Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1975, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless has been a trusted partner for Utah businesses. Their experienced team offers top-tier legal counsel, helping companies navigate challenges and drive success. Shareholder and Attorney at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, Jonathan Hafen, joins us with more. Jonathan Hafen: At Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, we are proud to celebrate 50 years of serving Utah’s business community. As Utah has grown into one of the top places to do business, we’ve had the privilege of supporting both local and national companies as they thrive here. With this growth, businesses need sophisticated and trustworthy legal counsel, and that’s where we come in. Our team of nearly 100 attorneys and paralegals has extensive experience in business litigation and transactional matters, working with companies of all sizes. Our attorneys are top graduates from local and national law schools, and we represent some of the most recognized companies in the country. But our

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Young Automotive Group is rich with history. What started as a single dealership in 1924 in Morgan, Utah has grown into one of Utah's and Idaho's most trusted automotive groups. President Spencer Young Jr. joins us with more. Spencer Young Jr.: For 100 years, the Young Automotive Group has been dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience. It's a commitment we've had since my great grandfather, Seldon "Jack" Olsen, founded our business, and it's been instilled in all of our locations throughout Utah, Idaho and Montana. Throughout 2024, we celebrated 100 years in business. It's an achievement we're incredibly proud of, and we know that it's been attained because we've prioritized one thing: value. We strive to provide value both in and outside of the showroom. Our employees operate on a series of principles that work to ensure you're provided with a quality deal and unmatched customer service. In addition, our dealerships strive to make an impac

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Nicknamed the Startup State, Utah is a place where people see their business dreams become reality. Here to help is Album VC, a venture capital team with a vested interest in early-stage tech startups. Founder and General Partner, John Mayfield, joins us with more. John Mayfield: At Album VC, we focus on early-stage technology investments, specializing in business software and startups rooted in Utah. For the past decade, we’ve invested in 6 to 10 high-potential companies annually, providing not just capital but mentorship. Known for our founder-friendly approach, we’ve supported several Utah-based tech companies that have grown to exceed 1 billion dollars in market value. Notable successes include Podium, a customer communication platform; Filevine, a case management tool for lawyers; Divvy, a spend management software; and Neighbor, a peer-to-peer self-storage platform. Our investment philosophy prioritizes genuine human connection, fostering long-term relatio

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With decades of expertise in event planning and catering, LUX Events blends premium services with eco-conscious practices, fostering connections, supporting communities and championing sustainability as a commitment to clients and the planet. Co-Owner and Managing Partner, Kelly Lake, joins us with more. Kelly Lake: As we celebrate over 30 years in the hospitality industry, we remain driven by a core belief: that hospitality is so much more than service — it’s about creating connections, celebrating communities and making a positive impact. Sustainability has always been a priority for us. From the beginning, we saw the opportunity to be a leader in eco-conscious catering, offering sustainable practices like landfill-compostable disposables and sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. It’s about more than reducing waste — it’s about building our sustainable future. As we continue to expand, across our family of brands, we’re focused on maintaining that balance betw

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For years, RC Willey has been dedicated to helping customers create spaces that truly feel like home. With an extensive selection of furniture, appliances, electronics, flooring and outdoor essentials, they’re committed to delivering the best products and an exceptional shopping experience. CEO, Scott Hymas, joins us with more. Scott Hymas: At RC Willey, we understand the comfort and warmth of walking through your front door, ready to relax and make memories. For over 93 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping our customers create spaces in their homes where they can truly feel at home. Starting in Utah and expanding to Idaho, Nevada and later California, we’ve built a reputation for offering a great selection, a seamless shopping experience and exceptional customer service. In fact, our commitment to these values earned us a spot on Forbes' Best Customer List. Whether you're furnishing cozy apartments, modern townhomes or spacious dream homes, we offer a wide ra

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Behind many of Utah's most impactful communication campaigns is a talented team of dedicated, creative professionals whose lasting success reflects their remarkable and far-reaching influence. Here to talk about their “staying power” is Dave Smith, partner and CEO of Penna Powers. David Smith: As an agency that specializes in creative advertising, public relations, digital, social media and public involvement work, Penna Powers’ mission is to move people. We care deeply about the issues that Utah faces, and attribute our 40 years of staying power to our results, our people, and our clients. Over time, the faces and functions at the agency have changed. We’ve traded in film reels and drawing boards for digital displays and software suites, but our core and drive has always been to interpret research, find key insights, apply strategic problem-solving, deliver killer creative and make meaningful connections. Whether it’s a focus on safe driving, scam awareness, v

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Le Bus goes beyond transportation, serving as a bridge that connects people, places and communities. Whether it’s helping local teams, schools and events or guiding visitors through breathtaking National Parks, they bring people together in meaningful ways. General Manager, Bryan Copyak, joins us with more. Bryan Copyak: At Le Bus, we’re more than just transportation — we’re a family-owned company spanning four generations, proudly serving our community for over 75 years. With a fleet of 105 motor coaches traveling over 3 million miles annually, safety and exceptional service are in our DNA. Locally, we handle everything from Wendover tours and convention shuttles to weddings, school events, youth church groups and ski resort shuttles. We’re honored to transport professional sports teams, including NBA, NHL and MLS players, as well as National Park tours for top operators. In fact, we’re proud to have been named the number one Partner Coach Company in North Americ

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With a reputation for integrity and care, Vox Real Estate offers services tailored to individual needs, specializing in residential spaces. Their expertise ensures clients receive the guidance necessary to make informed decisions. Owner and Principal Broker, Kristin Deveraux, joins us with more. Kristin Deveraux: At Vox Real Estate, we focus on building relationships and helping people achieve their dreams. Real Estate can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re dedicated to putting your needs first, without pressure. We empower our clients to make educated decisions. Whether it’s your first home, buying or selling a unique or luxury property, investing or finding a cabin in the woods; we create customized strategies tailored to your needs and goals. With 20 years of experience and a passion for helping others, we focus on clear communication, proactive solutions, and ensuring every step of the process feels seamless and supported. From staging and mark

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1998, Carpet Diem has been a trusted partner in Utah's construction industry, providing top-quality flooring to homes across the state. They’ve built a strong reputation and are deeply committed to giving back to the communities they serve. Executive Vice President Holly Waddington joins us with more. Holly Waddington: At Carpet Diem, we believe in strengthening our local communities. We do this by partnering with organizations like Utah HomeAid, the Salt Lake Home Builders Association and Utah Professional Women in Building. Together, we’ve made significant strides in creating safe and dignified housing for families facing homelessness. Our projects include collaborations with The Road Home, Family Promise and The Other Side Village, impacting countless lives. One of our favorite community outreach efforts is the annual diaper drive. In 2024, we collected over one million diapers for Utah families, thanks to a creative 'Diaper House' competition with l

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Healing Arts Pediatrics offers holistic, integrative care for children of all ages, combining traditional medicine with alternative therapies. The clinic offers personalized care for children, from infants to teens, along with access to various healing modalities. Pediatrician and Owner Dr. Marina Capella joins us with more. Dr. Marina Capella: As a board-certified pediatrician with over 15 years of experience, I am passionate about providing comprehensive care that supports the whole child — mind, body and spirit. My approach combines modern medical advances like medications with traditional healing modalities such as herbalism, massage and energy medicine. With additional board certification in integrative medicine, I bring expertise in blending evidence-based natural therapies with the best of modern medicine. Appointments are one hour, giving me the time to truly understand each child’s background and needs, enabling me to create individualized care plans for

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Before-N-After offers personalized weight loss programs, longevity medicine and aesthetic treatments to help individuals achieve their health and beauty goals. With tailored plans and support, they offer a holistic approach to wellness, blending weight management with aesthetic services for lasting results. Medical Director and Owner, Andrew Johnson, joins us with more. Andrew Johnson: At Before-N-After, we bring a unique perspective to weight management, shaped by years of experience as retired military physicians. Our disciplined, results-focused approach is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. We’ve dedicated our careers to serving others with integrity and compassion, and that same passion drives our work today. This program isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about addressing the root causes of weight challenges through a comprehensive, personalized plan that includes nutrition, exercise, behavioral changes

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Workbox empowers businesses with flexible coworking spaces, private offices and meeting rooms, while providing access to a network of industry professionals, operational resources and capital. It’s a dynamic environment designed to fuel business growth and innovation. Sales Manager, Tyler Hatch, joins us with more. Tyler Hatch: There is no denying that Salt Lake City has made a name for itself as a hub for technology and innovation. From healthcare and biotech to software — and nearly everything in between — Salt Lake’s business ecosystem is thriving. That’s why just over a year ago Workbox opened its doors here in the heart of downtown SLC. As a workspace built specifically for dynamic businesses, Workbox offers solutions for both startup and enterprise companies including private offices, meeting rooms, coworking and more. In addition to these flexible workspace solutions, member benefits include direct connection to over 100 capital and operating partners, a

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Prime Corn is dedicated to reducing food waste and insecurity by promoting sustainable food practices. Through education, cooking classes and community initiatives, they make wholesome, accessible food available to our Salt Lake neighbors. Owner and Chef, Wendy Juarez, joins us with more. Wendy Juarez: Millions of people in America face food insecurity, while a large portion of the food supply — around 40 percent — ends up in landfills each year. This waste contributes to environmental issues and highlights how food is often not used as efficiently as it once was. According to RTS.com, the average American family of four throws away 1,600 dollars worth of produce annually. Prime Corn is committed to addressing these issues by making wholesome, accessible foods available to Salt Lake neighbors. We aim to promote better habits and sustainable practices, showing that there are many ways to repurpose food without making significant sacrifices. We contribute to the

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1953, Layton Construction has been perfecting their craft, growing nationwide and improving the build world by providing predictability in an industry that’s anything but predictable. Layton Construction’s Vice President of Marketing Tim Garrick joins us with more. Tim Garrick: For more than 70 years, Layton Construction has proudly called Utah home. The work that we’ve done in that time will forever impact the state, its people, and the business community. Together, with our trusted trade partners, we’ve built the places where hundreds of thousands of Utahns live; where we work and study; where we play; and where we heal. The same principles that Alan W. Layton instilled in the company in the early years — honesty, safety, quality, and unity — still guide us today. These values have sustained our longevity and have fueled our growth as we’ve become one of the nation’s largest builders. And with that comes opportunities for career advancement. So, we en

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Outdoor Mavens began as a passion project to make outdoor adventures more accessible and stress-free. They specialize in creating curated trips, custom adventure planning and gear rentals, offering unique experiences in stunning locations across the western United States​. Founder and owner, Traci Salisbury, joins us with more. Traci Salisbury: Since 2020, we at Outdoor Mavens have been dedicated to creating inclusive, elevated, multi-sport adventure tours that allow people to connect with the transformative power of nature. Mindfulness is at the heart of everything we do, and our tours are designed to help you recharge, reflect and enjoy the beauty of our natural spaces. Our adventure consultants are here to plan and book personalized outdoor experiences for families and groups, making it easier to explore the great outdoors. For those who have the skills but lack the gear, we offer a full suite of camping equipment rentals, ensuring you’re fully prepared for yo

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Blueberry Hill started with a passion for creating timeless, high-quality products for babies. Focused on sustainability and craftsmanship, it grew from a small hand-knit hat project into a global brand offering cozy apparel and cherished keepsakes​. Designer and owner, Jennifer Stevens Davis, joins us with more. Jennifer Stevens Davis: At The Blueberry Hill, we design thoughtful, high-quality baby gifts, including plush toys, clothing and blankets. Based in Salt Lake City, our products reflect our values of authenticity, respect, originality and balance, exemplified in our best-selling Ski collection. Following the loss of my son Beck in 2023, our mission deepened beyond creating gifts to providing connection, purpose and support. A portion of every sale is donated to the Child Loss Foundation, offering hope and resources to families facing unimaginable grief. We are also working toward becoming a certified B Corporation, committed to the highest standards

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Kahve Cafe in Salt Lake City offers a cozy, community-focused space serving high-quality coffee and specialty drinks. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to sustainable sourcing, it has become a popular spot for locals to gather and connect. Owner, Elif Ekin, joins us with more. Elif Ekin: Kahve Café was my professional pivot when my wholesale baklava business faced challenges during the pandemic. I transitioned from offering special-order baklava to creating a Turkish café in a charming old Victorian house in downtown Salt Lake City. We were proud to introduce the valley to the art of cooking Turkish coffee in hot sand, a method that reflects the traditional way of brewing coffee over hot coals or ash. Beyond Turkish coffee, we offer a Turkish tea bar and a unique drink concept called “Moon Milk,” made with plant-based milks, natural colors, sweeteners and imported spices. At Kahve Café, we feature Turkish baklava, sweets, savory treats and smal

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Balanced Sole offers therapeutic massage and advanced reflexology services that promote relaxation, balance and well-being. Specializing in corporate massage, they focus on reducing stress and anxiety in the workplace. Owner and massage therapist, Mia Merrill, joins us with more. Mia Merrill: Worksite stress is often cited as one of the leading stressors in people’s lives, making it crucial for companies to adopt strategies that promote well-being. Integrating massage therapy into the workplace is one of the most immediate and effective ways to foster a healthier, happier workforce. Workplace massage not only alleviates physical aches and pains but also calms the mind and body. Research from the Touch Research Institute in Miami found that just 15 minutes of chair massage improved brain performance and reduced anxiety more effectively than a typical 15-minute break. At The Balanced Sole, we specialize in elevating company culture through premier corporate m

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2011, Lendio is dedicated to servicing small businesses that traditionally finance leaves out. Through their marketplace of lenders and tools, more small businesses can qualify for and receive funding in record time. Co-founder and CEO Brock Blake joins us with more. Brock Blake: Small businesses are the backbone of our Utah communities, driving growth and innovation. At Lendio, we’re proud to support them by simplifying access to capital. We connect small business owners with one of our 75 lenders on our platform, matching them to financing options like SBA loans, equipment loans, working capital loans and lines of credit — whichever product best meets their needs. And, yes, the application process is free to the business owner. In 2024, we helped Utah small businesses secure millions in funding, empowering our local entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to our state’s vibrant economy. Beyond funding Utah companies, we’re breaking down the barr

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Hale Centre Theatre, born from a deep passion for theatre, is celebrated for its world-class productions. Offering musicals, plays and educational programs, it combines artistic excellence with state-of-the-art technology and craftsmanship to create unforgettable experiences. Co-founder and artistic director, Sally Dietlein, joins us with more. Sally Dietlein: At Hale Centre Theatre, we’re proud of the world-class productions we’ve brought to Utah since 1985. We offer everything from musicals to plays in our state-of-the-art round theater, which is one of the most advanced for live performances in the world. What truly sets us apart, however, is our commitment to our community. While we started as a for-profit organization, we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1997, and that shift allowed us to grow and focus even more on giving back to Utah. Our theater isn’t just a place for performances — it’s a home for local talent, an economic driver and a space where everyo