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Ever Onward Podcast
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.
Ever Onward Podcast
The Future of Boise State Athletics with Travis Hawkes & Jeramiah Dickey | Ever Onward - Ep. 137
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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with Boise State Director of Athletics Jeremiah Dickey for a candid conversation about leadership, the future of college athletics, and the bold vision driving Boise State forward.
Jeremiah reflects on his leadership philosophy, the importance of faith and family, and why his "What's Next" mindset has become the foundation for building one of the nation's most respected athletic departments. He also shares his perspective on the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, conference realignment, and the challenges facing universities across the country.
The conversation explores how Boise State is preparing for the future through strategic investments, innovative revenue opportunities, facility expansion, and stronger partnerships across Idaho. Jeremiah also discusses the impact Boise State Athletics has on the state's economy, community, and national reputation.
They also discuss:
- The future of NIL and college athletics
- Boise State's long-term vision and strategic growth
- Why athletics is the "front porch" of Idaho
- The North End Zone project and future campus development
- Building a championship culture through leadership
- Faith, family, and staying present despite a demanding career
- Why Boise State's best days are still ahead
Whether you're a Bronco fan, business leader, student, or someone interested in leadership and organizational growth, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to lead through uncertainty while keeping people at the center of every decision.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping Idaho's future and beyond.
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Meet Jeremiah Dickey And The Vision
SPEAKER_00Today on the Ever Onward Podcast, we have one of our favorite uh humans on the planet, Jeremiah Dickey. Uh Jeremiah Dicky is the director of athletics at Boise State University and is an unbelievable guy. Um Jeremiah um joined uh Boise State in 2021 and since then has literally uh excelled in every single aspect of athletics and led the university in so many ways uh since then. Um he is the director of athletics Boise State. He launched What's Next 2.0, Boise State Athletic Strategic Vision focused on four pillars revenue generation, infrastructure, marketability, and Bronco student athlete experience. Uh since arriving, he has oversee the department, which has captured 52 individual and team conference championships over the last five years, uh, highlighted by Boise State's return to the college football playoff. He's also guided Boise State Athletics to the highest single semester cumulative GPA in school history, 3.5, reinforcing his commitment to student athletes. Uh Jeremiah led a record-breaking engagement with 14 consecutive uh football sellouts and more than 21,000 football season ticket holders for 2025, and unprecedented fan support of Bronco Nation. He helped generate more than 220 million in fundraising since 2021, where he's grown the Bronco Athletic Association to 10,512 members and the Lyle Smith Society to 30,333 members. Um, Jeremiah is a thought leader on all things INL, the future of college athletics. Um, most importantly, he is an amazing husband and father and truly great friend. Uh, it'll be really fun uh for Travis and I to catch up with uh Jeremiah Dickey today and uh talk of Bronco Sports. For those of you who are watching or listening to this podcast, please like or follow below. We really appreciate you listening uh to the Ever Onward Podcast. And now, Jeremiah Dickey. Jeremiah, thanks so much for being here. No problem, guys. We are so excited to talk to you. Can I start? I'm gonna start and then let go Travis get next.
SPEAKER_02Let's let's do it.
SPEAKER_00I have done a lot in my life. I'm 58. I have never known a leader like you, ever. Period. Hard stop. Well, that makes me uncomfortable. It should make you uncomfortable.
SPEAKER_01I don't like to consider myself an outlier, but you know, I am grateful. I'm grateful.
SPEAKER_00I read your bio, I did a little intro of your bio, but I went through some of the stats since you've been here, and I just can't believe it. I can't believe it. And and and I've been around you enough that I've watched you in different environments. I've watched you with donors, I've watched you with faculty, I've watched you with student athletes, I've watched you with coaches, I watched you with the freaking legislature. And and and you are you are just unbelievable. You're you're you're you were you're you're a unique guy, you're authentic as anyone I've ever met, you're genuine, and and man, I love you. In fact, I think I think in our podcast, we did a podcast earlier. I said, I said, Jeremiah can leave when I'm on a marble slab somewhere and I'm dead. That's part of until then.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that's part of the podcast today is is we're gonna get you to commit to a lifetime contract with voice of state. That's part of this, part of this deal. Yeah, I I like to tell the story that my first my first impression of Jeremiah, my first awareness really of him was at the introductory press conference that you had because you got the job, and you said, um, what we don't have, we'll go out and get it. And I was shocked and I was like, that's something I haven't heard from an athletic director at Boise State before. And that's just what what you've done since you've been here is it's not been about what we can't do, what we don't have, what we can't figure out, what fans need to give us $20 more. Like that's never been it. It's been we're gonna figure it out, we're gonna think big, we're gonna be innovative. And then you fast forward now this north end zone project, which is so beautiful. Um, when fans see it, I think they're gonna be blown away by it. But now that is almost done. And the old what we've seen here in the past is okay, everyone can just sit back and rest, right? Because we did something big we can talk about for the next you know 10 years. And you, I know, have moved on mentally from the north end zone multiple years ago. Like that's long been deep.
SPEAKER_00I've even seen it. It's really beautiful.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, and it's nice. I forgot you haven't seen it, maybe. I saw it yesterday. I don't go as much as Nate and those guys, yeah. They give me a hard time. But yeah, part of it is that it's the competitiveness of like I can't let myself get to the place of of um you know, complacency. And so by seeing these things, which is a blessing and a curse, like I I don't like looking at the successes, I'm more concerned about my failures and then what's next.
SPEAKER_00That total that totally makes sense to me. And the other thing that people probably don't realize, and something as big as you're taking on, is in order to get that done, that probably was literally three or four years ago. Correct. And you spent 18 hours a day for weeks and weeks and weeks, and now once it's going, you're like, okay, yeah, I'm like onto the fifth or sixth big major thing since then. So it does make sense, but probably in the mentality of normal cadence of life and projects, people are like, What?
SPEAKER_01Correct. It's and sometimes I feel embarrassed because people ask me, I'm like, I don't know, you gotta call Nate. Like, um I don't know. I'm about to call Tommy on the next thing. So I haven't known there.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Yeah, it's it's phenomenal. And and just, you know, again, I know you're focused on uh re-sloping and east side and all of these other things, and that that's what I think Bronco fans love about you. We love about you, is it's just big thinking on to the next thing, you know, what's next, obviously. Um, but but I just love the vision is is always big. And I think that that's been so needed at Boise State is uh why why not? Right? Why can't we do these these really big things? And you have you have changed the paradigm um at Boise State and with Boise State Athletics.
SPEAKER_00And I hope you know it, it's not just I'm not listening I I really want to genuinely tell you how much I appreciate you personally. It's not just even like I've been around a lot of people that have inspired me in their field of what they do. You inspire people in their own lives. I think you bring so much positivity and the way when you're around you, it's like, what would kind of Jeremiah do in here? Like the what next thing? Like you know how Pat Riley, you know, trademark 3P. You need to trademark what's next because I think I find myself saying it now in kind of my business, and I'm like, man, that was it, it's just a JDism right now. And for me, it's a big deal. So I hope you know that. It's it's it's it's so dang authentic, man. It's awesome.
SPEAKER_01Well, thank you.
SPEAKER_00How's your family?
SPEAKER_01Let's start there. There, well, let me say something about what's next. Uh Fast Eddie's took it. I was gonna hope. I was gonna at least say anyone who supports us can use it. If you don't support us, I'm coming for you.
SPEAKER_02I was gonna say that, but I didn't want to call out Steve on the air here.
SPEAKER_01But yeah, Steve, Steve will send me, yeah, seriously. Um, family's awesome. Uh I've sp I've spent uh all morning and day um outside of uh the cabinet meeting um at Settlers Park for baseball. Both boys are in baseball. And so tournament today, tomorrow, and then Saturday. Um we went to Cannon Beach last week for 4th of July, had not done that before, and that was amazing. Kids uh we gave them a choice, and that's what they wanted to do. And so um it gave me a good opportunity. Coming out of the Pac-12 launch, um, I was exhausted and I didn't realize how drained I was. Um, and I got to the end of that day, and the next day we drove to Cannon Beach, and it was perfect timing. Gave me an opportunity to be a husband, a father, you know, and and connect with them because I mean this phone is is gleaming.
SPEAKER_00You know this as the old guy here with the three of us, man. I every once in a while I'll just text you and I'll say, Man, make sure you're because those kids, that ages that your kids are right now, it just you blink.
SPEAKER_03Yeah.
SPEAKER_00And and and you actually, I remember people telling me, hey, you gotta enjoy those ages because they go by so quickly, and then they go and you're like, Oh my gosh.
SPEAKER_01Already I'm thinking my daughter's 12 years old and she turns 13 and becomes a teenager. Um wait till she cries for the first time randomly, and you're like, Where did you go? What's going on? But she still has this sweetness to her of like, Daddy, will you check on me tonight? You know, because I don't sleep a lot. And so, you know, I always go in and check on the kids. And and sometimes, like during football season, that's sometimes the only time, you know, I get to see them. And so you you take advantage of those moments, but like you said, I I have to do that. That's something this year, um, being present, you know, with them, because it's so hard when you when you live this and you're so passionate about it, and and it's not a job, it's it's a lifestyle that you know, trying to separate that when you go home and not project and not always look at the phone and think about what's next. And that's really hard for me. Like I push myself all day to be that much better than I was the next day, and then I have to come home and change a mindset, you know, because my kids are showing up and they just want to throw ball. They don't care. I mean, they still don't fully understand what I do.
SPEAKER_00Well, I think that's going back to you as a man, right? I I look at your faith, I look at your family, I look at the way and I think balance is a crazy word. There's no balance correct when you go through these times in your life, yeah, you but it's priorities. Correct. So if you can, if you can set those every morning with God, family, and then business, and you you just pay attention to the priorities and and effort and energy, yeah, it's not gonna ever equate time in a season of your life. It's just not for sure. You're gonna have these great times where you're gonna go to Canon Beach and you're gonna go do stuff with them, but yeah, but time you got to do it based on priority. And if you can look yourself in the mirror and look God and then then say, hey, like my priorities are still straight, that's as good as it gets. And I think it lets you off the hook a little bit on the the balance thing. Because I talk
Faith, Family, And Being Present
SPEAKER_00to some people and they'll talk to me about like, well, how many hours do you? And I'm like, you don't want to know. Yeah, you don't want to know.
SPEAKER_01There is no, it's you hit it right on the head. There is no work-life balance, it's life and what you prioritize. Periods, and you know, if it's God family in this job, you know, it means I have to make really tough decisions on all right, like, do I want to do something personally? Like, that's why I don't have a hobby. Like, I have to choose between a hobby or my kids. I'm choosing my kids, right? They're my hobby. So I go to baseball games and sit there and hang out, and and uh I get so much joy from seeing them compete. Or now I'm bringing them to the office, you know, and I'm bringing them on trips and and making sure that they're around. And and and I think it's an important story for me to tell in terms of our soon athletes. We're trying to prepare these kids for life and and that they see me not just as the leader, but also as uh, you know, maybe a Christian or or a husband or a father. Um, and so having those kids around, it it reminds them of what they represent because my kids think every soon athlete we have walks on water, that they are the best, and and it's it's insane the conversations we have. I I don't even tell our staff or coaches because they would feel a tremendous amount of pressure because my seven-year-old is like, so dad wins a national championship game, you know, because he fully expects us to be in it, and it's like I love it, they're all in. It's awesome.
SPEAKER_00Hey, um, I I did I went in the intro I said a few of these things, but I do think like 52 team and individual conference championships since you've been here. Highest single semester and cumulative GPA in school history, 3.5. Yeah. So so in in a crazy athletic environment, JD, it's nuts right now. Yeah, somehow you still are student athlete experience, you've you're still down at that that student athlete. And I think families, I think community, I think we get that about you. Yeah, how have you been able to do that?
SPEAKER_01God, it's you know, I remind my team all the time, our why hasn't changed, you know. Uh as as hard as it is nowadays, guys, um, I'm holding on for dear life to that why. Um that's why I chose college athletics. And, you know, we all had a choice in our lives, and and I had a choice to go work in professional sports, I had a choice to work in college athletics, and and that why is something that's always been there. And, you know, and and so it it no matter what we're doing and and what's happening in our industry, which is chaotic, um, you know, I always go back to the the purpose and and the why of of serving these kids and and and impacting their life, which makes it easier to hone in on the academic mission and and how we're preparing and professionally developing them. You know, the fun stuff is the game, you know, and and but I love them just the same. They're my kids. So, you know, I have 350 of them. And and whether they realize that or not, like I'm not judging them based off wins and losses. I know my job is I'm held accountable to it, and so are the coaches, but at the end of the day, these are 18 to 22 year olds, and and we are are the leaders in their life that have them 24-7, you know, and and that becomes an important uh piece to who we are as Broncos, and and that is why we're built different.
SPEAKER_02Love that. It's awesome. Um, well, can we can we jump into it? Can we jump into the problems? So so I'll I'll preface this.
SPEAKER_01I was answering like I was interviewing. Are you guys filming?
SPEAKER_02Uh I'll uh no. I mean, obviously, yeah. I uh I'll preface this by saying, I mean, you know, I'm a I'm a proud Boise State alum, I'm a proud supporter, donor. Like I'm very optimistic on Boise State and the future of Boise State, the future of Boise State athletics. I am struggling right now with my optimism on the future of just college athletics and what we're in. And I just, you know, you you everyone seems to say all the stakeholders, all the schools, everybody seems to just talk about it's broken, it's not sustainable, all these things. Yet nobody is willing to kind of collectively sit down and figure out a solution, you know, hoping that Washington will come up with a solution. Um, but I mean, where where do we go? Like I feel like when this first started with NIL, there was this mentality of we just got to hang on for a couple years until there's guardrails around this and it's gonna fix itself. It doesn't, it hasn't fixed itself. It seems like it's only getting worse. So what is what is the solution? Where do we go? How do we how do we find something that makes sense?
SPEAKER_01It's a great question. Um one, I I think it, you know, and you mentioned Washington and and federal legislation. Um the way I view it, you never really want to go to the federal government for solutions, you know, and and that's that's that becomes very challenging. Yeah. And we've seen that play out in college athletics. But I think that's the the only, you know, space that that we all fall under. You know, it used to be the N COA, but the NCAA, every time they make a rule and you're seeing it now, and there's been some injunctions in terms of soon athlete eligibility and the five for five, and and you're just gonna continue to see it that they've lost their their strength, their power in in the room. And now you have a bunch of individuals. You have individual conferences, you have individual presidents, ADs. Um, you know, uh that becomes very challenging to create a solution for all. Because my job is to do what's best for Boise State. And and that's why I've been so vocal. No one asked me to be. And quite honestly, it's extremely uncomfortable, but that's why I've been so vocal in terms of the industry, because I think more ADs and leaders in our industry need to speak up and and talk about their why and and the importance of what we do on a daily basis. And it isn't, yes, it's our why is tied into the student athletes, but it's really to serve our staff, student athletes, and supporters. That means the communities that we're in and the impact that we have. I know that if if this fails, whatever failure looks like, I know it's not just us not winning championships anymore. There's a $350 million impact to our community, you know, and so it does impact jobs, it impacts livelihoods. And and so we do represent something bigger than ourselves. And I've been very vocal about that. So I think part of the challenge is we don't have the infrastructure set where we can get in a room and do what's best. You everything is defined differently. There's group of six, there's power four, now there's power two, because now the other two are getting upset at you know at the power two. Um, you know, and people probably get offended because I I I say that, but at the end of the day, that is the truth. You know, at some point you have to believe people when you know when they tell you who they are. And and they have been very honest with what they're doing. You know, something as small as fantasy football today that uh I believe it was Yahoo that put it out, um, they only did fantasy football for the power four. They did not include the group of six. You know, like they are the everything that has happened in my career has led to this moment of them trying to distance themselves from who we are. And I believe in so much so much from my heart, who we are as a as an institution and as an athletic program and what we represent, and and that we've only scratched the surface of what we can accomplish if there were rules and guardrails that would allow us to to compete at the highest levels. And and that's the driving force. And I think that's where ADs and and presidents need to speak up. Um, what is the the solution in the future? I I think there has to be some level of federal legislation. Now, I don't think anything that's going to be proposed is gonna be perfect by any means. Um, and I think it's gonna be really challenging. The fact that we got something through a committee, um, people were shocked. You know, the Score Act, I think, went forward, you know, five or six times, uh maybe more, and and it never even got to that point. We've actually made it through committee. Like that's a step in the right direction. But I think that's gonna be an important piece to this. And it's not how I would have drawn it up, but that's the hand we're holding at this point. I also think student athlete representation is important. You know, if the lawsuits continue, this is not sustainable. You know, and and you also look at the financial ramifications of the decisions that we're making, and we and we are putting, as an industry, our institutions, in a very uncomfortable position. Um, there's not enough money for this to continue to rise as as as it has over the last couple of years. And now that we're paying student athletes, it it's it created more questions and answers for what the future holds.
SPEAKER_00And that was all super well said. Thank you. Um I do you feel I'm thinking of questions I've never asked you, but but amongst your peers, um ADs, coaches, at at your do you feel supported? Is there is there unanimity in voice? Are there others that are willing to be bold? How do you feel? Do you feel like you you have a group around you where there's an army of people saying, hey, we got to come together to make this happen? Or uh it or do you feel a little bit like you're you're out there alone?
SPEAKER_01Uh sometimes it it gets pretty lonely out on that limb, you know. Um but I I I think over the last excuse me, uh over the last, you know, probably 14 to 16 months, and and but mainly when I started to get more vocal, you've seen, and I'm not saying I'm the driver by any means of any of this, but you're seeing more ADs speak publicly about this. You're seeing more head coaches come out and and speak publicly about this. Um those conversations that were happening behind closed doors and and in the shadows of this is ridiculous. Like, what are we doing? Um now people are starting to be more honest. And and I think that's you know, that's an important piece of this. It's gonna continue.
Why College Athletics Feels Broken
SPEAKER_01And there is some momentum. I I don't think there's anyone in our industry, um, including in the power two, that's sitting back saying, we're having a great time, we're living out our why in action, and and this is a this is a great model for us to continue down this road. Uh like at minimum, that's something we can all unite around. All right, we've all identified that it's broken. Now, what are the solutions to do it? And it's gonna take a team. There isn't one, you know, uh solution that's gonna solve all these problems, but it's going to be, you know, inches at a time, maybe that will turn into miles. And at some point you're gonna see a structure that's created within our industry that uh, you know, that creates some sustainability because the end is near. Uh I I don't know many schools that can continue to do what they've been doing. And and that's uh that's hard. Um, you know, because I know the billion plus dollar industry that we're in, there's so much value. And and you know, but I also know that you can't replicate what we've done here and just move it. We're not an NFL team. You can't go from Cleveland to Baltimore and and just continue to sell tickets. If we lose this brand here, we we lose everything. Yeah and the brand is the hardest thing to build, and we're not an outlier in that. There are a lot of other schools out there that that 80s are now speaking up and and they're they're being honest about the situation. And so, yes, does it feel lonely sometimes? It does. Um, at the same time, you know, uh what's right is right, and I'm gonna continue to voice my displeasure, concerns, potential solutions, and and at minimum curiously question what the future looks like because you know, God willing, I have a lot more years ahead of me.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, amazing. Um very very true. So one question I have um that I'd like to talk about is around this, you've you've been very active at uh in kind of trying to tell this story around front porch of Idaho.
SPEAKER_03Yeah.
SPEAKER_02And I know engaged with the legislature and others. Maybe, maybe give some context of some of the differences in in Idaho and for Boise State when it comes to funding, you know, from the state, when it comes to funding from students. I think that's something a lot of people don't understand is the differences of some of the challenges we face at Boise State compared to other places. And then what is this message that you're you're you're telling uh to legislators, to stakeholders um about you know why why that needs to change and the economic impact of it.
SPEAKER_01Yeah what it's a blessing and a curse our history um we we have grown accustomed to stretching dollars and not having what others have and still finding success and that's something to be really proud of that's why we have this brand that goes back long before I got here to all the great coaches we've had Gene Blameyer Mark Coyle so on and so forth. But in those days it's not like we had enough then but we always found a way and and it ties into people. People are greatest asset. We have had phenomenal people come through the these walls or through our building and and for the right reasons and they cared about this place and they elevated it. And every person who came in did something maybe a little bit different that continued to raise the bar. And and that was the task when I got here well what I quickly realized was the state and and even state board to a certain extent they were not privy to the information that I had. It had been bifurcated at some point in time that um ADs were not talking to the state board all that much outside of coaches contracts and things like that that are maybe policy driven. And ADs were not going down to the Capitol and and you know shaking hands and and telling the story. And that was that was something that I knew we needed to do because it's hard for me to blame the state when the state had no idea. And and there's probably blame to go around for the why but at the end of the day that was the challenge that we had and that's where we started to plan the work. That ties into our social media and and how we tell our story and um you know all the different campaigns and and the economic impact study and so on and so forth. That's why what's next is so important. We have to live that mentality and we have to bring people along in that process. And I can't expect everyone to get in the in the foxhole with me or us um if they don't fully understand the story and the why behind it. And so that's where we've made a lot of progress is bringing them along and ultimately now because the industry is is in chaos if you if we want to use that word um you know there's no better time than now it would have been great if it was prior that we were able to get in front of in front of these individuals and and bring them along but what I can tell you is every person that I've told this story to every person that has given me the time um walks out of that meeting feeling like like their eyes are open to this reality that we're living and they had no idea. So it it's I don't blame them. That's not on them. And if anything it's on me early on not maybe pushing or fighting more to be able to get in front of these individuals. And when you look at what other states are doing I think there was more connectivity to the the legacy institutions in their state and I think that's something that we've been challenged with here. There's this Idaho Boise state you know um I hate saying rivalry because we're not really rivals but but I think politically maybe we've become rivals over the course of time and and I I don't know if if everyone has fully embraced that I I don't which Bronco Nation will get upset at me but I love for Idaho teams Idaho State and Idaho specifically I love for them to have success you know it's good for our state it it but we are a different we're we are at a different level it's apples and chainsaws you know we are FBS they are FCS I didn't dictate that I that wasn't my decision but that is what's happened over the course of time and you know I feel because we've always been able to find a way and find solutions we've kind of been this stepchild that's on the outside and say oh don't worry like Boise State will figure it out. And now because the industry has changed we're at a place that we need everyone in the foxhole we need everyone pulling the rope in the same direction and we need to find solutions together because the brand does matter. It's what Idaho is known for that blue turf and potatoes are massive reasons I'm here. That's what I knew of Idaho as an outsider and I know Idaho has so much more to offer so I I'm not trying to downplay you know all the great things about Idaho. That's part of the reason why I'm still here because I love this state. And I think that's the progress that we've made that they do listen and they're all great people. They want to serve I know many of them you know you all have relationships with and they've been on this podcast before I can't say enough about them and I don't blame them you know for for being late you know maybe understanding what we're actually navigating. I I think that that blame is for for elsewhere.
SPEAKER_00I uh you know when when you what if you said to me hey the the what's next mentality what does it mean what does it stand for to me it's looking forward right right because all of these things you're talking about you talk about the legislature and the history of how we've interacted and brought them along and engaged them you could sit and bitch and moan about the past all you wanted. Correct you could I mean you literally could say I I didn't create this problem. It's been going on for a long time but what I love about your mentality it's like doesn't matter what's next we're gonna go talk to him we're gonna so so first of all I love that and in that same vein of questioning um I think for Travis and I we've talked a lot about this the new president has been when we say our prayers at night it's been please please yeah let's get let's get it done quickly yeah and let's get the right person in that seat because frankly you've been you've been doing so much more I mean you've been going above and beyond because you've had to and and so getting the right person as quickly in now the quickly part didn't happen again what's next you could sit and talk spend the next lot next hour talking about how it went wrong but we got a president named David Hahn we've been able to spend some time with the guy uh comes from Arizona uh you know I I think uh that's one of my own models before I did my residency so I've been able to call down there and talk to a lot of people who knew him really well um College of Engineering he's got a great reputation of being a guy that really cares authentic uh everyone I've talked to has said oh you're gonna absolutely love this guy so I I think my prayers are answered um I I think um we're excited that that we finally have a president and we're excited that you're gonna have someone with you yeah side by side equally yoked to go get this done how are you feeling about it?
SPEAKER_01I'm feeling great honestly and and same thing you know I've I've talked to a lot of people um who he's crossed paths with over the course of his career. I mean he's been at Arizona um uh went to LSU was at LSU uh Florida um and those rise for me those are all big athletic schools you know and so uh I know he's a huge Saints fan you know I got him and Kellen connected and you know and can't say enough about Kellen and and how he continues to to help us and um but I I think those those qualities are important. You know uh he's walking into a very difficult situation you know ads jobs are hard but um president's jobs you know uh um if if there's a job that's worse than being an AD right now it's probably being a president and and I feel like he has the right mentality um you know and and obviously as a relational guy I mean every like he answers all my calls and texts and and uh he's he's engaging and and he understands the importance and value of fundraising and things that we just haven't had in in a while and and I think that's important as we look ahead because him and I have to be locked arms. You know I I'm very clear I it's not me it's us you know we have to be so aligned and together epic is possible and so having someone that that is is coming in new with uh you know without blinders and understanding where and maybe seeing opportunities differently um I see a lot of value in that you know uh um I'm excited to have him in town and and that will happen this month um you know and to get more time with him you know but we have a lot of work ahead of us you know uh most presidents there's probably a honeymoon period you know we're we're gonna get to work you know and and he's been locked in on that you know what do we need to do and and and let's let's plan the work work the plan and that aligns with who I am and so I'm really excited to have him you know you mentioned this past year and you know how quickly and and you're
Idaho Funding Gaps And Political Reality
SPEAKER_01right like we have a choice we can view it as a negative or a positive and I'm always gonna see things as a positive um we got a lot done this last year you know getting in front of the legislators and and being able to tell our story and the relationship that I have now with our state board which I'm really grateful for and and how they serve and um you know getting extra mile and what that means for us and you know and and launching sports and entertainment you know uh everything happens for a reason. I don't believe in coincidences. And you know when when Jeremiah Shin, now at Montana and very grateful for him, when he stepped into that role, I don't even think it was uh part of his thought process that he even wanted to be a president. You know, he just was there to serve because he's a Bronco. And I can't say enough about him because I remember having those conversations of we need an interim. We're going through this conference realignment stuff and the Pac 12 and Mountain West and so on and so forth. And he said JD I just want to help like however I can help and and it led to a lot of conversations. I had a previous relationship with him so we were able to get a lot done and and it just shows you when you're aligned and and you know locked in on what's most important um you know epic is possible and we're not I said it earlier we're not even close to scratching the surface on that you know I believe so much in this place. I believe in what we represent and I and I believe as we bring people along in this process and tell our story and and get them in the foxhole with us that you're gonna see this place explode um and it's going to align with how this community is exploding as both of you know. And that that makes me really excited and and obviously passionate about what's next for us.
SPEAKER_02You talked about the sports and entertainment and getting extra mile reno which you know is such it's crazy the old structure and so glad that that was finally fixed. But we're already seeing some of the the fruits of of this new mentality and these new opportunities with the monster truck you know that came that was a big success. We got two nights of banana ball that I know are sold out and will be a big success. You had post Malone last year maybe just talk a little bit more about the the vision and opportunity you see both with utilizing uh the the stadium which is our biggest venue in the state right and then also better utilizing extra mile.
SPEAKER_01So you know we were talking off camera about this um when I first arrived here you know whatever we don't have we're gonna we're gonna go out and get um and and that's an important mentality for for our team and I'm very grateful because I have a phenomenal teammates and you know this goes back you know plan the work work the plan this goes back from the day I arrived seeing an opportunity and knowing that we needed new assets because we need to monetize and think differently. It isn't always about the handouts. I don't want it to ever come across that I'm looking for handouts. I'm looking for investment because there's value in what we do. And in that sports and entertainment space we couldn't launch it without control over extra mile and and that opened up a world of opportunity for us when you think about the number of events that they drive through plus the addition of the North End zone plus what how we were utilizing stickle. If you really want to go back that first year I was here um campus was controlling stickle and and they were responsible for renting out spaces and um and ultimately they weren't doing anything with it and and there may be reasons. It's once again no judgment but my job is to see opportunity and it's like all right we have this massive space we know our community is growing we we need more hotels and and conference room space and so on and so forth. Let us have it we'll bet on us and and our team and that we'll figure out how to monetize it. We've turned something that was cost prohibitive into something that is now producing at a level that allows me to then whether it's share revenue or invest into our department or the fan experience or so on and so forth and that was just one space. Well now you have everything under one umbrella and that gives uh that that allowed us to launch sports and entertainment and I give a lot of credit to Nate Burke you know who you who both of you know um the guy grinds the guy grinds and and we had this vision and plan and Cody who's no longer here but was very much a part of this process of all right you know how many events can we drive through these facilities if we're going to continue to upgrade these facilities how do we utilize them 365 I I want every facility filled 365 days and obviously we're accounting for the the practice times and the student athlete experience um you know we have graduations but you look at the opportunity that it provided us to host weddings we've done funerals we've done uh you know birthday parties we've done uh conferences um we have a lot of square footage and we have a we have I think um you know uh it's like 10 facilities we can do anything that any business or or anyone in the community wants to do we can do that and host it at our facility and and it's just opened up uh so many different assets that then tie into our Learfield agreement and Bronco Sports properties and and and it ties into fundraising for for different facilities like the overbuilds and Eastside and premium space um and the number of concerts I mean this year alone guys we're projecting over 5,000 events um that includes athletic events but over 5,000 events public and private like that is massive for us and and when you think about uh a concert and and what we're able to net off that um that is new money for us and it's money that I'm not having to go ask you all as donors or someone else hey I need more yeah and so it's it's really opened our department's eyes of like what else can we do? How else do we tell our story and create new assets and and that's not just on the external side it's health and wellness it's um our partnership with ISMI it's it's uh our Bronco Bold programming and and what we're trying to do statewide in in terms of mental health you know there is always an opportunity it's just how hard are you willing to work for it and and that's what this has led to and you know I see a lot of universities they'll do one-off events this is part of the fabric of who we are and what we represent in this community we have the biggest facilities I think the postmalone was the biggest concert in the history of Idaho we know what our economic impact is the more events we drive in the more that increases um that only strengthens the story and the narrative that I am then out preaching to anyone that will listen that you have to see us more than just a football program.
SPEAKER_00We represent something bigger than ourselves and we are the front porch of this state and everything in this state should go through this community and and what better opportunity is there than to help support us through that you know I'm I'm just sitting here thinking back of of the impact the university has on the valley or the state for front front porch of the state but thinking back to the Great Recession when everything was paralyzed and it was bleak and ugly and dark and and you you had Boise state still figuring out how to do things and still growing and still you know you think of that fiestable and and when it happened and and then it it's always been this kind of you know shining light downtown Boise of the thing. And then it came across the river when we did City Center Plaza and brought computer science across and now you look at like the just the campus. I was standing on that this week and looking out over campus and I'm just like the the this you some of this stuff you don't put it it just came together the way it did. I mean it used to be an oh you look at the that old airport picture right where it is now and how it's growing and expanding and and
A New President And Locked Arms Leadership
SPEAKER_00how we've embraced it's it's a it's a metropolitan downtown university in a city that's thriving and you look what Micron's doing to your point we are poised to just launch into the next phase of what Boise State means in research in academia in programs in the way that they're connecting Boise State employees kids families to jobs in Idaho a lot of what we do is like where are you going to recruit the next engineers the next doctors whatever it that that is Boise State. Getting to the point um I think what's going to go on on the East Stadium and we've had a little bit of good luck with hopefully with these opportunity zones that I know we're gonna talk a little bit about but there's going to be a tremendous opportunity for future investment to happen in the downtown where this thing just goes the next level right where this really becomes where you want to be where you want to hang out and some of this again you can't create that river running right there along campus that those foothills just the beauty of our state the heritage of our people the blue collar of everything and then you just got this this this campus right in the downtown I've never been more excited with the future um with with you new president we're ready to go legislature everyone kind of aligning and I just hope that we can take advantage of that and come together and just put put the put the pedal on the gas here and just take it to the next level right JD 100% I mean it it I'm a broken record but it takes a team I think people are realizing that um the value of of what we are doing and and providing and and not viewing us as a hindrance to their own growth um if we can unite and and and lock arms and it starts with us in campus first and foremost where Dr.
SPEAKER_01Han is coming in and I'm really grateful for that and excited for that but it extends it's it's the state it's it's the county it's it's the city um and when people view that as an investment and an opportunity for us to grow together because our city is going to continue to grow and you hit it on the head could you ask for a more beautiful space that we occupy we are right in the middle along this beautiful river. Most rivers you can't even see to the bottom like you can actually see fish you know like it just it's a testament to what Ido is and and it's uh you know I look at the master plan that campus has the amount of growth that has happened over the last 20 years probably and and and yes I'm biased you can't tell me that a lot of that growth hasn't come from the success that the athletics program has had over time and the brand that is now not just national but international um that is power that powerful I should say that is powerful and I don't want anyone to ever it to ever be implied or get it twisted that I know what we represent. I know that the academic mission is important and and I think about campus becoming an R1 you know in in a couple years. That's huge. I don't know if if you as a graduate you know um I won't say your age but when you graduated from here that if that was even something that was a thought from the from this institution. We had gump come from a a junior college to an FCS to like we just keep elevating and that's what it means to be a Bronco. We're not gonna stop and when you can get everyone aligned and you're hitting on your master plan and the impact on downtown and the economic impact overall from an institution standpoint um you know to our one status and and what we're doing in athletics and the number of events that we're gonna drive uh it it creates so much more and we've you know I every time we do one of these projects it's like like it opens my eyes and and our team's eyes to like oh well what if we did this and how much how much more impact could we have um that's every initiative that we have in the department that ties into the what's next initiative 2.0 like you plan the work work the plan and and white right now very fortunate the majority of things that we put forward are producing at a level that's never been done in our history and and I could say the same thing for campus. I I look at our guy and the foundation and fundraising overall I look at the unbridle campaign that we knocked out of the park. By the way she is fantastic.
SPEAKER_00She's awesome can we just stop she is she is incredible.
SPEAKER_01She's awesome unbelievable human and just do killing it too you you talk about you know at some point you know it felt like it was just her and I in this foxhole. Yeah and and obviously Bronco Nation and our donors you know we've brought along in the process but um our Gia has done just a an unbelievable job and And with from an institution that didn't really have the history of giving or fundraising, you know, and and and that's a testament to Bronco Nation. They've they've heard the story, they've they've embraced it, and and they understand the impact that they have on it. And I mean, you guys are gonna see the fundraising numbers this year. It it will blow your mind, you know. And it, I, I still I called them yesterday and I said, Are you sure on these numbers? You know, uh over the last five years, we have raised over 20 million plus and now we're over 30 million plus. And and we, you know, we're finalizing all the numbers, you know, new uh fiscal year started July 1st. But I don't know, you know, because of my mentality, it's like, all right, I saw what we were raising before, and then you know, it's like, well, we got to do more. And have we ever gotten to 20? No, all right, we're doing 20. You know, and then you get over 20 and it's like, all right, 25. Then you get over 25, it's like 30.
SPEAKER_00You know, I said this in the intro, JD, but but Bronco Athletic Association now at 10,512 members. Lyle Smith Society, 333 members. Yeah. I mean, it's just and you think of where that was when you got here. Correct. It's unbelievable. Yeah, you would you would not if you if you sat down when you got here and said, hey, what are some what are some very lofty goals? Yeah, it's just been blown out of the water.
SPEAKER_02I remember when Lyle Smith first started and it and the goal was let's get to 100 members. And can we get to 100 members, you know, over the next few years? So now to have that over 300 members is is amazing. Um, I was thinking, you know, we're we're just days away from you know, football camp opening and we're gonna have a football season. And I to me it's a really unique football season because there's a lot going on. We have the North End Zone facility opening, we're celebrating 20 years of the Fiesta Bowl, uh Pac-12 conference. Obviously, we're joining a new conference. Um, and we got the Kellen Moore statue. I mean, there's just a lot of things to celebrate. Um, but maybe maybe talk a little bit about um how how you're viewing. I mean, obviously, this is you talk about front porch of Idaho, football season is front and center of that. How you're feeling about that in the Pac-12. And we, you know, haven't haven't mentioned uh how how lucky we are to have Spencer Danielson as uh as our head football coach, and um, you know, you and him both signing lifetime contracts as part of this podcast. So maybe just share kind of your thoughts as we are rolling into this historic football season.
SPEAKER_01I'm glad you brought up Spencer. Um and you guys know him well. Um, so you you have a different perspective, you know, along with mine. Um, but I'm not sure Bronco Nation fully understands the person they see that he's he's even better, yeah. You know, um out of the spotlight. Um he's he's just an amazing man. And um, and is a big reason I'm still here, guys. Like that my relationship with him is important to me. And I believe in in like we believe in the same things. We're we're locked in. I like I don't even have to ask him to do things that you know normally you would ask a football coach and it would become a huge fight. He's doing it without me even asking, where I'm having to go to him and say, hey, like you don't have to do that, man. Like I've I feel bad sometimes. So Spencer's great. Um, in terms of the season, and I would say his staff too. Like, we we've been very fortunate. People are great as asset, and and we've done a really good job uh collectively uh bringing in just great people that fit who we are and and what the expectations are in terms of being a Bronco. Um when I think about football season, you know, I I know who we are and I know what the expectations are. I I truly do operate with this one-on-one mentality. Um, you know, we've you do everything you possibly can to put your team in the best possible position to win every game. And Spencer and them have been grinding and and donors have stepped up and we've invested and so on and so forth. Um, I'm so excited for this season because you get to see all your hard work play out uh on the field. And and I say we because it does take a team, and and there's a lot of people who've played a part in that. Um, you know, but it really is a one-on-one mentality, you know, uh winning is hard. And you know, uh I know what our expectations are. We're going into a new conference, um, or we're gonna have a strong strength to schedule. Um, you know, uh it's but I I also think, and I was telling you guys off camera about, you know, my seven-year-old, you know, uh I'm looking at, you know, our expectations go to CFP. We've been we've been vocal about that. Not in it's in a very humble way, but like that is our expectation. Win championships and and you know, and get to the CFP. And and I don't think many schools state it that way, but we know who we are and we believe in our process and and we believe in our people. And, you know, and and so those are the expectations. My seven-year-old, you know, is already looking at CFP and what bowl, you know, what cities it's gonna be in, and where we go into next. And, you know, and not to add, you know, Spencer knows, like when you're the head coach of Boise State, like this is what it is.
Turning Facilities Into Year Round Revenue
SPEAKER_01And and regardless of what we have, what we're up against, like we and I've I've used the analogy of like, you know, we're showing up to a gunfight with the spoon, but we will do damage with that spoon. And and it's not an excuse, but but we also know the industry has changed now with Rev Share and some other things, and but that's just not how he operates. That's not how I operate. It's you know, you hear Spencer say it publicly, you know, we we have more than enough, you know, and and sometimes it comes down to the the people, and you know, and and I believe in the culture that he's built, and I'm really excited to kick this ball off, you know, and it's hard for me not to look ahead to, you know, obviously we're starting at Oregon and the last time we were there, just an unbelievable experience. And um, you know, uh, but starting off at Oregon and so not at home, uh, but that next game against Memphis, you know, and to be able to open the North End zone facility and and uh to play someone that we compete with on a national level and in terms of what they've done and their brand. And um, when you think about the top of the group of six, you know, they're always one of those teams that you talk about. Them in South Florida in Tulane and then the Pac-12 conference in general, and and uh that's gonna be a really exciting uh opening game for us here at home.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, big game.
SPEAKER_00Well, we've kept you here a long time. I just uh I'll say something, I'll let you have the last word, Traph. But man, people follow people. And um you you inspire Bronco Nation. Uh I hope you know how much we appreciate you, your family, and the grind, the lessons that we learn from you, the example, the man you are, and and just know how much we all love and appreciate you, buddy. And thanks for coming on today. It's been great catching up. Yeah. Um, and I really appreciate you.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I'll just echo so so thankful for for you, what you represent, how you represent, you know, our city, our our university, and and just the vision. I mean, I just, you know, sometimes I think I wish you had come 10 years earlier because we'd we'd probably be in the Big 12 if you had come 10 years earlier. But um I I honestly don't know, I mean, uh if if we could have survived this this era without uh just uh an exceptional leader, uh, you know, which which you are. And so I'm just I'm so thankful uh for that, for all that you do for Bronco Nation and your authentic authenticity and how much you care. And that's just very obvious. And I I mean I think even just to the you know, the only AD I know that interacts with fans on Twitter, you know, and and and answers these questions and these people these people that just harass you about you know bringing back the baseball program. And and uh you're you're just you're very unique leader. We're very fortunate to have you. And and Boise is is a it's a great place. We all know that. And I think as we talk about what's happening from a business perspective, from a tech ecosystem perspective, from a university perspective, like it's all aligned in there's there's just huge potential for what's happening in this valley. And if we can all work together, get things going the same direction, the the possibilities are limitless.
SPEAKER_01Well, I appreciate what you both said, and it means a lot to me, and more importantly, um our friendships. You know, um it this is that's that's an important piece uh for me personally. You know, it it it makes it worth it, you know, to show up and fight every day and and for Bronco Nation, but for people like yourself, and and I'm grateful for you. You mentioned the statue and thank you for that. You and Randy, give Randy a shout out, but um and Tommy obviously and and the fact that you guys continue to live out in action, you know, uh what we expect of Bronco Nation, it means a lot. And you know, I love this place. I I love what we represent and and I know Epic is possible, you know, and and you know, I think about it too. If I would have got here, you know, a year earlier and and we had dropped baseball. And um, but at the end of the day, I I truly believe everything happens for a reason. And you know, uh I maybe needed that extra time, you know, uh, you know, to to come in with the mindset that I have and and to be built different because I I do believe that that that's what it takes to be a Bronco and and in a very humbling way. Um you know, it takes a team and you guys are a part of it. So thank you.
SPEAKER_00Thanks, man. Appreciate you. Thanks, everybody.