Silicon Slopes | The Entrepreneur Capital of the World

In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant world of Craft Lake City, an organization dedicated to promoting local artisans through the integration of technology, science, and arts. Join us as we chat with a key member of the Craft Lake City team about their mission, the history of the organization, and the exciting events they host, including the annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival.00:00 - Introduction00:37 - Transition to Craft Lake City00:50 - Guest's background in graphic design01:18 - History of Craft Lake City and its connection with Slug Magazine02:13 - The mission of Craft Lake City03:58 - Focus on STEM and youth entrepreneurship programs05:27 - The intersection of science and art07:07 - Discussion on Utah's tech and entrepreneurial community08:06 - Rocket launch events and community outreach09:07 - Impact of AI on art and upcoming exhibits11:45 - Clarifying the focus of Craft Lake City12:23 - Importance of youth entrepreneurship13:11 - The role of 3D printing in entrepreneurship14:03 - A typical day at Craft Lake City15:02 - Call to action for Utah County and contact information If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://craftlakecity.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, we sit down with McKay and Natalie from Thanksgiving Point to discuss their groundbreaking new initiative: a Tech and Science Center for Kids. Discover how this center aims to bridge the gap in STEM education for children from all backgrounds, particularly those from low-income families.Learn about the inspiration behind this project, the role of Thanksgiving Point in the community, and the incredible impact it aims to have on the future workforce of Utah. We also delve into the history of Thanksgiving Point, its mission, and the philanthropic spirit that drives its initiatives.00:00 - Introductions and Greetings00:25 - Current Events and Tech Center Introduction01:02 - Overview of the Tech and Science Center for Kids02:01 - Mission and Background of Thanksgiving Point02:59 - STEM Job Statistics and Income Gap04:44 - Access to Opportunity and Personal Motivation05:52 - Free Access for Low-Income Families07:07 - Community Involvement and Support09:40 - Outreach to Rural Utah11:06 - History of Thanksgiving Point14:07 - Alan and Karen Ashton's Legacy15:16 - Community-Led Organization16:01 - Future Vision for Thanksgiving Point17:08 - Curiosity Farms and Ag Tech Center18:13 - Use of AI in Exhibit Design19:30 - State Support and Partnerships21:21 - Philanthropy in Utah22:16 - Encouraging Silicon Slopes Participation22:51 - Upcoming Projects: Sphere of Light24:08 - Community Events and Corporate Partnerships25:56 - Gratitude and Membership ImpactIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://thanksgivingpoint.orgSocial:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we reconnect with an old high school friend who has built an incredibly successful business, Disruptive Advertising. Join us as we dive deep into his journey from high school days to becoming a prominent entrepreneur in Utah. 00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up00:16 - Family Life and Kids00:42 - Entrepreneurial Journey01:24 - Starting Disruptive Advertising02:28 - Rebranding to Disruptive Advertising03:05 - Going Full-Time with Disruptive Advertising04:01 - Personal Growth and Marriage Challenges05:32 - High School Memories and Marriage Counseling07:09 - Realizing the Importance of Partnership08:19 - Transforming Business and Personal Life09:31 - Creating a Growth-Oriented Work Environment10:26 - Investing in Personal Development11:04 - Principles of Awareness, Honesty, and Responsibility12:31 - Implementing Personal Growth in Business13:41 - Detaching Identity from Business Success15:00 - Empathy and Self-Compassion16:14 - Learning from the Past17:21 - Loving Your Past Self18:05 - Launching Disruptive University Publicly19:07 - Role of AI in Marketing and Business20:23 - Adapting to AI in Marketing21:10 - Industry-Specific Teams in Disruptive Advertising22:38 - Challenges of Business Transformation23:27 - Decision to Not Raise Capital25:19 - Financial Independence and Business Risks27:23 - Conservative Upbringing and Debt Aversion28:04 - Influential Books and Philosophies30:31 - Eastern vs. Western Philosophies32:52 - Impact of AI on Life and Business34:11 - Potential Risks of AI35:10 - Writing and Publishing the Book37:10 - Content of the Book "Authenticity Wins"39:01 - Misconceptions About Authenticity40:33 - Podcast "Authenticity Wins"41:20 - Publishing Strategy for the Book41:47 - Identifying Personal Values If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://disruptiveadvertising.com  Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible founders behind Taft and Tuff Pops to discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. From starting with men's no-show socks to transitioning into high-quality shoes, and now venturing into the world of protein popsicles, their story is nothing short of inspiring.00:00 - Introduction00:18 - Silicon Slopes COVID Town Halls01:21 - Utah's Unique Community and Investment Appeal02:00 - Challenges of Entering the Utah Market02:34 - Starting Taft: From Socks to Shoes03:27 - Lessons Learned from Taft05:10 - Mental Health and Entrepreneurship08:22 - Identity and Work-Life Balance10:06 - Transition from Socks to Shoes16:17 - Exiting Taft and Personal Challenges19:34 - Starting Tuff Pops: The Idea and Development25:09 - Branding and Market Positioning28:57 - Distribution and Growth Strategy35:47 - Utah's Consumer Product Ecosystem38:58 - Community Support and Networking40:04 - Entrepreneurial Fun and ChallengesIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://tuffpops.com  Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned entrepreneur and current CEO of Entrata to discuss his journey through the tech industry, the importance of community, and the future of tech in Utah. From starting his first business in college to leading one of Utah's most promising tech companies, our guest shares invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. 00:00 - Reconnecting After Years00:26 - Joining the Silicon Slopes Board01:01 - Early Business Influences and Mentorship02:01 - Building a Network in Utah03:05 - Learning from Industry Leaders03:47 - Personal and Professional Growth04:19 - Community Response to COVID-1905:09 - Challenges of Podcasting05:51 - Documenting Utah's Tech History06:51 - Importance of Mentorship and Community07:28 - Balancing Mentorship and Business Focus08:17 - Role of Silicon Slopes in the Tech Community09:03 - Founding Silent Whistle10:10 - Challenges and Successes of Silent Whistle11:48 - Exiting Silent Whistle12:25 - Founding Allegiance and Its Challenges13:45 - Lessons Learned from Allegiance14:48 - Joining Podium and Finding Product-Market Fit15:59 - Rapid Growth at Podium16:48 - Gaining Confidence and Raising Funds17:47 - Identity and Success18:40 - Detaching Identity from Business20:04 - Authenticity and Personal Roles22:02 - Public Perception and Criticism24:12 - Navigating Public Scrutiny25:33 - Taking a Year Off for Mental Health26:57 - Importance of Human Connection28:01 - Investing in Authentic Relationships30:24 - Leading Entrata32:00 - Entrata's Mission and Growth33:55 - Potential for Going Public36:32 - Implementing AI at Entrata39:41 - Future of AI in Tech40:51 - Maintaining Utah's Tech Magic If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://www.entrata.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder and CEO of Renew Biotechnologies to explore the groundbreaking work his company is doing in the field of early detection for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Discover how a passion for research at BYU led to the creation of a company that's on the verge of changing the world. 00:00 - Introduction and guest welcome00:19 - From med school to biotech: The origin story00:51 - Early research and the birth of Renew Biotechnologies01:33 - Discussing Neuralink and the potential to cure ALS02:33 - How early detection can lead to cures02:44 - Introduction to Renew Biotechnologies and their focus03:54 - Success stories and the impact of their technology06:59 - The timeline and process for bringing a biotech product to market09:07 - The role of AI in diagnostics and healthcare10:28 - Long-term impact of AI in healthcare12:07 - Changes in administration and their impact on biotech14:21 - A day in the life of a biotech CEO15:57 - Company growth and future plans17:21 - Building a biotech company in Utah19:34 - Utah's biotech community and its growth21:53 - The role of universities in biotech innovation24:04 - Venture capital and funding challenges in biotech25:44 - Reading recommendations for CEOs26:30 - Balancing work with personal interests28:39 - Future vision for Renew Biotechnologies29:33 - Unique company structure and incentivizing innovation31:40 - The importance of integrity in healthcare33:10 - Acknowledging those who gave a chance If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.renewbt.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Beutler, the CEO and co-founder of Alianza, to discuss his incredible 21-year journey of building a global tech company. From the early days of winning the BYU business plan competition to navigating the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis, Brian shares invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. 00:00 - Introduction00:24 - Brian's background and early challenges01:06 - The acquisition of Metaswitch03:21 - What Alianza does05:07 - The journey of building Alianza07:18 - The importance of time in building a successful company09:07 - Challenges with venture capital and funding11:02 - The role of BYU in Alianza's early success13:30 - The impact of the 2008 financial crisis16:13 - Pivoting the business model18:16 - Current scale and global reach of Alianza20:01 - Leveraging AI in communication services23:44 - Using AI internally at Alianza25:00 - The future of AI and its impact27:02 - Advice for founders and entrepreneurs30:01 - The importance of not tying identity to professional success32:22 - Brian's involvement in Utah County Search and Rescue35:21 - Maintaining balance and mental health41:05 - Creating a psychologically safe work environment  If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://www.alianza.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

Brandon Rodman is a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader recognized for his talent in establishing innovative companies from scratch. A native of Eugene, Oregon, Rodman earned a degree in Communications with a focus on Marketing and Advertising from Brigham Young University. His early career in sales, where he led large teams, sharpened his skills in leadership, recruitment, and strategy, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey.In 2008, during the peak of the economic recession, Rodman co-founded Weave (originally called Recall Solutions) from the attic above his garage. What started as a call center evolved into a groundbreaking customer communication platform aimed at strengthening patient-doctor relationships through integrated software, telephony, and CRM tools. Under Rodman’s leadership, Weave became the first Utah-based company accepted into Y Combinator in 2014, a pivotal moment that propelled its growth. Rodman raised over $300 million in funding, expanded the company to nearly $100 million in annual recurring revenue, and guided it to a successful IPO on the NYSE in 2021. His employee-centric approach earned him widespread recognition, including a #4 CEO ranking in America by Glassdoor in 2019 with a 99% approval rating and the 2019 CEO of the Year award from Utah Business. Rodman stepped down as Weave’s CEO in 2020, transitioning to Chairman of the Board, but his legacy as a founder who emphasized culture and innovation endures.After 18 months of exploring new ideas, Rodman launched Previ in January 2022, where he serves as CEO and co-founder alongside Gabe Gunderson. Previ aims to revolutionize consumer finance by offering a payment platform that provides 10-20% cash back on everyday expenses, paid directly from users’ paychecks. Rodman describes Previ as his “life’s work” from a business perspective, blending profitability with a mission to put more money back into consumers’ pockets. Based in Lehi, Utah, Rodman continues to drive Previ’s growth while drawing on lessons learned from Weave’s challenges and triumphs.Rodman’s leadership philosophy emphasizes psychological safety, employee empowerment, and the creation of environments where teams can thrive. He is married to Lindsay Rodman, with whom he has four children, balancing his professional ambitions with a commitment to family. His story is one of resilience—having once liquidated personal assets to keep Weave afloat—and reflects a relentless drive to build businesses that make a meaningful impact.Connect with Silicon Slopes: https://www.siliconslopes.comSocial:X - https://x.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this insightful episode, we reconnect with Michelle McCullough, a leadership development expert, to discuss the evolution of her career from Startup Princess to her current work in emotional intelligence and leadership training. Michelle shares her journey, the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, and how it impacts productivity, employee engagement, and overall company culture.00:00 - Introduction and catching up with Michelle McCullough00:36 - The story behind Startup Princess01:19 - Michelle's current work in leadership development02:02 - The crisis in emotional intelligence post-COVID-1903:19 - How to improve emotional intelligence04:19 - The importance of positivity and joy04:48 - The role of AI in emotional intelligence05:23 - Leadership and emotional intelligence06:29 - Common challenges faced by companies and leaders07:57 - The impact of remote and hybrid work on productivity and culture10:50 - The need for human connection beyond Zoom12:13 - The importance of understanding and supporting employees14:43 - The future of work and the end of "button pusher" jobs16:00 - The value of communication and humanities degrees18:51 - Leadership fatigue and the need for resilience20:04 - The evolving role of business leaders in society23:31 - Building trust in organizations27:59 - The role of social media in emotional well-being31:28 - The importance of owning your audience33:23 - Key findings from Michelle's research on emotional intelligenceIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: speakmichelle.comSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode, we sit down with John, the visionary founder behind Leland, a groundbreaking marketplace platform based in Utah. John shares his journey from interning at Uber and working at LinkedIn to launching Leland while at Stanford. Discover how Leland is revolutionizing the coaching and content marketplace, the challenges of building network effects, and the strategic decisions that have fueled its rapid growth.00:00 - Introduction and the Kiln building00:41 - The idea behind Leland and its inception01:08 - John's background in marketplaces02:00 - Challenges and rewards of building a marketplace02:36 - Creating network effects03:54 - Recruiting coaches for Leland04:43 - Benefits for coaches on the platform05:43 - Revenue potential for coaches06:26 - The role of AI in Leland's future08:22 - Human connection vs. AI in coaching09:01 - Using AI within the company and product10:11 - AI tools for coaches and customers10:37 - Competition and market positioning11:15 - Lessons learned from LinkedIn13:10 - Fundraising journey and investor insights14:32 - Building a company in Utah vs. the Bay Area15:56 - The future of SaaS and AI17:22 - Leland's revenue model18:00 - Potential for job boards and internships18:11 - Advice for raising money and bootstrapping19:39 - Choosing the right investors20:51 - The story behind the name "Leland"21:47 - Decision to build in Utah22:42 - In-office vs. remote work23:35 - The future of Utah's startup ecosystem26:22 - Areas for improvement in Utah's tech community27:28 - The importance of funding diverse ideas28:15 - Thoughts on accelerators and YC30:26 - The value of early supporters and mentorsIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.joinleland.com/Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw