Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Bridges Language Institute provides dynamic, immersive language education for all levels. Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, their experienced instructors are there to guide you every step of the way. Owner Shauna Carroll, joins us with more. Shauna Carroll: At Bridges Language Institute, we provide on-site English and Spanish language training for businesses. With the growing need for bilingual communication, we help companies improve team collaboration, customer service and productivity. The best part is that we partner with the state to offer reimbursement for the training costs, making it a cost-effective way to invest in your employees. Not only does this strengthen their skills, but it also shows how much you value their growth, reflecting a progressive, culturally aware company. Our programs are tailored to your employees' needs, ensuring the training directly applies to their roles. With an emphasis on real-world communication an

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. AT&T is providing first responders nationwide with the dependable support they need during their most critical moments. Mountain & Desert States President for AT&T, Tara Thue, joins us with more. Tara Thue: While you know AT&T, you might not know about FirstNet, built with AT&T. FirstNet is the only nationwide communications network built with and for public safety – with a set of specialized, innovative tools, technologies and features specifically designed for public safety. And it takes an incredible team to make it work. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on someone who truly embodies the spirit of service – Jeff Bassett. Jeff plays a critical role with FirstNet, ensuring that first responders have the reliable, cutting-edge communication tools they need in the field. Most recently, Jeff’s leadership was on full display when he traveled to California to assist with the devastating fires, working alongside first responders to ensure critical communications

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Chartway is a 3 billion dollar credit union that serves 260,000 members. Through its new business banking services and 16 million dollars in grants by the Chartway Promise Foundation, Chartway is making a community impact. Senior Vice President of Utah, Nick Whiting, joins us with more. Nick Whiting: We’re proud of the Chartway Promise Foundation, our charitable arm, dedicated to supporting medically fragile children and their families. This year, we mark a milestone — 20 years of bringing joy, hope, and smiles to children through memorable experiences — whether it’s granting a child’s wish, providing hospital care packages, or partnering with local nonprofits. This month, you can make a difference by joining us at a series of fundraising and awareness events. Learn more at chartwaypromisefoundation.org. In addition to the foundation, Chartway also serves the small business community with a full range of business banking services. From cash management and mer

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Recognized with numerous accolades for exceptional service to both customers and employees, U.S. Bank is dedicated to helping individuals across the United States manage their finances, investments, and everyday banking needs. West Regional Executive, Brittany Westover, joins us with more. Brittany Westover: U.S. Bank serves customers and companies around the world and has been right here in Utah for the last 30 years. We’re not just a bank – we’re part of the community, committed to building meaningful, long-term relationships. Hundreds of us live, work, and volunteer in the area. We support local businesses. We’re invested in helping Utah grow and succeed. I think our clients see that. They often talk about their high level of trust in us and how secure they feel having U.S. Bank as their financial partner. We were recently named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. We work to earn those distinctions ev

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s life sciences industry is a key driver of our state’s economy, and BioUtah serves as its dedicated trade association — working to ensure the state remains a leader in life sciences innovation. President and CEO, Kelvyn Cullimore, joins us with more. Kelvyn Cullimore: As one of the fastest-growing biotech hubs in the nation, Utah’s life sciences industry generates over 22 billion dollars in GDP, 182,000 jobs and wages at nearly 50 percent higher than the state average. This industry is comprised of medical device and diagnostic manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, medical labs, and research facilities, whose products touch millions of patients each year and help fuel the Utah economy. BioUtah members include medical device manufacturers like Merit Medical, BD, Stryker and Fresenius; medical laboratories like ARUP and Nelson Labs; and pharmaceutical developers Teva, Denali, and Halia Therapeutics, among many others. Utah punches well above its weight

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1966 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Repertory Dance Theatre has been dedicated to creating, performing, and sharing the art of modern dance. As a repertory company, they keep modern dance alive and accessible. Marketing and PR Director, Stephanie Shiozaki, joins us with more. Stephanie Shiozaki: Repertory Dance Theatre is proud to be a cornerstone of Utah’s vibrant artistic community. Known worldwide for our collection of modern dance treasures, RDT is both a museum and a contemporary gallery — honoring the past while embracing the future. From the pioneers of modern dance to today’s boldest choreographers, we preserve one of the largest collections of dance classics in the world. Beyond the stage, RDT is deeply committed to education and community outreach. Through lectures, open rehearsals, teacher workshops, and year-round classes, we aim to ignite the creative voice in people of all ages. From our home at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, we pro

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 140 years, Parsons Behle & Latimer has challenged the status quo – finding better, more efficient ways to practice law. They’re known for putting their clients first, even if it means taking a different approach. Chairman and CEO, Shawn Ferrin, joins us with more. Shawn Ferrin: Headquartered in Salt Lake City since 1882, Parsons Behle & Latimer offers more than 200 attorneys across five states within the Intermountain Region – including more than 140 attorneys in Utah – to help clients achieve their business goals and legal objectives. As the largest Utah-based law firm, Parsons focuses on responsiveness, efficiency and developing a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. We represent our clients’ legal interests in nearly every area, including corporate, tax, litigation, environmental, real estate, employment, finance, and intellectual property. For the past decade through today, Parsons has experienced record growth with a client-first appro

As a global expert in high-performance business growth, a New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world's top ten motivational speakers, Dan Clark has inspired leaders worldwide. He’s dedicated to strengthening Utah’s workforce and supporting local businesses. Dan Clark, joins us with more. Dan Clark: In my 35-year career, I’ve delivered over 5,500 speeches in 75 countries, working with Fortune 500 companies, Super Bowl champions, military commands, and the United Nations. But my greatest satisfaction comes from working with Utah businesses like L3 Communications, The Buckner Company, Maverik, IMC, Rio Tinto, NuSkin, Stein Eriksen Lodge, the Association of General Contractors, Utah Bankers Association, and many many more incredible organizations! My expertise is resetting organizational cultures to peak performance — redefining what’s possible, igniting resilience, strengthening teamwork, and accelerating growth through change. My 3-step strategy teaches: “Every culture is created between the st

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Eclair French Pastry has been delighting the Salt Lake Valley with their signature eclairs for over five years. With locations in Sandy and now City Creek, they’re making it easier than ever to enjoy their delicious treats. Managing Partner, Jacque Newman, joins us with more. Jacque Newman: At Eclair French Pastry, we’re passionate about creating classic French desserts that bring a little indulgence to your day. Since opening over five years ago, we’ve been proud to serve the Salt Lake Valley with handcrafted pastries made fresh daily. From rich, creamy éclairs to delicate macarons, buttery croissants and elegant fruit tarts, every treat is made with care, using only the highest quality ingredients. We believe dessert should be an experience — something that delights your senses and brings a moment of joy. That’s why everything we make is rooted in tradition, crafted by hand and beautifully presented. With our original location in Sandy and our newest spot at

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. IMA Financial Group is a leading provider of insurance and risk management, committed to protecting assets and driving growth for businesses across Utah and beyond. Vice President of Employee Benefits, Miles Romney joins us with more. Miles Romney: At IMA Financial Group, we empower Utah businesses with customized solutions to exceed their property and casualty insurance, employee benefits and 401(k) retirement needs. Our mission is to guide our clients through complex risks using personalized strategies, blending local expertise with extensive national resources. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, we transform risks into opportunities for sustainable growth. Recognized as one of Utah’s fastest-growing insurance firms, we've successfully supported businesses across diverse industries, from start-up to IPO and beyond. Our dedicated team takes pride in delivering proactive guidance and innovative solutions. Our deep commitment to Utah’s vibrant business co

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since opening in 2023, Lucero Hair and Wellness has quickly become one of Salt Lake City’s premier hair studios. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere it provides a great place to feel your best. Owner and Cutting Specialist, Joshua Lucero, joins us with more. Joshua Lucero: At Lucero Hair and Wellness, we believe that great hair starts with great people. That’s why we’re more than just a salon — we’re a community built around education, growth and genuine connection. We offer a structured level system for our stylists, ensuring they can build careers they love while providing exceptional service at a range of price points to accommodate all budgets. Being inclusive means we serve all people, with or without hair. Our team benefits from continued education, quarterly coaching and an annual retreat — all designed to help them thrive creatively and professionally. We’re also big on visibility and support. Through social media marketing and community involvem

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1980, ACE Recycling and Disposal has been redefining the waste industry in Utah. They are committed to providing clean, efficient and eco-friendly waste services tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs. General Manager, Isaac Leituala, joins us with more. Isaac Leituala: At ACE Recycling and Disposal, we began with just one garbage truck, and over the years, we've grown into a family of businesses providing comprehensive services, such as compacting for large waste producers, transfer logistics and secure document destruction. Today, we proudly serve over one million customers weekly. But ACE is more than just a waste service company — we’re a dedicated community partner. Through initiatives like the "Truth About Recycling in Utah" campaign, where we educate and inspire local communities to adopt sustainable practices. With over 45 years of experience, ACE leads the way in offering innovative solutions that reduce landfill waste and improve effici

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1989, Hadco Construction has been providing development support to home and commercial builders across Utah. By focusing on strong relationships with their customers, they are committed to delivering excellence in every project. President John Hadfield joins us with more. John Hadfield: Hadco Construction is a locally-owned and operated horizontal construction company. Simply put, we work in the dirt. We believe in people. With an employee base of 900 across the Wasatch Front and beyond, we tackle projects in residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. One of our mottos is, We work for customers and not jobs. This belief underlines our commitment to relationships over transactions. Our core values of Hardwork, Reliability, Safety and Pride — guide us in creating our own luck and ensuring our clients receive the best service tailored to their needs. At Hadco Construction, we’re not just doing business; we're fostering community and bui

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. As one of this year's Utah 100 Companies Championing Women, the Utah Manufactures Association is proud to support the women driving innovation, leadership and progress in the manufacturing sector. Vice President of Member Affairs, Megan Ware joins us with more. Megan Ware: This year, Utah Manufactures Association hosted the 3rd annual Women in Manufacturing Conference, bringing together over 200 attendees for insightful sessions and workshops. The energy and passion in the room highlighted the vital role women play in Utah’s manufacturing industry. A key event highlight was the ForgeHER Awards, recognizing outstanding women leaders in manufacturing. These awards celebrate women excelling in their careers while paving the way for future leaders. Their resilience, innovation and leadership are shaping the future of manufacturing. Since 2018, over 11,000 women have joined Utah’s manufacturing workforce, demonstrating the talent and leadership potential of women in

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1997, Envision Utah has been helping residents shape a better future for themselves and generations to come. By bringing communities together, they create thriving, welcoming and sustainable places to live and grow. CEO Ari Bruening joins us with more. Ari Bruening: Being one of the fastest-growing states in the country comes with a lot of challenges — from housing to water to education and so much more. Envision Utah began as a group project to deal with these. 28 years later, we still believe that if we come together to really understand our challenges — and understand each other — we can build a great future. There are a lot of questions we’re all going to have to answer together over the coming years: like how do we build enough new homes without giving up the great outdoors we love? Or how do we use water in the best ways so that we have enough for people, for food and for our lakes and rivers? What does the future of education need to look like to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2015, The Other Side Academy has been transforming lives through a free, long-term residential program. With a focus on vocational training, personal growth, and a strong, supportive community, they are creating lasting change. Executive Director, Dave Durocher, joins us with more. Dave Durocher: At The Other Side Academy, we believe in real results — not quick fixes. We’re a free, 30-month life skills and vocational training school where men and women rebuild their lives at no cost. No government funding. No insurance. No shortcuts. Just hard work, accountability and real transformation. While our program requires a 2.5-year commitment, students can stay as long as needed for lasting success. Our students don’t just get sober — they rebuild their character, integrity and work ethic from the ground up. I know it works because I’m proof. I was in prison four times, facing 22 years, when I got a second chance. Now, I lead an organization where over 80 per

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Lecticon is a training company that helps businesses develop effective new hire training. By providing ongoing support for personal and professional growth, they help businesses thrive and achieve long-term success. Chief Executive Officer, Ted Paulsen, joins us with more. Ted Paulsen: At Lecticon Learning and Development, we believe that how you train new hires sets the stage for long-term success. That’s why we specialize in building customized new hire training programs that equip new employees with the tools they need to excel from day one. But we don’t stop there. We also provide ongoing personal growth and professional development training designed to keep teams aligned, engaged and thriving. Our approach enhances workplace culture by focusing on well-being and promoting continuous learning, which translates into happier, more productive teams. We are especially proud to support the long-term care industry, where ongoing training is essential to maint

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. PIKO Mexican Grill puts a fun twist on traditional Mexican flavors. Nestled in downtown Salt Lake, it’s not your usual Mexican spot — PIKO is all about redefining the flavors you love with something fresh and exciting. Owner and Founder, Kasandra Galindo, joins us with more. Kasandra Galindo: At PIKO Mexican Grill, we believe great food brings people together. Our menu blends traditional flavors with a twist, like birria tacos and beer-battered chile relleno made with Kiitos beer. Even our name is a playful nod to tradition, with a “K” honoring my first initial. One of our most popular dishes is Victor’s Famous Tamales, a tribute to my roots and the recipes that started it all. My mom’s tamales, served at Victor’s Restaurant attached to my dad’s tire shop, are iconic, and we’re proud to share them at PIKO. We support local businesses like Salted Roots and Kiitos Brewing, adding even more local flavor to our menu. As a woman-led business, I’m proud to create

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Circles Salt Lake has a mission to reduce poverty throughout Salt Lake County by building bridges of friendship and community. These connections support individuals and families on their journey from merely surviving to truly thriving. Executive Director and Regional Coach, Michelle Crawford, joins us with more. Michelle Crawford: At Circles Salt Lake, we believe no one should face poverty alone. We bring together people working to escape poverty and those eager to help, fostering real, supportive relationships that lead to lasting change. Since 2017, we’ve been building a community where individuals don’t just make it through but truly flourish. It’s about self-sufficiency and, just as importantly, social capital. When people feel seen, heard and supported, they can achieve their goals. We are proud to be a part of a statewide movement focused on lifting each other up. Poverty isn’t just an individual problem; it’s a community challenge. Together, we can end

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. TSA Architects is a team of healthcare design experts committed to creating spaces that enhance healing and efficiency. Specializing in healthcare and veteran-focused projects, they guide clients through every phase – from planning to execution. Founder and President Tracy Stocking joins us with more. Tracy Stocking: At TSA Architects, we design patient- and staff-centered spaces that support the missions of healthcare providers across Utah and beyond. Our innovative functional and compassionate designs have earned the trust of top healthcare organizations, with hundreds of projects spanning diverse clinical specialties. We’re proud to have worked with Intermountain Health on the new McKay-Dee Hospital Cancer Center, with the University of Utah on a masterplan for their new West Valley Hospital, and with CommonSpirit Health on several Women’s Center transformations. We’re also designing a new Emergency Department for the VA Medical Center here in Salt Lake. Add