216. Ryan Starks — Reflecting on the Road So Far and What's Ahead
Release Date: 05/02/2025
237. Jason Christensen — Whipping Up Delicious Protein Bars
Business Elevated
In this episode, Jason Christensen, co-founder of the Utah-based protein bar company , discusses his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a summer sales job. He and his partner, Dr. Luke Tolley, formed the company after creating a unique, plant-based protein bar that is also nut-free, gluten-free, and tastes like a treat. The company manufactures its bars in Springville, Utah, and sells them online and through local retailers like Good Earth Markets and, soon, Harmon's. Christensen believes that a sense of accountability and a "can-do" spirit are key to entrepreneurial success, and...
info_outline
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of . Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site...
info_outline
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of . Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site...
info_outline
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of . Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site...
info_outline
235. Brian Miller — Addressing the Hidden Cost of Financial Stress With MoneyRight
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Miller, founder and CEO of MoneyRight. Miller's journey into personal finance began at age 11. Initially, a traditional financial advisor, he grew disillusioned with a system that benefits the wealthy. Miller focused on helping students and others develop basic financial skills, recognizing the link between money management and emotional and psychological health. He then created MoneyRight, a platform for employees to provide financial education and...
info_outline
234. Leading Utah's Economic Future — A Conversation With GOEO and WTC Utah
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), talks with Jefferson Moss, the organization's new executive director. Moss discusses his background and priorities, emphasizing how he will lead GOEO as a coordinator, convener, and collaborator among various organizations and initiatives in the state. He believes that uniting these groups will help Utah tackle key challenges — workforce development, housing, and rural economic growth — more quickly and effectively. Moss highlights the importance of partnerships...
info_outline
233. Beyond the Rides — Building Life Skills at Lagoon
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with David Gray, director of human resources at Lagoon Amusement Park (Lagoon), Rob Coursey, attorney and owner at Modern Age Employment Law, and Nancy Sylvester, a labor and employment attorney at the Ogletree Deakins law firm. Gray and Coursey discuss their professional journeys and experiences with Utah's business community, focusing on Lagoon's workplace culture. Gray talks about Lagoon's commitment to hiring and mentoring young employees. Coursey highlights...
info_outline
232. Tanner Thompson — From Richfield Roots to Apparel Powerhouse
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tanner Thompson, CEO and owner of The Shirt Stop. Thompson discusses how he stumbled into entrepreneurship by purchasing an existing screen printing business in his hometown of Richfield, Utah. He explains that this decision was key to his success because the business already had an established team of seven employees. This strategic focus and its commitment to building long-term customer relationships have been instrumental in the company's growth. Since then, The...
info_outline
231. Ben Hart — Fueling Local Economies and Utah's Future
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA). Hart discusses his career detour from banking to public service, driven by a desire to give back to the community and make a tangible difference. He highlights the rewarding experience of seeing companies his office helped bring to the state employ friends and family, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector for Utah's continued success. Hart...
info_outline
230. Sharlene Wells — Building a Holistic Support System for Utah's Business Community
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at . Wells shares her career path, which includes being Miss America, working at ESPN, and serving with the Department of Defense. She delves into the evolution of Mountain America Credit Union, noting that while the core principle of providing fair loans and building savings remains, it now offers a more holistic support system — from free financial guides to a...
info_outlineSeason 7 Episode 17: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), talks with Ryan Starks, GOEO's executive director.
Starks shares his deep appreciation for the innovative spirit and strong work ethic of Utah's diverse communities. Reflecting on his recent visits to all 24 rural counties, he emphasizes the heart of GOEO's mission to create economic opportunities for all Utahns. He highlights the prevalent family and caring culture throughout the state.
He reflects on key accomplishments during his tenure, emphasizing the importance of nimbleness and strategic focus. Starks proudly points to the successful corporate recruitment of Texas Instruments, a historic capital investment for the state, and the impactful Rural Economic Development Incentive Fund (REDTIF), which has dramatically increased economic opportunities in rural Utah. He underscores GOEO's collaborative approach with local communities, regional associations, and the World Trade Center Utah to drive economic growth, expand global reach for Utah companies, and attract foreign investment.
Looking ahead, Starks expresses optimism about Utah’s economic future, which is driven by its collaborative spirit, pro-growth environment, and strong preparation for major milestones like the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Thank you, Ryan Starks!