Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Minky Couture has grown from a heartfelt mission into a beloved brand of comfort and luxury with six Utah locations and a thriving online store. At its core, Minky Couture is all about comfort and community. Owner and Founder Sandi Hendry joins us with more. Sandi Hendry: Minky Couture began with a desire to bring comfort to those in need. In 2009, when my daughter became ill and was hospitalized, I longed for a way to bring her comfort in her recovery. Unable to find the perfect blanket to bring her solace, I created one myself – giving rise to Minky Couture, best blanket ever. After 30 years as a teacher, I knew that I wanted Minky Couture to positively impact as many lives as possible. We employ mothers as seamstresses, allowing them to work from home providing for their families and strengthening our communities. Our “Heart of Minky” program is another way we give back, donating thousands of Mini Minky blankets to NICUs across the country. These blankets b

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1976, SentryWest Insurance Services has dedicated its combined experience and knowledge in the industry to deliver quality insurance policies specifically tailored to each individual client. President Paul Borup joins us with more. Paul Borup: At Sentry West Insurance Services, we believe that great insurance is built on great relationships. Our team works closely with clients not only to craft the perfect personalized policy but to create a partnership they can rely on. Our personal insurance services are designed to protect you from the unexpected, offering top-quality coverage that matches your needs and budget. In today’s dynamic world, risks are constant and ever-changing, and your business insurance should keep up. That’s why we thoroughly assess your business, nonprofit or community association in order to deliver creative, cost-effective solutions that fit your specific needs. Our goal is to provide the perfect blend of price, coverage and ser

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah Tech Week, a community-powered celebration of Utah’s booming tech and startup scene, will take place January 27th to February 1st. During this exciting week, events by startups, VCs and community organizations showcase Utah’s tech talent and innovation. Joining us with more is Chief of Staff Kyle Spencer. Kyle Spencer: Utah Tech Week is a dynamic, grassroots initiative that serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, startups, tech enthusiasts, and all in the Utah tech ecosystem to connect and collaborate. With a mission to foster connection and growth within that ecosystem, this community-driven experience hosts over 200 events during the week. These events create an environment for "happy collisions" — those serendipitous meetings that lead to meaningful partnerships, groundbreaking deals, and new opportunities. There is no cost to attend or to host. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to network, an investor, a startup seeking funding, or a tech enthusi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah Tech Week, a community-powered celebration of Utah’s booming tech and startup scene, will take place January 27th to February 1st. During this exciting week, events by startups, VCs and community organizations showcase Utah’s tech talent and innovation. Joining us with more is Chief of Staff Kyle Spencer. Kyle Spencer: Utah Tech Week is a dynamic, grassroots initiative that serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, startups, tech enthusiasts, and all in the Utah tech ecosystem to connect and collaborate. With a mission to foster connection and growth within that ecosystem, this community-driven experience hosts over 200 events during the week. These events create an environment for "happy collisions" — those serendipitous meetings that lead to meaningful partnerships, groundbreaking deals, and new opportunities. There is no cost to attend or to host. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to network, an investor, a startup seeking funding, or a tech enthusi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Delicius brings the vibrant flavors of Venezuelan cuisine to Utah, combining authentic Caribbean recipes with local ingredients. Founded by Chef Ahimara and Eliceo from Venezuela, Delicius has been sharing its healthy, flavorful products since 2019. Co-founder and Chef Ahimara Suarez joins us with more. Ahimara Suarez: My love for cooking began with my grandmother, Damasa Silva, who started cooking and selling arepas in the 1930s in Venezuela. She taught me everything about the art of cooking, and now, you can enjoy handmade arepas right here in Salt Lake City. Our mission is to prepare authentic Venezuelan food that nourishes the soul, using artisanal methods and local ingredients to create what we call “food for life.” With the support of Spice Kitchen Incubator, we bring you healthy, flavorful Caribbean-inspired products. Our range of frozen goods is available online and at our Salt Lake City location, and we also provide catering service. The arepa is jus

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Cyprus Credit Union, Utah’s longest-serving credit union, has been dedicated to strengthening our communities for nearly a century. When they say “your future is our future,” they mean it. Here with more is Vice President of Relationship Development Amanda Morton. Amanda Morton: At Cyprus Credit Union, we’re proud of our 96-year legacy of service and the trust our members place in us. We’re a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, focused on keeping fees low, offering competitive rates, and returning value to our community. One of our greatest passions is supporting educators. Through programs like our monthly Educator Mini Grants, we help teachers bring valuable resources into their classrooms, empowering students in new ways. Another passion is financial education for teens, which is why we created our Learn and Earn program, a fun, interactive approach to financial education. This program gives teens the chance to earn up to $200 by completing activities

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Ballet West is the ninth largest professional ballet company in the country and is the second-largest performing arts organization in Utah with an international reputation for artistic excellence since its founding in 1963. Executive Director Michael Scolamiero joins us with more. Michael Scolamiero: Ballet West is home to America’s first Nutcracker, which all started when our founder, Willam Christensen, choreographed the first full-length version of The Nutcracker in the United States in 1944. This year, we are celebrating 80 years of The Nutcracker, which has become officially known as a Living Historic Landmark by the state of Utah, the first such designation of its kind in the country. We are the only company that presents this version in the United States, which Christensen first created for the San Francisco Ballet during the height of WWII to provide family entertainment to audiences during a difficult time in the world. It was ideal because of the vas

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Kinect Capital’s mission is to empower emerging and diverse entrepreneurs in creating sustainable companies that bring high-quality jobs and new economic opportunities in under-served regions of the United States. Here with more is Board Member Matt Warnock. Matt Warnock: Utah’s tech scene is red hot — but starting a company is hard. Most startups fail, often because they lack experience, capital, or both. At Kinect Capital, we help founders put both experience and capital in their corner. Founded in 1983, Kinect Capital is the world’s oldest and most successful nonprofit venture accelerator. Our alumni include Ancestry dot com, Myriad Genetics, and over a thousand others. We pair promising startups with a multidisciplinary team of experienced volunteers, helping them attract capital from smart investors. Over 60 percent of our alumni raise capital, and 80 percent are still in business 10 years later. Unlike many accelerators, we don’t move our startups to Sil

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Small businesses are the backbone of America, making up 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses. What’s more, Utah, recognized as the most pro-small business state, is home to many, including Quail Street. Here to share more about the business is Baker and Owner Amy Connors. Amy Connors: Are you tired of take-out or frozen pizza that makes you feel bad? Have you tried making healthier pizza at home, only to be disappointed? The reason could be your dough. At Quail Street, we believe better pizza starts with better dough. With premium ingredients and perfectly portioned dough, we make it simple to create restaurant-quality pizza at home — whether it’s for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Pizza nights with Quail Street dough are about more than just food; they’re about sharing meaningful moments over a meal made with care. If you’re looking for restaurant-quality pizza at home that you don’t have to make from scratch, give us a try. You can find our dough

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over twenty years, the Women’s Business Center of Utah has helped women build confidence, create opportunities and succeed in business. Their 2023-2024 Annual Report shows a record year of impact, detailing milestones and success stories for Utah’s women entrepreneurs. Here with more is State Director Ann Marie Wallace. Ann Marie Wallace: Utah has one of the most dynamic business communities in the country, with talented women leading in every industry. At WBCUtah, we’re proud that our 2023-2024 Annual Report reflects more than just the numbers; it represents dreams fulfilled, jobs created and communities strengthened. This year’s milestones include new state funding that helped expand our team and launch outreach efforts, resulting in a major increase in women served. We launched the WBCUtah Online Academy, featuring 14 self-paced courses and introduced digital tools that improved by efficiency and the client experience. Plus, we partnered with rural chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Salt & Honey Market is a proudly female-run marketplace with a mission to support creatives in building their small businesses. Since 2015, Salt & Honey has showcased over 250 rotating vendors, featuring locally crafted goods from talented artists, designers, and makers. Designer and Co-owner Ashely Collett joins us with more. Ashley Collett: Salt & Honey Market's mission is to champion local designers, artisans, and small businesses by providing a vibrant retail space where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. We believe that supporting local talent enriches our community and strengthens the economy. Our curated selection features a unique range of independently produced goods, from handcrafted art and gourmet food to stylish home decor and sustainable vintage finds. Each product reflects our commitment to quality and social consciousness, allowing customers to shop with purpose. Through our ever-changing assortment, we inspire discovery and encourage our comm

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Anderson CRG, a full service Commercial Real Estate Company, was named one of the Top 10 Brokerage firms by a leading property reporting service. They specialize in sourcing, negotiating, and managing commercial real estate transactions. Here with more is President and Principal Broker, Jon Anderson. Jon Anderson: Utah’s commercial real estate presence is on the rise. The Wasatch Front has a limited amount of land available for development between the mountains and the lakes. That’s where Anderson CRG comes in as a leader in packaging, sourcing and negotiating purchases and leases on land and developed commercial properties. Anderson CRG serves the needs of buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants in all property types, including retail, industrial, office, land and investment. Currently, our largest client is Quick Quack Car Wash. We have secured all of their locations in Utah and in several nearby states and have consistently ranked at or near the top of Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm representing clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses and individuals. Partner at the Salt Lake City office, Leeza Evensen joins us with more. Leeza Evensen: In 2024, Utah was recognized as the best state to start a business. At Snell & Wilmer, we are proud to be part of this vibrant business community. Our 50 plus attorneys in Salt Lake City are here to support Utah growth, from real estate and zoning to acquisitions and finance. We work with all kinds of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, publicly-traded corporations, emerging businesses, and entrepreneurs. At Snell & Wilmer, we also believe in giving back, supporting nonprofits like House of Hope, The Sharing Place, Fourth Street Clinic, and Wasatch Community Gardens. Our commitment extends to providing pro bono services to those in need. We are proud to host workshops on key topics for business ow

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2016, San Diablo Artisan Churros has taken a beloved Mexican tradition and made it a gourmet experience in Utah and beyond. Their mission is simple: create the best food experience through innovative churros that surprise, delight, and fill lives with happiness. Here’s CEO Scott Porter with more. Scott Porter: At San Diablo Artisan Churros, we’re passionate about more than just food — we’re passionate about people. Our gourmet, fresh-filled churros bring happiness through unforgettable food experiences. It all started for me in the street stands of Mexico City. Now we create churros on demand that are filled with things like dulce de leche, Nutella and amazing seasonal flavors. We believe in interaction, not just transaction. For us, we’re all about filling lives with happiness – one churro at a time. From catering weddings and parties to our churro-making kits as awesome corporate gifts, we pride ourselves on delivering a unique churro experience with

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2019, 39C Design has partnered with inspiring organizations of all sizes to create standout branding and packaging. From nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, 39C Design consistently delivers creative solutions that captivate and make a lasting impact. Designer and Owner Kelly Croop joins us with more. Kelly Croop: At 39C Design, our approach is simple: Create branding and packaging designed to thrive in the wild. As the founder and freelance graphic designer behind the company, I am passionate about partnering with businesses in the outdoor industry, whether that’s reimagining the gear you bring or the food you pack. Just like you, we value our craft by caring about the details, so your vision comes to life through clean, yet engaging designs. As an extension of your team, we’re here to get you to your goals faster – by bringing a fresh perspective to the table and a versatile design skillset. We partner with businesses big and small to innovate their

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For almost seven years, Expedition HR has offered human resources consulting solutions to Utah businesses that either do not have an in-house HR team or have a team that lacks experience. Here with more is CEO and Lead Consultant Jill Shroyer. Jill Shroyer: At Expedition HR, our goal is simple: to help you master what you don’t know about human resources, while giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on growing your business. We specialize in helping businesses without dedicated HR teams build a strong HR foundation and navigate tough workplace conversations with confidence. We do this through our HR Subscription, which is like having a Director of HR on-call, our HR Jumpstart program, an 8-week HR Generalist training, and our signature leadership training, Navigating Tough Conversations, which empowers business leaders and employees to tackle difficult discussions head-on, without feeling like a jerk. We do not offer in-house recruiting services or HR a

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With more than 50 years of expertise, Squire has grown to be one of Utah’s fastest-growing, locally-owned accounting firms. Known for delivering smart financial solutions, they’re also recognized for their commitment to the communities they serve. Here’s CEO Jonyce Bullock to share more. Jonyce Bullock: At Squire, accounting is the heart of what we do. We take the time to understand our clients’ businesses, ensuring that the financial services we offer are tailored to meet their unique needs and goals. But for us, it’s not just about serving clients. It’s about making a lasting impact in the communities where we live, work and play. One of our proudest partnerships is with United Way. Each year, our team comes together for their Day of Caring, volunteering to support local causes. We’re also involved in their Sub for Santa program, where we’ve helped provide gifts for nearly 60 children in just the last three years, brightening their holidays. This partner

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Big-D Construction is committed to creating a safe workspace for all its employees, focusing on both physical and mental well-being. With a unique approach, Big-D is working to make a difference. Senior Benefits Specialist Marissa Gray joins us with more. Marissa Gray: At Big-D Construction, we recognize that the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among all workforces. That’s why we prioritize the mental well-being of our employees alongside physical safety. We accomplish this through the promotion and education of our Employee Assistance Program, coaching, virtual therapy services, positive messaging from company leadership, policies that promote mental well-being, and suicide prevention training for leaders, supervisors and managers. Big-D also works in partnership with the Utah Suicide Prevention Committee and Coalition through their workplace workgroup. Private businesses, together with public partners, offer information and training

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Fidelity National Title National Commercial Services is the largest title insurance company in America and has expanded into the Salt Lake City market. Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales Ronda Landa joins us to share more about what this means for Utah’s real estate industry. Ronda Landa: At Fidelity National Title, we provide comprehensive title insurance services for commercial real estate transactions in Utah and nationwide. Our local team of experts works across all sectors – whether it’s power and energy projects, office buildings, industrial parks, multifamily housing, LIHTC or retail properties, we’ve got it covered. Our services include title searches, escrow, underwriting, and closing coordination, all handled with meticulous care to ensure seamless, complex transactions. We’re proud to be more than just a service provider — we’re active participants in the growth of Salt Lake City. Beyond delivering high-quality services, we are committed to th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2012, the Utah Clean Air Partnership, or UCAIR, has been at the forefront of improving Utah’s air quality. By empowering others to take action, UCAIR is driving meaningful change for cleaner, healthier air across the state. Executive Director Lindsie Smith joins us with more. Lindsie Smith: UCAIR is dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and communities make small changes to improve Utah’s air. Every small change contributes to a bigger, positive impact. UCAIR accomplishes our work through educational programs and messaging campaigns, grants that support innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships with a broad network of organizations. While Utah’s air quality has improved over the last 30 years, we still have work to do to reduce emissions that lead to winter inversions and summertime ozone. In Salt Lake County, our homes and our cars account for roughly 70 percent of the emissions that negatively impact air quality. This means that we, as in