Business Elevated

Season 6 Episode 23: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Neight Casperson, owner and CEO of N8 Elite Skiwear.   Casperson shares his deep connection to Utah, having been born and raised in Ogden. He recounts his time away during a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vienna, Austria, and his work for Hill Air Force Base. Despite personal struggles, he found solace and inspiration in skiing. This passion inspired him to start N8 Elite Skiware. Despite challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 that temporarily halted his business, Casperson’s resilience and support from his network helped him relaunch his ski wear line. He continues to grow his business while working at Ed Kenley Ford. The duo discusses the journey of an entrepreneur, emphasizing the multi-tasking nature of managing a startup and a regular job. Casperson highlights the importance of networking, utilizing feedback from friends and marketing groups, and overcoming hurdles like capital constraints and supply chain issues. They highlight Casperson's vision for his company, aiming to make it a prominent brand at ski resorts worldwide, with particular hopes tied to the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah. Casperson acknowledges the supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Utah, the state’s culture of backing local businesses, and the role of recovery and clarity in his personal and professional growth.

Season 6 Episode 22: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Karrie Ketchum, executive director of Utah Dispute Resolution. Ketchum discusses her professional journey and the significance of conflict resolution in various sectors. She recounts her experience growing up in Utah and her varied career path, which began as a paralegal in bankruptcy and real estate law. She then co-founded a commercial door business with her husband. Later, she transitioned into mediation, becoming a court-rostered mediator and eventually the executive director of Utah Dispute Resolution. She highlights her work in family mediation, her contributions to training new mediators, and the personal satisfaction she derives from her role. Ketchum elaborates on the services and programs offered by Utah Dispute Resolution, including conflict resolution training for diverse organizations and community groups. She emphasizes the significance of effective communication and active listening in resolving conflicts. She also touches on the impact of workplace conflict, advocating for regular conflict resolution training to foster a healthy work environment and more. 

Season 6 Episode 21: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), talks with Jefferson Moss, state representative and associate commissioner of innovation at the Utah System of Higher Education, and Ryan Starks, executive director of GOEO.  The discussion highlights Utah's transformation into a recognized leader in innovation. Moss underscores the importance of bridging gaps between market ventures and academic research to propel commercialization, support emerging businesses, and further the state's innovative success. Starks discusses the governor's ambition for Utah to become the startup capital of the world, outlining initiatives like the Utah Broadband Center, which expands broadband access statewide and supports remote work in rural areas, and the Startup State Initiative, which fosters entrepreneurship by providing a centralized resource for entrepreneurs. Moss and Starks highlight the collaboration among Utah's government, industry, and higher education as essential in creating impactful, globally relevant solutions. The conversation also delves into the unique investment strategy of an evergreen fund in Utah that supports companies with ties to higher education. Moss explains that the fund aims to continuously reinvest in Utah-based businesses to strengthen the state's economic ecosystem. Additionally, the state-owned innovation hub, The Point, will unite various sectors, students, and universities to solve significant problems, generating financial returns and societal benefits. Moss and Starks reflect on Utah's strong sense of community and its inclusive, innovative culture making it a fertile ground for entrepreneurship.

Alan Matheson and Brandon Fugal discuss the vision for The Point, a 600-acre state-owned land set to become an innovation hub. They focus on creating a sustainable, walkable community with advanced transportation solutions. The project aims to attract top talent and businesses, boosting Utah's economy and quality of life.

Season 6 Episode 19: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, interviews Vance Checketts, CEO of auticon. Checketts discusses his career in technology, culminating in his current role at auticon, a company with a unique mission to integrate neurodivergent individuals, especially those with autism, into the tech workforce. Checketts emphasizes auticon's focus on providing talented autistic professionals to companies while also educating these companies on how to be more inclusive. He explains that neurodivergent individuals often possess exceptional data analysis, pattern recognition, and cybersecurity skills, making them invaluable assets to the tech industry. auticon's work aims to bridge the gap for these individuals who are often sidelined due to a lack of understanding and support in traditional workplaces. Checketts also discusses auticon's impact and its approach to helping both employees and companies. He outlines the company's comprehensive process, which includes assessments and tailored training to foster neuro-inclusivity. Checketts reveals auticon's plans to expand its mission globally and introduces its upcoming nonprofit initiative focused on training autistic individuals for tech roles. He encourages companies interested in becoming more inclusive to start by learning more about neurodiversity and considering partnerships with auticon to enhance their teams' productivity and inclusivity.

Season 6 Episode 18: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, interviews Trena Anderson, president of Deseret First Charitable Foundation. Anderson shares her journey, beginning with her move to Utah 38 years ago, her career spanning over three decades at Deseret First Credit Union, and her varied roles in human resources, communications, marketing, and private banking. She highlights her involvement in the Deseret First Charitable Foundation, which was established to assist missionaries facing financial challenges. Anderson recounts the foundation’s origins from a marketing campaign and its growth into a significant source of support, providing shoes and essential supplies to hundreds of missionaries annually through donations and word-of-mouth referrals. Anderson also discusses her involvement with the Dominican Starfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving living conditions in the Dominican Republic. She emphasizes the foundation's broad scope and its impact on various communities, including Haitian refugees, through education and infrastructure development. The two also discuss the broader context of volunteerism in Utah, noting its ranking as the most charitable state, and how individuals and organizations can find meaningful ways to contribute. Anderson shares insights into identifying opportunities that align with personal values and skills, stressing the importance of seeking out initiatives with minimal overhead to ensure the maximum impact of donations and volunteer efforts. For more information on how you can get involved with Deseret First Charitable Foundation and Dominican Starfish Foundation, contact Trena Anderson at trenaa50@gmail.com.

Season 6 Episode 17: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mori Paulsen, president of Bank of America Utah. Paulsen discusses his extensive career and deep-rooted connection to the state. He shares his journey from being born in Salt Lake City to graduating from the University of Utah and starting his career at General Electric before transitioning into wealth management. He highlights the impact of his local upbringing and the supportive business environment in Utah on his career, emphasizing the state’s nurturing ecosystem for both established professionals and budding entrepreneurs. The conversation also delves into Bank of America’s robust community engagement and philanthropic efforts in Utah. Paulsen outlines the bank’s focus on economic mobility and support for the arts, including significant donations and volunteer programs that empower employees to give back. He mentions initiatives like the Student Leaders program, which provides high school students with valuable work experience and leadership training, and substantial investments in digital capabilities that enhance customer experiences. Paulsen also reflects on the bank’s strategic expansion in Utah, including opening numerous financial centers and creating hundreds of jobs. 

Season 6 Episode 16: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mike Hawker, vice president of operations at CoDev.  Hawker shares his professional journey, from his initial ambitions in sports public relations to his unexpected entry into the tech world. After working for 11 years at a California-based software startup specializing in automotive dealerships, Hawker transitioned to CoDev, where he has been instrumental in driving growth and operational success over the past four years. Hawker elaborates on CoDev's unique business model, which focuses on integrating talented offshore resources into client teams, offering a cost-effective alternative to local hires. CoDev differentiates itself by fostering deep, long-term relationships with its employees, emphasizing career development over short-term gigs. As CoDev continues exploring expansion into new regions and leveraging AI to enhance its services, Hawker highlights the company’s commitment to cultural integration and providing robust support for its workforce, ensuring mutual growth and success for its clients and employees.

Season 6 Episode 15: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with David Bates, partner at Taylor Wessing, and Simon Gleeson, partner at Blick Rothenberg. The duo discusses their ties to Utah, professional endeavors, and Utah's entrepreneurial opportunities. The conversation delves into their collaboration in professional services, focusing on international expansion. The two describe their complementary roles in providing legal and accounting services, simplifying the process for clients by offering a comprehensive approach.  Bates and Gleeson discuss Utah's business climate, attributing its success to talented people, a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, and proactive government support. They also discuss the advantages of starting international ventures in the U.K. due to the common language, legal systems, and ease of doing business, using it as a gateway to broader European markets.

Season 6 Episode 14: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Felecia Maxfield-Barrett, president and CEO of Utah Global Diplomacy. She discusses her deep roots in Utah and her journey through various roles that ultimately led to her current position. Born and raised in American Fork, Utah, Maxfield-Barrett shares how her college experience at Southern Utah University shaped her understanding of the importance of mentorship and guidance. Her early career involved working with the refugee population in Utah, where she played a crucial role in helping refugees access essential services. This experience ignited her passion for community service and international relations. The duo discuss the economic and social benefits of Utah Global Diplomacy's efforts. The organization contributes to Utah's economy by bringing in international visitors who support local businesses and enhance the state's cultural and social fabric by facilitating meaningful exchanges between Utah residents and global dignitaries. Maxfield-Barrett emphasizes the unique position of Utah as a hub for international relations, bolstered by its diverse population and strong community spirit.