Considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on leadership, author and motivational speaker John C. Maxwell once wrote, “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.”

But it took just one night to shine the spotlight on the exemplary leadership qualities of 17 of Idaho’s top business leaders who were honored during the 14th annual CEO of Influence awards program hosted by Idaho Business Review May 9 at the Boise Center.

Since the program’s inception in 2011, and including this year’s winners, IBR has honored 167 business leaders from an array of industries who stand out for their unwavering abilities to demonstrate vision, innovation, company growth and a firm commitment to their community.

Heading the list of this year’s honorees was Chris Taylor, CEO of Fisher’s Technology, who was presented the prestigious Link of Distinction award, which highlights one particular leader who is working to change the way business is done in Idaho, while paving the way for future generations.

To receive this honor, a leader must be a prior CEO of Influence honoree, as Taylor was in 2014, and must currently hold the title of CEO or its equivalent.

Taylor, whose first job was working as a box boy at Albertson’s, is now the second recipient of the Link of Distinction award. In 2023, Tommy Ahlquist, CEO, Ball Ventures Ahlquist, took home the inaugural award.

Addressing the gathering of 230 business leaders and community supporters, Taylor said “surrounding himself with amazing people” is what has made the biggest difference in finding success during his 18-year stretch leading the firm.

“We’ve learned as an organization to put our people first,” Taylor said. “Our mission is our customers. But the way we achieve that mission is by obsessing with our team.”

The team concept emerged as the overriding theme throughout the celebration as one CEO after another took the time to graciously acknowledge the employees and staff who they credit for their success.

For most of his working life, Thomas Prohaska, CEO of Idaho Trust Bank, has trusted his brother, Daniel, as his most valued teammate.

As kids, the two sold apples and firewood door-to-door from a red wagon they carted around.

As adults, and practicing attorneys with the Idaho Bar Association, the brothers sold their law firm in 1994 and established what is now the only bank headquartered in Boise.

The brothers are now responsible for managing $1 billion of customer assets.

“Any entrepreneur will tell you, it’s not about the CEO, or the founder,” Prohaska said. “It’s about the people who show up every single day and execute the vision and mission of the institution.”

In her role as executive director of Faces of Hope, a nonprofit that offers a haven for those impacted by domestic violence and abuse, Paige Dinger said as a teenager she discovered a thing or two about teamwork while working as a bagger at a grocery store.

A key lesson she took with her and has never forgotten Dinger said is that leadership has “nothing to do with titles or the corner office.”

“True leadership is not a solitary journey,” she said. “It’s about a willingness to take risks, push boundaries and to inspire others.”

Or, as Scott Brown, founder and CEO of Sterling Medical called it, “optimal team performance,” a value he learned as an employee of his dad’s grain harvesting and trucking business.

“While I appreciate the recognition for our company, I am only as good, and our company is only as good as our staff and their abilities to execute our vision,” Brown said. “I see my team as family, passing down the values of hard work and professionalism.”

At Western States Equipment Co., President Kelly Olson got her start in the business world as a high schooler, serving as an assistant for an interior design firm.

Today, she oversees a family-owned operation that has grown to over $1 billion in assets during what has become a 65-year run that started here in Boise.

The strategy for success she said is “leveraging the abilities of those she employs” who are working to build better communities for a better tomorrow.

“Without question, through our people, it’s all about time, treasure and talent,” Olson said. “It’s about the communities we live and work in, and what we do to represent our brand.”

And those communities and brands dot the landscapes in every corner of the Gem State.

“I’ve learned how lucky we are to be doing business in the state of Idaho,” Taylor said. “To live here and to grow our business in the best place in the world to live and to grow a business is amazing. This has been an 18-year journey from me and we’re just beginning.”

Nominations for the annual CEO of Influence award program are accepted year round. Visit the IBR website to learn more about the program and the nomination process.