Business Elevated

In this episode, Jason Christensen, co-founder of the Utah-based protein bar company Blue Unicorn, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a summer sales job. He and his partner, Dr. Luke Tolley, formed the company after creating a unique, plant-based protein bar that is also nut-free, gluten-free, and tastes like a treat. The company manufactures its bars in Springville, Utah, and sells them online and through local retailers like Good Earth Markets and, soon, Harmon's. Christensen believes that a sense of accountability and a "can-do" spirit are key to entrepreneurial success, and he credits Utah's supportive business community with fostering this environment.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Miller, founder and CEO of MoneyRight. Miller's journey into personal finance began at age 11. Initially, a traditional financial advisor, he grew disillusioned with a system that benefits the wealthy. Miller focused on helping students and others develop basic financial skills, recognizing the link between money management and emotional and psychological health. He then created MoneyRight, a platform for employees to provide financial education and psychological insights for the company's benefit. Miller identified a significant need for this service, as financial stress impacts productivity, turnover, and absenteeism. He explains that MoneyRight aims to become an employee's financial operating system. The program begins with a confidential financial stress assessment to identify a company's most significant issues. It then provides employees with a free portal, paid for by the employer, featuring monthly topics, videos, and tools tailored to their needs. The software teaches key financial concepts, like debt repayment strategies, and the importance of investing, while emphasizing a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), talks with Jefferson Moss, the organization's new executive director. Moss discusses his background and priorities, emphasizing how he will lead GOEO as a coordinator, convener, and collaborator among various organizations and initiatives in the state. He believes that uniting these groups will help Utah tackle key challenges — workforce development, housing, and rural economic growth — more quickly and effectively. Moss highlights the importance of partnerships and proactive communication to ensure a stable and business-friendly environment. He highlights the importance of economic diversity, noting Utah's strategic focus on both established and emerging industries. Moss explains how GOEO is reassessing its targeted industry clusters to include new sectors like energy and artificial intelligence, and how it's leveraging resources like the Utah Innovation Fund to help commercialize cutting-edge research from universities. He points to his experiences as an entrepreneur and former legislator to illustrate how government can support the business community by providing resources, fostering connections, and creating a stable, pro-business regulatory framework. Moss expresses confidence in Utah's future and praises the GOEO team's dedication to keeping the state a great place to live and work. ______________________ This episode features a partner conversation with Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO, and Rich Israelsen, chief revenue officer at World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah). WTC Utah is actively working to help local businesses thrive in the global market despite constantly changing international trade policies. The organization offers key resources like a tariff dashboard, weekly webinars, and the Foreign Trade Zone, which helps companies defer or reduce duties and tariffs. They also organize governor-led trade missions to countries like Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan, which open doors and create valuable business connections. Additionally, WTC Utah administers the Small Business Administration's STEP Grant, providing financial assistance for travel and marketing to help Utah companies increase their exports.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with David Gray, director of human resources at Lagoon Amusement Park (Lagoon), Rob Coursey, attorney and owner at Modern Age Employment Law, and Nancy Sylvester, a labor and employment attorney at the Ogletree Deakins law firm. Gray and Coursey discuss their professional journeys and experiences with Utah's business community, focusing on Lagoon's workplace culture. Gray talks about Lagoon's commitment to hiring and mentoring young employees. Coursey highlights Lagoon's proactive approach to creating a safe and respectful environment for its employees — particularly its seasonal and youth workforce. The duo expresses a deep passion for their work and emphasizes the rewarding nature of building strong, positive workplace cultures and preparing young people for future careers. Sylvester shares her positive experiences as a parent of a teenager who worked at Lagoon. She highlights how her daughter's first job helped her develop crucial life skills such as responsibility, time management, and financial literacy. As a legal expert, Sylvester advises other parents to encourage their teens to get their first job, be vigilant for potential red flags, and maintain open communication about their work experiences with their children.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tanner Thompson, CEO and owner of The Shirt Stop. Thompson discusses how he stumbled into entrepreneurship by purchasing an existing screen printing business in his hometown of Richfield, Utah. He explains that this decision was key to his success because the business already had an established team of seven employees. This strategic focus and its commitment to building long-term customer relationships have been instrumental in the company's growth. Since then, The Shirt Shop has expanded from seven to nearly 80 employees and from a small 1,500-square-foot shop to 45,000 square feet between two locations in Richfield and Lehi, Utah. Thompson highlights the significance of being based in rural Richfield, noting that it fosters a strong sense of community and integrity with customers. This long-game approach ensures that the company produces quality products and has a good reputation. The Shirt Shop has adapted to industry changes, shifting from a primarily word-of-mouth model to one that leverages social media and influencer marketing, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift allowed the company to expand its services beyond corporate swag to include branded apparel for social media influencers. Thompson plans to continue growing the company by taking on more textile manufacturing services and expanding into international markets.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA). Hart discusses his career detour from banking to public service, driven by a desire to give back to the community and make a tangible difference. He highlights the rewarding experience of seeing companies his office helped bring to the state employ friends and family, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector for Utah's continued success. Hart highlights UIPA's mission to expand rail service and boost local economies. Since its creation in 2018, the authority has grown from a single port project to overseeing 14 development areas statewide. He explains the port's role in attracting future-facing industries and high-wage jobs by working with the governor's office to offer a "stackable" corporate recruitment tool. Hart also addresses sustainability efforts, such as directing funds towards conservation and partnering with the Department of Air Quality to secure a $112 million environmental grant. He further emphasizes the shift toward more balanced transportation — reducing reliance on trucks while expanding rail and air cargo use.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at Mountain America Credit Union. Wells shares her career path, which includes being Miss America, working at ESPN, and serving with the Department of Defense. She delves into the evolution of Mountain America Credit Union, noting that while the core principle of providing fair loans and building savings remains, it now offers a more holistic support system — from free financial guides to a strong emphasis on financial education. She highlights the credit union's strong commitment to supporting small businesses, citing its long-standing status as a top SBA credit union lender and sharing a successful client story. Wells emphasizes the importance of building relationships with members to provide support during economic challenges. She also discusses the credit union's approach to local engagement, which includes partnerships with organizations like the Hale Center Theater and active involvement with various Chambers of Commerce. Wells explains that the credit union's growth strategy is driven by listening to its members' needs, leading to initiatives like translating documents into Spanish and creating a director of multicultural engagement position to better serve diverse communities.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Corissa Webster, founder of Executives Cup. Webster founded the Executives Cup after realizing the need for a more meaningful and dynamic networking experience. Drawing from her background in venture capital, she reimagined the traditional networking event by combining it with the energy of a golf tournament. The result is a curated experience where business leaders are intentionally grouped to foster connections and open doors to future business opportunities. Webster highlights the Executives Cup's multiple tournaments held each year across Utah, including events in both the northern and southern parts of the state. She shares her experience with Utah's supportive business community, which features a "win-win" approach that encourages entrepreneurs to help each other succeed.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Bryan Phelps, CEO of Big Leap. Phelps discusses his digital marketing career, highlighting his journey through prominent Utah-based digital marketing companies like OrangeSoda and SEO.com before founding Big Leap in 2008. He emphasizes Big Leap's focus on foundational marketing principles, understanding customer journeys, and the importance of a strong brand in an evolving digital landscape. Phelps also touches on the company's culture, which prioritizes high-quality work over flashy tactics, and its commitment to employee well-being — especially for working mothers — through flexible remote work policies. He shares his insights on the impact of artificial intelligence on digital marketing, seeing it as a tool for efficiency and enhancement rather than replacement. Phelps believes Utah has a unique advantage in the digital sphere due to its history in the industry, talented workforce, and a supportive entrepreneurial community eager to mentor the next generation of business leaders.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Anil Singh, founder and president of Saras AI Institute. Singh shares his journey, from growing up in a small village in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting how education transformed his life and inspired him to establish Saras AI Institute. The institute offers fully online AI education, including certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs, with a unique project-based learning approach that eliminates traditional exams. Singh discusses the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Saras AI Institute and the Indian Institute of Technology to advance AI education in India. He emphasizes that AI is not here to replace humans but to augment them, creating millions of new jobs and solving humanity's greatest challenges. Singh encourages anyone interested in AI to embrace it as a tool and offers advice on how to get started, recommending readily available tools like ChatGPT. He also highlights Saras AI Institute's beginner-friendly "Powers of AI" course, designed to help individuals confidently enter the AI field, regardless of their background.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Emily Ashby, program manager for Utah's Own. Ashby shares insights into her passion for local industries with Utah's Own, a state-branded program promoting Utah's agriculture and food business. She discusses the vital function of Utah's Own in bridging the gap between consumers and local producers, highlighting the program's efforts to support and uplift the state's food and farming sector. Utah's Own, which became membership-based five years ago, offers benefits like online directory presence, using Utah's Own logo for product differentiation, and promotional opportunities through social media and newsletters. Ashby emphasizes the economic impact of supporting local businesses, noting that increasing local spending by just 10% could retain an additional $1.3 billion annually within Utah's economy. Ashby also addresses challenges facing Utah's agriculture, such as land development, water issues, and the need for succession planning in family farms, while also noting the positive trend of agritourism as a way for farmers to diversify their income and keep their farms viable.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect. Baird discusses his journey from sales and operations before becoming CEO of OptConnect. The company began by providing temporary cellular connectivity for ATMs at an outdoor festival and has since evolved into a full-service provider of managed wireless solutions for a wide range of unattended machines like kiosks and digital signage — meeting growing demand as major retailers began requiring vendors to bring their internet solutions. Baird explains that OptConnect's solutions involve purpose-built hardware, extensive software development by 50 engineers, and redundant cellular connectivity across major carriers. The company has grown to nearly 200 direct employees, with additional contractors, and has expanded globally with offices in Europe and Latin America, serving over 1.1 million devices. Baird discusses OptConnect's consistent growth and recognition on lists like Utah Business's Fast 50 and Inc. 5000, attributing it to a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, which stems from prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a strong company culture, including a dedicated annual day of service for all employees.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Stephanie Frohman, associate director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University. Frohman shares her career journey and the critical work the institute is doing in Utah. With 27 years of experience as an engineer in medical devices, she transitioned into economic development, spending two decades at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. Her passion for mission-based work led her to focus on natural resources, leading her to her current role, where she is pursuing a master's degree in natural resources to better understand Utah's unique environmental challenges and opportunities. Frohman highlights the institute's mission to connect decision-makers with high-quality research, providing evidence-based support for environmental and economic solutions. It produces an annual report for the governor and Legislature, translating complex research into accessible insights and serving as a resource for policymakers on land, water, and air issues. Frohman highlights the institute's proactive and reactive approaches, including its work with the Great Salt Lake Strike Team to baseline scientific understanding and its Bear Lake needs assessment to prevent future problems. It also engages students, offering professional development opportunities and involving them in policy discussions.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Thomas Laakso, senior vice president of DPS Skis. Laakso highlights Utah's unique advantage of outdoor access, which allows him to combine his career in skiing with living in the mountains. His material science and composite engineering background led him to work for brands like The North Face before joining Black Diamond and eventually co-founding an avalanche safety company. He oversees product and operations at DPS Skis, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is the largest ski producer in the United States. Laakso emphasizes DPS Skis' commitment to using 90% domestic materials, which proved beneficial during supply chain disruptions. He details the company's 18-month design, manufacturing, and testing process, highlighting the strategic advantage of its Salt Lake City location for rapid iteration and testing on nearby mountains. DPS Skis, known for its carbon fiber construction and focus on freeride, recently launched a new Pisteworks line for hard snow carving. Laakso also discusses its Revive program, which refurbishes and resells used skis, including those from other brands, promoting sustainability by extending product lifespan.

Season 7 Episode 22: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Cassil, principal director of communications, and Jeffrey Tuft, principal partner at Architectural Nexus. Cassil discusses his 28-year career with Architectural Nexus, bringing a unique film and media arts background to his role, focusing on storytelling in design. Tuft shares his 20-year career with the firm and his role as a principal partner and LEED-certified professional, emphasizing sustainable building practices. They highlight the company's transition to a 100% employee-owned company with offices in Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and remote locations, primarily serving the Western United States. The conversation delves into pressing issues like housing affordability in Utah. Tuft discusses the need for more condominiums to address the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers and how liability concerns deter developers from building them. The duo shares their pride in working on impactful projects such as the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah and the National Ability Center in Park City, which underscores the firm's commitment to community and philanthropy. They also expressed optimism about Utah's continued growth, partially driven by events like the 2034 Winter Olympics, which they believe will further fuel the state's prosperity and attract diverse opportunities.

Season 7 Episode 21: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Dietlein, president, CEO, and co-founder, and Sally Dietlein, artistic director, executive producer, and co-founder of Hale Centre Theatre. Mark and Sally Dietlein share their journey of building a thriving theater company in Utah. They discuss how their shared background in performing arts at BYU led them to join forces with Mark's grandparents, Ruth and Nathan Hale, to establish the theater in 1985. Over nearly 40 years, Hale Centre Theatre has experienced significant growth, expanding from its initial small venue to its current world-class facility in Sandy, Utah, which boasts unique and advanced stage technology. They emphasize Utah's strong work ethic and community support for the arts as key factors in their success. The duo highlights their commitment to providing high-quality theatrical experiences, including an extensive education program and outreach initiatives like "Story Weavers" that bring theater to underserved communities. They explain their meticulous show production process, the significant investment in each production, and their focus on delivering "emotional baths" to their audiences.

Season 7 Episode 20: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises. Kaddas discusses her journey from hospitality to leading a second-generation family business. She highlights the company's evolution from making aviation components to its innovative BirdguarD™ product, which prevents animal-caused power outages and mitigates wildfires. Kaddas emphasizes the importance of domestic sourcing, the company's global reach in 15 countries, and its strategic use of automation, which streamlined operations and elevated workforce skills. Kaddas also shares her perspective as a woman CEO in manufacturing, noting the increasing presence of women in the industry and the unique perspectives they bring to leadership. She discusses the company's commitment to employee well-being, including a four-day work week and financial literacy classes that significantly reduce turnover and increase retirement program participation. Kaddas praises Utah's supportive business environment, highlighting partnerships with the governor's office for workforce training and the community's collaborative spirit.