Levi Smith, CEO of Franklin Building Supply, an employee-owned building material supply company headquartered in beautiful Boise, Idaho, interviews founders and leaders about the stories of companies you may be surprised to learn either had their start in Idaho or now call Idaho home. In every episode, you'll hear how a cast of characters overcame daunting obstacles and had the persistence it took to succeed. New episodes drop every 1-2 months. Thanks to our Season 1 sponsor, Trus Joist, for their generous support.
The Tater Tot story with Les Grigg - The Kitchen Stunt
Les Grigg recounts the entrepreneurial journey of his great uncles Nephi and Golden Grigg, detailing their creation of Tater Tots and his efforts to preserve their legacy.
18 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
First Lite with Chase Millemann - Camo and Elk Legs
Host Joe Rogan interviews Chase Millemann, CEO of First Lite, about building a hunting apparel brand and its evolution after acquisition.
14 May 2026
Franklin Building Supply with Rick Lierz - Dead quiet in the backseat
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!
18 Dec 2025
Norco with Nicole Kissler - Suitcases for Graduation
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!
12 Sept 2025
Eberlestock with Greg Williams - Scabbards and Batwings
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!
15 Jul 2025
The Jae Foundation with Jason Vickrey - The Korean Cowboy
Jason Vickrey, CEO of TitleOne (https://www.titleonecorp.com/), 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 (https://jaefoundation.com/). 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 (https://jaefoundation.com/).
Donations (https://givebutter.com/jaefoundation) 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 (https://www.hubinternational.com/).
A special thanks to our Season 1 sponsor Trus Joist!
3 Jun 2025
Litehouse Foods with Kelly Prior - Only so many steak dinners
Kelly Prior, CEO of Litehouse Foods, recounts his two-decade journey with the company, from its humble beginnings to becoming a 100% employee-owned national brand, in this interview.
25 Mar 2025
The Trus Joist Story - Don't tell me it can't be done
Gary Schweizer, a longtime engineer for Trus Joist (https://www.weyerhaeuser.com/woodproducts/engineered-lumber/), 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.
24 Jan 2025
Decked with Jake Peters - Pick the right battles
Jake Peters shares the story of Decked (https://www.decked.com), 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 (https://www.edjy.com), a new venture, and the importance of connecting with the right people!
2 Dec 2024
CJ Buck from Buck Knives - Chased by Lions
CJ Buck shares the story of how Buck Knives evolved into a legendary company over 120 years, transforming the knife-making industry.
Inside a recent episode
The Tater Tot story with Les Grigg - The Kitchen Stunt
Published 21 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Just becoming part of a feed. Just became part of the cattle feed. And they did have a kitchen. As they were retrofitting the plant, they decided we need to build a kitchen here so we can do some experimentation. So they had a kitchen built. And like I say, we have no record. So we just have to imagine they probably – we know that they grew up as – Depression-era kids, so waste was something that they abhorred, and they saw this waste. What's really amazing is that I was reading an article not too long ago about a potato producer somewhere in Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania. And even today, the article made a point. […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
