing what students need to learnThe shift from memorization to learning how to learnWhat the next 10–20 years could look like for students and educators3. School Choice, Access, and Opportunity What school choice really means for Idaho familiesDifferences between public, charter, and private pathwaysWhy access to opportunity looks very different depending on locationThe tension between efficiency, funding, and community control4. Leadership, Culture, and Hiring Why “culture eats strategy” in both schools and organizationsWhat Roger looks for when hiring leaders at a high levelThe importance of character, humility, and coachabilityBuilding teams that can navigate uncertainty and change5. What Young People Actually Need to Succeed Why being a good human being still matters mostThe increasing importance of communication, awareness, and real-world skillsThe changing value proposition of college and higher educationPractical advice for parents, students, and future leadersThroughout the episode, Roger shares grounded, experience-based insight on how to navigate a rapidly changing world—while staying rooted in values that don’t change. This is a must-listen for: Parents and families in IdahoEducators and school leadersBusiness owners and employersAnyone thinking about the future of work, leadership, and communityFollow 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

    1 hr
  2. What’s the growth plan for the Treasure Valley? Craig Raborn of COMPASS | Ever Onward - Ep. 117

    MAR 23

    What’s the growth plan for the Treasure Valley? Craig Raborn of COMPASS | Ever Onward - Ep. 117

    What’s the plan for the Treasure Valley as we continue to grow? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Craig Raborn, Executive Director of COMPASS (Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho), to talk about the future of growth, transportation, and regional planning across Ada and Canyon County. Craig brings nearly 25 years of experience from some of the fastest-growing regions in the country, including Las Vegas and Houston. Now in Boise, he shares how the Treasure Valley compares, what challenges lie ahead, and why getting aligned on a long-term vision is critical right now. This conversation breaks down: What COMPASS actually does and why it mattersWhy growth needs to be planned 20–30 years in advanceThe concept of “growth paying for growth”Lessons from regions like Salt Lake City and Envision UtahThe role of the business community in shaping the futureWhy vision without execution doesn’t workThis episode is about more than infrastructure. It’s about stewardship, collaboration, and building a region that works 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

    48 min
  3. Why Traffic Feels Different in Boise Now - Ryan Head, ACHD Executive Director | Ever Onward - Ep. 116

    MAR 16

    Why Traffic Feels Different in Boise Now - Ryan Head, ACHD Executive Director | Ever Onward - Ep. 116

    Today on the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofton sit down with Ryan Head, Executive Director of the Ada County Highway District, to talk about why ACHD matters more than ever as the Treasure Valley continues to grow. Ryan shares his journey as a Boise native who worked his way up through ACHD, from writing grants and managing long-range planning to now leading one of the most important public agencies in Ada County. The conversation covers the history of ACHD, why its structure is so unique, how road funding actually works, and what it takes to plan for growth years before the public ever sees pavement go in. They also get into the biggest transportation issues facing the valley today, including impact fees, congestion, safety, Highway 16, Micron’s expansion, and the long-term planning needed to support future growth across Ada County. Ryan also explains why collaboration between cities, businesses, developers, and the public is critical if the Treasure Valley wants to stay ahead of growth instead of constantly reacting to it. This is a valuable conversation for anyone who cares about the future of Boise, Ada County, and how we keep Idaho moving. Episode Summary: Ryan Head of ACHD joins Ever Onward to talk about Boise growth, traffic, road funding, safety, Micron, Highway 16, and the future of transportation in Ada County. Keywords: ACHD, Ada County Highway District, Ryan Head, Boise growth, Treasure Valley traffic, Boise roads, Idaho transportation, Micron Boise, Highway 16, Ada County development, infrastructure, Ever Onward Podcast Chapter Markers: 00:00 Welcome and why ACHD matters 01:51 Ryan Head’s background and Boise roots 04:30 The history and purpose of ACHD 06:53 Road maintenance, quality, and chip seal 08:28 Growth, impact fees, and infrastructure planning 14:43 How ACHD prioritizes projects 18:56 Funding challenges and vehicle registration fees 23:51 ACHD’s relationship with cities 28:31 Safety, schools, and rapid-response improvements 33:03 Highway 16, Micron, and southern growth 38:53 Right-of-way preservation and future bypass planning 41:51 How the business community can help 43:53 Final thoughts and closing 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

    45 min
  4. Treasure Valley Traffic Explained - The Future of Idaho Transportation | Ever Onward - Ep. 115

    MAR 9

    Treasure Valley Traffic Explained - The Future of Idaho Transportation | Ever Onward - Ep. 115

    Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the Treasure Valley is at the center of that growth. With hundreds of thousands of new residents expected in the coming decades, one big question is on everyone’s mind: How will Idaho keep up with the traffic, infrastructure, and transportation demand? On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Jason Brinkman, ITD Division Administrator and District 3 Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, and Mollie McCarty, Chief External Affairs Officer at ITD. They break down what’s really happening behind the scenes as Idaho prepares for massive population growth — from highway expansion and congestion planning to the funding strategies and policies that will shape the future of transportation across the state. The conversation dives into: Why the Treasure Valley population has doubled in 25 yearsHow ITD plans highways 20–30 years before they’re builtThe real story behind GARVEE bonds and major infrastructure fundingHow projects like Highway 16 and I-84 improvements come togetherWhy right-of-way, land costs, and planning timelines matter so muchHow transportation investment improves safety and saves livesWhat the business community can do to help keep Idaho movingWith Idaho expected to add another 500,000 people in the coming decades, the decisions made today will shape the future of the state’s economy, safety, and quality of life. If you live, work, or run a business in Idaho — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 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

    56 min
  5. Keep Idaho Moving: Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto on Idaho Traffic + Treasure Valley Growth | Ever Onward Ep. 114

    MAR 2

    Keep Idaho Moving: Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto on Idaho Traffic + Treasure Valley Growth | Ever Onward Ep. 114

    Growth in the Treasure Valley isn’t knocking at the door anymore—it’s in the living room. We sit down with Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto to connect two stories that matter here: how a people-first, innovation-driven company feeds the world, and how a business-led coalition can help our region move smarter and faster. From farm roots to the C‑suite, Garrett shares the leadership principles that powered his journey—listening, curiosity, and investing in strong foundations—and applies them to a challenge affecting every family and employer in the valley: congestion that steals time. We lay out the stakes plainly. I‑84 has finite capacity left, and each incident ripples through commerce and daily life. If we keep doing more of the same, gridlock spreads and talent looks elsewhere. So we map out options instead of silver bullets: a southern alternative route to pull freight and through-traffic around the core, Highway 16 as a stronger north–south connector, and a serious look at rail along existing corridors from the Boise Depot through Meridian to Nampa and Caldwell. Rail is a long game, but flat terrain and preserved right-of-way make phased planning plausible—especially if we learn from places like Salt Lake City, where sustained business advocacy and smart funding built durable ridership. Keep Idaho Moving, now housed at the Boise Metro Chamber under CEO Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, gives this effort a home and momentum. Our goal isn’t to dictate projects; it’s to collect data, align stakeholders, help agencies win studies and funding, and keep the public focused on outcomes that matter: safety, reliability, and time with family. We also preview conversations with ITD District 3, ACHD, and COMPASS to dig into constraints, forecasts, and what near-term wins look like. The message throughout is practical and urgent—right-of-way only gets more expensive, and every month we wait narrows future choices. If we act early and together, we can protect what we love about this place while making room for who’s coming next. If this resonates, follow the series, share it with a neighbor, and leave a review so more locals can join the conversation. Your insight can shape the routes we take—literally. 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

    44 min
  6. Why This Week Matters in Idaho Politics with Kelly Anthon | Ever Onward - Ep. 113

    FEB 23

    Why This Week Matters in Idaho Politics with Kelly Anthon | Ever Onward - Ep. 113

    Why does this week matter in Idaho politics? Because the decisions being made right now will shape the future of our state—often without most people ever hearing about them. On this episode of Ever Onward, Matt Todd and Tommy Ahlquist sit down with Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon to break down what’s really happening inside the Capitol during one of the busiest stretches of the legislative session. From the reality of reviewing 1,000+ drafted bills to the challenges of balancing rural and urban priorities, Kelly shares a candid look at leadership, the legislative process, and what it actually takes to move policy forward in Idaho. The conversation also dives into education, online learning, banking and ESG concerns, and why staying engaged as a citizen matters more than ever. If you want a clear, grounded perspective on Idaho politics—this is a conversation worth listening to. 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

    52 min
  7. What’s Really Happening in Idaho’s Capitol Right Now with Speaker Mike Moyle | Ever Onward - Ep. 112

    FEB 16

    What’s Really Happening in Idaho’s Capitol Right Now with Speaker Mike Moyle | Ever Onward - Ep. 112

    What’s actually happening inside the Idaho Capitol this session? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and guest co-host Matt Todd sit down with Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle for a candid, in-the-moment conversation recorded during one of the most intense stretches of the legislative calendar. They break down the real priorities driving this year’s session — budget pressure, tax cuts, spending constraints, Medicaid cost growth, and the ongoing property tax debate — along with how rapid turnover among legislators is reshaping committee leadership and decision-making. Speaker Moyle shares how experience, institutional knowledge, and negotiation shape outcomes behind the scenes, and why the learning curve for new lawmakers matters more than most voters realize. The conversation also tackles the modern political environment: social media misinformation, AI-driven narratives, out-of-state money in Idaho races, and why long-form discussion may be the only way to restore context and trust. They also dig into state vs. local control tensions, revenue sharing, and the continued controversy around property tax structure and HB 389. Direct, unfiltered, and wide-ranging — this episode offers a ground-level view of Idaho governance, leadership under pressure, and what it takes to keep the state moving forward. 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

    44 min
  8. Why Idaho’s Budget Should Get Your Attention with Lt. Gov Scott Bedke | Ever Onward - Ep. 111

    FEB 9

    Why Idaho’s Budget Should Get Your Attention with Lt. Gov Scott Bedke | Ever Onward - Ep. 111

    In this episode of Ever Onward, we sit down with Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke for a timely, plain-spoken conversation on why Idaho’s budget situation deserves attention — not just from policymakers, but from everyday citizens. We dig into the realities behind state budgeting, tax cuts, federal dollars, balanced budget pressures, and how strong growth years can quietly create future constraints. Lt. Gov. Bedke breaks down how legislative decisions are actually made, why uncertainty in revenue forecasting matters, and what happens when government runs out of flexibility. The discussion also explores public trust, long-term decision making, and why governing for the next generation — not the next news cycle — should shape policy. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at how state government weighs tough tradeoffs, this episode delivers clarity without spin. Topics include: Idaho’s current budget pressuresTax cuts vs. long-term obligationsFederal funding tradeoffsBalanced budget disciplineHow the legislative process really worksGrowth, infrastructure, and public prioritiesLeading with a long-term horizonFollow 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

    1 hr
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4.4
out of 5
27 Ratings

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
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ever Onward Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ever Onward Podcast

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