221. Brian Cassil and Jeffrey Tuft — Looking Beyond the Blueprints With Architectural Nexus
Release Date: 06/06/2025
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_outline
229. Corissa Webster — Teeing up Connections on the Green
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Corissa Webster, founder of . Webster founded the Executives Cup after realizing the need for a more meaningful and dynamic networking experience. Drawing from her background in venture capital, she reimagined the traditional networking event by combining it with the energy of a golf tournament. The result is a curated experience where business leaders are intentionally grouped to foster connections and open doors to future business opportunities. ...
info_outline
228. Wayne Aston — Powering a Legacy of Energy and Infrastructure
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Wayne Aston, CEO of Invictus Sovereign. Aston discusses his career as an entrepreneur and his company's role in Utah's energy sector. His background in construction, the Marine Corps, and a church mission to Russia — combined with his passion for team-building and high adventure — have contributed to his current work. He explains how his company, Invictus Sovereign, focuses on developing land and managing the complex financing for major projects, aiming...
info_outline
227. Bryan Phelps — Building Brands in a Digital World
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Bryan Phelps, CEO of Big Leap. Phelps discusses his digital marketing career, highlighting his journey through prominent Utah-based digital marketing companies like OrangeSoda and SEO.com before founding Big Leap in 2008. He emphasizes Big Leap's focus on foundational marketing principles, understanding customer journeys, and the importance of a strong brand in an evolving digital landscape. Phelps also touches on the company's culture, which prioritizes...
info_outline
226. Anil Singh — Unlocking Careers With AI Education
Business Elevated
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Anil Singh, founder and president of Saras AI Institute. Singh shares his journey, from growing up in a small village in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting how education transformed his life and inspired him to establish Saras AI Institute. The institute offers fully online AI education, including certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs, with a unique project-based learning approach that eliminates traditional exams....
info_outlineSeason 7 Episode 22: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Cassil, principal director of communications, and Jeffrey Tuft, principal partner at Architectural Nexus.
Cassil discusses his 28-year career with Architectural Nexus, bringing a unique film and media arts background to his role, focusing on storytelling in design. Tuft shares his 20-year career with the firm and his role as a principal partner and LEED-certified professional, emphasizing sustainable building practices. They highlight the company's transition to a 100% employee-owned company with offices in Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and remote locations, primarily serving the Western United States.
The conversation delves into pressing issues like housing affordability in Utah. Tuft discusses the need for more condominiums to address the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers and how liability concerns deter developers from building them. The duo shares their pride in working on impactful projects such as the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah and the National Ability Center in Park City, which underscores the firm's commitment to community and philanthropy. They also expressed optimism about Utah's continued growth, partially driven by events like the 2034 Winter Olympics, which they believe will further fuel the state's prosperity and attract diverse opportunities.