In this episode, we dive into the world of venture capital with a seasoned investor who shares insights on the evolution of the industry. From the challenges of going public to the impact of AI on various sectors, we explore the trends shaping the venture landscape. We also discuss the rise of energy companies like Turo and the role of private equity in the energy sector.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the future of venture capital and energy investments.
Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with a venture capital expert as we uncover the dynamics of the market and the opportunities that lie ahead. Subscribe now to stay informed about the latest trends in venture capital and energy investments.

00:16 Introduction to venture capital experience
05:30 Transition to public and private investments
06:50 Evolution of venture capital
21:36 Impact of regulations on public markets
25:08 Considerations for going public
40:21 Trends in venture capital
42:45 Energy and venture capital
45:01 Closing remarks

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In this insightful podcast episode, join Clint and Galen as they delve into a wide range of topics, from the Zen of fishing to the importance of mental health in the workplace. The conversation covers personal journeys, the impact of technology on saving lives, and the critical need for sustainable solutions in addressing societal challenges. Discover the power of visibility, the value of small actions, and the importance of understanding root causes to create lasting change.

00:00 Introduction to Fishing and Zen Moments
01:19 Introduction to Guest's Journey and Interest in Mental Health
06:58 Guest's Early Interest in Technology and Healthcare
09:29 Transition to Consulting and Product Management
12:51 Guest's Involvement in Mental Health and Humanitarian Efforts
13:36 Discussion on Mental Health Crisis in Utah
17:23 Importance of Noticing, Talking, and Acting in Mental Health
22:40 Discussion on Chesterton's Fence and Problem Solving
26:38 Addressing School Lunch Debt in Utah
30:16 Importance of Visibility in Addressing Problems
35:25 Statistics on Mental Health Costs and Global Health Issues
37:17 Conclusion and Acknowledgment of Guest's Contributions

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Paramify founder & CEO, Kenny Scott, joins Clint Betts for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show. Paramify is a platform that simplifies compliance reporting and documentation processes for cloud service providers. They chat about Kenny's journey as an entrepreneur including how he got involved in cyber security, the ups and downs of looking for business partners, and working with customers to solve complex problems. Having experience bootstrapping, Kenny talks about his methods of raising funds and successfully navigating partnerships with large enterprises by hiring the right talent to cultivate and maintain those relationships. Tune in to hear more advice for entrepreneurs about raising funds and working with investors! "I think it's really important that founders get really clear about product market fit; they get really clear that they're solving a problem that needs to be solved."

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.  

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Join Clint Betts and Garrett Clark as they sit down with Mike Taylor, Founder of Guru Technologies, a local contract software engineering company that builds mobile and web apps. In this episode, they discuss national events such as the recent NFL games with the Detroit Lions and San Fransisco 49ers, recap Utah Tech Week and describe the various events that took place, and the impact AI can bring in the near future.

Mike Taylor started Guru Technologies in 2005 and currently has 50 Utah-based employees. He and his team have built all kinds of software for startups and companies. Outside of Guru, Mike has also built three SaaS startups, two of which were sold. Mike was the tech co-founder of Tukios in 2010 and Municipal Code Online in 2016. The third startup, CrewTracks, is still being run by Mike.

Tune in to learn more.

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Utah State Representative, Jefferson Moss. They dive into various issues affecting Utah and share ideas surrounding DEI in the workplace and in education. As Utah continues to grow, lawmakers are actively seeking solutions to potential problems the state may experience with such large-scale growth, including management and transportation. They also discuss the upcoming presidential election as well as the Utah Innovation Fund which supports Utah's startups and entrepreneurs. The future of Utah is in great hands; tune in to learn more about the exciting things happening in this great state! "I think our new board of higher education, you know many of them, I think it's going to do a fantastic job of helping to bring the schools more together. They all bring incredible strengths individually but to see the collaboration amongst them, I think is going to create a lot of new exciting things that we can do as a state."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Chad Ingram, the Founder and CEO of Distro. They delve into Chad's entrepreneurial journey including his experiences in establishing and successfully selling a startup, leading to his current role at Distro. Chad has an exhilarating background in racing cars and he talks about the intricate process of getting into this lifestyle, as well as constructing the perfect pit crew team to support him in races. Chad shares his story of founding Distro and how he was inspired to fill a gap in the outsourcing market. They also talk about startups in Utah and highlight what some local leaders are doing to put the state on the map of innovation. "You become dangerous and productive when you don't give a sh**. And that doesn't mean that you become careless. It just means that you become fearless."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Aaron Starks to talk about building 47G and investing in Utah's ecosystem of aerospace entrepreneurs. 47G, previously known as Utah Aerospace and Defense, funds some of the greatest minds in cyber and defense innovation. They discuss the state of the world, the different powers leading in innovation, as well as what we lack in capable leadership. In the midst of a local political funk, they talk about why some people refuse to run for office and why we're seeing a decline in specific arenas. When small businesses succeed, the entire state succeeds and Aaron strives to help as many as possible thrive today. "Utah has 330,000 small businesses. We're a small to mid-market state. The life blood of our economy is the small businessmen."

Jaquelynne Elliott from J.P. Morgan joins Clint on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about the unprecedented growth of Utah's market and business talent, particularly in the entrepreneurial space. With a background in finance, Jaquelynne recently joined J.P. Morgan and she currently helps founders plan ahead while managing risk. They touch on transferring wealth and being financially prepared for the future. They also discuss the complications of the current economic environment and Jaquelynne shares her perspective on the state of things. Utah's entrepreneurs stand out for their unique commitment to reinvesting in their own state, rather than going elsewhere once they achieve success, further investing in local innovation. "If you want information on anything financial, you can get it, and you can get it from the top minds."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint is joined by Trent Mano who is a founder of Convoi Ventures, to have a chat about investing and entrepreneurship in Utah. They talk about shifting the culture around investing in local companies and why bootstrapping is important for gaining traction. Trent shares the story of starting Convoi and how it evolved into a household name for founders across the state. The startup game has evolved greatly over the last few years and new founders are having to adapt in the changing market to raise funds. Through this evolution, new talents have emerged, bringing about some of Utah's best to the startup scene. Tune in to hear more about the inner workings of Convoi and how they're putting Utah's founders on the map! "Being a founder is lonely and having a community, we feel, is a super important part of the journey."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Brandon Fugal who is the Chairman at Colliers International, and is widely known as the current owner of Skinwalker Ranch. Brandon shares exciting insights into the start of his career and tells how his fascination with real estate and business drives him today, particularly in entrepreneurship. He speaks on acquiring Skinwalker Ranch and how he was a skeptic at first, but certain events have since changed his mind. They dive into documenting the phenomenon happening at the ranch and going global with otherworldly, mind-bending evidence. Tune in to explore the intersection of science and the paranormal with a dash of entrepreneurship! "I have the most fun representing companies, growing companies, and helping them chart the course for the future. And to be able to not only procure the right concessions and economic package associated with their facilities planning, but to really look at all of the qualitative factors."

On this special episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint is joined by Joe Tuia'ana and Aron from the I Love You Bro Project. They're on a mission to save lives by speaking authentically and openly about suicide rates among men and providing resources for suicide prevention. Their story starts on an overpass where Aron was standing on the ledge when Joe pulled over and kept repeating "I love you, bro," until he was able to embrace Aron and pull him to safety. To this day, the two consider each other family and are sharing their story to help men understand their emotions, to feel heard, and to facilitate life-saving connections. Tune in to hear their amazing story as they continue to save lives and change the stigma surrounding men's mental health. "It's just crazy how he was a stranger and he saved my life, and now I'm still here."

CEO of Utah Tech Leads, Liz Converse, joins Clint for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about Utah politics and business. Liz answers some common questions about DEI and why this is important for community building in education and business. With a huge shift in national politics sweeping the nation, Utah isn't exempt from the chaos and they discuss one of Utah's more controversial figures. Liz shares what it takes to win your local majority vote and why candidates who connect with their community are more likely to win simply based on their personability. Beyond government and politics, Liz speaks to the impact of industry and growth in Utah, including the leaders who are making great things happen. "How do we continue to make Utah a sustainable place to live? How do we keep our kids here?...It's educating the community and educating policymakers on what those priorities are."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Utah native and co-founder of Storyy, Connor Snyder. They talk about the impact of social media on children and adults today, including how these apps affect behavior and our world view. Many people think going to university is an absolute must in order to have any career success whatsoever, but today's leaders are putting more value on experience and contribution, rather than strictly degrees. Connor talks about the power of authenticity in business and why no one wants to be 100% transparent, but he explains why leaders should be vulnerable and authentic with their customers anyways. It's no secret that Utah is at the forefront of social media engagement and building communities online; tune in to learn why! "Authenticity's kind of a tired word. Know, like, and trust are kind of tired words. I think that for me, the way that you really build those things isn't by being too disingenuous or strategic about it. It's about just focusing on what you know. Share what you know."

Johnathan Aubrey, who is the CEO of Winning Despite Obstacles and the author of Am I Different?, joins Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show. Johnathan was born with cerebral palsy and he recounts a childhood story in his book with the hope of helping others understand that while having differences may be challenging, they also present golden opportunities for personal growth. He speaks about finding the motivation to improve and not getting hung up on the details along the way by focusing on the freedom attained by achieving one's dreams. They also talk about the five most common traits of those who seek and find inspiration in life. Tune in to learn more about Johnathan's story of overcoming obstacles. "Goals and dreams change all the time. Just get emotional enough [about it] that you can gain the freedom you're ultimately looking for."


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.  

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On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint is joined by Shaun Dee, the Hypno Hick. Shaun dives into the science behind hypnosis and how he was inspired to create the Hypno Hick act after learning about the human brain and psychology in school. He shares some hypnosis tips and tricks and he talks about the power of suggestion. Shaun also does hypnosis to help people navigate different life struggles like stress reduction, building confidence, quitting smoking habits, and even improving sports and athletic performance. If you've ever wondered how hypnosis works or are curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is perfect for you! Tune in to learn more. "Meditation and hypnosis are not different. People think they're different; they're not. They're the exact same on the brainwave scale."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Trevor Crump, who is the co-founder of Bestie. Trevor shares insights to capturing a market and scaling it, growing a business in Utah, and how scale can be highly dependent on customer loyalty. They talk about the psychological intelligence that goes on behind the scenes in business and how nine times out of ten, the best business is the one solving a specific problem in the market. Trevor and Clint discuss marketing on social media and how the algorithms on different platforms can affect audience engagement. They also talk about the massive brands coming out of Utah and why the movement is expanding every day. Tune in to learn more! "Tech is so different than running brands and services. Tech is different but it's a fun different for sure...If you can do it right, it's worth a lot more money than your multiples or much higher in those spaces."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with the Founder and CEO of Crumbl Cookies, Jason McGowan. Popular for its signature chocolate chip and birthday cake cookies, the bakery has expanded rapidly across North America, but originated here in Utah. Jason explains how the two keys to maintaining consistent cookie quality are technology and exceptional bakers, and it certainly doesn't hurt to have iconic branding, such as Crumbl's, as part of your arsenal. He dives into creating Crumbl's branding and focusing on the experience their cookies present; just like receiving a bouquet of flowers, but better. Having an unforgettable brand experience is a major draw for many of Crumbl's consumers and Jason hints at some fun things people can expect in the future. "I think people are capable of so much. Even individuals don't realize how much ability they have inside them."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint is joined by Owen Fuller who is the CEO at Marq. They discuss all things Utah tech, including the creation of Marq and how it evolved from Lucidpress. With Utah's techscape constantly expanding, it attracts a lot of entrepreneurs and Owen shares some of the fantastic leadership collaborations he's experienced in this ecosystem. Utah presents unique opportunities to its entrepreneurs and Owen hopes to see the state thrive even more in the future as a community of great minds. They also touch on the subject of foreign affairs and how those ripples are felt around the world. Tune in to learn more! "I hope that we are trying really, really hard, I see a lot of people doing this, to make capital accessible to people from every background and walk of life...I hope more for everyone to feel like they can find their place here."

Jared Stewart joins Clint for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast to talk about founding TribeHouse and navigating relationship intelligence. They talk about leading with authenticity and how being authentic naturally grows your network because it attracts genuine people. Jared's an excellent community leader and is known for his strides in building communities for the sake of revolutionizing relationships and how we interact with others in professional environments and at home. Jared talks about achieving scale and how so many companies struggle to achieve this, and he shares his vision for the future of TribeHouse. Having connection between your peers is essential for workplace flow and Jared helps leaders understand that meaningful collaboration is key to success in business. "Just because they're together doesn't mean they're connecting. We need to make sure they're connecting in ways that are away from the current and that are actually going to force them to open up and actually be vulnerable."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Ryan Starks who is the Executive Director for the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). Having spent most of his life in Utah, Ryan's passionate about helping the state become a hub of business and tech opportunity by advocating to keep manufacturing as close to home as possible. Something Utah's known for is the healthcare innovations and life sciences coming from its universities, which have robust programs in these fields. They discuss Utah's recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report as having the best economy in the United States and what that means for those who live here. This amazing state is continuously expanding and has an undeniable impact on those who visit, and Ryan is highly optimistic about its bright future. "As industries grow, we attract talent from other states and so that just continues to add to the richness and vibrancy of our economy."

CEO of Motherly, Jill Koziol, joins Clint for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about establishing her business here in Utah. She dives into making the move to Park City and compares Silicon Valley to Silicon Slopes, and what makes both so distinguishable as innovation hubs. In her industry credibility is extremely important, especially when it comes to parenting, and she finds that empathy is often missing in tech. Involving stories in your work is a great way to build empathy within your brand because they not only display your voice, but also help to build a community based on sharing, acknowledgement, and unity. Jill explains how data is a key player in understanding her audience and she uses it to create a safe space for mothers to connect and be empowered. "We use storytelling also as a way to expand people's perspectives and see a different point of view. And when you humanize it through storytelling, I think people are more open to it."

Blake Modersitzki joins Clint on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about VC, tech, and all things Utah business. Blake shares his story of launching Utah Ventures and what the VC environment was like in Utah during the early 2000s. He talks about writing his first venture checks and what a journey it is to help tech startups flourish. They discuss the slippery slope that is deciding who can and can't make decisions at a company and why it's important to stay diligent in this industry. Utah's VC scene is booming and in the future, Blake hopes that collaboration will be everyone's focus as we celebrate entrepreneurship together. "I think that we are primed to be a leader in AI. We're seeing some amazing, early-stage AI companies right now."

Robbie Tripp joins Clint for this thrilling episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast to talk about all things rap, self-expression, and building the life that you want for yourself. Having grown up in Utah, Robbie always understood that he was meant for more, like playing basketball professionally or focusing on his musical craft. He talks about using social media to launch his brand and how one post in particular exploded online, garnering him a lot of attention and traction for his career. Robbie's faced a lot of negativity online for following his dreams and he shares how he stays focused on his vision without letting critics get in the way. In a world where we're so focused on what other people might think of us, it's important to stand out simply by being our true selves, Robbie's story of hope will inspire many to be authentically creative as often as possible. "I realized I can create up there with the best of 'em. And I've always known it, so let's get it. I'm starting my journey."

Scott Anderson joins Clint on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about all things leadership, Utah, community, and banking. They chat about what a rollercoaster the industry is and how things can change drastically overnight. As an integral part of Utah's history, Zions Bank focuses greatly on cultivating community and has done so since its founding in 1873. Scott is an inspiring leader who strives to help people become the best, most inspired versions of themselves, which can be achieved through community. It's no secret that Utah is growing rapidly and Scott shares some fun insights as to why Utah's business economy is so creative and future forward. "From the very beginning, the idea was that we were here to create value. Value, honestly for our clients, but value for our communities and that means giving back where we can."

Sean Bingham, who is the founder and CEO at Tripio, joins Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show. Tripio is an app that creates custom itineraries with the best places to visit at your destination. They talk about how Sean came up with the idea for the app including working with travel fanatics to curate lists of the very best activities and food spots per city in the app. Sean shares his story from his time on Shark Tank and what it was like to make a deal as "the most entertaining Shark Tank pitch of all time." Tune in to learn more about Sean's global adventures in business! "We're basically doing all of the research for people."

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. 
 
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Join us for a fun conversation with Steve Daly who is the CEO of Instructure. With a history in tech and engineering, Steve talks about working with private equity firms and going through that process over the course of 15 years in the software space. He shares his strategy in vetting companies for acquisition and speaks on his experience having acquired 26 companies in his career. They talk about mixing local politics with business and figuring out an effective pace for collaboration between the communities, which is essential for the future of Utah's booming business sphere. Steve's on a mission to elevate student learning everywhere with the help of generative AI. "You've got to be really disciplined in how you manage your pipeline, the visibility you have, because sales is part science, but it's a lot of art. There's a lot of things you can't control in the selling process. So I look for a leader that kind of gets that and then is able to kind of see around corners using some of the analytics, in addition to, is an inspirational leader."

Cydni Tetro joins Clint on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for a conversation about leadership, meeting consumer needs, and being a pioneer in the tech space. They discuss her fun background working at Disney Research Imagineering and being responsible for product innovation, which was the opportunity of a lifetime. An important aspect of being a leader is staying future-focused and putting your energy into delivering value, ensuring your customers feel taken care of. Cydni talks about starting the Women Tech Council, looking at the economic impact of women in tech and finding opportunities to bring men and women together to change the industry. The impact of Cydni's work on the community is undeniable and as Utah grows, she is a beacon of innovation. "The problems we're solving every day that feel so heavy, we forget sometimes to step back and say, 'Well if we were here in 5 years, what would that have done for our business?'"

Join us for a conversation with Thomas Wright, one of Utah's esteemed politicians, on this exciting episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast. They talk about the war in Ukraine and the importance of implementing policies that protect human life and dignity, and Thomas shares insights to Utah's political scene. He's heavily involved in the local real estate market and is focused on redefining the residential industry by showing that you can experience luxury at any price point. Additionally, the immense growth Utah has experienced over the past few years presents new challenges for the state and Thomas talks about adapting and staying solution-oriented in government. Looking to the future, he hopes to see more Utah leaders who focus on finding common ground and solving those issues with a community-focused mindset. Tune in to learn more! "When you have huge problems like we have and challenges, there's so much common ground if you can articulate it and find it."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show, Clint meets with John Pestana who is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of ObservePoint and prior to that, he co-founded Omniture. They discuss John's background as an entrepreneur and how he built everything from scratch in the early days of his business ventures, whereas entrepreneurs today have access to a multitude of pre-built tools at their disposal. John talks about being one of the first big internet-age business acquisitions and how that transition impacted his life and business. They go through ObservePoint's origin story and John talks about his involvement in Utah politics and education. If you're an entrepreneur or simply want to learn more about Utah's tech and political arena, this episode is for you! "Just start. Just go. Stop talking about it, just do it. And then, have integrity and grit. Follow up on your commitments."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Mike Peregrina who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Homie, the platform making home buying easier than ever. Mike's vision is to focus on what really matters in the market, that being consumer needs and customer voices. They discuss the challenges of expansion across states, being in the business of trust, and helping their clients buy and sell a home as simply as possible. It takes discipline to "focus on less" in the real estate as a service industry, especially with expansion opportunities around every corner. Tune in to learn more about Utah's ever-expanding community of business leaders and the entrepreneurial spirit found in this great state. "At Homie, we are super mission driven. I mean, to a core, maybe even to a fault, we'll always choose to do the right thing by our mission and our vision."

Sterling Snow joins us on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast. He's a Venture Partner at Pelion, helping entrepreneurs and innovators bring their vision to life. He shares his journey as an entrepreneur in Utah, including thriving in an environment where he was allowed to make mistakes, and how he avoided the cardinal sin of Utah's tech scene: thinking too small. Sterling talks about selling businesses and making strategic moves to win in the market against his competitors. With Utah being a unique leader in the startup world, Sterling hopes to see a future that relies on collaboration over competition and values working together over all. "It doesn't mean that you have to agree on everything or that you're not going to compete, but know that we can all win together."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Mark Sunday, who is an industry leader, long-time CIO at Oracle, and serial board advisor. Mark talks about his big move from California to Utah and what drove him to live in Park City and pursue a life here. Mark's life changed when he moved to Utah and he talks about the opportunities he received when they made the move, including being able to be involved in his sons' education at the University. They discuss his time at Oracle and the major changes such big companies can make in cities due to their sheer size, no matter where they relocate to. Mark speaks on nurturing a team and creating an environment where success can thrive, and how that's a reflection of your own leadership. "We've really felt welcomed and that's been fabulous. By the way, perhaps one of the biggest things I've done is just express the joy that my family and I have living here to other people, such as us, that come from other places like Austin and the Bay Area and so forth, and how welcomed we are and how much opportunity there is."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Paul Shin who is the CEO of Tacos Together in Lehi, Utah. Paul has a long history of bringing people together and is passionate about throwing parties where people can connect authentically without the pressure of networking. With an emphasis on community, Paul's mission is to help people understand that they are so much more than their titles and that everyone has great potential beyond their circumstances. They talk about scaling Tacos Together, what that was like, how it positively impacted the community, and how it continues to do so today. In a time where it's getting more difficult to build connections, Paul is helping people make the connections they need for success in life and business because everyone deserves to feel like an integral part of their own community. "The solution to any problem is just a couple handshakes away. Human connection is the answer."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Adam Edmunds joins Clint for an insightful conversation about his journey through mental health and leadership. Adam digs into the concept of shame and how overcoming this feeling can be an all-consuming, but freeing process once inner balance is found. He shares insights to the stressors of running a massive company and how he approaches leadership with balance and awareness. They discuss staying private vs going public and what that was like for Entrata. Utah is an ever-expanding state with no shortage of genius businesses popping up all over the map and if you're looking for insights into one of Utah's great minds, this episode is for you! "I've really enjoyed the ride. You have to be really structured and measured. You have to communicate far more clearly. You have to be more balanced and diverse in thought and team building and company building."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint speaks with Jeff Burningham about his experience in Utah politics and what it's like to join the race for Governor. They talk about the emergence of modern AI and common fears people currently have with this newer technology, particularly the disruption it could cause in work and in public opinion. With an extensive background in angel investing in Utah, Jeff is a key player in the state's startup culture, helping entrepreneurs actualize their dreams. He speaks on helping founders get access to capital and starting that fund in Utah County, which wasn't heard of until he dabbled in the industry. Utah business is booming and Jeff is at the pinnacle of its success. "I knew that the missing ingredient here in Utah…was just access to capital. There was an oversupply of good entrepreneurs in the state, no doubt about it, and then an undersupply of good capital."

Kyle Reyes, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Utah Valley University, joins Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show. They talk about the mission behind UVU and how the school was started, as well as Kyle's role at the school in supporting students. Kyle talks about his book which engages in diverse perspectives and explores cultural experiences, with the aim of fixing the divide between humans. They discuss developing empathy as a skill, and using it as a tool to connect with people on a deeper level, and how it becomes second nature the more you work on it. Tune in to learn more about UVU, empathy, and asking questions to bridge the gaps in our differences! "In order for us to develop a greater understanding, I just need to listen to your story. It's hard for me to demonize you, the more I know about you, the more I actually see your vulnerability."

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You know her from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Lisa Barlow joins Clint for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast. They talk about her rise in entrepreneurship and how she landed a spot on the hit television series that helped to make her a prominent figure in this space. She shares her experience of being on the show and how it requires a lot of inner reflection and accountability to stay true to her core mission. Lisa discusses the responsibility she feels as a Utahn in the spotlight and how she chooses to use her platform for positive impact, showcasing how far Utah has come as an industry giant. In a market that's extremely hard to get into, Lisa hit it big and she shares some fun behind the scenes info as to how her tequila business rose to prominence. "What you're able to create is more important than how pretty you could ever look so I think when you're raised that way, I see things and I know that my actions have impact for good or bad. So I think it really holds you, in yourself, super accountable. Like how do I want to be as a person? What kind of mom do I want to be on TV? What kind of business owner do I want to be? I really make good decisions based on my core."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint is joined by Nate Walkingshaw who is the CEO and Founder of Torus. They have an eye-opening conversation about his innovative ideas for modern energy storage and how Nate found great success in this industry working with, not against, Mother Nature. They discuss building a company sustainably using decades of experience to start a legacy of future-forward solutions. Nate talks about the harsh intersection of politics and climate debates, and how science is a key player in this discussion. In an environment that can be so divisive and difficult to navigate, Nate's work is a breath of fresh air, delivering hope and resilience for future generations.
"Collectively as a community, we can be as strong as this community over here, with more control, with more integration, with more prediction. That's where we win."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Richie Norton joins us all the way from Hawaii for a conversation about entrepreneurship and living life to the fullest as much as possible. Richie is an award-winning author and the Co-Founder and CEO of Prouduct. With a distinct background in international business, he's a serial entrepreneur, helping people to change the way they work and how they live. They discuss how his book was inspired by entrepreneurs who start a business hoping to get time and financial freedom, yet get hooked into giving all their time and money to the startup. Richie talks about something all entrepreneurs should hear - using your time to focus on what you love and not putting important things aside for the sake of success. "When you sacrifice what you love for success, you get neither. How you spend your time is how you show your love. When you bake a cake without sugar, you can't expect it to be sweet. Value your time, don't time your values."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show, Clint chats with Alex Lawrence about working at Weber State University and being an entrepreneur in the world of electric vehicles. With a PhD in business and an extensive background in starting, investing, and running companies, Alex is constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and leadership. They talk about tech bootcamps and different routes of schooling people can take who want to get started in the field. Alex discusses the interesting effects politics can have on the cars we drive and how Elon Musk has impacted the industry with his businesses. The future looks bright for EV Auto and Alex shares updates on their expansion in Utah. Tune in to learn more! "It was really fun, really entrepreneurial. Very rewarding. You feel like you're working on something that was hopefully going to have an impact beyond just making money."

Matt Riley is the founder of Stanza, a platform offering a creatively modern approach for connecting office owners with those in need of a flexible workspace. Think of it like the ultimate dating app for matching the ideal commercial real estate location with the right company. Matt's witnessing first-hand how AI is affecting this industry and he discusses the interesting dynamic between the work-from-home-crowd and AI. Matt talks about the massive growth Stanza's experienced within the investing ecosystem of Utah and how this is a great place for scaling startups. There's something magical about working together as a team, especially when it can be done in person and at the right location. "I think that we're probably weeks away from officially starting to engage more seriously with investors because the momentum is only going one direction. And it's only getting more intense and more exciting and so it's a fun story to tell at this point."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Gonzalo Peña Jr. who is an amazing storyteller and the host of the InnoLatino Podcast. With a community-first mindset, Gonzalo is an advocate for equal opportunities and his passion for diversity and innovation is contagious. In 2016, he realized that technology is a key element to bring people out of poverty. Using this knowledge in tandem with the rising businesses of Silicon Slopes, he's helping Latino people find opportunities in the tech sector. They discuss navigating social integration and how cultural differences can be an advantage to teams, rather than divisiveness. "After I started interacting with the business community among the Latino people in Utah, I felt a sort of commitment because I saw talent and I saw brilliant people and people with good moral values that just wanted to fulfill the American dream, to be honest. Just like I had that commitment to pay it forward, I wanted to do that with my own people."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint has the opportunity to meet with Brandon Craig, the founder of Ontocore and the author of the Create Powerful Course. He's on a mission to help people understand exactly what makes them human and how they can become the most effective, empathetic, powerful leaders possible using their unique traits. The best leaders are authentic people; they're authentic to themselves, their employees, and authentic to their purpose. Brandon dives into the nature of integrity and how understanding the true meaning of this word can help a leader become remarkable, enforcing a positive culture of accountability and higher performance. A major part of a leader's job is to be forward-focused, always looking to create and build toward the future they want. "Being a powerful leader changes the way those you're leading get out of bed every morning."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, Clint meets with Jay Davis who is the Founder of Cold Case Ice Cream and Creatably, and is an investor in Utah business. He walks Clint through his entrepreneurial journey, starting with ice cream and uniquely-shaped pillows. They discuss Jay's approach to growing companies, especially in raising money, and how this approach has helped him to follow his passion. Jay mentions the infamous "pillow politics" and how companies would be wise to stay out of politics, especially when you are trying to sell a product and keep the masses in love with your company. The best business happens when leaders prioritize their employees and stay looking toward the future with a growth mindset. "Here in Utah, I think we should leverage and lean on what we're the best at, rather than trying to become Silicon Valley."

Sara Jones joins Clint on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast for an eye-opening conversation about diversity in the workplace and how her company, InclusionPro, is working to change the stigma surrounding these ideas. She speaks on approaching this subject with a learning mindset and she challenges leaders to look at the company culture they've created, and discover how they can further integrate diverse ideas into their routines, creating opportunities for creativity and inclusion. DEI has recently become a hot topic in politics and Sara shares that DEI was never meant to be a political talking point because it was initially created to help companies discover new pathways to success. Sara teaches leaders that equity isn't about giving good opportunities to employees who don't deserve them, but it's really about giving employees the opportunities to advance and succeed in the job they were hired to do, like training for a promotion or role. DEI is deeply personal and it affects everyone differently and Sara is on a mission to help leaders understand the value in diverse thinking and creative learning. "It's complex, it's nuanced, and I think it's really testing us as a society on whether or not we can really work towards the interest of everyone."

On this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show, Clint has the opportunity to speak with Ben Hart who is the Executive Director of Utah Inland Port Authority. Ben is no stranger to dealing with and overcoming opposition, especially in his line of work in supply chain solutions and economic initiatives driving Utah's inland port. They talk about how the unique landscape of Utah presents unique challenges, which requires creative solutions for transportation and rail, while keeping conservation at the forefront. We're currently seeing a widespread recalibration in global industry and Ben discusses how we're adapting to these changes in modern business. Maintaining the beautiful traits of Utah is Ben's mission and as this great state grows in population, he's finding sustainable ways to keep Utah amazing. Tune in to learn more!

David Politis, the founder of Utah Money Watch, joins Garrett Clark for this episode of the Silicon Slopes Show. Utah Money Watch is a news resource covering all things money for all industries and regions of the state, helping people better understand how Utah's money is being managed. They talk about David's process for researching companies in depth, and why transparency is so important for business. David shares some stories from his previous investigative journalism experiences and they chat about the upcoming presidential election, as well as the future of interest rates. Tune in to learn more about this important work! "I started Utah Money Watch as the first proof point to say, 'Is there a way that I can help anybody who's in Utah or is interested in Utah learn what's really going on from a monetary-financial standpoint and not just a regurgitation of press releases?'"

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.com
Show links: https://www.motionops.com  

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372
Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  

Social:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopes
Instagram - 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/id1698150372
Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e

Clint meets with Bubba Page on this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast to talk about the entrepreneurial journey and what it takes to make it in today's business-scape. Bubba's investing portfolio is extensive and it includes everything from tech, to real estate, to modern advertising. He talks about discovering his life's purpose and how he arrived at that conclusion and how his family has been his greatest support along the way. They discuss mental health and how therapy helps him balance his marriage and family with work, and how important it is to seek help when you need it. If you've ever wondered about Utah investing culture, or what it's like to be a VC, tune in to this episode to learn more! "I'm biased, I love Utah. I've been here a long time and I just think the startup ecosystem is phenomenal. I think also culturally...I think most entrepreneurs feel the way that I do, that we've received help so therefore we help and that is really healthy."

Join Clint Betts for a thrilling conversation about ice cream, branding, entrepreneurship, and leadership with Garrett Blood. From founding Arctic Zero, the third most popular ice cream company behind Häagen-Daz and Ben & Jerry's, to becoming the 57th most popular food product ever sold on Amazon, Garrett's background is deliciously diverse. With a focus on talent and ambition, his ideas are changing lives around the world. Garrett most recently had a shift in his career where he's now helping genius people move out of poverty and into a space where they can achieve their wildest dreams and launch their businesses. His story is a good reminder that no matter your background, if you have passion, you can achieve amazing things. "The moment you're an entrepreneur and you go out on your own, it's like you've opened the jar and you can't close the jar back again because it's like you love running the show. You love being able to be a pioneer of the industry, a disruptor."

Clint meets with Sid Krommenhoek who is a co-founder of Album, a venture capital team in Utah that's investing in early-stage tech startups. They discuss investing cycles and how to avoid getting too involved in a single technology because the landscape is always changing. Sid brings up an interesting idea, that the more we work with machines (like AI or simply working from home instead of the office) and use social media, the worse our mental health becomes and we need to prioritize personal connection as much as possible. Ultimately, investing in people is what will drive the industry forward and we should dedicate everything we can to making our relationships more meaningful and collaborative. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, or how you were raised, if you are appropriately ruthless about following your dreams, you can make it in this industry. "I think the cryptonite in our industry is FOMO. All of us, we'll all tell you our stories of the deal that we got FOMOed into and we maybe let passion and emotion and something irrational drive a decision."