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Built in 1905 by the same contractors who constructed Idaho's State Capitol, the building on Main Street in downtown Meridian was scheduled to be demolished. The 120-year-old brick structure had endured for generations but its future looked grim.

Joshua Evarts and his wife Lori weren't willing to accept that.

"We found the owners of the building and were able to buy it from them," Joshua says. The couple restored the historic space in 2015, intending to use it as their personal living room—two chairs, a television, premium cigars, and good French wine. It was never meant to become a business.

But in 2017, after inviting Meridian's mayor to enjoy the space, Joshua received an unexpected suggestion: open a cigar lounge. His response was honest. "I told her I don't really enjoy people. So how is this going to work out for me?"

Her argument was compelling, however. Six months later, The Vault opened its doors.

Relationship as Currency

As longtime Meridian residents, Joshua and his wife wanted a downtown they could enjoy together. Fifteen years ago, that downtown didn't exist.

"The opportunity to open up The Vault as a kind of relational gathering place where people can come in, enjoy a cigar, but more importantly, enjoy a conversation—that was the heart of what we did," Joshua says. "Our mission statement when we opened was to offer a premium cigar experience where the primary currency we exchange is relationship."

That philosophy shapes all aspects of The Vault and how it operates. Joshua knows customers can find the same cigars cheaper online with free shipping. His value proposition is experience.

"When people come in our doors, are we greeting them warmly? Do they feel better when they leave than when they come in? That's what we do here."

A Business Shaped by Community

Over eight years, The Vault has become part of downtown Meridian's transformation. Dozens of new restaurants and commercial developments have followed, creating the gathering place Joshua and his wife hoped to see.

The Vault's investment in the community extends beyond its brick walls. Three years ago, Joshua launched the Idaho Cigar Open, an annual golf tournament benefiting the Fraternal Order of Police in the Treasure Valley to support first responders in crisis.

A Banking Relationship Built on Shared Values

Joshua's relationship with First Fed followed the same principles—it started with a person, not an institution. He'd worked with banker Clay Haylett for years, following him when his previous bank was acquired. When Clay joined First Fed's first Meridian office, Joshua moved his accounts.

"Clay shares the passion that First Fed has for its community," Joshua says. "That was the thing that was attractive to me, because I already knew that Clay was my guy and my banker."

What surprised him was how engaged First Fed remained across all his business needs—commercial lending for the building buildout, merchant card services, day-to-day operations. Even when work took Joshua out of the country, he knew he was a text or call away from getting something handled.

That connection has deepened over time. Joshua recently joined the First Federal Foundation Board as its first external member from the Treasure Valley, helping determine grant allocations to nonprofits across Southern Idaho.

For Joshua, the work mirrors what he's built at The Vault—investing in people, strengthening communities, building something that lasts. The 120-year-old building on Main Street was saved because someone believed it still had purpose. Eight years later, it's proof that the right foundation can support something much more meaningful