Born and raised in Ammon, Idaho, Ben Fuhriman grew up in a traditional family home. Ben learned at an early age how to work hard and work smart. His dad, former Ammon Mayor, Steve Fuhriman, grew up on a dairy farm in Melba, ID, and yard work was practically a hobby. Ben used to be given an empty bucket and told he couldn’t go play with friends until it was full of rocks from the garden. At six years old, he was not afraid to fill the bucket but also understood it would take time—time that could be spent playing. He would therefore persuade his friends to come and help fill the bucket together. After all, the faster they got it done, the sooner they could all play. Even at an early age Ben was working with people to accomplish goals, delegating tasks, and being a leader to solve problems.
Ben was an avid scouter growing up. He earned his Eagle Scout and multiple merit badges. His first year of scout camp he earned 13 merit badges! He has always been a task driven person and focuses on goals and solving problems. Scouting was a great outlet for someone like him. Some of his fondest memories are camping, fishing, and hiking with his scout troop and his dad. Through high school Ben mowed lawns, cleaned buildings, and made videos for events in order to earn money. His family was far from well-off and he had to pay for most things himself. His parents made sure he had a vehicle to drive and often helped out with gas, but school activities, the mission, college, dates and dances were all on him. At one point he had six different jobs! But never one to shy away from hard work, Ben has always focused on tackling problems head on, including how to pay for Prom.
Ben graduated from Hillcrest High School as valedictorian and gave the commencement address. It was his first big speech. His theme was “Do it, Do it right, Do it right now”—something he still lives by today. After he graduated, he spent two years on a church mission to Brazil. Upon returning he studied Business and Information Systems at BYU-Idaho. It was through BYU-I that he and Holli, his wife, met. They actually met on the campaign trail volunteering for the Republican Party’s “Get Out the Vote” campaign. They were assigned to Tennessee for a week to knock doors and make phone calls for then Senator Bob Corker. Neither knew anything about him, just that they would get a free trip to Tennessee, classes would be excused, and they were both Republicans. They met on the bus from the airport, fell in love, and were married 5 months later. It was fast, but after almost 17 years together, they cannot imagine it any other way. They have four children, one girl and three boys. All attend schools in the Shelley School District.
Ben is a Certified Financial Planner™ and works as a financial advisor and counselor with a local firm in Eastern Idaho. Every day he works with clients from all walks of life, helping them solve financial and behavioral finance problems. Whether it is investing, insurance, retirement, estate, tax, or college planning, he does it all. His favorite part of the day is hearing clients’ stories and working with them to make their lives better. As an Accredited Financial Councilor™ he gets to work with those trying to get to a better place financially. Ben has a Master’s Degree in Family Financial Planning from Montana State University. Education is something that means a lot to him. Managing assets is one thing, but helping people truly make significant changes that impact their finances is another. As a Behavioral Financial Advisor™ he also focuses on the psychology of financial planning as sort of the umbrella under which all financial decisions should be made. His vast experience with business and finance are something he believes will be great assets in the Idaho House. As a legislator, he’ll have ample experience to serve on a number of various committees and help promote sound decision making that will continue to help Idaho thrive.