Silicon Slopes | The Entrepreneur Capital of the World

The co-founder of Bevy, Derek Andersen, joins Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. Bevy is an AI-driven community platform and tool that enterprises use for customer discussions, events, and data optimization. They talk about life in Silicon Valley versus Silicon Slopes and how Utah is becoming a major hub for tech startups. To build a thriving tech and startup ecosystem, egos need to be checked at the door, and they chat about the ethos leaders need in order to be successful in such an environment. They touch on the topic of AI and its impact on business. Tune in to learn more -- you don't want to miss this episode! "I've seen dozens and dozens of Silicon Slopes-types of communities and organizations and almost all of them fail. It's really because the people running them don't have that ethos."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372SpotifyPodcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Join Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast as they sit down with Andrea Thomas, who is the Chief Experience Officer at the University of Utah. The university is part of Pac 12, which is an athletic conference in the United States where 12 of the best universities compete with their best athletes. They talk about Andrea's background in marketing where she learned the valuable skill of scaling company projects with success. Solving complex issues is Andrea's specialty and she talks about how navigating complex issues has evolved over time with the way information is distributed with modern media. Throughout her career, Andrea discovered that rituals, whether in a cultural or athletic sense, keep people invigorated and they talk about the traditions in athletics (particularly at the University of Utah) that have great meaning to the community. Tune in to learn more! "It changed a lot when information became more available, when social media started, when the national channels that we had became more local and fragmented, when data gathering started, and so now we know people are not in a segment anymore. They're individuals."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast, Clint Betts and Garrett Clark are joined by Ryan Bellissimo, who is a venture capital investor and a founder of Progression. Progression is a venture capital conference that is focused on finding innovative companies in the venture capital landscape that align with advancing a nonprofit's mission. They chat about the upcoming Progression conference and their partners, Protect Our Winters (POW) and the Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association. Progression 2024 will feature a speaker who campaigns for mission-driven, venture capital investing for Utah. Tune in to learn more about the next conference and the six companies selected to present at this event! "One of our criteria for the event is the companies need to be fundraising during the event. We want to have an opportunity for these companies that are presenting to have real conversations with investors at the event that could eventually lead to fundraising opportunities."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Clint Betts and Garrett Clark are joined by Shideler Bennett, who is the Managing Partner at Initiator, for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. Having owned multiple Crumbl cookie franchises, Shideler switched paths and is now focused on guiding business owners to raise capital. He shares some horror stories as an experienced franchisee including the emotional toll that comes with the job when dealing with the human side of business. They talk about Shideler's work at Initiator, their unique marketing process, and how debt financing can be an unexpectedly cost effective way to raise funds. They also catch up on current events in the United States. Tune in to learn more! "We actively encourage people that if it's a new concept, whether that's a franchise, short-term rentals, any type of business, when you're just getting started out, debt is a really risky option because now you're adding that extra stress with the payments that come along with it."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast, Clint and Garrett are joined by Robert Axson, who is the Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, and Brad Bonham, who is the Republican National Committeeman for Utah. They cover the recent Utah GOP Convention and the interesting events that transpired there. Currently, the mainstream media is experiencing widespread distrust due to the disconnect between what's being reported versus what actually happens in real life, and they speak on regaining that voice of trust for the people. They touch on various topics including voting security and ensuring candidates win and lose fairly. Tune in to learn more about having an impact on the community of Utah! "I want the best for the state of Utah. I can't sit on the sidelines and just let stuff happen to us. So if I can lend whatever small skill set that I have to hopefully make Utah a better place and have an impact, that's what I want to do."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopesLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Join Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast as they sit down with the founder of Backyard Office Utah, Jonathan Hitzhusen. With his three-man crew, it takes around three weeks to complete a backyard office build, making remote work even more practical for those needing an office away from the office. Jonathan's team handles the entire process from start to finish, including navigating city regulations with each build. They also catch up on the latest Utah news and chat about a lawsuit stemming from Park City. Tune in to learn more about one of Utah's great entrepreneurs! "The buildings we build are tougher than tuff sheds and they look different. Aesthetically, they'll match your house a lot better."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Brenden Borrowman, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Axios VR, joins Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. As an Army veteran, he wanted to know how to help his fellow veterans deal with severe mental health crises and to overcome physical injuries with the help of VR gaming. They talk about studying blood flow to the brain and using cutting-edge neurotechnology in gaming to help veterans heal. Brenden's work is bridging gaps in the mental health world by providing a modern approach and unique form of treatment. They also talk about proactive mental health care and treating veterans who are at risk before their mental well being declines. Tune in to learn more from this fascinating episode! "We are unwell and we have to get better. We are unwell, it's just what it is. And our goal with my company is we can, at a very affordable price, start healing everybody in their homes, at least from a fundamental level of blood flow."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Joe Vogel, the Founder & CEO of Timpanogos Hiking Co., joins Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. Joe talks about building his brand and incentivizing people to explore Utah's mountains as a fun element of his business. He also shares his background in switching careers and dealing with the challenges of running a startup. With an audience-based approach, Joe built his storefront with the customer in mind including what they will see and experience when they walk through the store and what the entire journey will be from walking in the front doors to purchasing a product. They catch up on the latest news, including new regulations from the FTC that will impact companies nationwide. With a brand centered on storytelling, Timpanogos Hiking Co. tells the story of Utah's beloved peaks, further inspiring locals to explore their home state. Tune in to learn more! "I approached it similarly to the way I would approach writing a book, which is thinking about the audience...What do I want the journey to be?"If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Edgar Carreon, the Founder and CEO of Dree, joins Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. Edgar shares the story behind founding Dree and what inspired him to create the laundry service company that empowers people through entrepreneurship. They talk about raising funds and evolving the company as customer needs change. The trio catches up on current events in the state like the recent furry fiasco, as well as possible names for Utah's new NHL team. Tune in to learn more about starting a company, moving to the States, and developing an innovative product! "How can we enable them to do that consistently and to do it better, instead of trying to compete?"If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Ron Squire, Owner Squire Counseling, joins Clint Betts and Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes podcast. Ron's practice revolves around people dealing with existential questions that stem from anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, to help them find meaning in life and to understand the difficulties they're going through. He talks about what put him on the pathway to learning about psychology and how one event changed the trajectory of his career. A major goal of Ron's practice is to help people work through their pain and to find clarity with long-lasting mental health. Connection with others is so important for a fulfilling life and Ron shares some tips for reconnecting with oneself. Tune in to learn more! "If we start to over-therapize kids, then we risk teaching them that they can't do anything on their own."If you enjoyed this episode and want to support us, please follow our show, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a Silicon Slopes Live video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow links: https://www.motionops.com  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  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  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e