Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One Kind Act a Day is an inspiring movement dedicated to making kindness a daily habit. By engaging individuals, organizations and communities, it develops meaningful programs and resources that foster compassion, connection and a more unified world. Executive Director Curtis Bennett joins us with more. Curtis Benett: At its core, One Kind Act a Day believes that simple, intentional acts of kindness can ripple outward, creating a more compassionate and connected world. Through collaborations with schools, businesses, government agencies, religious and community organizations, One Kind Act a Day develops programs and resources that embed kindness into everyday life. These include tailor-made kindness curricula, interactive workshops, public art projects, and recognition programs such as the “Certified School of Kindness” and “Certified City of Kindness” designations. One Kind Act a Day also amplifies the impact of kindness through social campaigns, corporate

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Huggabuddies was created to bring extra comfort into people’s lives. With cozy, high-quality plush companions, each purchase supports sustainable practices — and for every Buddie sold, one is donated to someone in need, spreading warmth and joy to communities everywhere. Owner and Designer Megan Nelson joins us with more. Megan Nelson: In today’s screen-filled world, kids crave comfort and love, and parents need trusted solutions to provide it. HuggaBuddies are weighted emotional support plushies designed to help you bond with your child while they bond with their Buddie. Founded just over a year ago, our company draws upon my mother’s four decades of experience crafting meaningful creations for her six children and 25 grandchildren. I author our value-driven bedtime storybooks, while she illustrates them, bringing the characters to life through thoughtfully designed weighted plushies, minky blankets, and premium comfort toys. What began as a family project h

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. “Hugo Coffee” combines exceptional coffee with a passion for saving animals. Every purchase supports local rescues and shelters, turning your morning cup of coffee into a meaningful impact for pets in need. Founder and CEO Claudia McMillin joins us with more. Claudia McMillin: In 1999, I left my Wall Street law firm job and moved to Park City, Utah, seeking a new path and career. In so doing, I served on the Summit County Council for 2 terms and had the opportunity to lead the animal rescue Nuzzles & Co., thinking it was my dream job. Unfortunately I realized running a rescue wasn’t for me, because I can’t deal with the heartbreaking stories of abuse and neglect. So when the opportunity to buy a coffee shop arose, I jumped at it, and named it after my handsome rescue pup, Hugo. A year later, at 55, I launched Hugo Coffee Roasters, blending my love of coffee and animals into a mission-driven business. Each week, Hugo Coffee partners with small animal rescues an

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. “Adapt Your Table” is an innovative gardening education business dedicated to helping homeschooling families grow their own food. With a focus on sustainability, technology and hands-on support, they empower families to learn essential gardening skills. Founder and master gardener Janine Smith joins us with more. Janine Smith: At Adapt Your Table, we help homeschooling parents and caregivers take control of their family’s food by teaching them how to grow it themselves. From small kitchen gardens to innovative setups like our Tabletop Farm, we offer online courses and coaching tailored specifically to support busy families. In today’s world, where health and sustainability matter more than ever, we’re reconnecting families with where and how their food is grown by blending technology with gardening. Tabletop gardening is a fun and impactful way to teach kids valuable STEM concepts, explore microclimates, and understand nutrition — all through hands-on learning.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Case Construction and Roofing prioritizes quality and trust with every project. Their skilled team works closely with clients to deliver durable solutions, from roof repairs to remodels, ensuring lasting results and strong client relationships. Business Manager Rachel O’Crowley joins us with more. Rachel O’Crowley: At Case Construction and Roofing, we empower women in construction by providing skill-building opportunities and recognizing subcontractor excellence with incentives. We focus on delivering top-notch construction services while building an inclusive, growth-oriented workforce. By supporting hands-on training and fostering collaborations within the art community and sustainability sectors, we bring quality, safety and creativity to every project. Our services cover various aspects of construction, including general building, roofing, flooring, framing , HVAC and minor electrical and plumbing work. We work closely with local HOA’s, apartment complexes,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2017, E3 Energy is committed to transforming healthy snacking by providing nutritious and delicious options. The company focuses on making healthy eating enjoyable and accessible for everyone while prioritizing quality ingredients. Co-founder and President Jacqueline Smith joins us with more. Jacqueline Smith: Fiber is essential for overall health, yet many Americans do not consume enough in their diet . This deficiency can lead to health issues such as pre-diabetes and diabetes, prompting some to resort to medications like GLP-1s. Fiber plays a key role in blood sugar regulation and digestive health but is frequently overlooked. E3 Energy Cubes simplifies the process of increasing daily fiber intake. Each refrigerated protein bar features whole food ingredients and prebiotic fiber that supports gut health and balanced nutrition. With flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate and Orange Cranberry, E3 bars provide a delicious and convenient way to enhance

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. As one of the fastest-growing investment firms in the country, Provo-based PEG Companies is redefining commercial real estate. At PEG, they go beyond traditional real estate attributes to create holistic, immersive experiences that activate communities. Founder Cameron Gunter joins us with more. Cameron Gunter: At PEG Companies, we believe that impactful real estate transcends physical structures and puts people at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we strive to curate meaningful experiences with every investment, focusing on thoughtful design, innovative technology and positive social impact. Our award-winning Salt Lake City property, Seven O2 Main Apartments, became the first health and wellness-centered community in the area, transforming traditional apartment living into a holistic lifestyle experience. Residents enjoy specialized wellness amenities like our hydromassage bed, an in-house health food market, and an outdoor fitness center with panorami

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. RTI Wealth Management offers personalized financial planning and wealth management, focusing on understanding each client's unique goals. With expertise in retirement, estate planning, and investment strategies, they aim to help clients achieve lasting financial confidence and success. Wealth Advisor Heidi Westfall joins us with more. Heidi Westfall: Our journey began when we recognized a fundamental need – so many talented individuals and families struggling to find comprehensive but accessible guidance for their complex financial needs. Our approach is deeply personal. We don’t just manage wealth; we help our clients write their own financial stories. By really listening and drawing on our extensive experience in business, legal and investment planning, we transform complex financial challenges into clear, meaningful pathways forward. We understand that true wealth extends far beyond financial assets. As fiduciaries, our commitment is to empower you to build

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Formed in 2014, GWC Capital is celebrating its past by keeping its sights set firmly on the future ahead. To position the company for its next growth phase and beyond, GWC Capital is rebranding to Clyde Capital Group. President Brandon Henrie joins us with more. Brandon Henrie: This new name, Clyde Capital Group, reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to building better communities. It also strengthens ties with and connects us more closely to our parent company, Clyde Companies. Since our founding, we’ve grown from just two employees to a team of over 50, managing over 20,000 acres of development across Utah and Idaho. Our projects range from industrial and commercial spaces to residential and resort units. Some of the most notable projects in Utah include Desert Color in St. George, Solenté in Washington City and Vistas at the Point of the Mountain. These developments are just the beginning of what we can achieve as Clyde Capital Group. We a

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Salt Lake Sewciety is a vibrant sewing studio offering a wide range of classes, workshops and supplies for makers of all levels. They focus on fostering creativity, building community, and providing a welcoming space for everyone. Owner and Designer Delaney Dangerfield joins us with more. Delaney Dangerfield: Salt Lake Sewciety was born out of a desire for high-quality apparel fabrics and accessible sewing classes. Over the past four years, it has become a true community hub for makers of every kind. We focus on eco-friendly fibers and carry many organic and recycled options. From selvedge denims to cozy knits, we have a unique inventory of high-quality fabric. Our classes focus on teaching people to sew their own clothes. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn sewing techniques. We have project-based classes for every level, from our Sewing Machine 101 to a Jeans Workshop. One of my favorite aspects of our shop is the community events that we host thr

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1929, Haines has been a trusted provider of residential and property data across the nation. Through cloud-based software, they offer nationwide data solutions that enhance an organization’s marketing and communications efforts. President and CEO Ashley Williams joins us with more. Ashley Williams: At Haines, our clients are like family, shaping our goals and inspiring us to create tools that meet today’s business needs. As a family-owned, certified women-owned business led by our first female, fourth-generation CEO, we proudly operate with a fully U.S.-based, virtual team focused on helping clients make meaningful connections for growth. Our Criss+Cross Directory is nationally recognized for delivering essential residential and property data. We serve diverse clients — from government agencies to real estate professionals, mortgage companies, investors, and contractors. Our data solutions support marketing and communication efforts with features like cir

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With three Utah offices, Larson & Company has become one of the state’s largest CPA firms, known for its expertise and exceptional client service. Managing Partner Greg Denning joins us with more. Greg Denning: Larson & Company began in 1975 as Utah’s first CPA firm to specialize in the insurance industry. Today, we are recognized nationally as one of the largest auditors of insurance companies – a unique achievement for a firm our size. We are honored to provide such a vital service to our community. Our experience in insurance has enabled us to expand our services to a wide range of sectors in Utah, including technology and software, government, nonprofit, and more. Along with audit services, we offer a range of tax, consulting and accounting services designed to support and guide our clients’ growth and success. At Larson & Company, we take our role as partners and advisors to our clients seriously. Our company motto is “Achievement Through Constant Improv

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. OptConnect’s mission is to help simplify the design, deployment and management of cellular connectivity solutions. No matter the cellular connectivity challenge, OptConnect is here to offer a solution. President and CEO Chris Baird joins us with more. Chris Baird: The next time you walk into your local convenience or grocery store, take a look at the kiosks around you — the ATMs, DVD rentals, coin counters, key cutting machines, even the vending machines. Each one likely has a little black antenna on top. That’s what we do. OptConnect keeps over a million of these types of devices connected with cellular connectivity, allowing them to work seamlessly for you. It all started 15 years ago with a simple idea: connecting ATMs to the internet through cellular routers. Today, OptConnect is one of the most trusted names in managed connectivity. We offer fully-managed services, semi-managed options, embedded solutions, data plans, and much more — always backed by ou

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded with a mission for sustainable change, the Pathway Group offers custom solutions to clients across the nation looking to make lasting, transformational change within their communities. Partner Holly Yocom joins us with more. Holly Yocom: At Pathway Group, we’re dedicated to helping nonprofits, governments and philanthropists achieve their highest potential. For over 24 years, we’ve partnered with organizations to empower them with the tools and strategies they need to make a lasting impact. We pride ourselves in having worked in the industries we serve, and having a collaborative approach. We work closely with our clients, offering expertise in fundraising, operations, planning, government affairs, philanthropic advising and leadership. By focusing on these essentials, we not only strengthen individual organizations but also contribute to a more resilient, thriving community. As a partner, we support these organizations by helping them realize their p

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