Building Utah

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

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. In today’s fast-paced world, collaboration is key, and Lucid Software is leading the way. With their innovative visual collaboration platform, Lucid helps teams around the globe turn ideas into action. President and CEO Dave Grow joins us with more. Dave Grow: At Lucid Software, we’ve been helping teams envision and build the future through the power of visual collaboration for over a decade. From our headquarters in South Jordan, Utah, we’ve grown into a global brand that empowers more than 70M users to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are. To build, every team goes through the same common workflow from idea to reality. And as the end-to-end visual collaboration platform, we support teams at every step of this process – from brainstorming and ideating as a team, to decision making, to planning, to design and documentation, and ultimately - execution. Along that journey, visual collaboration enables teams to communicate and collaborate the way they w

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Process Curiosity is a company that’s redefining the way we experience creativity and community. While based in Salt Lake City, they’ve been making waves globally in the design and fabrication industry. CEO Blake Wigdahl joins us with more. Blake Wigdahl: At Process Curiosity, we believe in the power of immersive and interactive experiences. Over the past five years, our team has worked with some of the biggest names in the science center and museum world, as well as highly immersive entertainment companies, to create stunning, interactive projects that blend creativity with education. We don’t just design spaces – we build environments that inspire, engage and resonate with communities. Our mission is simple: to push the limits of innovation and to help museums, libraries and cultural spaces connect with people in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, our team has crafted awe-inspiring projects for renowned clients like Disney and Universal

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1987, Hamilton Partners has been a driving force in commercial, retail and industrial real estate development. With a reputation for excellence and a presence in Salt Lake City for more than twenty years, here’s Partner George Arnold with more. George Arnold: Hamilton Partners started with a vision to create high-quality spaces where businesses and people can thrive. Today, we’re one of the largest privately held real estate development firms in the central U.S., with over 17 million square feet of office, industrial, and residential properties. In Salt Lake, we’re proud to contribute to the city's growth with premier projects like 222 Main Street, the Newhouse and Boston Buildings, and the Hamilton I-215 Logistics Center. Our current projects — like 324 State Street, 111 East Broadway, 1260 Stringham Avenue and the Cinq and Luma apartments — continue to shape the future of this vibrant city. At Hamilton Partners, our commitment goes beyond just buildi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2008, Sheer Ambrosia Bakery has blended sweet southern flavors with traditional Greek baking techniques. Founder and CEO Rita Magalde is here to tell us more about her journey and delicious creations. Rita Magalde: My passion for baklava began at the age of 16 when I worked for a Greek family and fell in love with the cuisine. By blending their Greek baking techniques with my southern roots, Sheer Ambrosia’s unique southern-style baklava was born, quickly becoming a favorite nationwide. What began in my home kitchen has grown into a full-scale commercial bakery with 14 distinct flavors. From local farmers markets to national online sales and wholesale partnerships, Sheer Ambrosia has gained a loyal following. We even caught the attention of NPR’s Marketplace. This holiday season, we’re launching gourmet gift crates packed with not just baklava, but our signature granola, chocolate chip cookies, Greek butter cookies, biscotti, and more. Each crate also com

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. DispatchHealth is a leading provider of in-home medical care for people experiencing serious health concerns. The company’s services include on-call medical care at home and recovery care at home for healing following a procedure or hospitalization. Market Manager of Operations Brian Hunter joins us with more. Brian Hunter: At DispatchHealth, we bring the emergency room to you — right in the comfort of your home. Whether it’s flu symptoms, dehydration or something more complex, our medical professionals are equipped to provide the care you need without the stress of a hospital visit. We accept most major insurance plans and work closely with primary care and specialty care providers, healthcare systems and employers to deliver in-home care that reduces unnecessary emergency room visits, hospital stays and readmissions. This past July, we launched in Salt Lake County. For on-call medical care at home, visit DispatchHealth.com to book an appointment in minutes

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2016, JC Pro Design has been helping businesses of all sizes stand out with high-quality promotional products. Owner Justin Leader joins us with more on how they’re helping businesses in our state really thrive. Justin Leader: Utah has one of the fastest growing populations in the country and with it, a strong and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Business in Utah is vast. It ranges from small, mom and pop shops, to billion-dollar tech firms and everything in between. It’s one of the many things that makes Utah great. We have a vast array of businesses here for everyone. That’s where we come in. At JC Pro Design, we specialize in helping businesses, both small and large, brand and market their businesses through high-quality promotional products. When I started JC Pro Design, we focused on a simple but powerful goal – to deliver the best final product and the best possible experience to our customers. We handle everything from custom screen printing, embro