Marc Lutz
cartoonist. editor. photographer. runner. mildly offensive.
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Articles by Marc Lutz
Communication, problem solving and trust among traits for Specialty Contractor of the Year
It took more than a longstanding working relationship when it came time to choose a plumbing engineer for an extensive project in Boise. It took experience, innovation and most of all, trust.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Scott Graf
Even though he is relatively new to his role as general manager of Idaho Public Television, Scott Graf has all the attributes of someone who is made to lead. He has a quiet, thoughtful nature, but he knows how to communicate his message effectively. He also leads by example, not expecting anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself.
IBR launches sixth year of Top Companies in Treasure Valley
The Treasure Valley business community has always been driven by innovation, resilience and the people behind every successful organization.
Nearly half of Americans prefer dogs kept out of restaurants and public places
Man’s best friend may be just that at home, but not always out in public, particularly inside restaurants.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Alexis Halikas
NurturPro began life three years ago, created by Alexis Halikas and Rose DiMattio, and launched in January of 2025. The company provides coaching, consulting and marketing services to real estate brokerages and agents, helping them to run their social media platforms, text and email campaigns, and grow their business.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: TJ Pierce
Standing at six feet by six inches high, a person might be intimidated upon meeting TJ Pierce for the first time. But the founder, Realtor and specialist of Mid-Century Homes by Anthology won’t let that happen.
National home sales decline amid rising prices and interest rates
Record housing prices compounded by high interest rates continue to plague the national housing market. At a Glance: Existing home sales down nearly 2% in July National median home price surpasses $434,000 Mortgage rates rise to 6.69% in early August Existing home sales fell almost 2% in July compared to one month prior, with just over 4 million units moving, according to recent data provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
KeyCorp reports strong Q2 earnings with growth outlook for Idaho business banking
How banks fare reflects the health of the overall economy. Looking at quarterly results can help those in the industry forecast what’s to come. On July 21, KeyCorp, the parent company of KeyBank, reported its second quarter earnings for 2026, giving an overall positive outlook for activity from April through June throughout the 15 states it operates within, including Idaho.
KeyCorp reports strong Q2 earnings with growth outlook for Idaho business banking
How banks fare reflects the health of the overall economy. Looking at quarterly results can help those in the industry forecast what’s to come. On July 21, KeyCorp, the parent company of KeyBank, reported its second quarter earnings for 2026, giving an overall positive outlook for activity from April through June throughout the 15 states it operates within, including Idaho.
Boise chocolatier offers classes where everyone passes the test
There are no shortage of fun experiences people can have throughout the Treasure Valley any night of the week. But some experiences are sweeter than others and can teach a thing or two along the way.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Callie Zamzow
One thing people might not know about Callie Zamzow is, if you get the opportunity to meet with her, be prepared to have a conversation. At a Glance: Callie Zamzow is co-CEO of Zamzow’s Zamzow is the first female leader in four generations Leadership style emphasizes authenticity and collaboration She wants to know your story and to learn from you. And more than likely, in getting to know others, Zamzow will be learning something about herself.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Noah Riley
Before he was immersed in the world of artificial intelligence, Noah Riley was a graphic designer. But his interests were always more aligned with computer programming and the language technology spoke to him.
Boise modular construction company evolves with needs of housing market
Odds are getting higher that the hotel rooms people are staying in or apartments they’re renting were built on a factory floor and then pieced together on site like some giant version of LEGO building blocks. For one Boise design and construction firm, that’s been its business plan from day one, and it’s only building from there.
Boise coach provides space for new and veteran actors to develop skills
The curtain has closed on the goal, but the play will go on. Boise Acting Studio is the next act for founder April Grady, who opened the space April 1 in downtown Boise. In the black box theater, actors will be coached, plays will be performed and the arts will have another resource for the creative community in the area. Since 2015, Grady has coached actors in the Treasure Valley wherever she could find space.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Shelby Bills
At 19 years old, Shelby Bills joined Graeber & Company, the salon founded by Bill and Jean Graeber in 1965, working at the front desk. She fell in love with the work, being the first and last point of contact for clients. The ability to start changing someone’s mood for the better when they walked in had her hooked.
Camp for girls puts emphasis on learning lifelong skills in construction
Summer camp used to be a place where parents sent their kids to swim in mountain lakes, go horseback riding, do arts and crafts, and return home with fond memories and not too many useful life skills. But there is a summer camp that is turning that traditional model on its head. Let’s Build Idaho girls camp is a weeklong workshop that gives girls ages 8 to 14 practical building skills that they can use for a lifetime.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Lars C. Larsen
In only a few minutes of speaking with Lars C. Larsen, it’s clear that he is on a lifelong journey of learning, collaborating and teaching. The Boise-based Academy Award-winning stop-motion animator admits that he’s always had an artistic side and a technical side. Those two aspects of his personality combined to make stop-motion a natural fit. Even when animating, he finds pathways to other skillsets he learns from the art.
52 honored in annual Idaho event celebrating new and legacy careers
For nearly three decades an annual event has celebrated the career achievements of those under 40 years old throughout the state of Idaho. And for almost a decade, a similar event has been dedicated to honoring the achievements of those over 50.
The Search for a Cure
There isn’t a magic pill to cure a chronic illness plaguing Idaho’s health care workforce. But there are cures, nonetheless, and they will take time and effort, experts say.
As the Treasure Valley population increases, some homebuyers opt for further away
Much to the chagrin of those who want a small-town feel in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, the state’s population continues to tick upward. Just about two years ago, the number passed the 2 million mark.
Commercial Real Estate Roundup for June 5, 2026
Merchants Metals, LLC, expanded a lease on industrial space at 1190 W Taylor Avenue in Meridian to 15,000 square feet with 2 acres of yard. Devin Pierce, Dan Minnaert and Mike Arnold of TOK Commercial facilitated this transaction. Republic Registered Agent, LLC, renewed a lease on office space at 3050-3250 N Lakeharbor Lane in Boise – Kekaula Kaniho and Lance Hendricks of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
Vendors and celebrities find worth in Gem State Comic Con as event draws record numbers
More than 50 years ago, comic book conventions, or comic cons as they are more commonly known, have drawn enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite pastime. Today, thousands flock to the annual events, even at smaller, newer cons. Just such an example is the annual Gem State Comic Con. The event started in 2019 and has steadily grown in the years since, and it broke its admissions record for 2026, bringing in 54,124 sales, more than 4,000 the previous year for the three-day event.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Paige Carson
At more than nine years clean and sober, Paige Carson has built a life revolving around the principles of recovery and is using her experience, strength and hope to reach others struggling with addiction. At a Glance: Paige Carson owns Peak Recovery in Caldwell Peak Recovery employs six people Carson to be honored as IBR Accomplished Under 40 Carson, 32, is the owner of Peak Recovery in Caldwell, having purchased it after working at the business for a few years.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Brandon Woolf
Every day at lunch, Brandon Woolf likes to take a walk. It’s part of his usual routine to help him take care of his health and clear his mind. That is just one example of how he plans each day to be an effective person.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Karen Manthey
What makes Karen Manthey a highly effective person? If it had to be summed up in one word, it could probably be passion. At a Glance: Karen Manthey is founder of Motivational Leadership Center Manthey serves as artistic director for ComedySportz Boise She is completing a master’s in strategic communication Manthey, the founder and communication specialist of the Motivational Leadership Center, has a passion for helping others.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Chris Jones
For 15 years, Chris Jones has operated Plant Therapy in Twin Falls. The business came about as a result of another business failing, which is a testament to his approach to life. He is willing to give any opportunity a try if he thinks is a worthwhile pursuit, knowing that what works for some doesn’t work for others. But he’s unafraid to try.
Commercial Real Estate Roundup for April 24, 2026
Zao Asian Cafe leased 2,109 square feet of retail space in The District at Ten Mile at 1085 S Ten Mile Road in Meridian – Brianna Miller of TOK Commercial represented the tenant and Holt Haga and Mark Cleverley of Alquist represented the landlord in this transaction. Syblon Reid renewed a lease on 568 square feet of office space in the Western Building at 802 W Main Street in Caldwell – Brianna Miller and Moses Mukengezi of TOK Commercial facilitated this transaction.
Garden City golf course remodel designed by world-renowned architect
For more than 100 years, a golf course in Garden City has been welcoming members and providing the gift of good walk spoiled by a little white ball, as the saying goes. But time takes its toll on all things, and the historic Plantation Country Club had paid its fair share.
Idaho ranks third most affordable state despite rising costs
The Gem State is still considered a much more affordable place to live than most other parts of the country.
The Idaho Business Review Interviews of Highly Effective People: Andrea Cantor
Raised in Boise by parents who owned a small business, Andrea Cantor has a connection to the region and understands the entrepreneurial spirit. She’s also seen the changes the city and surrounding areas have gone through. Cantor was recently named to the role of director for the city’s Economic Development department, working to attract businesses and people to the city to help drive positive growth.
Commercial Real Estate Roundup for April 10, 2026
Clark Pacific subleased 2,463 square feet at 1161 W River Street in Boise – Bree Wells, Jen McEntee and Braydon Torres of Cushman & Wakefield represented the sublessor and Chase Erkins of Lee & Associates represented the sublessee in this transaction. Apollo Mechanical Contractors leased 5,040 square feet of industrial space at 2592 S Beverly Street, Ste. 130, in Boise – Steve Foster of Colliers Paragon represented the tenant in this transaction.
Feed your brain with these life-saving hacks
In today’s world of shorter attention spans and clickbait, doomscrolling and everyone and everything vying for our time, content creators will post just about anything to draw us in. With the attempts to capture our valuable time, misinformation can run rampant. The amount of false claims and just completely wrong info that takes seconds to discredit floods social media feeds and even pours into what are supposed to be reliable news sources.
Idaho Film Society advances film industry with hall of fame honors in Boise
When it comes to the big screen, most people don’t think of Idaho. They picture Hollywood, sound stages, glitz, glamor and the red carpet. But one organization is working to change that perception, creating a foundation for filmmaking in Idaho, contributing to the statewide economy, and even rolling out that well-known red carpet for an upcoming hall of fame celebration.
Are you a startup business in Idaho? Check this out
Last year in the U.S., an estimated 5.1 to 5.6 million new businesses opened their doors to the public. Idaho, with a growing population of around 2 million people, typically sees thousands of new companies launching across its diverse landscape.
The IBR Interviews of Highly Effective People: Scott Schlange
Whether he’s working or spending time with his family, Scott Schlange prioritizes the moment he’s in. As the Idaho market president of KeyBank, he has learned to create boundaries to achieve the goals he’s set before himself ― and that includes shutting off the work part of his brain when he goes home at the end of the day.
Idaho Business Review announces 2026 icon awards and AU40 honorees
It’s been five years since Idaho Business Review combined its signature events celebrating well-established careers and those that are growing successfully.
See how Boise stacks up against other US capital cities on ‘best to live’ list
A new study focused on affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education and other metrics recently ranked all 50 U.S. capitals and Boise was among the top ranked. At a Glance: Boise ranks fifth best state capital to live in Boise third in economic well-being category Boise second lowest crime rate among capitals The “Best State Capitals to Live In,” a list compiled by online finance site WalletHub, looked at each state’s capital and Boise came in fifth on the list.
Oil prices rise over 1% amid Middle East tensions affecting fuel costs locally
Oil prices rose by more than 1% on Tuesday, recovering some of the previous session’s losses as Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates rekindled supply fears while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut. At a Glance: Oil prices rose more than 1% due to Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. US national average gas price increased to about $3.72 per gallon, with Idaho’s average at $3.79 per gallon.
Modest rise in home prices expected in Idaho and US through 2027
U.S. home prices will rise modestly this year and in 2027 as the market remains constrained by high mortgage rates and a shortage of affordable homes that will persist for years, according to housing analysts polled by Reuters.
Idaho nonprofit workforce faces hiring and retention challenges in report
A new report is showing that an essential segment of the workforce in Idaho is struggling to fill positions due to a myriad of reasons. At a Glance: 21% of Idaho nonprofit organizations report open positions they cannot fill, mainly operational staff. Turnover rates average 27% for full-time and 37% for part-time nonprofit staff. 73% of nonprofits facing hiring challenges increased compensation, but average raises remain below other sectors.
Where does Idaho rank on the list of young adults living at home with parents?
Nearly more than ever, young adults are ditching the apartment hunts and townhouse tours to live at home with the family. At a Glance: 33% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 live with their parents, nearing pandemic highs. Idaho has 25.4% of young adults aged 18 to 34 living at home. New Jersey leads mainland states with 44.1%, and Puerto Rico tops overall at 57.5%.
Setting up for success
Creating atmosphere and motivating buyers. It’s all about making prospective homeowners feel that the house for sale they are walking into is theirs and not someone else’s. At a Glance: Nicolle Cahill of Fina Home Design stages homes across southern Idaho, including Treasure Valley. Staged homes typically spend 33% to 73% less time on the market and can earn 8% to 10% higher returns. Lauren Hoffeld of Frances Joy Staging emphasizes staging as marketing to create comfort and highlight home features.
Nampa’s Franz Witte Landscaping names new CEO and president
A Nampa company started in 1971 is making changes to its executive team, naming a longtime president as the outfit’s new CEO. At a Glance: Franz Witte Landscaping, founded in 1971 in Nampa, named Seneca Hull as CEO in 2026. Toby Mancini was promoted to president after serving as operations manager and has 37 years in horticulture. Company founder Franz Witte remains chairman of the board and is actively involved.
Commercial Real Estate Roundup for March 13, 2026
CMG Mortgage, Inc., leased 2,040 square feet of office space in the Banner Bank Building at 950 W Bannock Street in Boise – Lance Hendricks and Patrick Shalz of TOK Commercial represented the landlord and Kevin Herman of Herman Commercial Real Estate represented the tenant in this transaction. B&K Painting renewed a lease on 6,054 square feet of industrial space at 12586 W Bridger Street in Boise – Chris Pearson and Patrick Shalz of TOK Commercial facilitated this transaction.
The Idaho Business Review interviews of highly effective people: Angela Hemingway
Within just a few moments of spending time with Dr. Angela Hemingway leaves a person feeling inspired, upbeat and ready to tackle, well, anything. At a Glance: Angela Hemingway is CEO of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage and was named to Idaho Business Review‘s Idaho 500 list in 2025. She emphasizes education, collaboration, and empowerment in her leadership style and nonprofit mission.
New Idaho law expands breast cancer screening coverage for high-risk women
Idaho recently implemented a new state law that requires most Idaho state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover one supplemental breast cancer screening yearly for women considered at high risk, with no patient cost-sharing. At a Glance: Idaho law requires full coverage of one supplemental breast cancer screening yearly for high-risk women with no cost-sharing. The law covers imaging beyond mammography, including breast MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography, and whole breast ultrasound.
Nampa’s Mechanic Superstore launches proprietary automotive equipment line
Opened in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, Mechanic Superstore has established its reputation for top quality professional-grade automotive equipment. The family-owned supplier specializes in high-quality vehicle lifts, wheel service equipment and diagnostic tools. At a Glance: Mechanic Superstore opened in Nampa in 2020, specializing in professional-grade automotive equipment. The company launched its proprietary Supreme brand, known for heavy-duty quality and extended warranty.
2026 Social Security update: navigating COLA and retirement strategies
As the calendar turns to 2026, the mechanics of Social Security are undergoing another evolution. For many American seniors, these monthly checks are the anchor of their financial lives, making the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) a pivotal figure in every household budget. At a Glance: Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026, resulting in an average $56 monthly boost. Medicare Part B premiums rise to $202.90 monthly, offsetting much of the COLA increase.
Forging Ahead: Small businesses in Idaho uncertain on path forward after financial burden of tariffs
Staring down the barrel of skyrocketing tariffs that shot up nearly 200% for a brief period of time this past year, Cassie Abel has felt more than just the pain of lost revenue brought on by fluctuating government tariffs. At a Glance: Wild Rye in Ketchum lost an estimated $500,000 due to tariffs and shipping fees. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize sweeping tariffs.
Grocery Outlet to close two stores in Idaho by end of March 2026
Grocery Outlet, a California-based chain with 16 locations in Idaho, has announced it will be closing some stores nationwide. At a Glance: Grocery Outlet has 16 locations in Idaho, including seven in Treasure Valley and five in northern Idaho. Two Idaho stores, located in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, are scheduled to close by March 21, 2026. Grocery Outlet announced 36 store closures nationwide after expanding too quickly, including closures in six states.
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