Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Alzheimer’s Association is on a mission to end Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia. They’re leading global research, pushing for early detection and raising awareness about risk reduction — all while providing quality care and support. Executive Director, Stacie Kulp, joins us with more. Stacie Kulp: At the Alzheimer’s Association, we know how overwhelming this disease can be — not just for those diagnosed, but for the families and friends who support them. Alzheimer’s is the 7th-leading cause of death in America and the only major disease without a cure or prevention. In Utah, more than 38,000 people live with Alzheimer’s, and 112,000 loved ones provide unpaid care. The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. We offer free resources, education and support to families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's and related dementias. Our 24/7 Helpline, staffed with trained professionals, can answer questions, direct you to local resources and offer guidan

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Hank's Garage is a premier event venue where vintage charm meets modern elegance. They feature classic cars, exposed steel beams and aged brickwork, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Even if you don’t like cars, you’ll love this place. Owner and Operator, Wes Johnson, joins us with more. Wes Johnson: Hank’s Garage is a very cool new venue located in North Salt Lake – only 10 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and even closer to the International Airport. Our prime location ensures easy access for local and out-of-town guests as we are very conveniently located with absolutely no traffic, unlimited free parking and unmatched privacy. We feature over 60 meticulously maintained classic and vintage vehicles on display. The gleaming chrome, polished leather and historic charm create an atmosphere like no other. Beyond the cars, Hank's Garage is a turn-key, all-inclusive event center, meaning there's no additional charge for tables, chairs, PA systems, stage

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With over thirty years of experience, Team Nash provides competitive Health, Life, and Disability products. Focused on exceptional customer care, they help individuals find tailored products that meet their unique needs. Owner and Agent, Celia Nash, joins us with more. Celia Nash: At Team Nash, we know that great benefits help businesses thrive. Since 1989, we’ve partnered with Utah companies to design employee benefits packages that attract talent, retain employees, and support teams. From medical and dental to vision, disability, and beyond, we tailor plans to fit each business’s unique needs — without the one-size-fits-all approach of larger firms. As a woman-owned agency with offices in Salt Lake City and Park City, we take a personal, hands-on approach to insurance. We believe benefits should work for both the employers and employees, so we educate, advocate, and simplify the process. That way, business owners can focus on running their companies while empl

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For three decades, Salt Lake Running Company has provided Utah with quality gear for everything from running to everyday comfort, offering top-tier equipment and supportive shoes for any activity. Founder and CEO, Guy Perry, joins us with more. Guy Perry: Salt Lake Running Company is celebrating its 30th anniversary. We are passionate about helping people live movement-inspired lives and supporting our active community. The Salt Lake Running Company staff are extensively trained to provide custom shoe fittings and assist in selecting the right gear to help people have their best workout. We also help people get into comfortable shoes who work on their feet all day or are traveling. Salt Lake Running Company’s award-winning customer service is supported by a free rewards program, seminars, clinics and shoe demo events to help educate and empower people to move their bodies. We love to see all kinds of people! It’s inspiring to connect with people no matter w

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Kaddas Enterprises is a second generation family business specializing in thermoformed plastic manufacturing. Their innovative products help protect power infrastructure from animal-related outages, ensuring a stronger and more reliable energy grid. CFO and General Counsel, John Adams, joins us with more. John Adams: At Kaddas Enterprises, we’re proving that industry and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Our goal is simple: keep power reliable while protecting wildlife. Since animal interactions cause 20 percent of all power outages in the United States, we’re on a mission to eliminate these disruptions worldwide. We’ve grown rapidly over the past five years, investing in cutting-edge equipment and building a skilled team to keep up with demand. As a proud U.S. manufacturer, all our products are made in Salt Lake City using raw materials from Pennsylvania. Our in-house design and development team works closely with power utilities to create inno

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over a century, Utah Food Bank has been fighting hunger across all 29 counties, making sure Utahns in need don’t go without nutritious meals and essential support. President and CEO, Ginette Bott, joins us with more. Ginette Bott: Right now, 415,000 Utahns — including 1 in 6 kids — are at risk of missing a meal, and Utah Food Bank is here to help. We work tirelessly to ensure Utahns facing food insecurity get the support they need. As Utah’s only Feeding America affiliate, we partner with over 270 agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and schools, all to distribute food free of charge. Last year, thanks to generous community support, we provided 65.5 million pounds of food — equal to 54.6 million meals — through our state network, our partner agencies and programs like Kids Cafe, Mobile School Pantry, and Food Box deliveries for seniors all help. We couldn’t do this without support from the community. Every 1 dollar donated turns into 7.80 dollar

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Every great business has a story – one that connects, inspires and moves people to action. And bringing those stories to life is what Avalanche Studios does best. President Dave Lindsay joins us with more. Dave Lindsay: When a business tries to sell a product, attract new customers, train their staff, or recruit employees, they’re really just telling a story. At Avalanche Studios, we use the power of video to help businesses make those stories unforgettable. We create commercials, branding videos, marketing materials and other content for websites, training and events. And we take care of the entire process, from script to screen. We develop the concept, write the script, hire actors, scout locations and film cinematic visuals. Then we bring it all together with expert editing, sound design, music, graphics, effects and narration to create compelling content. For over 25 years, many companies have trusted us to tell their stories – Companies like Comcast, Instr

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Brighton Bank has been a trusted partner in the Wasatch Front since 1978. With a commitment to integrity, dedication and exceptional service, they offer personalized care to meet the unique needs of each customer. President and CEO, Bruce Ashcroft, joins us with more. Bruce Ashcroft: At Brighton Bank, we provide personalized care to each customer. Unlike larger institutions, we specialize in supporting small businesses with tailored financial solutions that cater to their unique needs. With over 300 million dollars in assets and 5 convenient locations, we combine the reach and capabilities of big banks with the warmth and care of a small-town institution. Beyond banking, we’re committed to strengthening our local communities through donations to organizations like Primary Children’s Hospital and supporting local events such as Cottonwood Heights Butlerville Days. Our community involvement is an integral part of our mission to build lasting relationships. At Br

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Slalom is a business and technology consulting firm with 52 offices in 12 countries. Founded in 2001, Slalom opened their Salt Lake City office in 2020 and is proud to have served Utah for the past 5 years. Director of Sales, Brian Ware, joins us with more. Brian Ware: Every day, Slalom works at the forefront of industry, combining our deep roots in technology and data, to help our customers tackle challenges, improve operations, and drive sustainable growth. We make it a point to understand our customer’s culture, goals, organization, and their customers, and work with them as a trusted advisor, respectful challenger, and unwavering champion. For more than 20 years, we've sought out and made strategic investments in the world’s emerging and leading technology platforms – including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Snowflake, and more. Our relationships with these innovators is built on mutual trust and respect, and has cemented our position as a premier (and

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 150 years, Canada has had no closer friend and ally than the United States. At home and abroad, we work together to make our citizens' lives safer and more prosperous. Consul General, Sylvain Fabi, joins us with more. Sylvain Fabi: The Consulate General, based in Denver, is responsible for strengthening Canada’s ties with Utah and the Mountain West Region. Our Trade team works with Canadian companies to help them successfully enter the Utah market with their product or service, and with Utah companies looking to invest in Canada. We have several industry priority sectors – including energy, clean technology, aerospace, information technology, and agriculture – where we work with our Canadian businesses to understand the local market and find partners, opportunities, and potential clients. Canada and Utah share a mutually beneficial trading relationship, with the Beehive State exporting 1.5 billion dollars in goods and nearly 700 million dollars in se

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Mountain Valley Recovery is a nine-to-twelve-month program designed to help men overcome addiction. By providing real-world skills and ongoing support, they guide individuals toward lasting recovery, setting them up for a purposeful and successful future. Network and Outreach Specialist, Murdock Sanderson, joins us with more. Murdock Sanderson: At Mountain Valley Recovery, we specialize in assisting those battling with substance abuse and mental health issues to confront their challenges directly and live with integrity. Our long-term approach focuses on trauma-informed therapy, job training, and a strong support system to promote lasting recovery and personal growth. What sets us apart? Our clients gain hands-on experience by working on a full-functioning ranch, learning valuable trade skills, and engaging in equine therapy. We don’t just focus on sobriety — we help men rebuild their lives with purpose, independence, and confidence. Many graduates leave with rene

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. A strong workforce starts with the right training, and Mountainland Technical College has been equipping students with that foundation since 1989. With hands-on learning and industry-aligned programs, MTECH prepares students to excel in high-demand careers. College President, Clay Christensen, joins us with more. Clay Christensen: At Mountainland Technical College, we don’t just train students — we build Utah’s workforce. As a proud partner of the Salt Lake Chamber, we share a commitment to strengthening Utah’s economy by equipping students with the skills employers need most. Our graduates don’t just fill positions - they fuel business growth. Each MTECH graduate generates an average of 265,000 dollars per year in economic output, and for every tax dollar invested in an MTECH student, the state receives a 142 dollar return in economic activity – year after year. Our industry-driven curriculum, employer partnerships and hands-on training ensure that MTECH grad

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Project Connection, a local nonprofit, was founded on the belief that connection is essential for mental health. They provide mental health services that improve well-being and foster resilience. Director of Development and Community Engagement, Jennifer Holmberg, joins us with more about their efforts. Jennifer Holmberg: Did you know that the number of young adults in Utah experiencing poor mental health has more than doubled in the last decade? According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah ranks 11th for mental disorders, 3rd for serious mental illnesses and 4th for adults with serious thoughts of suicide. Project Connection is addressing this critical crisis by improving access to quality mental health care and offering innovative, community-based support services in Salt Lake County. We believe that connection builds resilience, and together, we can make a real, lasting difference in mental health for our community and beyond. With support from donat

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Copper makes the technological world go round. Few produce more of it than Rio Tinto Kennecott. A staple of Utah life for decades, the mine has also made a major impact on Utah’s business world. Managing Director Nate Foster tells us more. Nate Foster: For 122 years, Rio Tinto Kennecott has been a cornerstone of Utah life, providing generations of Utahns with fulfilling careers while striving to be good corporate citizens through responsible environmental measures. As one of the nation’s top copper producers, our work powers essential technologies such as electrical wiring, cell phones, computers, electric vehicles and more. As a critical resource, copper plays a key role in shaping our economic future, making our mission even more vital to the prosperity of Utah and the U.S. We also have a deep commitment to safety at our operations and being good neighbors in our beautiful community. We donate water to the Great Salt Lake annually, and are advancing sustainab

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. When you fill a glass of water, do you think about where it came from, how far it traveled or what it took to get there? The staff at Central Utah Water Conservancy District does, ensuring clean water for all Utahns. General Manager, Gene Shawcroft, joins us with more. Gene Shawcroft: Water is essential for life, and its availability requires careful planning long before it’s needed in a community. Central Utah Water’s mission is to develop, conserve and deliver clean water to customers across seven counties. We manage more than 180 miles of canals, tunnels and pipelines, treating over 100 million gallons of water daily. Much of our infrastructure is underground, but reservoirs visibly store water for future needs. We are constantly monitoring the environment, preparing for extreme weather scenarios that may impact water supplies. With 62 percent of Utah’s population living in our service area, our commitment is to provide a reliable, safe water supply both no

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2020, Friends of the Children Utah has been breaking cycles of poverty through long-term, one-on-one mentoring. Their professional mentors support children from kindergarten to high school, currently serving 300 individuals, including 62 enrolled youth and their families. Executive Director, Kelsey Lewis, joins us with more. Kelsey Lewis: At Friends - Utah, we know there are no short-term fixes for children living with multiple generational risk factors. Our evidence-based approach breaks cycles of poverty and adversity by moving the mentoring relationship beyond the volunteer realm. We pair children aged four to six with dedicated, full-time paid professional mentors we call “Friends”. Friends build strong, lasting relationships with children facing the biggest challenges, offering consistent, one-on-one support from kindergarten all the way through high school graduation. That’s 12 years, no matter what. Friends help children develop essential life skills

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For 25 years, Lloyd Architects has been creating sustainable homes and buildings across Utah, from Bear Lake to St. George. Their projects, ranging from private residences to public spaces, focus on simplicity and thoughtful design. Founding Partner, Warren Lloyd, joins us with more. Warren Lloyd: Utah isn’t just a pretty great state — it’s home. Our growing communities thrive in the beauty of our mountains, canyons, and valleys, and at Lloyd Architects, we’re committed to designing spaces that enhance how people live and connect. My team and I bring problem-solving and design expertise to energy-efficient housing, including shelter for those emerging from homelessness. We’re proud to be one of the architects of The Other Side Village, creating deeply affordable housing on Salt Lake’s west side. In 2023, I had the honor of leading the American Institute of Architects Custom Residential Architects Network. We welcomed over 200 architects from across the count

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. What started nearly 60 years ago as a small family business has grown into a well-known brand across the state. Western Nut Company specializes in small-batch roasted gourmet nuts and snacks, using high-quality ingredients to ensure freshness in every product. Chief Experience Officer, Sarah Adamson, joins us with more. Sarah Adamson: Nuts make the perfect gift and an unbeatable snack — delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor. At Western Nut Company, we’ve been roasting premium nuts to perfection since 1966. What started as a passion for quality quickly grew into a beloved tradition, offering customers the freshest, most flavorful nuts, brittles, fudges, and snack mixes. In 2018, three brothers, Darin, Lee, and Loren Mercer took over the business, continuing the legacy of founders Wellington McDonald and Helen Bean. As a proud, family-owned company, we take great pride in small-batch roasting at our Salt Lake City facility, ensuring every product meets our hi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1908, the Utah Bankers Association represents Utah's banking sector. They advocate for their members and offer resources to help banks deliver exceptional services. President and CEO, Howard Headlee, joins us with more. Howard Headlee: Utah is the 5th largest banking state in the country, with over a trillion dollars in assets in state headquartered banks – a stat that may surprise you. Financial services is the largest sector of our state’s economy, driving growth, innovation, and prosperity. Utah’s strong and fair regulatory environment makes this a prime destination for financial institutions, fostering competition, innovation, and economic expansion. Banks do more than hold your money – they fuel economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve lives. Yes, your money’s always available when you need it, but in the meantime your banker invests in the community through loans to small businesses, homeownership, and affordable housing. At th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1973, VCBO Architecture has grown to become one of the top design firms in the western United States. Committed to community-driven design, the VCBO team thrives on projects with an impact. Principal architect Brent Tippets joins us with more. Brent Tippets: VCBO’s mission is to create spaces for people to thrive. From Salt Lake City’s iconic library to the new Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi, our work celebrates the communities we serve. Nothing demonstrates this more than the Marshall N. White Community Center in Ogden. Originally built in 1968, this beloved center honors Marshall White, a veteran, mentor, civil rights leader, and police officer killed in the line of duty. Over the past 50 years, the center has served a historically Black and Latino neighborhood, becoming a cherished gathering place engrained in the public memory. Guided by community input, we worked with Ogden City to design a replacement twice the size of the original, revitalized