Building Utah

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

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