Each year, we celebrate 40 business professionals who are working to evolve the state of Utah’s business landscape. Meet the 40 individuals (who are all under 40) who are elevating the future of business throughout the state.
Alex Bean, 36
Cofounder & CBO | Divvy
Alex Bean photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Who inspires you most? Why?
My dad. He was a cancer survivor who always taught me the value of hard work and doing right. He built his own company that still stands 30 years later and his work ethic was formative to who I am.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
We’re disrupting an industry on behalf of the small business owner. I can think of no greater mission than helping other businesses grow and thrive. At Divvy, we provide them with access to the capital and the tools they need to manage it.
Allison Blais, 37
Director & Associate General Counsel, Corporate Legal Group | Adobe Inc.
Allison Blais photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Be a person first. I try to understand where people are coming from and what motivates them. “Idle conversation" in business is never pointless—humanizing both yourself and the person on the other side of the table makes it easier to find common ground.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I was one of those kids whose parents always jokingly said would be a lawyer because I loved to negotiate and argue everything. I thought I would be some powerful litigator like you see on TV. I actually was a litigator for a few years, but I changed paths because I love the idea of building and growing a business and being able to contribute to that in any way. Corporate law has provided me with that avenue.
Amanda Price, 39
VP of Marketing | Boostability
Amanda Price photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What does success look like to you?
Success is a team sport. I’m a strong believer in the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats, and I dedicate a lot of my time to training and elevating my team and those around me to dream big, challenge themselves, and work hard to achieve great things. I also like to win. I’m an Alpha and an Aries. I like to pursue large goals with a business plan, a structured strategy, and that Aries energy. Manifest, manage, achieve.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I’m excited to continue being a contributing member of this growing tech scene in Utah. I moved here from Los Angeles specifically to be a part of this tech community and help it grow. Here’s to growing successful companies and launching innovation.
Andy Pierucci, 32
Manager of State & Local Relations | Northrop Grumman Corporation
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Working as a leader in the aerospace and defense industry has so many different rewarding aspects. I am able to help enable incredibly intelligent people do absolutely amazing things for our country’s warfighters and space explorers. Those who work in aerospace and defense are creating and defending the future. From designing the next great aircraft to building rocket motors that will take humankind to the moon once again, and someday to Mars and beyond.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Every setback in life is an opportunity to take a new path, start a new journey, and grow in unplanned ways. Every major opportunity I’ve ever had in life has come shortly after a setback. Challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth and change.
Aubrey Burnett, 36
Principal | Tower Arch Capital
Aubrey Burnett photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Embrace your mistakes. I think for too long I didn’t realize that many of my most meaningful learning opportunities and growth ultimately have come out of mistakes. Incorporating a growth mindset from my mistakes earlier on would have saved me a lot of anxiety.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I love that I get to constantly learn from and work with entrepreneurs. I focus on partnering with and investing in family and founder-owned businesses all across the United States. It’s an incredible opportunity to be curious, grow, and figure out how I can take best practices and implement them across our portfolio of investments.
Aydé Soto, 36
CTO | Simple Citizen
Ayde Soto photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The access to justice we offer to thousands of immigrants that, just like me, went or are going through the complicated immigration process.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
I was raised in a little town in Mexico. I immigrated to the US six years ago and didn’t have a work permit, which meant I had to put my IT career on hold while I waited for work authorization and went through the challenge of navigating the US immigration system myself. Having newly arrived in the US, speaking little English, US immigration law was confusing and overwhelming. When I joined Sam and Brady Stoddard in starting SimpleCitizen, I have felt the passion to improve this process.
Benjamin Brown, 38 (not pictured)
Founder | Mountain West
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The fact that the deals I do are not driven by money but by the impact and benefit the community receives upon completion of our business plan.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Yes, because that is when I entered the business and formed my partnership with Chad Moore, who remains my partner today and for years to come.
Ben Lambert, 37
General Partner | Pelion Venture Partners
Ben Lambert photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Invest in entrepreneurs who have the most ambition. They’ll change the world in order to succeed.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
When it comes to your career, take risks as early as possible. Surround yourself with people who you can trust, respect, and enjoy being around. Work hard and be smart.
Beth Ranschau, 35
Shareholder | Ray Quinney & Nebeker
Beth J. Ranschau photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Every case is a new set of facts. I’ve gotten to learn entirely new industries, from aerospace technology to event planning and navigating how to deal with a global pandemic. It’s a constant challenge and it’s always engaging and rewarding.
What does success look like to you?
Being happy and doing challenging work. When I started law school, I had very specific ideas about what “success” would look like, a specific practice area, etc. I pretty quickly realized that path was not for me, so I pivoted. My new goal in my career was to live a fulfilling life and do challenging work. I’m happy to say I feel like I have been able to figure out how to balance both.
Boyd R. Kezerian, 39
CFO | Walker Edison
Boyd Kezarian photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
My go-to strategy is to simply get to work. I have found that while planning and strategy have their place, it’s action that creates opportunity and that facilitates the discovery of ideas and paths that no amount of planning or strategy could have uncovered. We have a choice to either act or to be acted upon and I’ve found that action leads to solutions and more choices and more opportunity.
What does life look like to you in a post-COVID world?
I’m extremely optimistic. 2020 has brought many challenges both for individuals and as a society, but I already see an immense reshaping of our economy as we adapt and move forward.
Bradley Herbert, 37 (not pictured)
SVP, Marketing & Communications | Zions Bank
What does success look like to you?
Someday, I’d like to look back and say I led others to achieve their highest potential. I want to say that I overcame my fears and that I never stopped challenging myself to keep getting a little better. I hope I’ll be able to say that I was engaged in making my community a better place for everyone. Most importantly, I’ll care most that I provided a happy and fulfilling life for my family. If I do those things, I’ll consider myself successful.
Who inspires you most? Why?
My father. He’s a leader in every sense of the word. He’s unwavering in his dedication to doing what is right. To him, everyone has a seat at the table and all perspectives should be heard. He’s candid and compassionate, equitable and empathetic. His work ethic is unparalleled. These qualities and a thousand others help him get results and inspire others to get on board. The best compliment I receive is when people tell me, “you remind me of your dad."
Brian McCann, 39
President & CEO | Intergalactic
Brian McCann photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2021?
Changing our name. The company is so cool, but I’ve never liked the name “Airborne ECS.” “Intergalactic" just aligns better with who we are and where we want to go. The idea of eventual, intergalactic space travel will only be possible if we figure out new, enabling tech. That’s so inspirational for us.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
The gravity that works against you when you try to do something new can be pretty hard to overcome. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been told how and why we won’t be successful. We are performing now and doing it at an elite, benchmark-setting level. Performance is the ultimate litmus test. Haters hate until you do what you said you would.
Cameron Smith, 36
Cofounder & President | Kodiak Cakes
Cameron Smith photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Be a sponge and soak in as much learning as you can. I have realized as Kodiak has grown that I need to be growing faster than the business. If you aren’t learning or growing you are standing still.
What does success look like to you?
Effort! I have a little boy who is nine years old. During this past summer, he and I have gone mountain biking and I have noticed him struggling and wanting to stop. I told him that all I want for him to do is to try. We give up so many times without trying and putting real effort into an activity. I believe that most people that are successful are so because of the effort that they put into whatever they are doing.
Carl Haehl, 39
Founder & CEO | Rhino Pumps
Carl Haehl photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
NO WAY! I was too busy screwing around when I was 18. I didn’t develop any significant drive until later in life. And more significantly, until I met my wife who showed me what drive looks like!
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
It is easy to ride the excitement of small wins in business. It is much more difficult to stay the course when things are not going well. I am lucky to have a business partner that has the ability to keep perspective and motivation during the down-times of business.
CJ Drisdom, 38
Founder & CEO | Changing Lanes Ent Group, LakeHouse Studios, & BL4CK
CJ Drisdom photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Bridging the gap! There’s nothing that I love more than introducing my artists/band members to the next phase of their careers. It’s the truest reward when I’m able to bring together entities of the film, photography, dance, sports, art, and music industry to help create a culture for our young Black/Brown men and women to excel and unapologetically evolve in their craft.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I’m BEYOND where I thought I’d be. Evolving into manhood, I’ve gained admiration for purpose rather than fame. My wealth is infused in the relationships I’ve maintained throughout my life and my business has been thriving because of that.
Chase Wardrop, 29
President | Swig
Chase Wardrop photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I actually never thought I would be involved in the food and beverage industry, especially selling soda since I wasn’t a huge soda drinker growing up. But at 18 I knew I was excited about business and that I would always be taking advantage of great opportunities.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the opportunity I have to work closely with our store and regional managers. Many people in leadership positions at Swig are at early stages in their careers, so this might be their first experience overseeing a team and managing people. It’s amazing to see our leaders gain confidence through experience.
Chris Barney, 39
Chief Revenue Officer | Utah Jazz
Chris Barney photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Two-part answer: The relationships with our partners and my colleagues will always stand out. Second, our ability to create life-long, meaningful memories for our guests is incredibly rewarding.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Take risks and go experience the world.
Clay Olsen, 38
Founder & CEO | Impact Suite
Clay Olsen photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
When I decided to leave my growing creative agency to start a non-profit on the harms of pornography, most people thought I was insane. I was “too young” and the idea was “too uncomfortable.” I believed in our mission and was just naive enough to chase it down. I’m convinced that a healthy dose of naivety is what allows many young entrepreneurs to go where others won’t, defy odds, and change the world.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
Knighthood, just kidding. I will always be someone that is focused on mission and impact. I don’t know exactly what the future holds but I do know that I will continue to grow, learn, and hone my skills so that when opportunities arise, I will be ready.
Cody Guymon, 34
COO, Global Sales | Qualtrics
Cody Guymon photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What does success look like to you?
If I can wake up each morning excited about what I’m doing and who I’m with, that is a successful life to me. On the business side of this question, dominating the addressable market you are going after is success.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Not even close―I thought I’d be playing professional baseball for the Oakland A’s. That being said, I’m thrilled to be where I’m at!
Dan Jimenez, 34
President & COO | Chatbooks
Dan Jimenez photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The most rewarding part of what I do is working each day on a meaningful mission to “Strengthen Families" alongside an incredible team of All-Star talent. Helping Chatbooks scale has certainly been exciting, but knowing we’ve helped millions of families grow closer through enjoying and sharing their memories is even more fulfilling.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2021?
I’m looking forward to 2021 as the year for Chatbooks to grow into a meaningful social platform for families to engage with each other around their memories. We have big plans for enabling these social experiences on our platform, while staying true to our mission and what makes Chatbooks special.
Dan Watkins, 35
President | Forethought
Chairman of the Board | DataBasedDan Watkins photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What does success look like to you?
Achieving my dream of self-funding a postpartum clinic alongside my lovely wife Kim to help those who suffer from postpartum psychosis, being the father I aspire to be for my son by the time he’s a teenager, achieving a $1,000,000,000 valuation in 3.5 years at Forethought and, seeing each member that I’ve recruited into these companies have as much fun, joy, trials, as they would like to have in their careers just as I have over the past 18 years.
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
When assessing why something is broken, I use three questions: 1) Is it because we have not recruited the very best? 2) Is it because we’re not retaining the very best because of our culture? 3) Is it because the very best need coaching and guidance? If I can address those three, I can address anything.
Danielle Wilcox, 39
Assistant VP of Marketing Operations | HCA Healthcare, MountainStar Healthcare
Danielle Wilcox photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Building a business strategy in healthcare always begins with putting our patients needs first, and that’s what makes the work we do so meaningful. I look to continually develop strategies that positively influence our patients care experience. One of the most effective ways of doing that is through a data-driven strategy and I love working with the data and determining the story it is telling. By harnessing the power of health data it supports ongoing cycles of knowledge generation and transformative change. Utilizing data that is aggregated, analyzed, and converted allows for strategic action to be taken which continuously improves the patient care experience. This allows for strategies to be executed that are evidence-based that provide guidance and tools, to support safe, effective, efficient and compassionate care for our patients. Being part of the nation’s leading healthcare system, we are able to leverage our scale through a data warehouse to access the “collective memory” of more than 35 million annual patient encounters and ultimately build strategies that advance science, improve care, and save lives.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was 18, I set out to be a physician. However, after having my first daughter I decided to switch career paths from the clinical care side to the business and operations side of healthcare.
Diane Acevedo, 38
VP of Operations | Gabb Wireless
Diane Acevedo photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
I feel like I’ve had all odds against me: I grew up in a low socioeconomic home, I’m a first-generation graduate, non-traditional student, single mother of four, and a female minority. I have crawled my way to where I am today, so if I did it, anyone can do it.
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
I really enjoy breaking things apart. Finding the holes and identifying the bottlenecks. I believe it is essential to do a thorough analysis of the logistics of a business, ensuring all systems, and processes are in place in order to successfully execute on the company goals. Processes and cross-department interaction are the foundation of any business. Building on that foundation will empower organizations to grow at a rapid pace without compromising quality and brand.
Elizabeth Converse, 34
Director of Operations | Silicon Slopes Commons
Elizabeth Converse photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was 18 I was studying opera and choreographing shows. I didn’t know it at the time, but my activity in campus life was ever so slowly pulling me in the direction of advocacy. I never thought I would be where I am but I am grateful for every step along the way.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Whooooooo the things you don’t tell your kids! I am a high school dropout. It took me a long time to finish my undergrad, and that was with a baby in tow. But education is all about experiences in and out of the classroom. I’ve lived a lot in my short life, and have an abundance of those exact experiences that have helped me conquer any and every task or obstacle in my way.
Emiah Gardner, 32
VP, Strategic Partnerships | Clearlink
40 Under 40, photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Believe in yourself and don’t put a cap on your expectations. While it can sometimes seem like other people have it all figured out, in reality, everyone is just doing their best and making it up as they go. As long as you show up every day looking to learn something new and do better than you did yesterday, you will end up where you want to be.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
While I didn’t know exactly where I’d be, I’ve definitely hit most of the marks I have been striving for since then. I knew that I wanted to do something professionally that allowed me to explore and learn more about something I love personally: people. I really enjoy going to new places and meeting new people, and that is a big part of my job.
Jason Norton, 32
Director of Operations | Tech9
Jason Norton photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Who inspires you most? Why?
My dad owned his own business and even though he had a very busy schedule he still took the time while meeting with clients to get to know them and connect with them in a personal way. I have applied that same principle to my professional career and do my best to connect with the clients that I interact with to build a lasting relationship.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Knowing that we can help build custom software for our clients that was not only built the right way but also allows them to have a return on their investment is very rewarding.
Jeremy Glauser, 34
Founder & CEO | eLuma, Inc.
Jeremy Glauser photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What does success look like to you?
In my mind, success is helping people fulfill their human potential. As a matter of fact, that’s my life mission. And I feel good when I’m fulfilling my own potential and helping others along the way.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The people. Working in education gives me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most empathetic, caring, passionate, and ambitious professionals you could imagine.
Juatise Gathings, 30
Regional Operations Director | Discover Financial Services
Juatise Gathings photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I didn’t know at 18 where I would be but I did know where I wouldn’t be. I always knew that my dreams to inspire and help people be the best version of themselves was something I wanted to do but hadn’t quite figured out how. I knew that I had value and purpose and that I would live up to answer the call and assignments that were intended for me.
Who inspires you most? Why?
I am inspired most by African American women in leadership. It is not easy to walk into a room, be authentic to who you are, and leave the door open for those who have to come behind you. Breaking ceilings and exceeding expectations with confidence is inspiring.
Karen Zelnick, 37
Senior Director of Platform | Kickstart Fund
Karen Zelnick photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Where do I start? The biggest piece of advice I’d have would be to stop trying to see too far into the future (i.e. stop trying to control everything). Make a plan, yes, but become comfortable at an earlier age with leaving some room for magic. And drink more water.
What does success look like to you?
For me, it’s an evolving combination of learning/growth, balance, freedom, and achievement. The percentages for each vary at different times as necessary. But the one constant is that I always want to be motivated by success instead of in an endless pursuit of it. Looking at it that way helps me stay grounded and fully present in the experiences and opportunities my life is blessed with.
Kelly M. Simons, 39
CEO | Homeowners Association for The Colony at White Pine Canyon
Kelly Simons photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Not even close. I grew up in a very small, rural town and I never imagined that I would be leading any organization, let alone one that provides the opportunity to interact with and learn from such a diverse group of high-level, successful professionals of some incredibly prosperous, long-standing companies.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Take care of yourself first. It is much harder to help others if you are not ok. Ask for help. People innately want to help others, but rarely offer it up without inquiry. Surround yourself with relationships, personally and professionally, that represent your ideals.
Maren Mullin, 38
Owner | Gallery MAR
Maren Mullin photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
At both my Park City and Carmel-by-the-Sea galleries, we have the honor of bringing beauty to people’s lives. One of the greatest joys in life is finding beauty in times of trouble and worry. That’s why it is incredibly gratifying now to connect our dear and valued collectors with artwork of lasting beauty and meaning―now, more than ever before.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Hell no. Instead of my current happily-married, two kids, and a dog situation, I thought I would be single and working in fashion in New York City. What a difference love makes―I followed my college boyfriend (now husband) to Utah, the best decision of my life.
Mark E. Pittman, 31
Founder & CEO | Blyncsy, Inc.
Mark Pittman photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
It’s going to be much harder than you ever thought, but it will all work out. Don’t let any one thing get you down. Just stay at the plate and you’ll get the next one.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
No, entrepreneurship changes you. As a kid, you learn about all of the jobs you can have―a lawyer, doctor, or some specialized role. I didn’t really know what it meant to be an entrepreneur until well into my career with Blyncsy. It’s not something you can prepare for, or imagine, until you’re deep in the thick of it.
Mary Zhou, 38
Design Team Lead | Malouf/Downeast Clothing
Mary Zhou photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Who inspires you most? Why?
Design inspiration is everywhere, and my mind never stops creating. There is always something exciting to look forward to. I constantly imagine ways to improve the world around me. And when I get to act on those thoughts? It’s a great day.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Being a designer, I’m always surrounded by a deeply passionate, supportive community of like-minded people. The design community is a family that celebrates thinking outside the box and imagining that the impossible is possible.
Michael Tobian, 38
Owner | Utah Live Bands, LLC
Michael Tobain photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
No. I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. I never really did. I have just been fairly aggressive at times where I felt a good opportunity presented itself.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I’m sort of an opportunist so I don’t really know. I tend to make decisions very quickly as opportunities present themselves. I do have some financial goals that I haven’t met yet so I don’t have current plans of slowing down
Paul Hill, 37
Extension Professor | Utah State University
Paul Hill photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
As a faculty member at USU Extension, I have the unique opportunity to respond to critical and emerging issues in Utah through the integration of teaching, research, and public service, with research-based, unbiased information.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2021?
Publishing a national study on the adoption of remote work as a modern workplace practice.
Peter Harris, 37
Partner | University Growth Fund
Peter Harris photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I really thought I’d be an entrepreneur and in a way, I am. My partner and I built this firm together and we get to decide how it evolves and grows over time. And we are excited for the future: to open more offices, invest in more companies, and impact more students.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2021?
Today less than three percent of venture investors are Black or Brown, resulting in massive inequity in terms of who gets funded. We hope to help address this at the grassroots by recruiting more students of color into our program and giving them the skills and experience needed to compete for the very best opportunities in high finance.
Reuben Cook, 39
Partner | Squire & Company, PC
Reuben Cook photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Keep that tree leaning more toward home than work. I could have gotten away with that more. Otherwise, why would I change anything from the past? I have learned so much from it.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I expect the next ten years to be better than the last ten years. I am looking forward to it. I see more responsibility, more leadership, but also more systemic momentum and a wiser use of my energies so I can make it through the next 20 years without letting up.
Sierra Sorensen, 34
VP, Southern Division Branches | America First Credit Union
Sierra Sorenson photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I love my job and the credit union philosophy of people helping people. I love building relationships with those we serve and I feel blessed that I get to be a part of improving the financial well-being of others.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was 18 I was a 20-hour teller at the Credit Union. It was a second job and I thought I would be there while in school and then move on. I worked hard to move along in my career path and quickly moved up the ranks to manager, but I never thought I’d be where I am today.
Stephanie O’Farrell, 35
CMO | Tafi
Stephanie O’Farrell photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
As a marketer, I believe the best way to develop a compelling marketing strategy and drive meaningful results is to tap into quantitative and qualitative information that informs you about the user and their needs/desires. You couple that with a deep understanding of your product/brand, and you should be able to develop a very compelling go-to-market strategy.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was a teenager, my goal was to be a CMO by the time I was 40. With the support of my family, my impactful mentors, and my amazing career opportunities and experiences, I feel like I’m exactly where I dreamed of being.
Tara Thue, 36
President, Mountain West States | AT&T
Tara Thue photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What advice do you have for your younger self?
I wish I would have traveled more before I got to a place in my life that makes it hard to leave for longer stretches of time. I would tell younger Tara to go live on a beach for a few months and slow down! Experiencing new places, new cultures, trying different cuisines, and most importantly interacting with people from different backgrounds has been such an enriching part of my life and is almost an insatiable desire that I have even today.
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
“Good intelligence.” The communications world is changing so fast that I find it more useful to work with my talented and competent team to continually gather timely and accurate data—intelligence—than get bogged down in the “analysis paralysis” mode.
Taylor DeHart, 29
Principal | Mercato Partners, Savory Fund
Taylor DeHart photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Velocity. There is simply no substitute for activity. You have to be careful not to be reckless or underprepared, but there is tremendous value in executing at a breathtaking pace. Doing this creates unforeseen opportunities and accelerates the entrepreneurial trial and error that brings necessary lessons to inform any strategy.
What does success look like to you?
Excellence in what I can control. If there is anything that the current pandemic has taught us is that there is so much out of our control. Within my scope of control, I hope to do excellent work that results in dozens of emerging companies realizing their potential through scale.
Teresa Elias, 37
Executive Director, Brand Strategy & Digital Marketing | USANA Health Sciences
Teresa Elias photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Collaboration. When you listen to others, seek to understand their point of view, share your ideas openly to gain feedback, and include others in your process, you can accomplish amazing feats that can change your business for the better.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I don’t see 40 as a major milestone―it’s not haunting me or anything! I enjoy working, and I enjoy the work I’m doing. I hope to continue to be a voice for positive change at USANA as we look toward molding the future of direct sales. It’s an exciting place to be, and I’m full of ideas I can’t wait to explore.
TJ Ellerbeck, 31
Executive Director | Rural Utah Project
TJ Ellerbeck photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Working at the Rural Utah Project the last four years has been an honor, a challenge, and also so much fun. We do work to help members of underrepresented rural communities in Utah become more civically engaged and break down barriers to voting. Now more than ever, working with communities to find their voice and show that local politics matter is so important, and I’m lucky enough to do it with an amazing and talented team living all over the state.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I hope by then to still be working to make Utah a better place for everyone who lives here. Making a long-term career in the nonprofit or political space in Utah can be a challenge, but I plan to do that as long as I can. My backup plan is to open Utah’s best pizza place―I just need to learn to cook.
Tyler Cloward, 34
Director, Product Development | Fezzari Bicycles
Tyler Cloward photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business Magazine
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The best thing about working in the cycling industry is getting to help people do something they truly love and look forward to doing. I get to help create a product that betters people’s lives. It gives people the ability to de-stress, connect with others, get outdoors, and is something people genuinely look forward to. Put someone on a bike and they will most likely have a huge smile on their face. Getting people smiling and making them genuinely happy for a living is a lot of fun and very rewarding.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is what my relationships look like. It’s who I have influenced and made better along the way. It’s knowing I can trust and count on those around me but, at the same time, others know they can count on me.
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