Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2015, the Women’s Leadership Institute helps more Utah women step into leadership — whether in business, politics, or the community. Through programs and partnerships, they’re creating real change and opening doors for women across the state. Chief Executive Officer, Melanie Jones, joins us with more. Melanie Jones: When women are included in leadership, businesses thrive — and everyone benefits. At the Women’s Leadership Institute, we partner with Utah companies to elevate women into leadership, unlocking talent that strengthens companies, supports families, and enriches communities. Our flagship initiative is the “ElevateHER Challenge” Utah’s business-led movement where companies commit to measurable steps that advance women. ElevateHER helps businesses compete while honoring Utah’s culture and values and it works because it’s practical, safe, and focused on results. Importantly, women’s leadership isn’t about displacing men — it’s a multiplier. Com

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain supports individuals and families across Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. They offer programs that foster independence, expand opportunity, and empower people to reach their potential. Director of Communications, Shanna Endow, joins us with more. Shanna Endow: Goodwill has been serving communities for more than 120 years, built on the belief that donated goods can provide a hand up not a handout. Here in the greater Salt Lake City metro area, we have six Goodwill stores and one Outlet that carry that legacy forward by embracing circular sustainability, keeping items in use longer, reducing waste, and offering affordable options for families. Each donation and purchase supports a cycle of good: extending the life of resources, funding local jobs, and creating opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to employment. It’s a model where nothing goes to waste — whether it’s clothing, household goods, or human pot

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. RealRx was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between University of Utah Health Plans and Cooperative Benefits Group. They provide efficient, high-quality pharmacy solutions focused on delivering value to members. President, Jeffrey Dunn, joins us with more. Jeffrey Dunn: We all know that high drug costs can be a burden for Utah businesses and families. What you may not realize is that traditional pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, often profit when prices stay high. They make money through rebates, spread pricing, and fees that are all tied to the cost of the drug and the number of prescriptions. At RealRx, we knew there had to be a better way. Founded in Salt Lake City by local pharmacists and healthcare leaders each with more than 20 years of experience, the RealRx solution is transparent, 100 percent pass-through drug pricing. As an employer, you pay the exact amount paid to the pharmacy, less any applicable member cost - with no markup and no games - ev

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With more than 30,000 homes built, Ivory Homes has been Utah’s leading homebuilder for over three decades, consistently delivering quality townhomes, move-up homes, and luxury residences that meet the needs of every homeowner. CEO, Clark Ivory, joins us with more. Clark Ivory: Almost everywhere I go, people ask: How will my kids or grandkids ever afford a home? It’s a real concern. Utah now has the 9th highest median home price in the nation. We’ve been discovered — companies want to do business here, job creation and income growth are strong, and housing demand will continue to rise. We need solutions now. First, cities must embrace sustainable growth and support the Governor’s call for 35,000 starter homes. Second, builders like Ivory Homes must aggressively buy down interest rates to help buyers qualify. We are doing just that, with rates in the 5s, 4s, and even as low as 3.49 percent. Finally, parents and grandparents who can, need to help the next genera

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Road Home has been serving the Utah community for over 100 years, helping people step out of homelessness and back into the local community with dignity and support. Marketing Specialist, Rachel Felton, joins us with more. Rachel Felton: At The Road Home, we’re not just offering shelter — we’re helping people rebuild their lives. From signing a lease to providing long-term support, our team walks alongside individuals and families as they move from crisis to stability. Each night we serve around twelve-hundred people, including over two-hundred children. Our programs provide personalized case management, connections to vital resources, and supportive services designed to create lasting change. Last year alone, The Road Home served seventy three-hundred people, including nearly one-thousand children, in all of our programs. It’s all about dignity, respect, and creating real pathways out of homelessness. Every day, we’re helping people take their next ste

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1996, Go Pave Utah has delivered quality asphalt paving and commercial concrete services throughout Salt Lake County and beyond. Their work is built on a commitment to fair and honest relationships with employees, clients, vendors, and partners. CEO, Barney Boynton, joins us with more. Barney Boynton: Every day, business begins on our work. Parking lots aren’t background scenery — they’re the stage, front and center, where customers decide if they’ll step inside, where tenants judge their investment, and where deliveries decide whether they’ll be on time. Go Pave Utah, we treat every project as critical infrastructure for commerce. If pavement is cracked, unsafe, or failing, businesses lose money, trust, and momentum. We make sure that doesn’t happen. When we’re called, it means someone’s revenue is on the line, and we answer fast — with solutions that last. That focus has made Go Pave Utah a trusted partner for property managers and business owners across

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Women Tech Council is a nonprofit driving innovation, economic growth, and the full advancement of women in technology. Through programs that span the entire career journey, they activate interest, build talent, and elevate leadership. Founder and CEO, Cydni Tetro, joins us with more. Cydni Tetro: Imagine doubling the brainpower solving the world’s toughest problems — that’s what happens when women and men innovate together. Yet for too long, too few women have been in the rooms shaping technology and driving growth. That’s why the Women Tech Council was created. Through SheTech, more than 40-thousand high school girls have explored STEM, AI, and tech careers, meeting role models and securing internships. Each year, 4-hundred of these young women graduate in STEM fields, adding 32-million dollars annually to Utah’s economy. For professionals, our programs accelerate careers, place women in boardrooms, fuel startups, and help raise hundreds of millions in fundin

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. When Utahns are injured in car crashes or other accidents, they often don’t know where to turn. Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping people obtain the medical care and fair compensation they deserve. Founder and Attorney, Brigham Richards, joins us with more. Brigham Richards: At Valley Law, we believe injured people deserve more than paperwork and waiting — they deserve immediate, compassionate help. That’s why our motto is “Do It Right, Do It Now.” From the moment you call, we work quickly to document injuries, deal with insurance companies, and make sure you don’t get pushed around. Our firm has deep roots in Utah, and we know the laws, the courts, and the insurance tactics that too often stand between families and the recovery they truly need. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, we take pride in moving fast and keeping clients informed every step of the way. We also invest in the community — through safety edu

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 30 years, G&A Partners has been providing world-class human resource services and client support. As a certified professional employer organization, they provide HR support and expertise across all 50 states. Chief Operating Officer, Aaron Call, joins us with more. Aaron Call: To provide HR, payroll, and employee benefits solutions that make a difference, you need deep expertise in a variety of areas and a true compassion for helping and serving every single client and their employees. G&A Partners found that by doing so, our clients often share or adopt a similar company culture — one rooted in the belief that happy and valued employees are the truest predictor of a company’s long-term success. Since we opened our doors in 1995, G&A has held strong to a belief that unparalleled client service should be at the center of everything we do. That commitment drives us to train, evolve, innovate, and search for new and better ways to help our employees and

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded by two brothers from Salt Lake City, Edison House is a modern social club fostering meaningful connections and a vibrant community. By reimagining what a social club can be, they’re redefining the experience for Salt Lake. Co-Founder and CEO, George Cardon-Bystry, joins us with more. George Cardon-Bystry: Social clubs often get a reputation for being stuck in their ways — stagnant, insular, closed off. We strive to be the opposite. Our goal is to connect with the broader community, make a positive impact, and continually evolve. We want to push the boundaries of how people think about and experience private clubs. That’s why we’re in it for the long haul. Our vision is to be a lasting institution in Salt Lake City, which means reinvesting in the club, listening to our members, responding to the market, and always raising the value of membership. That mindset inspired Edison Outside — a new initiative focused on extending our reach into the SLC community.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Deer Valley Resort is on track to deliver one of the largest ski resort expansions in history for the upcoming ski season. Debuting seven new chairlifts, including the East Village Express, a 10-passenger gondola. Director of Communications, Emily Summers, joins us with more. Emily Summers: At Deer Valley, our Expanded Excellence initiative is transforming the resort and setting the stage for our most exciting season yet. This multi-year vision is redefining the mountain experience and comes to life in a big way this winter. Since December of last year, we’ve added 10 new lifts and nearly 100 new runs – more than doubling our skiable terrain. Our skiers will now enjoy 31 lifts, over 200 ski runs, and 4,300 acres of adventure, highlighted by a new 10-passenger gondola connecting Deer Valley East Village to the new Park Peak at the heart of Deer Valley. A new fully automated snowmaking system ensures reliable coverage across the mountain, while 1,200 new day-ski

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is reshaping the future of cancer care. With clinics in our communities and collaborations across the region, they’re bringing life-saving care closer to more communities. The new CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, Dr. Bradley Cairns, joins us with more. Bradley Cairns: Jon and Karen Huntsman founded Huntsman Cancer Institute to advance their bold vision to eradicate cancer. Thanks to our dedicated clinicians, researchers and staff – who strive for excellence each day – the movement the Huntsmans started more than 25 years ago has solidified Utah as the place leading cancer innovations that transform care across the globe. Huntsman Cancer Institute belongs to you: the people of Utah and the Mountain West. As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming, we are transforming the way that cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and s

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1989, Community Options has transformed the lives of more than 6,600 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families, across the country. Through support, guidance, and meaningful opportunities, the organization is creating lasting positive change. State Director, Ashlyn Visser, joins us with more. Ashlyn Visser: At Community Options, we help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independent, fulfilling, and meaningful lives every day. We offer housing, employment, and day services that support inclusion, personal growth, and community connection. From helping someone live in a safe and affordable home to supporting them in meaningful work or getting involved in local activities, our programs are all about helping people thrive, succeed, and reach their full potential. We operate in 12 states, including right here in the state of Utah, with a dedicated team that works closely with each indi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 100 years, Dorsey and Whitney has been serving clients with trusted legal counsel, industry insight, and a commitment to excellence across the U.S. and around the world. Managing Partner, Mark Miller, joins us with more. Mark Miller: At Dorsey and Whitney, we’re more than just a law firm, we’re trusted advisors, strategic partners, and advocates for our clients' success. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we bring global reach and local insight to everything we do. Our team serves clients in key industries including banking, development and infrastructure, energy, food and agribusiness, healthcare, and technology. We offer a full range of legal services, from litigation and regulatory guidance to mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and employment law. We understand the complex challenges facing today’s businesses and work collaboratively to deliver practical, business-focused solutions. Our culture is built on a found

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For almost four decades, DonorConnect has been dedicated to connecting donors with recipients by facilitating, coordinating, and passionately advocating for donors and their families. Director of Public Education and Public Relations, Mark Dixon, joins us with more. Mark Dixon: DonorConnect is the federally designated nonprofit that helps make miracles possible through organ, tissue, and eye donation across Utah, southeast Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Nevada. Every day, our dedicated teams work alongside donor families, hospitals, and transplant centers to turn the generosity of donors into the gift of life. To expand this lifesaving mission, we recently launched the DonorConnect Foundation. The Foundation raises awareness, supports grieving families, engages communities, and funds essential outreach and education — helping more people say “yes” to donation. As one of the nation’s top-performing organ procurement organizations, DonorConnect will soon break g

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. First Step House has been helping people rebuild their lives since 1958. Through treatment, housing, and wraparound support, they serve those facing behavioral health conditions like substance use disorder and mental illness. Development Director, Mary-T Calhoon, joins us with more. Mary Calhoon: First Step House helps people facing some of the toughest challenges – chronic addiction, mental illness, incarceration, and homelessness. We provide two main pathways for moving forward. The first is treatment and recovery housing, where clients progress step by step — from residential care, to sober housing, and eventually into independent housing. We also have a dedicated program for veterans. The second pathway is permanent supportive housing for people whose mental or behavioral health conditions require long-term support. Right now, we operate 285 housing units for people at risk of homelessness, with three more apartment buildings opening by 2028. We serve 1,700

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Aspen Peak Productions is an event company dedicated to transforming visions into one-of-a-kind experiences. Backed by more than 20 years of expertise in audio-visual and food and beverage, this powerhouse husband-and-wife team helps bring unforgettable events to life. CEO and Owner, Trevor Sorrels-Jones, joins us with more. Trevor Sorrels-Jones: Here at Aspen Peak Productions, we believe every event should be a true reflection of the people and purpose behind it. From corporate meetings and social gatherings to weddings, concerts, and conventions, we work closely with our clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. Our expertise include dramatic drape backdrops, custom ceiling installations and hybrid corporate meetings. We also offer innovative projection mappings that can transform entire buildings and intimate wedding cakes into a fun, immersive experience. We are committed to delivering tailored services and creating experiences that feel poli

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its debut in 2017, Ghost Boards has been catching the attention of people all over the world with their unique, clear-designed skateboards that blend style, performance, and innovation seamlessly. CEO and Owner, Russ Warner, joins us with more. Russ Warner: Ghost Boards started with one simple idea — make a board so cool, it turns heads before it even moves. We build clear acrylic longboards that ride like a dream and look like nothing else on the street. Think of them as part skateboard, part rolling art. What began in my garage has become a fast-growing brand with riders all over the world from Japan to Australia. From LED wheels to custom graphics, we’re all about creating gear that stands out and gets people talking. Whether you're a beginner, a collector, or just want something different, we’ve got a board for you. But Ghost Boards isn’t just about the ride — it’s about expression, community, and fun. We’re proud to build our boards right here in Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Miller Sports and Entertainment, a platform of the Larry H. Miller Company, is driving growth in Utah’s sports and entertainment industry. President Michelle Smith shares highlights from a transformative year and how they are creating gathering places that strengthen and connect our community. Michelle Smith: 2025 has been a landmark year for Miller Sports and Entertainment, highlighted by: -Announcing the acquisition of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC, Real Monarchs and the RSL Academy with a group of local investors. -Opening The Ballpark at America First Square, the new home of the Salt Lake Bees, in the heart of Downtown Daybreak. -Launching a brand refresh for the Salt Lake Bees with new logos, marks, jerseys and caps for the 2025 season. -Ushering in a new era with a brand refresh for Megaplex since opening over twenty five years ago. -And, opening Megaplex’s first cinema entertainment center in Downtown Daybreak, with dining, interactive bowling, games

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1931, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art has been a gathering place for artists and creatives in the region, fostering inspiration, collaboration, and innovation. Here to share some exciting updates, Development Strategist, Kaitlin Mills, joins us with more. Kaitlin Mills: We’re thrilled to share two exciting updates from the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. First, UMOCA recently launched the Assemblage Art Fund, providing targeted support for visual artists and collectives in Salt Lake County. Through Assemblage, 6 to 12 artists will receive grants for their project. This initiative is made possible by the Andy Warhol Foundation and inaugural recipients will be announced on October 24 at our annual Halloween Bash. On September 26, UMOCA celebrates the opening of Elizabeth Malaska’s solo exhibition, awarded through the 2025 Catherine Doctorow Prize for Contemporary Painting, a biennial award supported by the Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundati