Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. WaFd Bank is a regional bank focused on relationship-driven banking. They pair local decision-making with services that help individuals and businesses grow within their communities, offering personalized support along the way. Utah and Nevada Regional President, Dane Margetts, joins us with more. Dane Margetts: At WaFd Bank, we believe thriving businesses build thriving communities. That’s why we’re focused on delivering relationship-driven business banking designed to help Utah companies grow, invest and succeed. Our philosophy is simple: everyone deserves a WaFd Banker. When you bank with us, you’re not just an account number — you have a dedicated banker who understands your business, goals and what success looks like for you. Whether it’s financing growth, purchasing equipment, expanding locations or managing day-to-day cash flow, our bankers work alongside business owners to provide tailored solutions and thoughtful service. In a fast-moving economy like Ut

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Guadalupe Center in Salt Lake City helps families succeed by providing education, mentoring and support services. From early childhood programs to adult learning, they provide tools and opportunities to help Utahns thrive. Development Director, Jennifer Holmberg, joins us with more. Jennifer Holmberg: At Guadalupe Center, our mission is transforming lives through education. We believe education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors to opportunity. Each year, we serve more than 1,000 children, youth and adults through free, high-quality educational programs and wraparound family supports. Our Early Learning Center provides preschool and kindergarten readiness for children from birth to age five, helping our young learners build the language, social and cognitive skills needed for lifelong success. Our K–6 elementary school offers a supportive, student-centered environment where students develop strong academics,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, commonly known as UAMPS, helps local utilities in Utah and nearby states provide reliable, affordable electricity. They plan energy projects, support renewable initiatives and strengthen the grid, making sure communities have power they can count on. Director of Government Affairs, Michael Squires, joins us with more. Michael Squires: UAMPS is an energy services interlocal entity representing 37 community-owned electric utilities throughout Utah. Our membership is diverse, spanning some of the state’s largest urban centers to its smallest rural towns. We work closely with our members to meet their communities’ energy needs. One of the principal ways we do this is by developing new generation resources on their behalf. Since its founding, UAMPS has partnered with members to bring online innovative, efficient and reliable generation that not only meets local energy demands but also advances Utah’s long-term energy goals. A

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. PACS is a Utah-based company that owns and supports nursing and rehabilitation centers across the country. They provide training, leadership and operational support so health care teams can focus on delivering quality care to patients. Vice President of Corporate Communications, Brooks Stevenson, joins us with more. Brooks Stevenson: PACS is redefining post-acute care and senior living, as we strive to meet the growing health care demand of older adults. What started as two skilled nursing facilities in 2013 has grown into 324 facilities in 17 states. And we’re proud to be headquartered right here in Salt Lake City, ensuring our locally-led, centrally-supported business model leads to dignified, empathetic care for aging adults. At PACS, we’re also growing the next generation of health care leaders. Our training programs pair promising college graduates with mentors in our facilities who help train and shape them for fulfilling careers. In 2024, PACS went publi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Plato Media Company helps organizations produce successful events by managing the technical production, audiovisual setup and behind-the-scenes logistics. Their team helps ensure conferences, meetings and live events run smoothly from start to finish. Event Producer, Michelle Kennedy, joins us with more. Michelle Kennedy: If you've ever planned an event then you know how much is riding on the day going well. Months of planning, and it all comes down to a few hours in a room full of people. The last thing you need is something going wrong with the tech. At Plato Media Company, we make sure it doesn't. We're a Salt Lake City-based event production and audio visual company. We handle the sound, lighting, visuals and crew — everything that makes a live event actually feel the way it's supposed to. Our clients come to us when something important is on the line and it can’t fall apart. We show up prepared with high-quality equipment and run a seamless show so the only

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. S & S Roofing is a Utah-based company known for honesty, hard work and quality craftsmanship. They specialize in roof repairs, maintenance and full replacements for homes and businesses. With dependable service, consistent results and strong community involvement, they’ve earned statewide trust. Amy Swensen, joins us with more. Amy Swensen: At S & S Roofing, we believe a roof is more than a structure — it is protection for families, businesses and the memories created underneath it. As a locally rooted company serving Salt Lake City, Park City, and communities across Utah, we take pride in delivering roofing solutions built to last. With over 35 years of combined experience, our team focuses on superior materials, expert craftsmanship and honest communication on every project — whether it’s a repair, preventative maintenance or a full roof replacement, with safety and long-term durability. We’re committed to giving back, supporting local organizations and commun

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Switchpoint, which started in St. George, Utah, has grown into a statewide movement meeting the needs of those facing housing insecurity. Through shelter, housing, case management and support services, they are helping neighbors rebuild their lives. CEO Carol Hollowell, joins us with more. Carol Hollowell: Eleven years ago, we met a man on the street who simply needed a photo ID. That single encounter sparked what is now Utah's largest statewide provider of homeless and poverty services. At Switchpoint, we believe only one thing truly solves homelessness: a home. But a home without support services doesn't stick. So we wrap housing with everything people need, emergency shelter, food pantries, case management, programs for teens and youth and six social enterprises that fund our mission while training our clients. Today, we operate more than 13 sites with nearly 400 employees across Utah. Right now, our most urgent focus is a crisis hiding in plain sight: senior

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For five decades, Presto Print has been serving Utah with high-quality printing — from paper products and banners to vehicle wraps and trade show displays. They’re known for exceptional service and quality. President and CEO, Matt Varanakis, joins us with more. Matt Varanakis: This year, Presto Print is proud to celebrate 50 years of serving businesses and organizations across Utah. Since opening our doors in 1976, we’ve remained family-owned and operated, focused on delivering the highest-quality printing for every project. Today, we’re a one-stop shop for branding, offering paper prints, signs, apparel, backdrops, vehicle wraps and more. What sets us apart is the way we combine family values with large-scale production. We invest in our people, and it shows — 75 percent of our team has been with us for more than five years. We also make projects simple for our clients with delivery, shipping, will-call and full fulfillment services, whether you need a single

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Edynkei is a women’s boutique in Pleasant Grove offering size-inclusive fashion, personal styling and confidence-building experiences. Through styling sessions and community events, they help women feel confident and empowered in everyday life. Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant, Pualei Lynn, joins us with more. Pualei Lynn: Self-Image is the foundation of who we believe we are, what we deserve and is the place from where we create. It shapes everything else in our lives. Two people with identical skills can perform very differently based purely on how they see themselves. After launching my image consulting and styling services in 2021, I discovered that even high-achieving women can struggle with low self-image, often tying their worth to performing, over-functioning and external success. Through my unique framework of coaching and styling, I guide women to build a powerful, loving self-image rooted in internal, self-validation rather than outside approval.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Llama Butterfly, founded in 2022, is a boutique that brings Peruvian craftsmanship to life, offering handmade alpaca clothing, accessories, and home goods that combine comfort, quality, and cultural artistry. Owner, Patricia Smith, joins us with more. Patricia Smith: If you’ve never felt alpaca, imagine a fiber that’s lighter than you expect, warmer than it looks and incredibly soft — and stays beautiful over time. Llama Butterfly began as a nonprofit dream to support children in Peru, and over time has since grown into a business where craftsmanship and community meet. Rooted in a spirit of “hope and forever,” the brand first took shape through watercolor florals and butterflies — symbols of beauty and transformation. Today, I work directly with artisan partners in Peru, home to about 80 percent of the world’s alpacas. Alpaca is a sustainable natural fiber that’s warm, breathable and long-lasting. The name itself came from my three-year-old, who kept singing,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Crossbeam Builders is a Salt Lake City – based custom home builder known for crafting high-end residences with exceptional attention to detail and quality. Through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, they bring each client’s vision to life. Managing Member, Christopher Mousley, joins us with more. Christopher Mousley: At Crossbeam Builders, we build custom homes and complex residential remodels here in Salt Lake, Summit and Wasatch Counties. Most construction issues don’t start in the field, they start with unclear expectations, weak planning and misaligned communication. That’s where we focus. Crossbeam is a process-driven builder committed to elevated execution through disciplined preconstruction, transparent budgeting and proactive communication. We believe integrity isn’t a slogan, it’s clarity around cost, scope and decisions before construction begins. Our clients value professionalism, collaboration and excellence. They want more than a finished h

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Crossbeam Builders is a Salt Lake City – based custom home builder known for crafting high-end residences with exceptional attention to detail and quality. Through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, they bring each client’s vision to life. Managing Member, Christopher Mousley, joins us with more. Christopher Mousley: At Crossbeam Builders, we build custom homes and complex residential remodels here in Salt Lake, Summit and Wasatch Counties. Most construction issues don’t start in the field, they start with unclear expectations, weak planning and misaligned communication. That’s where we focus. Crossbeam is a process-driven builder committed to elevated execution through disciplined preconstruction, transparent budgeting and proactive communication. We believe integrity isn’t a slogan, it’s clarity around cost, scope and decisions before construction begins. Our clients value professionalism, collaboration and excellence. They want more than a finished h

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Rosewood Group helps organizations strengthen leadership, align teams and build healthy workplace cultures. Through consulting and training, they guide businesses in clarifying vision, improving operations and developing people to support long-term growth. Founder, Victoria Bowman, joins us with more. Victoria Bowman: The way an organization is run affects far more than profit. It affects the people inside it. When leadership, teams and operations are misaligned, performance suffers. But when they are aligned, organizations can operate at their highest potential. I’ve spent my career and education studying the psychology and business practices that shape leadership, culture and long term success. At The Rosewood Group, we focus on the often invisible factors that determine whether an organization thrives or struggles. We work to align people, processes and strategy so teams have clarity, leaders build trust, and execution becomes stronger. The Rosewood Grou

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Theos Immigration Law is a Salt Lake City firm helping individuals and families navigate immigration needs. From visas and green cards to citizenship, they provide experienced guidance and support every step of the way. Owner and Lawyer, Kevin Theos, joins us with more. Kevin Theos: When immigration rules change overnight, families and careers hang in the balance. At Theos Immigration Law, we help you steady the ground. The past year has been overwhelming for anyone relying on the U.S. immigration system. Rapid policy shifts, inconsistent adjudication and unpredictable timelines have created stress for families, employers and global talent. Our mission is simple: bring clarity to that uncertainty and help you move forward. We focus on employment‑based immigration — especially for professional athletes, coaches and organizations building diverse, high‑performing teams. We also provide family‑based services to help loved ones reunite with confidence. Our appro

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Huntsman Mental Health Foundation raises funds and awareness to transform how the world treats and supports mental health. As the fundraising arm for Huntsman Mental Health Institute, it expands research, care and services to those who need them. President, Miranda Barnard, joins us with more. Miranda Barnard: Most Americans believe we’re in a mental health crisis. One in every two people will qualify for a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime, but just 2 percent of philanthropic dollars go to mental health causes. Huntsman Mental Health Foundation is working to change that – and we’re making it easier than ever for Utahns to work together to make the biggest difference for our community. Every leader and team member of every company in our state will have employees, customers, neighbors, family and friends who will struggle with mental health. And today, suicide remains a leading cause of death among Utah youth. Nobody – especially a child — should die f

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For the past eight years, Wasatch Security Awareness has partnered with organizations across the Wasatch Front, helping them better understand cybersecurity risks and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Owner, Matt Groves, joins us with more. Matt Groves: Most business risk today has very little to do with technology, and everything to do with people. At Wasatch Security Awareness, that’s exactly where we focus — because most problems don’t start with broken systems, they start with the everyday choices people make at work. That’s why we provide customized cybersecurity testing and live training. Real conversations with real people, not just another video everyone clicks through. When people can ask questions and see how threats show up in their day-to-day work, the lessons stick and behavior starts to change. We also help organizations make sense of artificial intelligence. Our AI literacy training helps teams safely implement AI into the work

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Stone Water Training helps individuals and teams grow into stronger, more purpose-driven leaders through coaching, hands-on experiences and personal development. Their approach focuses on building confidence, connection and real-world leadership skills that last. CEO and Founder, Phil Kornachuk, joins us with more. Phil Kornachuk: At Stonewater Training we help companies embody the saying “Mission First, People Always”. Leadership and culture are decisive factors in any organization’s success. It’s the difference between accomplishing or failing the mission and having a team that either crumbles or thrives. The foundation for StoneWater began with my personal journey. Thanks to leaders in my life, I went from a high-school dropout runaway-kid to a Special Operations Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of service and 12 worldwide deployments. That experience taught me that leadership is a skill that can be developed by anyone. Stonewater combines timeless principle

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1907, the Utah League of Cities and Towns represents communities across Utah, advocating for local governments, providing training and resources to officials and helping the public better understand how local government works. Executive Director, Cameron Diehl, joins us with more. Cameron Diehl: The Utah League of Cities and Towns serves 257 municipalities and more than 1,400 mayors and council members. Our board of directors this year includes local officials from Bountiful to Santa Clara and Castle Dale to West Jordan. The League believes that government works best when it is closest to the people. We advocate at the Capitol based on three principles: respect, collaboration and outcomes. The League works on issues such as land use planning, transportation, infrastructure, taxes, housing, public safety, water, parks and recreation and effective governance. Our members share their real-world experiences, push back on one-size-misfits-all approaches

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Get Healthy Utah is a nonprofit founded in 2015 dedicated to making healthy living the default choice in Utah. They partner with communities, leaders and organizations to promote active living, healthy eating and overall wellbeing statewide. Executive Director, Alysia Ducuara, joins us with more. Alysia Ducuara: At Get Healthy Utah, we believe every community can make the healthy choice the default choice. Through our Healthy Utah Community designation, we celebrate cities and towns that prioritize health in planning, policy and community design — whether it’s expanding parks, creating safer streets for walking and biking, building community gardens or supporting meaningful, lasting social connection for residents. This designation isn’t just recognition — it’s a platform for sharing best practices, inspiring other communities and connecting with businesses and organizations invested in a healthier Utah for future generations. Today, over 65 communities across

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1979, Chanshare Farms has helped Utah landscapes thrive with premium sod grown for the Intermountain Region. Their Water-Wise blends are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and designed to perform in Utah’s climate. Marketing Manager Eric Marble, joins us with more. Eric Marble: Chanshare Farms is a sod farm in Utah, committed to preserving one of our state’s most vital natural resources — water. By growing sod specifically adapted to Utah’s climate, Chanshare Farms helps homeowners, landscapers and contractors create landscapes that require less water and preserve sustainable greenspace. Water conservation isn’t just good practice — it’s essential to the future of the Great Salt Lake. Chanshare Farms focuses on efficient irrigation methods, responsible farming techniques and turf varieties designed to reduce water demand. Healthy, well- established sod helps keep more water in our local water cycle. From residential yards to large commercial projects, Ch