Features
An adventure park in the trees
An aerial adventure course is nestled high up in the trees at Farragut State Park in Athol.
Target audience: Cats — and those who love them
Julie Rosengrant saw a market need and started a business to fill it. Now, The Catnip Getaway is the purrfect vacation destination for all things cats, when owners take a vacation of their own.
MacKenzie Scott funds support nonprofit leaders
Nonprofit leaders in Idaho will now have access to more resources thanks to a new partnership between the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and the Idaho Nonprofit Center.
North Idaho accounting firms merge
North Idaho-based accounting firms Magnuson, McHugh & Co., P.A. and Dougherty & Associates have announced their merger – combining their collective century of expertise and experience to offer a wider range of services to their clients in the newly formed Magnuson, McHugh, Dougherty CPAs.
JUSTIN KNIGHT - 40 under 40
Justin Knight, a physical therapy assistant and certified strength and conditioning specialist with North Idaho Physical Therapy, is committed to helping community members live their best lives. Justin engages in daily learning to increase his knowledge and expertise, while always staying focused and centered, and he is very involved in helping his company expand its BIO Performance Institute and Functional Training program. “Watching the patients improve, gain nutritional education, pain free mobility and positive, life- changing experiences brings him great joy,” said his nomination.
KASSI ALLEN - 40 under 40
Kassi Allen, owner of Anchored Coffee Company, is noted for being a sharp business leader with soft skills to match. Over the past year, Kassi has expanded her business, adding locations and additional services.
KATIE EBNER - 40 under 40
Katie Ebner, chief financial officer for the Post Falls School District, is not only a financial leader in the school district but known throughout the state for her expertise. She has presented school finance training at the Idaho School Boards Association’s annual conference and to Gov. Brad Little’s advisory panel, which directly affects school finance statewide. In addition to her school district responsibilities, Katie is the Region 1 director of the Idaho Association of School Business Officials, conducting regular meetings for other school districts. Katie is a member of Post Falls Kiwanis and a participant in the Post Falls Chamber’s 2023 River City Leadership Academy. She is also a longtime member of the Idaho Association of School Business Officials.
KATIE HUFF - 40 under 40
Katie Huff, a benefits consultant with Murray Group, is noted for her drive as a professional and excellence in customer service to clients and colleagues alike. “Katie exemplifies a true servant leader by looking for ways to add value to our business relationships and recognizing the humanity in our whole team, and the clients she serves,” said one of several nominations Katie received. She is also recognized for her outstanding community service efforts on behalf of a variety of nonprofits and events supporting them. “Katie Huff is one of those exceptional individuals who exceeds expectations in her profession, but also unselfishly contributes to the community as well,” said another nomination.”Her positive energy is contagious and she has an impressive work ethic.”
LAURA STEININGER - 40 under 40
Laura Steininger, a doctor of physical therapy, is owner and founder of Inland Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy, which opened in 2020. Her professional goals are to continue growing her specialty clinic known for exceptional pelvic rehabilitation.
LAUREN BENEDICT - 40 under 40
Lauren Benedict, executive manager and COO of Knudtsen Chevrolet, is a 2013 graduate of Lake City High School and as a dual credit student, she graduated from North Idaho College that same year. She went on to Gonzaga to earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in organizational leadership. In 2021, she completed the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy. She has worked at the dealership owned by her family for over seven years, in human resources management. Active in the community, Lauren’s volunteer work includes service with the local chambers of commerce and United Way of North Idaho.
MEGHAN MITCHELL - 40 under 40
Meghan Mitchell, owner of Retrofit Athletics in Spirit Lake, is noted for her skill as a personal trainer and coach. “She truly cares for the people of the community and wants to see everyone be successful in their fitness journeys,” said one of two nominations she received. Meghan works tirelessly helping men and women succeed in improving their health through exercise and healthy living and eating. Her work inspires people to support each other in these efforts. Her community service includes more than 10 years as a youth group leader with Spirit Lake Baptist Church.
MICHAEL ARMON, JR. - 40 under 40
Michael Armon, Jr., a financial advisor with Stifel Financial in Coeur d’Alene, has shown great ability in working with clients and developing relationships, especially during the pandemic, a difficult time for financial markets. “He did not allow the time of limited client engagement to slow him from continuing to develop his asset management skills, or the deepening of the commitment to be a significant part of the team both at Stifel and for his clients,” said his nomination. Mike is active with the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce leadership program, now serving as co-chair of the Leadership Coeur d’Alene board of directors. A member of the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene, he is active in the redevelopment of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. He also helps coach youth soccer.
NICHOLAS HAWKINS - 40 under 40
Nicholas Hawkins, director of sales at Litehouse, Inc., is described as a humble leader who strives for excellence by challenging the status quo and pushing himself to deliver high quality performance in all he does. “Through his accountability and integrity, he has been able to establish strong levels of trust and respect among those he works with, and as a result grow in his role and responsibilities within the organization,” said his nomination. “His commitment to excellence, ownership and stewardship shows up in the way in which he holds himself, his team and those around him accountable to deliver on the goals and priorities set forth by leadership.” Also active in the community, Nicholas has supported churches, nonprofits and sponsored or assisted with many other initiatives that serve others. He was a trustee board member at Church of Cedar Hills.
NICHOLAS PETERSON - 40 under 40
Nicholas Peterson, managing partner of Hayden Lake Law, opened the firm in September 2022. His goal was to create a new type of firm that improves accessibility to legal services. He is emphasizing a client-centered approach by providing more education to clients and ensuring clear communication. Nick is striving to create a business that redefines the term 'lawyer' to be the ultimate advocate for the client. Nick’s community service includes one year as a volunteer educator for Street Law, a civics and law program for high school students. He was class representative of the Student Bar Association at Gonzaga University, a volunteer tutor for LSAT and bar exam prep, a Student Alumni Relations Board member at the University of Idaho and a volunteer at Kootenai Health.
NICOLE JACKLIN - 40 under 40
Nicole Jacklin is co-owner and designated broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Jacklin Real Estate, with offices in Coeur d’Alene and Liberty Lake. She oversees all the agents and staff in the office while maintaining compliance and growing their brand and legacy, and she gives back to the local community. Nicole is a board member for the Children's Village Foundation, works closely with the Kootenai Health Foundation, and is a member of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors Young Professionals Network. Various fundraisers at Nicole’s brokerage have raised more than $24,000 for local nonprofits.