Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Dawn McKenna Group is one of America’s top luxury real estate teams. In Park City, their partnership with the Schlopy Family blends local expertise with national reach to connect buyers and sellers in Utah’s premier mountain communities. Associate Broker, Erik Schlopy, joins us with more. Erik Schlopy: Over 30 years ago, I moved to Park City to train for the Olympics, and like so many others, I never left. The lifestyle, the community, and the mountains are simply unmatched. Today, I help clients find their own piece of this incredible place, whether it’s a ski-in or ski-out condo, a family home, or a private mountain retreat. I’ve lived the Park City lifestyle for decades and understand every facet of the market. Through the Dawn McKenna Group Schlopy Family and Coldwell Banker’s globally acclaimed brands, we combine local expertise with national and international reach. With direct access to key feeder markets through our top-producing colleagues across th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1997, Western Governors University is a leading nonprofit that makes high-quality, affordable education more accessible. With a student-first approach and smart technology, WGU helps people gain the skills they need to move forward in their careers. President, Scott Pulsipher, joins us with more. Scott Pulsipher: Nearly 415,000 Utah residents have some college credit but no degree. Many others face relentless barriers to accessing and completing a life-changing degree or credential. This untapped talent is exactly who Western Governors University was founded to serve. By creating accessible, equitable pathways, WGU enables human progress, so more individuals may experience economic mobility. Our competency-based, skills-driven model ensures education is a pathway to opportunity, traversable by all, while providing employers with the skilled workers they need. As the future of work evolves, Western Governors University collaborates with employers to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1945, Catholic Community Services of Utah has empowered people in need to reach self-sufficiency, serving all regardless of their race, religion, or personal circumstances. Volunteer and Community Relations Director, Mariza Gallegos, joins us with more. Mariza Gallegos: At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we're committed to lovingly serving and providing hope along the Wasatch Front. Every day, we work to ensure that no one in our community faces hunger, homelessness, or hardship alone. Through a variety of programs, we provide food for those facing hunger, daytime shelter for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and support for refugees resettling in Utah. At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their background or circumstance. With compassion at the heart of everything we do, we come alongside those in our community striving to make the best of hard situations. We also work closel

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than two decades, Iron Gate Catering has been proudly serving Salt Lake City and Northern Utah and just recently earned a Silver Award in this year’s Best of Northern Utah for Catering. Co-owner, Jim Gilliland, joins us with more. Jim Gilliland: As a family-owned business, we’re known for exceptional service, customizable menus, and unbeatable value. Whether catering for 20 or 1,000 guests, our attention to detail and commitment to excellence remain consistent. Need box lunches for a training session? We’re ready. Hosting a buffet for your company holiday party? Consider it done. Planning a plated dinner for your dream wedding? We’ll make it flawless. Our experience ensures your event runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your guests while we handle the catering with care and precision. Trusted throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah, Iron Gate Catering delivers exceptional flavor and unforgettable moments. Visit us at IronGateCatering.com or c

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. btone FITNESS Brickyard is a reformer Pilates remix studio in Millcreek offering 45-minute, full-body classes that combine strength, balance, and flexibility. Classes are beginner-friendly, open to all levels, and led by supportive instructors. Owner, Janeen McCormick, joins us with more. Janeen McCormick: At btone FITNESS Brickyard, we’ve created a space where everyone, no matter their fitness level, can feel challenged, supported, and seen. Our 45-minute TONE classes are joyful, Pilates-inspired workouts that blend strength training, functional movement, balance, and flexibility into one seriously effective workout. We do it all on our custom reformer, which we call TONEy, and trust me, it brings the burn in the best way. What makes our method special is that it’s completely customizable. Whether you’re looking to push and challenge yourself, if you’re new to fitness, or looking for core rehab postpartum, you’ll find options to modify or level up every move.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. What began as an initiative from the University of Utah President’s Office evolved into Proxima, a benefit company dedicated to expanding access to education and training, and building a consistent pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals to meet growing demand. CEO, Richard Saunders, joins us with more. Richard Saunders: What makes Proxima unique is its focus on building a new healthcare workforce from communities facing the greatest barriers to education and training. We connect with individuals lacking the resources to get started — whether it’s a recent high school graduate, or a mom returning to work, or even a foreign-trained medical professional — and we help them enroll in Utah’s colleges and universities. Through skills training, resume support, and interview prep, we guide them into healthcare careers with advancement plans that are supported by their employers. Proxima is not reshuffling the existing workforce — we’re creating a new one, while in

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Nonprofits Association truly embodies the spirit of Utah. Through dedicated outreach across the state, they help build a thriving, connected nonprofit community, and create lasting impact in every corner of Utah. Chief Executive Officer, Jill Bennett, joins us with more. Jill Bennett: The Utah Nonprofits Association is more than just a network — it's the heartbeat of Utah’s nonprofit community. We bring people together who believe in something bigger than themselves: helping others, lifting voices, and making change where it’s needed most. Nonprofits are where compassion meets action. Care for the vulnerable, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, protecting the environment, and creating beauty through the arts. Work that touches lives in quiet, powerful ways every single day. Utah Nonprofits Association stands beside these organizations, offering the guidance, training, and the support they need to keep going — and keep growing. In a world ful

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1953, Whitaker Construction has grown into one of the largest utility and heavy civil contractors serving the Intermountain area. With offices in Brigham City, Ogden, Magna and St. George, they provide a variety of services across the state. President, Brett Nielsen, joins us with more. Brett Nielsen: Utah’s growth depends on strong infrastructure. For more than 70 years, Whitaker Construction has supported that growth through critical underground utility and heavy civil construction projects. Our work supports daily life, from clean water and natural gas to earthwork, roadways, and wastewater systems. Much of what we build gets buried when it’s complete, and we take great pride in that. When our work goes unnoticed, that’s how we know we’ve done it right. What sets us apart? Whitaker Construction is 100 percent employee-owned. Our nearly 700 employee-owners have a stake in our success, and it shows in the pride, quality, and care we bring to every pro

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For many Utah students, a pair of glasses can be key to learning, confidence, and success. But access to vision care is increasingly out of reach for thousands of families. That’s where Friends for Sight steps in. Development Director, Julia DeLeeuw, joins us with more. Julia Deleeuw: At Friends for Sight, we believe vision care isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic need. Our mission is to break down barriers so every Utahn can see clearly and thrive. We do this through free vision clinics, school and community screenings, and our signature pop-up event, SightFest. Here’s the reality — 70 percent of Utah students who fail a vision screening never get the glasses they need. That’s tens of thousands of kids. That’s why SightFest matters. In just one day, we turn a school gym into a full-service eye clinic. Volunteer doctors and staff provide eye exams and fit over 100 students with their first pair of glasses — delivered to their school within weeks. What’s really great

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 40 years, David Evans and Associates has supported local businesses with dependable electrical equipment, advanced automated control systems, and expert on-site support — all while staying focused on making a meaningful impact in their communities. Marketing Specialist, Megan Callister, joins us with more. Megan Callister: At David Evans and Associates, we are creating a different future: engineers, surveyors, planners, hydrographers, landscape architects, and natural resources scientists working together to improve quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments. We take pride in our partnerships with clients, driving meaningful change nationwide. As a leader in transportation, land development, water resources, and energy projects, David Evans and Associates is ranked among Engineering News Record’s Top 100 Pure Design Firms. From traditional to renewable energy, our clients rely on us for smart, sustainable solutio

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2012, Hoopes Events has helped hundreds of clients create unforgettable events, offering full-service planning, expert day-of coordination, and custom décor and design for beautifully tailored stress-free celebrations. Lead Planner and Designer, Tonya Hoopes, joins us with more. Tonya Hoopes: Planning a corporate event — whether it’s a major conference or an intimate board retreat — requires time, strategy, and precision. That’s where a professional event planning company becomes an essential partner. An experienced planning team brings structure and clarity from day one — creating timelines, managing budgets, sourcing venues, and coordinating vendors. They handle the logistics, so your internal team can stay focused on content, goals, and stakeholder engagement. For large-scale conferences, they oversee everything from registration systems and run-of-show production to speaker management and sponsor activation. For smaller retreats, they ensure a tailored,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One of the best ways to support the local economy is by shopping local. From retail boutiques to family-owned restaurants, the impact is felt across Utah. Today, South Jordan Chamber President and CEO Boyd Petersen joins us to share how local businesses power his community. Boyd Petersen: One of the strongest ways to support South Jordan’s economy is by shopping local. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every 100 dollars spent at a local business, about 68 dollars stays in our community — compare that to just 43 dollars at national chains. This reinvestment helps create jobs, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life in South Jordan. Our Buy Local South Jordan initiative shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant small business community offering residents easy ways to support local entrepreneurs. Local businesses give South Jordan its distinct character and charm, which big-box retailers simply can’t replicate. By choosing t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1886, Ensign College, formerly LDS Business College, has been helping students learn by faith and preparing them to assume responsible positions in the workplace as well-qualified, confident, and capable professionals. President, Bruce Kusch, joins us with more. Bruce Kusch: Nearly five years ago, LDS Business College became Ensign College, but that’s not all that has changed. Today, our associate and bachelor’s degrees build upon skills-based certificates, designed to help students succeed in today’s workforce. Our innovative 7-week block schedule allows students to focus on fewer courses at a time, making college more manageable for working adults, returning learners, and part-time students of any age. Ensign College serves thousands globally through our partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Here in Utah, our Salt Lake City campus offers the most affordable degrees in the state. With generous scholarships, most students graduate with little to no

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1967, Kimley-Horn has been helping communities thrive. As a leading national firm in engineering, planning, and design, they consistently deliver exceptional solutions that drive progress and enhance community development. Kimley-Horn Associate, Amanda Risano, joins us with more. Amanda Risano: At Kimley-Horn, we’re proud to support Utah’s growth through transformative projects across multiple market sectors, including sports and entertainment, mixed-use development, higher education, and healthcare. Our team of over 125 professionals in Salt Lake City and Lehi provides expertise in civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation planning, community engagement, landscape architecture, and more. Our local work includes the Power District Transportation Study, planning services for BallparkNext, civil and infrastructure design for the University of Utah’s America First Ballpark, and planning and engineering for The Point Promenade and Event Venue.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Blendyd Studios is a Lehi-based tech company transforming how recruitment works in the trucking industry. With mobile-first, AI-powered tools, they help drivers and carriers connect faster and smarter — taking the stress out of hiring for everyone involved. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Williams Brown, joins us with more. Morgan Williams Brown: Tariffs aren’t the only thing slowing down US trucking companies. Many waste hours or days chasing driver leads that don’t fill their trucks. Blendyd combines AI-powered automation with real human insight to help carriers recruit faster, smarter, and without the usual headaches. From prioritized leads and instant texting to automated compliance tools — Blendyd simplifies every step of hiring. Need CDL or non-CDL drivers? Blendyd adapts to your needs, flags the best candidates, and answers driver’s questions automatically. And here’s the difference: Blendyd doesn’t just sell software — we partner with you.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1984, Double D Distribution has become an integral part of Utah’s landscape. What started as a one-man trucking dream has grown into a team of over 40 drivers operating more than 40 trucks and 100 trailers. Vice President Skyler Droubay, joins us with more. Skyler Droubay At Double D Distribution, we proudly serve local projects and freight across the US, specializing in hauling key materials for Utah’s roads like liquid asphalt and emulsion, as well as agriculture, propane, dry goods, and refrigerated freight. But Double D is more than trucks and freight. We’re a Utah company through and through — headquartered in Salt Lake City near the airport, with a facility designed for drivers: 24/7 lounges, showers, and even a full kitchen. We believe drivers are American heroes and empower our team with top‑tier equipment, supportive leadership, and a tight‑knit culture. Beyond business, we’re invested in Utah’s communities — supporting local construction, agricult

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. J.P. Morgan Chase, one of the world’s top financial institutions, helps businesses with a full range of services. In their annual midyear survey, they share insights on how leaders are navigating today’s changing economic landscape. Intermountain Market Executive, John Shane, joins us with more. John Shane: The J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking’s 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Survey underscores the resilience of middle market businesses amid shifting economic conditions. Despite a decline in economic optimism from 65 percent in January to 32 percent in June, leaders remain dedicated to their strategic plans. The survey also revealed that 85 percent anticipate steady or improved performance, and 54 percent are maintaining or accelerating business plans. However, concerns such as uncertain economic conditions, tariffs, and revenue growth persist, with companies awaiting clarity before making decisions. Optimism about the national economy has fallen, and recession e

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development is founded on the principle that thriving communities are rooted in strong local economies. By providing strategic business support and thoughtful planning, their efforts promote long-term, sustainable growth. Director, Lorena Riffo Jenson, joins us with more. Lorena Riffo Jenson: At Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development, we’re focused on building a strong, vibrant city — one where culture, business, and community all thrive. We are a human-centered economic development department. Our mission is to create an environment that supports job opportunities, encourages local business and arts, and ensures long-term stability as Salt Lake City continues to grow. We support local businesses with resources like EDLF and construction mitigation grants to help them navigate challenges so they can succeed. We also work to bring in national and international businesses that share our values — especially whe

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding in 2021, the PROG Foundation has empowered Utahns to build brighter futures through tech training, mentorship, and career support — working with schools and communities to expand access to meaningful opportunities. Director, Beth Martial, joins us with more. Beth Martial: Utah is known for its innovation — and the PROG Development Center in West Valley City is advancing that legacy by unlocking tech-driven career pathways where untapped talent meets real opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term community impact. Backed by the PROG Foundation, the PROG Development Center is a nonprofit talent accelerator helping Utahns launch careers in tech, specifically in cybersecurity, UX/UI, digital marketing and e-commerce, and data analytics — through certification programs and hands-on industry exposure. We partner with schools, employers, and community organizations to close opportunity gaps and meet workforce needs in some of Utah’s fastest-growin

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. When it comes to helping local communities thrive, Altabank delivers. As a full-service bank and trusted partner, they support families, small businesses, and big dreams — offering financial solutions with a personal touch across Utah and southern Idaho. Chief Banking Officer, Judd Austin, joins us with more. Judd Austin: This year, we’re proud to celebrate 120 years of serving the people, businesses, and communities of Utah. Since 1905, we’ve grown and evolved to meet the needs of each new generation, always grounded in a commitment to personal service. As the state’s largest community bank, Altabank provides the tools, resources, and expertise our customers need to succeed. But what truly defines us is the way we show up, with care, with experience, and with a genuine personal investment in our customers’ goals. We’ve helped families put down roots, supported local businesses through every stage of growth, and stood beside our communities in times of challe