Red Aspen’s 850% Growth and the Woman Behind It: Jesse McKinney’s Incredible Journey | Ever Onward - Ep. 42

Ever Onward Podcast

Join us on a captivating journey with Jesse McKinney, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Red Aspen. From navigating the tumultuous waves of the 2008 financial crisis to spearheading a company that empowers women across the nation, Jesse's story is one of grit and resilience. Her narrative is interwoven with personal tales of strength and triumph, inspiring listeners to embrace their own challenges and emerge victorious.
In this episode, we uncover the secrets behind Red Aspen's explosive 850% growth during the pandemic, fueled by bold innovation and strategic risk-taking. Jesse recounts how the company evolved from humble beginnings in Boise, drawing inspiration from the support of influential mentors and the interconnectedness of aspen trees. With a determination to overcome limited resources, she and her co-founders built a vibrant network of 14,000 independent consultants, creating opportunities for women to thrive. This episode is not just a business tale; it's a testament to the power of collaboration, tenacity, and daring to dream big.
As we explore themes of technological innovation and personal growth, the episode wraps up with a heartfelt conversation on motherhood and work-life integration. Jesse shares her experiences balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with family life, offering valuable insights on finding harmony and grace amid life's competing priorities. Through personal stories and empowering messages, we remind listeners that with courage and confidence, they too can tackle life's toughest challenges and achieve greatness. Tune in for a rich blend of business acumen, personal anecdotes, and an uplifting message that you're stronger than you think.
Joining Jesse on the podcast is Ryan Cleverley, COO and CFO of Ahlquist, who shares a funny yet costly story about an unexpected touchdown pass that made for an unforgettable Alabama football game experience. We’ll also explore how the new Micron facility is reshaping Boise’s tech landscape, driving demand for talent and housing, along with the latest economic trends and a commercial real estate update, shedding light on the impacts to the local market.
Follow Red Aspen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/redaspenlove/
Red Aspen Website: https://redaspenlove.com/

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

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1. Business Leaders and Economic Insights (00:00:00)

2. Entrepreneurship and Humble Beginnings (00:06:58)

3. Life-Changing Moments in Entrepreneurship (00:10:29)

4. Navigating Growth and Challenges During Crisis (00:19:39)

5. Building Red Aspen (00:30:44)

6. Technological Solutions and Business Growth (00:36:52)

7. Navigating Motherhood and Work-Life Integration (00:48:56)

8. Believe You Can Do Hard Things (01:00:27)