Business Elevated
The Business Elevated podcast discusses what it’s like to live, work, and recreate in the great state of Utah from the perspective of the state's business, nonprofit, and government leaders. Since 2019, it has included the state's critical economic development topics, the day's pressing issues, and timely conversations with industry-leading guest experts. The Business Elevated podcast is a production of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
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224. Chris Baird — Providing Connectivity Solutions With OptConnect
06/27/2025
224. Chris Baird — Providing Connectivity Solutions With OptConnect
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect. Baird discusses his journey from sales and operations before becoming CEO of OptConnect. The company began by providing temporary cellular connectivity for ATMs at an outdoor festival and has since evolved into a full-service provider of managed wireless solutions for a wide range of unattended machines like kiosks and digital signage — meeting growing demand as major retailers began requiring vendors to bring their internet solutions. Baird explains that OptConnect’s solutions involve purpose-built hardware, extensive software development by 50 engineers, and redundant cellular connectivity across major carriers. The company has grown to nearly 200 direct employees, with additional contractors, and has expanded globally with offices in Europe and Latin America, serving over 1.1 million devices. Baird discusses OptConnect's consistent growth and recognition on lists like Utah Business's Fast 50 and Inc. 5000, attributing it to a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, which stems from prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a strong company culture, including a dedicated annual day of service for all employees.
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223. Stephanie Frohman — Utah's Proactive Approach to Environmental Challenges
06/20/2025
223. Stephanie Frohman — Utah's Proactive Approach to Environmental Challenges
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Stephanie Frohman, associate director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University. Frohman shares her career journey and the critical work the institute is doing in Utah. With 27 years of experience as an engineer in medical devices, she transitioned into economic development, spending two decades at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. Her passion for mission-based work led her to focus on natural resources, leading her to her current role, where she is pursuing a master's degree in natural resources to better understand Utah's unique environmental challenges and opportunities. Frohman highlights the institute's mission to connect decision-makers with high-quality research, providing evidence-based support for environmental and economic solutions. It produces an annual report for the governor and Legislature, translating complex research into accessible insights and serving as a resource for policymakers on land, water, and air issues. Frohman highlights the institute's proactive and reactive approaches, including its work with the Great Salt Lake Strike Team to baseline scientific understanding and its Bear Lake needs assessment to prevent future problems. It also engages students, offering professional development opportunities and involving them in policy discussions.
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222. Thomas Laakso — Bringing Innovation and Sustainability to Utah's Slopes
06/13/2025
222. Thomas Laakso — Bringing Innovation and Sustainability to Utah's Slopes
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Thomas Laakso, senior vice president of DPS Skis. Laakso highlights Utah's unique advantage of outdoor access, which allows him to combine his career in skiing with living in the mountains. His material science and composite engineering background led him to work for brands like The North Face before joining Black Diamond and eventually co-founding an avalanche safety company. He oversees product and operations at DPS Skis, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is the largest ski producer in the United States. Laakso emphasizes DPS Skis' commitment to using 90% domestic materials, which proved beneficial during supply chain disruptions. He details the company's 18-month design, manufacturing, and testing process, highlighting the strategic advantage of its Salt Lake City location for rapid iteration and testing on nearby mountains. DPS Skis, known for its carbon fiber construction and focus on freeride, recently launched a new Pisteworks line for hard snow carving. Laakso also discusses its Revive program, which refurbishes and resells used skis, including those from other brands, promoting sustainability by extending product lifespan.
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221. Brian Cassil and Jeffrey Tuft — Looking Beyond the Blueprints With Architectural Nexus
06/06/2025
221. Brian Cassil and Jeffrey Tuft — Looking Beyond the Blueprints With Architectural Nexus
Season 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.
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220. Mark and Sally Dietlein — 40 Years of Magic, Drama, and Stunning Performances at Hale Centre Theatre
05/30/2025
220. Mark and Sally Dietlein — 40 Years of Magic, Drama, and Stunning Performances at Hale Centre Theatre
Season 7 Episode 21: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Dietlein, president, CEO, and co-founder, and Sally Dietlein, artistic director, executive producer, and co-founder of Hale Centre Theatre. Mark and Sally Dietlein share their journey of building a thriving theater company in Utah. They discuss how their shared background in performing arts at BYU led them to join forces with Mark's grandparents, Ruth and Nathan Hale, to establish the theater in 1985. Over nearly 40 years, Hale Centre Theatre has experienced significant growth, expanding from its initial small venue to its current world-class facility in Sandy, Utah, which boasts unique and advanced stage technology. They emphasize Utah's strong work ethic and community support for the arts as key factors in their success. The duo highlights their commitment to providing high-quality theatrical experiences, including an extensive education program and outreach initiatives like "Story Weavers" that bring theater to underserved communities. They explain their meticulous show production process, the significant investment in each production, and their focus on delivering "emotional baths" to their audiences.
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219. Natalie Kaddas — Powering Innovation, Employees, and Wildlife Outage Protection
05/21/2025
219. Natalie Kaddas — Powering Innovation, Employees, and Wildlife Outage Protection
Season 7 Episode 20: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises. Kaddas discusses her journey from hospitality to leading a second-generation family business. She highlights the company's evolution from making aviation components to its innovative BirdguarD™ product, which prevents animal-caused power outages and mitigates wildfires. Kaddas emphasizes the importance of domestic sourcing, the company's global reach in 15 countries, and its strategic use of automation, which streamlined operations and elevated workforce skills. Kaddas also shares her perspective as a woman CEO in manufacturing, noting the increasing presence of women in the industry and the unique perspectives they bring to leadership. She discusses the company's commitment to employee well-being, including a four-day work week and financial literacy classes that significantly reduce turnover and increase retirement program participation. Kaddas praises Utah's supportive business environment, highlighting partnerships with the governor's office for workforce training and the community's collaborative spirit.
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218. Ryan Wedig — Making Digital Transformation Attainable With Vasion
05/16/2025
218. Ryan Wedig — Making Digital Transformation Attainable With Vasion
Season 7 Episode 19: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ryan Wedig, CEO and co-founder of Vasion, opens in a new tab. Wedig shares his journey of co-founding PrinterLogic — now Vasion — in St. George in 2012. He recounts meeting the founder and recognizing the potential of his print server elimination technology as the IT landscape shifted towards private clouds. Wedig, with a background in systems engineering and an MBA, partnered to build the business, initially focusing on eliminating print servers before expanding the company’s vision. He highlights the unexpected impact of its technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to Vasion’s broader mission: to make digital transformation attainable for everyone. Wedig discusses the company’s vision of bridging the gap between humans and AI by offering affordable and accessible solutions, contrasting this with expensive and often antiquated systems of existing workflow providers. He emphasizes Vasion’s commitment to security and its architectural focus on building native security features rather than relying on complex integrations. Wedig details Vasion’s role in fostering a tech community in St. George, culminating in the development of Tech Ridge. He shares the company’s global reach, its recognition as a top workplace, and its ambitious goal to lead the market in AI automation over the next three years.
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217. Scott Holmes — Building Better Through Value-Driven Entrepreneurship
05/09/2025
217. Scott Holmes — Building Better Through Value-Driven Entrepreneurship
Season 7 Episode 18: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Holmes, founder and CEO of Teton. Holmes discusses his career path, which unexpectedly pivoted from biology and medical school after being mentored by an entrepreneur in the import business. This experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for his future. He recounts the genesis of Teton, born from a "to-don't" list of business practices he observed and wanted to avoid. Holmes explains how Teton initially operated with a lean, home-based model, shipping directly to retailers before establishing domestic warehousing to address inventory fluctuations. He highlights Teton's early entry and success on Amazon, attributing it to a strategy of overbuilding quality products that exceed customer expectations, leading to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Holmes also shares Teton's philosophy of giving back by donating gear to underserved communities to promote healthy living and outdoor experiences, stemming from his own initial negative experiences with poor-quality camping gear as a child. He offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of "no," the importance of focusing on mastery before diversification, and the critical step of discovering one's core values.
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216. Ryan Starks — Reflecting on the Road So Far and What's Ahead
05/02/2025
216. Ryan Starks — Reflecting on the Road So Far and What's Ahead
Season 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!
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215. Preston Cochrane — Building Community and Restoring Lives with The Other Side Village
04/25/2025
215. Preston Cochrane — Building Community and Restoring Lives with The Other Side Village
Season 7 Episode 16: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village. Cochrane discusses his journey into social impact work, driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than himself. He highlights his previous roles in organizations focused on homelessness, mental health, and financial education, emphasizing the importance of believing in people's capacity for change, even when their circumstances seem overwhelming. Cochrane delves into the mission of The Other Side Village and its sister organization, The Other Side Academy. The Academy is a 2.5-year residential program for individuals with histories of incarceration, addiction, and homelessness, where residents operate social enterprises to fund the program. Inspired by the Academy's success, the Village provides permanent, supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals with mental health diagnoses. A key component of the Village is its democratic, therapeutic environment where residents are peer-led and must complete a "village prep school" before moving in. Cochrane highlights that both organizations share a core belief: people can change when supported by accountability, love, and a sense of purpose.
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214. Matthew Sanders and Erik Mikkelsen — Elevating Hospitality by Investing in People
04/18/2025
214. Matthew Sanders and Erik Mikkelsen — Elevating Hospitality by Investing in People
Season 7 Episode 15: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Matt Sanders, founder and CEO, and Eric Mikkelsen, vice president of product, at Longitude. Sanders and Mikkelsen delve into their professional backgrounds, which both involve building new enterprises alongside existing organizations, including their time together at Western Governors University. They discuss the genesis and operation of Longitude, a company focused on managing luxury short-term vacation rentals, second homes, and full-time residences primarily in the Wasatch Back region of Utah. Sanders explains the company's unique model, which blends employees with licensed service partners, empowering individuals, particularly Latin American immigrant women, through training and entrepreneurial opportunities. Mikkelsen emphasizes Longitude's commitment to investing in its people, fostering a high level of service, and attracting talent in a competitive hospitality market. They also discuss their marketing strategies, the importance of guest reviews, and their positive experiences within Utah's collaborative and entrepreneurial business community, expressing optimism for future growth while prioritizing their local base.
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213. Jeremy Barker — Behind the Hidden Door
04/11/2025
213. Jeremy Barker — Behind the Hidden Door
Season 7 Episode 14: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of Business Services, talks with Jeremy Barker, CEO of Murphy Door. Barker shares his deep Utah roots and diverse career path, which began with several entrepreneurial ventures after a brief time at the University of Utah — including construction and a shed-building business that led to a major partnership with Home Depot. He later became a paramedic and firefighter. Barker shares anecdotes about his early business challenges, including financial difficulties and learning the ropes of large-scale retail. He delves into his current successful venture, Murphy Door, a company specializing in hidden doors disguised as bookshelves and cabinets. Barker details the invention of his patented door hardware and the unexpected growth of the company, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the company's commitment to manufacturing in the U.S. using domestic materials and its expansion with plants in Utah, Kentucky, and Texas. Barker also touches upon Murphy Door's unique presence in the home improvement market and its collaborations with Hollywood productions, among other notable recognitions.
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212: Tyson Andrus — Combining Technology and Fragrance for Customized Sensory Experiences
04/04/2025
212: Tyson Andrus — Combining Technology and Fragrance for Customized Sensory Experiences
Season 7 Episode 13: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tyson Andrus, co-founder of ATMOS Fragrance. Andrus shares his experiences living and working in Utah since 2008, highlighting his love for the state's outdoor activities and the work-life balance. He details his career path, from his time at Skullcandy to his involvement with Kickstart Seed Fund and ultimately co-founding ATMOS Fragrance. The discussion explores ATMOS Fragrance, an innovative, tech-driven home fragrance system featuring a multi-slot diffuser and a connected app for a fully customizable scent experience. Andrus explains the challenges and innovations involved in developing the product, emphasizing the importance of user experience and the unique capabilities of their system, such as fragrance mixing and scheduling. He also discusses the company's marketing strategy, its focus on creating memorable sensory experiences, and future plans, including expanding into the automotive fragrance market. Andrus highlights the supportive business community in Utah and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of thorough market research and building a strong team.
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211. Jacob Baadsgaard — Building an Entrepreneurial Success From a Foundation of Authenticity
03/28/2025
211. Jacob Baadsgaard — Building an Entrepreneurial Success From a Foundation of Authenticity
Season 7 Episode 12: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jacob Baadsgaard, founder and CEO of Disruptive Advertising. Baadsgaard discusses his journey from working at Omniture to founding his data-driven marketing agency. He highlights the importance of connecting marketing data with business data and how his agency helps small to medium-sized businesses act on that data. Baadsgaard emphasizes the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, stressing the need for authenticity and a willingness to learn from successes and failures. He also discusses Disruptive University, an initiative he founded to help marketers and entrepreneurs find clarity and authenticity in their work and personal lives. He explains how the program addresses the challenges of balancing business success with personal fulfillment. The university offers online courses and in-person summits, focusing on aligning personal values with professional goals. Baadsgaard praises Utah's supportive environment for entrepreneurs, citing the state's driven population, strong university connections, and pro-business government. He expresses enthusiasm for the future of his ventures — particularly his goal of encouraging widespread authenticity — and his thoughts on how AI will impact the advertising industry.
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210. Jonathan Freedman — Delving Into Tariffs, Foreign Policy, and Utah's Foreign Trade Zone
03/21/2025
210. Jonathan Freedman — Delving Into Tariffs, Foreign Policy, and Utah's Foreign Trade Zone
Season 7 Episode 11: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah). Freedman highlights the numerous trade missions and foreign dignitary visits WTC Utah facilitates, emphasizing the state's commitment to global engagement. He also addresses the impact of tariffs on Utah's economy, explaining their potential benefits, such as boosting domestic manufacturing and generating federal revenue, while acknowledging the risks of increased costs for businesses and consumers. Freedman elaborates on the importance of the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and WTC Utah's role as its grantee, highlighting how the organization is making the FTZ more accessible to Utah businesses by providing cost-benefit analyses and guidance. He also discusses Utah's unique position regarding critical minerals and the challenges and opportunities associated with their extraction. Freedman highlights Utah’s commitment to subnational diplomacy and proactive international trade efforts, particularly with Canada and Mexico, amid shifting federal trade policies.
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209. Lorena Riffo-Jenson — Fostering Salt Lake City's Growth From Main Street to the Olympics and Beyond
03/14/2025
209. Lorena Riffo-Jenson — Fostering Salt Lake City's Growth From Main Street to the Olympics and Beyond
Season 7 Episode 10: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Lorena Riffo-Jenson, director of the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development. Riffo-Jenson discusses her extensive career in public service and economic development. She highlights her work with various state and city organizations, including her time with Governor Levitt and her current role with Salt Lake City, where she emphasizes a human-centered economic development approach. Riffo-Jenson stresses the importance of community engagement, strategic planning, and fostering a diverse and resilient economy, noting the city's focus on industries like life sciences and fintech. She also addresses Salt Lake City's growth challenges, particularly housing affordability and the city's efforts to balance development with community needs. Riffo-Jenson discusses major projects like the Main Street promenade study, the revitalization of the Gateway area, and the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics, emphasizing the city's role as a hub for national and international events. She underscores the importance of collaboration, listening to stakeholders, and maintaining Utah's "secret sauce" of working together to find solutions. Riffo-Jenson also notes the economic impact of major sports teams, such as the Utah Jazz and the new National Hockey League team, estimating they contribute around $600 million to the local economy.
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208: Amy Meyer — Bridging Australian Talent and US Employers
03/07/2025
208: Amy Meyer — Bridging Australian Talent and US Employers
Season 7 Episode 9: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Amy Meyer, founder of Aussie Recruit. Meyer discusses how Aussie Recruit connects U.S. employers with qualified Australian professionals across various industries, from tech and healthcare to engineering and hospitality. One key initiative, the E-3 visa program, enables Australian citizens with university degrees to work in the U.S. As an Australian native, she highlights that the program remains underutilized, with thousands of visa slots left unfilled each year. Unlike the highly competitive H-1B visa, the E-3 visa has a simpler application process, lower fees, and a quicker turnaround, making it an attractive option for U.S. companies seeking skilled workers. Meyer shares success stories of Australian individuals whose careers were transformed by the E-3 visa program and discusses how it allows spouses to obtain work authorization. She addresses the misconceptions surrounding visa sponsorship and encourages U.S. businesses, particularly in rapidly growing states like Utah, to explore the potential of hiring Australian professionals. Meyer expresses her passion for connecting people and facilitating their "American dream," emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in the hiring process.
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207. Elliott Parker — Driving Growth and Innovation Through Co-Creation of Advantaged Startups
02/27/2025
207. Elliott Parker — Driving Growth and Innovation Through Co-Creation of Advantaged Startups
Season 7 Episode 8: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation. Parker discusses his extensive experience in corporate innovation and startups, sharing his career trajectory, from working in corporate venture capital and launching multiple businesses. He highlights the challenges large corporations face in innovation, noting their optimization for efficiency over breakthrough advancements. Parker explains how High Alpha Innovation partners with corporations to build advantaged startups that leverage existing industry networks, offering examples from ag-tech, healthcare, and supply chain industries. He emphasizes the importance of resilience in modern business structures, particularly in supply chains, and underscores the role of startups in fostering innovation within large enterprises. Parker delves into his organization's collaboration with universities to foster entrepreneurship by aligning industry needs with academic resources, citing partnerships with institutions like Notre Dame. He reflects on the evolving startup landscape, noting the impact of AI and the changing economics of company formation. Parker also highlights Utah’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and the state’s ambitious goal to increase startups by 150%. He emphasizes the importance of action in venture building, asserting that "action creates data" and enables businesses to uncover valuable insights.
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206. Adrienne Woolley — Exploring Career Paths With Hands-on Experience and Project-Based Learning
02/21/2025
206. Adrienne Woolley — Exploring Career Paths With Hands-on Experience and Project-Based Learning
Season 7 Episode 7: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Adrienne Woolley, program manager for the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS). Woolley discusses her PCCAPS career managing a project-based learning initiative for high school juniors and seniors. The network, the first of its kind in Utah, offers hands-on experience in fields such as business, digital design, and physical therapy. By exploring career paths early, students build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain a competitive edge before pursuing higher education. Woolley emphasizes the program's strong industry partnerships, including collaborations with local businesses, healthcare providers, and government entities, to provide students with real-world learning opportunities. Woolley highlights student-led projects in hospitality, engineering, and design, such as developing a ski-in, ski-out food venue, designing parking garage charging stations, and creating a ski locker amenity. She discusses the life skills students gain, including professional communication, project management, and public speaking. Woolley also emphasizes PCCAPS’ role in connecting students with local businesses and industries, fostering professional growth, and providing meaningful learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.
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205. Catherine Raney Norman — Utah's Olympic Legacy and the Road to 2034
02/14/2025
205. Catherine Raney Norman — Utah's Olympic Legacy and the Road to 2034
Season 7 Episode 6: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Catherine Raney Norman, board chair of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games. Raney Norman discusses her journey to Utah as a four-time Olympic speed skater, her appreciation for the state’s landscapes, and her career transition from sports to leadership roles in development and fundraising. She highlights the significance of Utah hosting the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, emphasizing its impact on the local economy, community engagement, and future generations. Raney Norman also underscores the importance of resilience, inclusivity, and the role businesses, volunteers, and young people can play in making the Olympics successful. Raney Norman highlights Utah’s strong position as a future host, citing its existing infrastructure, favorable climate, and engaged community. She also emphasizes the Kearns Olympic Oval’s impact on local pride, economic growth, and world-class athletic performance. The conversation covers the successful bid for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the transition from the bid committee to the organizing committee, and the ongoing efforts to engage all 29 counties in Utah.
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204. Romney Williams — Rescuing Devices and Gear From Moisture While Supporting Vulnerable Utahns
02/07/2025
204. Romney Williams — Rescuing Devices and Gear From Moisture While Supporting Vulnerable Utahns
Season 7 Episode 5: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services, talks with Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT. Williams shares his extensive entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the crucial support of his wife, who encouraged him to pursue his startup dreams full-time, even when faced with financial uncertainty. His career path involved learning from successes and failures, including a significant role in bringing digital camera technology to market as an "ingredient brand," akin to GORE-TEX. This experience shaped his preference for team-based ventures, leading him to join founders who needed a CEO to drive their vision. Williams details the invention of DRYOUT, a product designed to remove moisture from hard goods, and its scientific superiority to traditional methods like rice. DRYOUT, initially a consumer product, has evolved into a B2B model, partnering with other brands to embed its patented moisture-wicking technology in various products, from consumer electronics and military gear to hunting equipment and musical instruments. He also highlights DRYOUT’s commitment to social responsibility, aligning with Utah’s strong philanthropic values by supporting mental health initiatives — especially those focused on children and veterans.
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203. Cassie Michael — Community-Driven Food at Wholesale Prices
01/31/2025
203. Cassie Michael — Community-Driven Food at Wholesale Prices
Season 7 Episode 4: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Cassie Michael, founder of Food and Meat Co-op. Michael discusses how she launched the business during the 2020 supply chain crisis to help communities access affordable, high-quality proteins and other food items. With a background in wholesale food and a passion for budget-friendly meal planning, she leveraged her industry connections to secure bulk pricing directly from producers, eliminating the need for traditional retail markups. Committed to quality and affordability, the co-op offers additive-free products through an online ordering system, delivering via refrigerated trucks to pickup locations across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, with recent expansions into home delivery in select areas. Michael shares insights on running a community-driven food distribution business and how the cooperative model supports partnerships with local businesses for distribution. She emphasizes the importance of passion-driven entrepreneurship and the challenges of balancing business and family life. Additionally, Michael discusses the co-op’s recognition for championing women in business and its plans for expansion into Nevada and beyond.
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202. Loren McClure — Delivering Fuel to Doorsteps With FuelUp
01/24/2025
202. Loren McClure — Delivering Fuel to Doorsteps With FuelUp
Season 7 Episode 3: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Opportunity, talks with Loren McClure, chief executive officer of FuelUp. McClure shares his entrepreneurial journey with FuelUp, an innovative gas delivery service that offers convenient and cost-effective refueling for vehicles, boats, and equipment by price-matching local gas stations and operating lean with Utah Department of Transportation-certified trucks. The service, modeled after a Middle Eastern concept, caters to business owners and high-net-worth individuals and recently surpassed 200 cars serviced. He shares insights into the service's growth, emphasizing its word-of-mouth marketing strategy and potential for expansion. McClure highlights the challenges of co-founding the business with family, the role of Utah’s supportive entrepreneurial community in accelerating growth, and the company’s goals to achieve $10 million in revenue and expand offerings to include snacks, drinks, and mobile convenience store services.
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201. Robbyn Scribner — Breaking Into Tech and Transforming Women’s Careers With Tech-Moms
01/17/2025
201. Robbyn Scribner — Breaking Into Tech and Transforming Women’s Careers With Tech-Moms
Season 7 Episode 2: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Robbyn Scribner, co-founder and director of outreach at Tech-Moms. Scribner discusses her career journey, Tech-Moms’ mission, and its impact. She shares her experience of reentering the workforce after a 15-year break and her passion for empowering women through meaningful careers. She explains how Tech-Moms addresses barriers women face by providing accessible, affordable, and flexible technical training, including advanced cybersecurity and data analytics programs. Since its founding during the pandemic, it has trained over 600 women, equipping them with skills that boost their confidence, job readiness, and earning potential while fostering a supportive community. Scribner emphasizes the need for systemic change in gender pay equity, flexible work options, broadening tech industry culture to include diverse perspectives, and much more.
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200. Mark Giles and Domeda Duncan — Building Social Connection and Community Retention
01/10/2025
200. Mark Giles and Domeda Duncan — Building Social Connection and Community Retention
Season 7 Episode 1: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Giles and Domeda Duncan, co-founders of Our Sundays. Giles and Duncan discuss their backgrounds in communications and marketing, their transition to Utah, and their shared passion for creating inclusive spaces. They emphasize the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, particularly for Utah's growing Black population and transplants. Giles and Duncan highlight how Our Sundays bridge social connections, showcase Utah's natural beauty, and contribute to community retention efforts. They also reflect on Utah's evolving demographics and the importance of inclusivity in adapting to these changes. Our Sundays host numerous events, such as karaoke, holiday gatherings, and service projects, promoting the retention of Black professionals in Utah through consistent, inclusive, and joy-filled experiences. They emphasize the state's supportive entrepreneurial environment, which has been pivotal in their journey to cultivate community and foster belonging in Utah.
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199. Wrapping up 2024 With World Trade Center Utah
12/20/2024
199. Wrapping up 2024 With World Trade Center Utah
Season 6 Episode 42: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with three World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) team members: Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO; Jared Anderson, senior director of global business services; and Anna Maidon, director of grants administration; and two Utah company representatives, Michael Gray, general manager of Intermountain Technologies, and Aaron Edwards, CEO of Mil Agro. Freedman discusses Utah’s recent governor-led trade mission to South Korea and Japan. He details the mission’s key achievements, including a new nonstop Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Seoul to enhance connectivity for Utah businesses in East Asia. The delegation, comprising 47 business representatives, held 119 individual meetings, projecting nearly $77 million in new trade opportunities. The conversation also previewed upcoming trade missions to Canada and Australia in 2025, emphasizing their strategic alignment with Utah’s priority industries. Anderson and Gray highlighted Utah’s global trade initiatives and entrepreneurial culture. The conversation covered a recent WTC Utah-led business trip to Peru involving Utah mining companies and legislators, which fostered international connections with Peruvian leaders. Anderson and Gray detail the trip’s successes, including strategic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and new opportunities in Peru’s mining industry. Maidon and Edwards explore Utah’s involvement in the federal State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant, explaining the STEP grant’s role in assisting small businesses with global expansion by reimbursing costs for international trade shows, website development, and market analysis. The conversation highlights Utah’s success in securing a significant portion of STEP Grant funds, enabling local businesses to access resources for global market engagement. Companies interested in applying are encouraged to contact WTC Utah for personalized guidance.
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198. Cully Cavness — Harnessing Natural Gas Emissions for Cloud-Based Energy Solutions
12/12/2024
198. Cully Cavness — Harnessing Natural Gas Emissions for Cloud-Based Energy Solutions
Season 6 Episode 41: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Cully Cavness, co-founder, president, and CEO of Crusoe Energy Systems Inc. Cavness discusses his company's mission to address wasted natural gas emissions, describing how Crusoe captures flared natural gas at oil sites and converts it into energy to power data centers for AI computing and Bitcoin mining. He highlights Utah, particularly the Uinta Basin, as a significant operation hub due to its high energy capacity. Sharing his journey from geothermal energy to co-founding Crusoe, Cavness explains the environmental and economic benefits of their Digital Flare Mitigation technology, which reduces methane emissions while creating valuable computing power. Cavness explores Crusoe's employment of mobile, satellite-connected systems to provide flexible, environmentally aligned power solutions without relying on traditional infrastructure. He showcases the company's evolution from Bitcoin mining to AI-focused GPU computing through its Crusoe Cloud product. It has driven significant growth and led to a $3.4 billion venture to build state-of-the-art liquid-cooled AI data centers in Texas powered by renewable energy. Recognized as Utah’s 2024 Rural Business of the Year at the 2024 Fall One Utah Summit, Crusoe emphasizes community engagement and sustainable practices as key drivers to Crusoe’s success.
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197. Scott Stubbs — Strategies and Milestones Driving Extra Space Storage’s Success
12/05/2024
197. Scott Stubbs — Strategies and Milestones Driving Extra Space Storage’s Success
Season 6 Episode 40: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Stubbs, chief financial officer at Extra Space Storage. Stubbs reflects on his 20+ years at Extra Space Storage, from starting as a corporate controller to overseeing its evolution into an industry giant with over 3,800 locations across 42 states. Stubbs highlights key milestones, including the company’s 2004 initial public offering, transformative acquisitions, and strategic expansions into diverse markets. He elaborates on managing investor relations and navigating challenges like regulatory compliance, environmental impacts, and scaling operations. Stubbs emphasizes the role of strong partnerships, consistent performance, and an employee-focused culture as major contributors to Extra Space’s sustained success as the largest publicly traded company in Utah. He highlights the company's transition to in-house investor relations, its leadership as a top-tier Real Estate Investment Trust, and its innovative strategies, including internet visibility, prime locations, and exceptional customer experience. Stubbs also shares insights into navigating rising interest rates and the company’s commitment to sustained growth in a dynamic real estate market.
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196. Claudia Loayza — Connecting and Celebrating Utah's Diverse Cultures and Communities With Magnify Utah
11/22/2024
196. Claudia Loayza — Connecting and Celebrating Utah's Diverse Cultures and Communities With Magnify Utah
Season 6 Episode 39: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Claudia Loayza, Magnify Utah program manager at the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs. Loayza describes her background as a child of Latin American immigrants and her focus on creating generational wealth and community engagement. She explains her work with Magnify Utah, a project that connects and celebrates Utah’s diverse communities by highlighting resources, stories, and cultural landmarks. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive urban planning, equitable resource access, and intentional storytelling in strengthening Utah’s multicultural reach. Loayza highlights the mission and impact of Magnify Utah's website, designed to highlight personal stories, community profiles, and resources that promote inclusivity and community building in Utah. The website serves as a central hub to help residents — including immigrants, veterans, and corporate transplants — integrate and thrive. She also emphasizes the state’s rich heritage of welcoming newcomers and the growing diversity that shapes its future. Loayza highlights Utah’s strong sense of community and shared values, making it attractive for entrepreneurship.
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195. Building Foundational Skills Through Early Education with Waterford UPSTART
11/15/2024
195. Building Foundational Skills Through Early Education with Waterford UPSTART
Season 6 Episode 38: In this podcast, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Kim Fischer, executive vice president of marketing and communications, Tomas Caceres, senior director of strategic community engagement at Waterford, and Anju Thapaliya UPSTART program manager at GOEO. Fischer, Caceres, and Thapaliya discuss the UPSTART Program, an online educational tool that provides preschool children with foundational skills in reading, math, and science. This tool is made possible through state funding and a partnership with Waterford. UPSTART collaborates with local organizations to extend its reach in Utah’s rural, refugee, and Indigenous communities. Delivering this tool in homes and childcare settings helps UPSTART strengthen families and boost community engagement, giving young children a strong start in learning and development. The Waterford team discusses its future goals to expand access to underserved communities, increase enrollment, and build partnerships to ensure all children have an early learning foundation. Fischer emphasizes that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequities in access to digital resources, affecting early learning and literacy nationwide, especially for marginalized communities. They discuss how UPSTART addresses these gaps by providing adaptive learning tools, a dashboard for tracking progress, and extensive family support.
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