40 under Forty

Under Harmon’s direction, Orabrush was the first product to go from zero sales, online or offline, to full national distribution exclusively using social media tools.

Harmon now serves as chief marketing officer, where his task each day is to keep the company’s social media content fresh, to keep its current fan base engaged and to look for opportunities to connect with new audiences. “I believe it is essential to focus primarily on envisioning and creating disruptive products that have not yet been realized for their potential, to fully develop them and help the world realize their value.”

Maxwell Hunter
CFO, Strategic Capital Group/Henry Walker Homes | Age: 31

As CFO of Strategic Capital Group (SCG), a real estate venture firm, Maxwell Hunter develops and manages the company’s financial operations, including acquiring the necessary capital to finance the company’s operations and acquisitions. Hunter has experienced great success, despite the many obstacles facing the real estate industry.

“My team and I have underwritten, capitalized and managed more than 200 single family homes, $30+ million in distressed debt acquisitions, three 75-215 unit downtown apartment sites, and more than 20 residential subdivisions,” says Hunter. “We have also expanded our presence in senior housing, acquiring more than $70 million in stable properties throughout 2011.”

Hunter, who also serves as a captain in the United States Air Force Reserve, is committed to giving back to the community. “I helped launch a philanthropic company-sponsored program called Helping With Heart, which grants each employee the ability to donate company dollars toward a cause of their choice.”

Justin Gale Hyde
President & Managing Partner, The Hyde-Norton Group | Age: 30

Justin Hyde is president and managing partner of The Hyde-Norton Group, a strategic planning and risk management firm that helps high-net-worth families and business owners reach financial goals. The firm has also acquired several holdings that include auto dealerships, health clubs, and ranch, hotel, and resort properties. Recently, the firm acquired interest in the Utah Blaze, a professional arena football team.

Hyde also founded the Annual Rocky Mountain Economic Summit & Retreat, an event that features many of the world’s foremost experts on the global and U.S. economies. The summit is covered live by Bloomberg TV, CNBC and Reuters.

“A good leader is someone who motivates others and creates positive change, while staying committed to their core principles more than their personal ego or pocketbook,” says Hyde, who sits on the board of the Columbus Community Center, an organization that serves people with disabilities. Hyde also currently serves as the Wyoming state finance chair for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign.

Aaron D. Jackson
Director of Sales & Marketing, Malt-O-Meal | Age: 36

As director of sales and marketing at Malt-O-Meal, Aaron Jackson has led the company to becoming the nation’s fastest-growing cereal in America; today, Malt-O-Meal is the nation’s fourth-largest cereal company. “To grow in a flat category means you’re taking share from competitors, and Malt-O-Meal has been able to thrive in difficult economy,” says Jackson. “This growth has been driven by our relentless focus on our value proposition—value to consumers and value to our customers.” 

Jackson says key to business success is to, “do it the right way, bring others along and drive for results. All three are equally important and you can’t just do one or two.  Building a team that shares these core values is an important part of building a work environment that is both productive and rewarding.”

Jackson believes in supporting local companies and products, and is a proud supporter of the Utah’s Own organization.

Jeremy Jackson
Partner, Jackson and LeRoy Remodeling | Age: 35

Jeremy Jackson co-founded Jackson and LeRoy Remodeling in 2005 and, with a focus on fine craftsmanship, helped the company thrive—revenues grew from $1.4 million in 2006 to $5.4 million in 2010. Additionally, the company has earned several state and national industry awards; for example, the company was the Salt Lake Home Builder Association’s Remodeler of the Year in 2009.

“I enjoy helping people take their dreams for their home and turn them into reality,” says Jackson. “We are proud of our association with many of Utah’s most accomplished architects and designers. We work side by side, in a team-driven environment, to bring to life award-winning architecture.”