Business Elevated

Season 5 Episode 33: In this episode, host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Nathan Rich, the founder and CEO of IsoTruss, Inc. They discuss Rich's background and milestones of his business journey, the unique properties of IsoTruss' composite materials, and the company's growth plans. The company’s support for women in business and its recent recognition at the JEC World Innovation Awards in Paris are also discussed. Rich shares insights into the business, including its focus on innovation and sustainability in infrastructure, key benefits of the company’s lightweight and strong materials, and its efforts to expand its global presence. He also emphasizes the importance of partnerships and relationships in the success of IsoTruss, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's operations, the balance between remote and on-site work, and more.

Season 5 Episode 32: In this episode, host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G Aerospace and Defense Association (47G), formerly known as the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association.  Starks discusses his background growing up in Utah, pursuing a career that took him to different corners of the world, and the crucial role that Utah plays in the aerospace and defense industry, highlighting the state's legacy in innovation and technology. He emphasizes the importance of attracting talent to the industry, which he believes is the key to success, and 47G's dedication to promoting and supporting Utah's aerospace and defense sector. Starks also shares his insights into the organization’s recent agreement with the Ukrainian government and its mission to help Ukraine rebuild and strengthen its defense capabilities, and much more.

Season 5 Episode 31: In this episode, podcast host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Chris Stewart, former Congressman and the chair of the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association.  Stewart shares insights into his military service, his transition to politics, and his experiences in Congress. He also discusses his decision to run for Congress and reflects on his 10 years in office. Stewart emphasizes the significance of the aerospace and defense industry in Utah and how it is contributing to national security and economic growth; he talks about his new role as the chair of the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association, where he promotes and supports the industry and its innovations, and much more.

Season 5 Episode 30: In this episode, host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Judd Cook, Dominion Energy vice president and general manager of western gas distribution.  The duo discusses various aspects of Dominion Energy's operations and initiatives, its long-standing history in Utah, and its role in providing natural gas services to over 1.2 million customers.  The episode delves into the company's sustainability initiatives, including blending hydrogen into the gas distribution system to reduce carbon emissions and the recent completion of a liquefied natural gas facility in Magna, Utah, which is designed to ensure supply reliability during extreme weather conditions. Cook highlights Dominion Energy's philanthropic efforts. The company donated nearly $2 million to nonprofits in 2022, supporting women in the workplace, and emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Season 5 Episode 29:  In this episode, host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, interviews Christina Lux, a certified arborist and founder of Tree Lux, a tree care services company. Lux shares her journey from being a single mother and former massage therapist to becoming an arborist and professional tree climber. Lux discusses her passion for trees, the importance of proper tree care, and why it's essential to hire certified professionals to ensure the health and safety of trees. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running her own business and balancing work with family life as a single mother. Lux also talks about the unique beauty of Utah's landscape, the variety of trees in the state, and the importance of preserving and caring for these natural resources.

Season 5 Episode 28: In this episode, host Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with guests Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, David Carlebach, managing director of international programs at World Trade Center Utah (WTCU), and Ike Ikeme, vice president of investments and strategic partnerships at RevRoad about the state’s recent trade mission to the UK and France. They discuss Utah's economic development, international investment, and the significance of trade missions. Starks emphasizes Utah's unique position as a state with strong infrastructure and cooperative collaboration. Carlebach highlights WTCU’s role in connecting Utah companies globally and enhancing trade opportunities. Ikeme highlights the vibrant Utah ecosystem for startups and the impact of trade missions in fostering international relationships and investments. 

Season 5 Episode 27: In this episode of Business Elevated, host Pete Codella speaks with Robert Spendlove, senior vice president and economic and public policy officer at Zion's Bank. He offers an insightful analysis of Utah's economy, combining his extensive experience in the financial sector and Utah Legislature. From navigating the complexities of interest rates, inflation, and employment trends to discussing Utah's economic resilience and its ranking as the top state in the U.S.; the conversation covers a broad spectrum of topics. Housing challenges, Zion's Bank's 150-year legacy of community service, and Utah's exceptional quality of life in Utah are also explored, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the state's economic dynamics and vibrant spirit.

Season 5 Episode 26: In this podcast episode, Ashley Okawa, public information officer at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, interviews Troy Tortorich, general manager of the Chevron Salt Lake City refinery. He shares insights about Chevron's history in Utah, starting in 1948 when Standard Oil built a refinery in the state. Tortorich discusses the refining process, including the production of Tier 3 fuels, which help reduce tailpipe emissions and contribute to better air quality. Chevron's commitment to education, the environment, and community inclusion is highlighted, showcasing partnerships with various organizations to support student STEM programs and protect critical wetlands habitat. The episode also delves into Chevron's two-pronged approach to carbon reduction, emphasizing a future with lower-carbon energy solutions like renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture.  To learn more about Chevron, listeners are invited to attend the Community Tour Day in the fall, celebrating Chevron's 75 years in Utah.

Season 5 Episode 25: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, discusses the challenges faced by women and girls in Utah with Dr. Susan Madsen, founder of the Utah Women and Leadership Project. They cover topics such as workplace inequality, sexism, domestic violence, and educational disparities. Dr. Madsen emphasizes the need for men's allyship and collaboration to create a more inclusive society. They also introduce the Bolder Way Forward initiative, a seven-year project aimed at empowering Utah girls and women. They highlight the importance of engaging various stakeholders, including PTAs and businesses, in driving positive change. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to join the movement and contribute to a more equitable future. Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and girls in Utah and the significance of collective efforts to promote gender equity. The episode inspires action and highlights the importance of collaboration in creating a more inclusive society. For more information about the 100 Companies Championing Women please refer to this Research and Policy brief and learn more at inutah.org/inspire.

Brian Torgersen, director of Provo Airport, and Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, discuss Provo Municipal Airport, its history, expansion plans, benefits of flying out of Provo, and efforts to attract airlines and establish connections. They also express their appreciation for Utah and its people.