Each year, Utah Business celebrates professionals who are changing Utah’s business landscape in big ways—and they’re all under 40 years old. Join us in a round of applause for these accomplished individuals and the ways they’re elevating the future of business throughout the state.
Adam Jackson, 37
Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer | Beehive Meals
linkedin.com/in/adamjacksonutah
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
The pandemic ended up being a blessing in disguise. As grocery store shelves became empty, we saw our sales double month over month for almost a year. With that said, starting a business just before a pandemic—and then trying to figure out how to navigate supply chain shortages—is something that I wouldn’t recommend doing.
What sets you apart from your fellow under-40 peers?
I chose a different path than most. My heart was always in becoming an entrepreneur, and I never saw myself being successful in climbing the corporate ladder. I’m lucky that I was able to develop skills early in my career that have helped me to become a well-rounded entrepreneurial marketer. These same skills have allowed me to move fast without relying on others to complete the work.
Adam Malmborg, 32
COO & Co-founder | Decada Group
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was younger, life felt full of unexpected twists and turns. Looking back, the path looks clear. I feel this is my destiny, and if I weren’t doing this, I would just be dreaming about how to build this again. I enjoy the fact there is never a dull moment and that I have the opportunity to work with awesome people solving new and interesting problems every day.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is a legacy that lives forever. We acquire and build exceptional small businesses here in Utah with a dream to run them for decades to come. Running a small business is challenging, and the mission of Decada is to support each of our companies with the resources they need to thrive and be resilient.
Alan Swenson, 37
Executive Director | Carequality
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I work in healthcare technology and run a nonprofit that enables the simple sharing of medical records. I love to hear stories around the country from doctors who are able to improve patient care because they already know labs, procedures and other medical information about their patients from other places, and hearing from patients who are able to easily gather their own medical information without fax machines, stacks of paper or flash drives.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
Carequality currently enables more than 370 million clinical document exchanges on a monthly basis. The federal government has a lot of additional regulations in the works, requiring doctors to exchange that information and different technology for how exchanges must be facilitated. In 2023, I am looking forward to driving more innovation in clinical care, ensuring doctors have the information that they need when they need it, enabling individuals to access their own medical records and simplifying the burden of government regulations through an easily scalable nationwide exchange of medical records.
Alejandro “Ale" Puy, 39
Councilmember | Salt Lake City
Co-Founder | Landslide Political
Who inspires you most? Why?
Landslide Political: Being the best in the industry, representing my state through quality work and bringing about prosperity to those that work for Landslide and its clients. Salt Lake City Council: the neighbors of my district inspire me. Their struggles don’t stop the west side community but push us to be the engine of Salt Lake City.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Keep going, and don’t get distracted with “advice" that makes you change what you love doing. Keep pursuing your dream, no matter how “strange," “unprofitable" and “out of the box" it may be.
Andrea Verkić Pranić, 37
Executive Director | Morgan Stanley
linkedin.com/in/andrea-verkic-pranic
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I am where my father knew I would be! As an immigrant in Germany and later in the US, I grew up doing schoolwork with the help of dictionaries, as my parents initially didn’t speak our new countries’ languages. My father had big dreams that one day his daughter would be a bank executive. He would repeat this to me before I knew what either a bank or an executive was. At the age of 18, I was fiercely focused on making my father, who sadly by that point had passed, proud. After completing my undergraduate studies early, it was a dream come true to be offered a job at Morgan Stanley. I often get asked why I’ve stayed at one company for nearly two decades. My answer is very simple: I never had a reason to leave.
Who inspires you most? Why?
I’m inspired by enthusiastic people who deeply care about making a positive difference in other people’s lives. Fortunately, I find this daily inside the walls of Morgan Stanley and the broader Utah community. But if I really had to narrow it down, I’d say my family: my parents, who left their entire lives behind to move to a country completely foreign to them (twice) in hopes of providing a better future for my brother and me. My husband, who is my rock and greatest source of encouragement. And my sons, Alexander and Sebastian, who make me a better person through their examples.
Ben Roberts, 39
Co-founder & COO | LoanPro
linkedin.com/in/ben-roberts-loanprosoftware
What does success look like to you?
Success is striving to be your best self in your personal and professional life. It is getting out of your comfort zone and truly making a positive impact.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Start every day with a cold shower. If life is comfortable, you are not working hard enough! Success is an iterative process. Don’t be afraid of failing. Learn quickly from your mistakes and refine your plan until it works. Enjoy the journey!
Betsy Voter, 36
Partner | Michael Best
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
My go-to strategy is to be helpful to people. I think going the extra mile to make someone’s life easier, solve a problem or reduce a burden for someone just because you can makes all the difference in relationships. In the short term, being helpful and focusing on service makes difficult work easier to bear. In the long term, it often pays off with meaningful relationships with business partners and in other unexpected ways.
Who inspires you most? Why?
It’s so hard to pick someone who inspires me the most. I love people, and I am always blown away by the amazing things people are doing in the world. I am continually inspired by the women in my life. There are so many incredible women who embody everything I hope to be as a lawyer, business owner, family member, citizen, neighbor, etc. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the men who help support those women as well. In my case, my family—especially my husband and three little boys!
Branson Yantes, 39
VP | BHI
linkedin.com/in/branson-yantes-04111685
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The most rewarding thing about my career is the impact I’m able to have on people. There is nothing cooler than being able to bless someone’s life and family with a solid career they enjoy. I love building lasting relationships through positive experiences with our clients, subcontractors, vendors and our own teammates—whether that is being fair and honest while negotiating a change order or simply showing appreciation to all I interact with. It’s fun to build a culture within a group of people that you and they are proud of. Reputation is everything.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
The best advice I could give my younger self is to support and grow the people around you. I am a super competitive person, so in my younger years as a project manager, I was too focused on improving myself and ensuring “my" projects were successful at all costs. Give credit to everyone but yourself. Your leadership, performance, skills, results and personality will be noticed and rewarded by those responsible if you are employed by a company aligned with your goals. If you show up, do your best and help others, you will be successful.
Brenna Thornley, 34
Sr. Director, Customer Success | Impartner
linkedin.com/in/brenna-thornley
What does success look like to you?
I think success is being able to look back at my accomplishments and feel like I made a positive impact on someone else’s life and that I was able to improve as well. I look for opportunities where I can develop personally and professionally while also helping those around me.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Trust your abilities and lean into opportunities that come your way, even if they feel hard or uncomfortable. Some of the best growth opportunities I have had are ones that I did not feel fully ready to take on.
Bret Evans, 36
Partner | Snell & Wilmer LLP
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
I am looking forward to settling into my new role as a partner at Snell & Wilmer. I’m excited to develop mentoring opportunities with new associates, find new opportunities to give back to the community and continue to develop my legal skills and law practice.
Who inspires you most? Why?
My husband, Kody Colvin. He is an elementary principal, and every day I see how much dedication he gives to the school, his teachers and his young scholars. He also volunteers so much of his time to work on a nonprofit he started to assist other educators in advocating for safe and inclusive schools. He rarely complains about the difficulties of his job, and he motivates and inspires me to give 100 percent at my job to support my clients and colleagues.
Brett Swensen, 37
VP, Marketing | Kizik
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I love being part of such a diverse set of people with diverse skill sets. The marketing industry attracts people from all walks of life, and seeing the creativity and passion people have to create and build is inspiring and humbling. Helping others along their path is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Your path to “success" is going to look different than you thought. Embrace the bumpy road that comes with personal and professional growth, and always remember to help others on the way. Nobody becomes successful all on their own, so lift up those around you and recognize the help along the way. Most importantly, remember to make time for your family and cherish the moments you have with them. That’s ultimate happiness!
Brit Merrill, 39
Attorney | Holland & Hart
linkedin.com/in/brit-merrill-797603173
Who inspires you most? Why?
I am so inspired by the women attorneys of the past who, against all odds, fought, schemed, joined forces and persisted in blazing trails for women to become part of this great profession. To the women lawyers of today, you are a consistent source of inspiration and strength. Together we take up the torch to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I love being an attorney. It’s a challenging, competitive and rewarding profession filled with variety and opportunities for collaboration, strategy and problem-solving. I get to work with incredible people and businesses. On a grand scale, I play a small part in promoting the rule of law, democracy and equality. Plus, as an employment attorney and litigator, I always have great stories.
Brooks Kirchheimer, 36
Co-founder | Leave Room For Dessert Eateries
linkedin.com/in/brooks-kirchheimer-7a04a533
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was seven years old, I asked for a cash register so I could play restaurant with my two sisters. Here I am, almost 30 years later, owning three restaurants with my Dad. It is an absolute dream. The best and most humbling part is all the people that buy into your dream and vision and show up every day with their own passion and hard work to bring it to fruition.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The most rewarding thing about the restaurant industry is the impact we have on human beings every single day. People from all walks of life work in our industry, and it is so rewarding to see the growth of associates who come from tough upbringings, those that have had bumps in their road, and how hard they work to turn things around. Also, our guests—it is so cool to be a part of some of the most important days of their lives, from weddings to proposals, funerals and more.
Chris Baird, 37
President & CEO | OptConnect
linkedin.com/in/chris-baird-85833232
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Surround myself with mentors. Hire intelligent people and empower them to act and be good stewards of the business, and solicit feedback on a regular basis. Serve and give back wherever possible!
What does success look like to you?
It looks a lot like a windy road with bends and curves, hazards and caution signs, detours and closures, uphill and down, weather-laden and bumps. I’ve learned that success rarely looks like a long, flat, straight road.
Christopher Sanchez, 37
Managing Partner | LUX Catering & Events
linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanchez-5b007556
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Upward and onward. Never give up. The last two years in the hospitality industry have been incredibly challenging, but by continuing to support my team through everything, we continued to move forward. We never stopped running toward what was next.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The hospitality industry is all about experiences, connectivity, camaraderie and celebrating every moment in life. We work closely with our clients to help them celebrate the biggest, best and most exciting moments of their lives! It’s thrilling. We also get to partner with industry professionals, teach others and grow as a community.
Dave Bauman, 38
Director, Global Advisory | CBRE
linkedin.com/in/david-bauman-04927124
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Build your team with people with good hearts who are smart, tenacious and committed to a unifying cause, and you’ll find that work will be much more rewarding than simply something you do to make money. You’ll care deeply about those around you, and hopefully, they’ll care about you. You’ll all make each other better with results to show for it.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
In the end, the relationships you build with people will mean the most to you. Business deals come and go, but the relationships you develop outlast them all. Think of how you want to be remembered long after the details of a transaction are forgotten, and then focus intently on how you communicate with others. Here’s a secret: compliments that build up others tend to do more for relationship-building than trying to impress them with how good you are!
Devin Deaton, 36
Partner | Max Connect Digital
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Innovation is at the forefront of our industry, which means the strategies we deploy today won’t work tomorrow. The constant need to innovate and adapt has been a challenge we’ve had to overcome.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I hope to continue to challenge myself in new areas that are outside my comfort zone: playing piano, learning a language and learning to dance. I also see my focus and purpose shifting from business to helping my local community, especially the youth.
Grant Miller, 32
Public Defender | Salt Lake Legal Defender Association
linkedin.com/in/grant-miller-955700b0
What does success look like to you?
Success comes when you can tangibly see your efforts change the community for the better. At the beginning of my career, a retired attorney gave me some advice: “Don’t go through your entire career with only money to show for it.” It confirmed my desire to work for a nonprofit. I have found purpose in helping my clients reclaim their esteem by transitioning them out of the criminal justice system.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Every meaningful success is built upon overcoming challenges. My law school rejection letter is framed next to my law degree as a reminder of that fact. I struggled in law school, and every obstacle I met along the way compounded my self-doubt. However, I believed that doubling down would afford me the opportunity to one day advocate for people in need. Consistent and earnest effort will always yield to the realization of a personal goal.
Dr. Jacob Burdis, 37
Co-founder & VP, Product and Strategy | Emmersion (Acquired by IXL Learning)
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
We started Emmersion with the mission of closing the global communication gap. Assessing speaking in a foreign language is too expensive and time-consuming. Over the years, we’ve built a patented adaptive AI assessment system that can measure someone’s speaking ability in a foreign language in 15 minutes or less with immediate results. While this is exciting on its own, the thing that gets me really excited is the potential application of this system to improve the language learning process. Having been acquired by IXL Learning (the company that owns and runs Rosetta Stone, along with several other prominent language learning products and services), we are poised to take our adaptive assessment technology and integrate it with modular learning content from Rosetta Stone and others to create the first digitally adaptive language learning product that adapts and adjusts to learners’ needs in real-time.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
This year, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD and autism. While I didn’t have the label when I was going through school and starting my career, I definitely recognized that I struggled to devote my time, attention and energy to projects for which I have no passion. Additionally, sometimes my attention to a specific project or pursuit would only last so long before losing interest. I used to think that I just didn’t have it in me to follow through and that I gave up easily, but I’ve learned that my brain is just wired differently. Coming up with ideas to solve problems is easy for me; that’s my status quo. I’ve had to learn how to prioritize and identify the initiatives that matter most in my life and build the support system around me in order to make sure they aren’t abandoned.
Jeffrey Olsen, 39
Acting President | Nightingale College
Who inspires you most? Why?
The learners at Nightingale College are absolutely inspiring to me. So many are working diligently to achieve their dreams and improve their communities while overcoming so many challenges. It is an honor to serve and support them along their journey. I learn from them and their examples every day in a way that helps me to become a better version of myself.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I have always believed that education can be a catalyst for individuals to become their best selves, however that looks to them. Nightingale College is incredibly positioned to create opportunity and access for many underserved and even vulnerable populations seeking that personal and professional enhancement in their lives. Working with our learners and seeing them grow, develop and achieve their dreams while overcoming challenges makes this the most rewarding space to work in.
Jessica Arias, 39
Executive Director; Marketing, Portfolio & Social Media | USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
linkedin.com/mwlite/in/jessica-reimer-arias-slc
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Prioritize projects based on what’s going to have the biggest impact on achieving the company’s objectives and then manage resources accordingly. To achieve success in business, you must remain consistent in providing clear expectations, identifying measurable goals and building strong, cross-functional teams. This consistency creates effectiveness throughout the process and builds trust with management, peers, employees and ultimately with customers.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I see another major growth period, professionally and personally. I see all the lessons I’ve learned becoming the foundation for building a stronger future. I see my role with USANA impacting a wider-reaching audience of people looking to improve their health and well-being. I see the company expanding into new avenues that will continue to help people create their best lives. I see myself furthering my personal development in leadership while working with others to help guide their efforts forward. Most of all, I see myself as a woman with purpose and a sincere passion for life, helping others reach new levels of success.
Joseph Bart Venâncio Arrington, 36
Founder and CEO | Beacon Sleep Solutions
Academic-Physician Operations | Intermountain Health
linkedin.com/in/josephbvarrington
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
I’ll be finishing my doctorate in business administration from Drexel University’s Executive DBA program in early 2023. Then, a few months later, my wife and I will welcome a new addition to our family! We are very excited about everything 2023 will bring.
What sets you apart from your fellow under-40 peers?
I’m still at the very beginning of my career! I’m currently working to apply to medical school and become a physician. My hope is to combine the knowledge and experiences I’ve had so far with the medical training I’ll receive. In this way, I can be part of many different aspects of healthcare and medicine: I can treat patients directly, conduct investigations in academic research to discover ways to improve healthcare operations and use sound business principles to successfully implement those findings to improve overall patient care.
Lindsey Martin, 39
Director, User Experience | Lucid Software
linkedin.com/in/lindseywhitefieldmartin
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I’m a designer, which is the best job in the world. We are tasked with imagining futures and articulating what is possible. The most rewarding part of working with my team of designers at Lucid is the opportunity to help them realize the best of their abilities to fulfill this ask with curiosity and humanity.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
It’s OK if you don’t have a plan as long as you keep doing the next most interesting thing. Forge that path, and you’ll end up somewhere worthwhile.
Logan Mallory, 39
VP, Marketing | Motivosity
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Running marketing at Motivosity is the best! Though I’ve always marketed good, honest and respectable products, I’ve never been responsible for marketing something really fun. I finally get that experience with Motivosity. I’ve been stopped countless times while wearing my “ThanksMatters" T-shirt by Motivosity customers, and they light up about how the product improves their work experience. The creative flexibility and the powerful mission at Motivosity have made this a really rewarding part of my career.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Younger Logan felt so anxious about not having his career defined. After a few years of professional work, I remember telling my wife (who is wiser than I am and didn’t agree), “I’m done for. I’m in my late 20’s, I don’t know what I’m doing, and it’s too late for me to fix it." I’d tell that younger version of myself that there is plenty of time to make changes, learn new skills, build new relationships and make a great career. It’s OK not to have everything perfectly lined up or going according to your plan. Make a pivot, try something new, and don’t spend another second tricking yourself into thinking that it’s too late. It is not.
Mark Newman, 38
Co-founder & CEO | Nomi Health
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
My career is one of embracing the hard work of upending broken established systems in order to create access for people typically left behind. I’ve founded two $1 billion+ companies to show for it: HireVue and Nomi Health. Aside from the obvious—that it’s very hard work—I’ve learned broken systems need major change from companies and leaders willing to make waves. I’ve also learned that rewarding grit and tenacity over merit and tradition is the key to success.
What does success look like to you?
Professionally, success looks like the rebuilding of U.S. healthcare to make it functional and meaningful at half the cost. It’s not an easy road and will take time, but our goal is to take insights into action to make a tangible difference in improving care costs and access for everyone.
Mason F. Baker, 39
CEO & General Manager | UAMPS
linkedin.com/in/mason-baker-6a622279
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The electric utility industry is undergoing the “big transition” to decarbonize, and this will be a monumental task for our industry over the next twenty years. It will be an extremely challenging endeavor for UAMPS as an organization, but I’m confident that by communicating and coordinating with our member communities, we will ultimately be successful. Collaboration between the UAMPS staff and members is the most rewarding aspect of my job and why UAMPS exists.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Honestly, no. I knew becoming a lawyer was on the radar, but I went to law school to avoid moving into a management role in my mid-20s, and now I’m a CEO. There’s been a series of fortuitous events that have led me to major events in my life, whether it was coming to UAMPS or meeting my wife. I’ve been incredibly fortunate and do my best to remind myself of my good fortune.
Matt Richards, 38
COO | Haugen RV group
linkedin.com/in/matt-richards-908a92258
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Make sure you establish the values that are non-negotiable to you and your business. Train your team on them, and most importantly, lead by example. When you run into a difficult decision, weigh it against your values, and they will guide you to make the one that’s right for you.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
Not at all. At 18 years old, I was lost. I barely made it out of high school. I dropped out of my first semester in college. I was bouncing from job to job with no direction. I credit my father for taking me under his wing and giving me a chance to come in (at the bottom) to the dealership he was managing. I grew from there, and he and I eventually set out on our own to start our own dealership, which eventually became the first store in the Haugen RV group.
Matthew Allred, 39
Senior Marketing Director | Cosm
linkedin.com/in/matthew-allred-a99236205
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Cosm is redefining the way the world experiences content through immersive technology that bridges the virtual and physical worlds. I’ve stood with my friends and family in an 8K immersive LED dome and seen the surface of Mars from the perspective of the Perseverance Rover. I’ve been on the field of international sporting events in real-time, in the front row of concerts, and even the impossible slipstream of an artist’s exploration of multidimensional space. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, and I can’t wait for our Los Angeles and Dallas venues to open.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
I’ve been fortunate to have a wide range of job experience in unrelated fields with many challenges, false starts and failures. If I had to boil it down, I’d say success isn’t a clear or straight path, and it’s always OK to start over or try a different approach. The truth is, you are never starting from zero. The accumulation of experience, even if it’s through trial and error, will serve you well.
Matthew E. Poll, 39
CEO | Trader Solutions – Day Trade For Good
linkedin.com/in/matthew-poll-25051a77
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
My book, “Blinded By Your Strengths,” releases. I am also really excited about what we are doing with a company I helped start called Green Chart, which is a web-based charting platform. I am also excited about some new laws I am helping put in place in Utah with a newly created blockchain and digital innovation task force I helped start last year. During this year’s legislative session, we will be proposing a law to put into place a DAO [decentralized autonomous organization] legal structure unlike anything the country has seen. We also are putting into place safety protocols such as a Sheriff Node, which will help add additional security around certain blockchain transactions.
What’s after 40? What do you see in your future?
I think I am just getting started. I feel like I have just laid the foundation to have an enormous impact for good for others and the community I live in. I will keep doing legislative work and driving bills that will make Utah a better place to live in. With a focus on new technology, I also see myself leading Utah to be a leader in blockchain innovation both for businesses and state agencies. I intend to commit more time to coach my executives to achieve their goals. I also have two boys that mean the world to me. I want to make sure, like my dad did, that I give them everything I have to offer and teach them the value of giving back and helping those less fortunate.
Matthew Keenan, 36
VP, Strategy | The Larry H. Miller Company
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
At the Larry H. Miller Company, I have the privilege of working with a smart, collaborative and hardworking team. The company is always evolving, and so is the work. Our organization is involved in a number of diverse investments and owns businesses in a variety of industries: healthcare, finance, entertainment, sports, real estate, homebuilding and community building.
What sets you apart from your fellow under-40 peers?
This is probably not unique to me, but my work ethic has always been the one constant that I could rely on throughout my career. Many of the projects I lead or partner on include long hours and intense focus. I am always inspired by my teammates and the mission/vision of the projects we tackle together.
Maureen Makes, 33
Director, Engineering | Recursion
linkedin.com/in/maureenbotoman
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Progress over perfection. Tech is an industry where needs, customers and problems are constantly shifting. By focusing on delivering the smallest valuable next iteration, you can quickly get a signal on if you are on the right track rather than waiting to have the perfect solution before you get people using it.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
In 2023, I am excited to embed technology platforms in every stage of the drug discovery process to continue to dramatically reduce the time to new discoveries. I am also looking forward to going to Egypt to scuba dive in the Red Sea.
Megan Bonham, 39
Founder & CEO | Twenty & Creek
linkedin.com/in/megan-bonham-1183301bb
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Reentering the workforce has been a challenge I didn’t expect. Jumping back into business after nearly a decade and a half of raising my children brought with it a great deal of self-doubt and fear. At times, the doubt and hate from others was paralyzing, even causing imposter syndrome. However, I stayed focused on what I had learned during my 14-year boot camp as a stay-at-home mom. That time was honestly the best professional training environment imaginable, where I learned multitasking, people management, customer service, conflict resolution, time management, pivoting, entrepreneurship and so much more!
What does success look like to you?
Growing up, I thought success was supposed to be about money. Throughout my career as a stay-at-home mom and now as a business owner, I learned that success is based on relationships. Every evening, I get to look back on my day and recognize that I was part of a transformative moment in someone’s life. I’m incredibly grateful for those moments and count them as a success.
Meghan Stettler, 39
Director, O.C. Tanner Institute | O.C. Tanner
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
In a word—fulfillment. The cascading crisis across our health, economic and social systems has caused employees to rethink their lives, and they’re looking for new ways of working that are more fulfilling. In our 2023 global culture study, we discovered that fulfillment is derived from four concepts: community and belonging, growth, purpose and balance. Organizations and people leaders that focus on co-creating personalized fulfilling experiences invariably see great work rise and burnout diminish. Highly fulfilled employees also plan on staying with their organizations three years longer than those who aren’t—an incredible outcome amid this ongoing war for talent.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
As an older millennial, I still remember what life was like without social platforms—and the difficulty I had navigating my education and early career as a journalist who didn’t fit the mold. Today, with the democratization and monetization of publishing, I would tell my younger self to invest in creating original content as a solo entrepreneur in tandem with pursuing success in traditional outlets. Traditional outlets garner credibility, network and mentorship, while producing your own content is a lasting investment in your brand and future that you can own.
Michael Harris, 32
CFO | GPS Capital Markets, LLC
linkedin.com/in/michael-harris-80060662
What does success look like to you?
First and foremost, the greatest measure of my success is my relationship with my family. Am I a good husband, father, son and brother? Am I a person that my wife and kids like and want to be with? Am I developing my kids to be good people? Do my kids trust me? I am working at being better in these areas, but when I die, If I can answer those questions in a positive way, I would rate my success in life as high. The second highest measure of my success is my level of service to others. The most important area of service for me right now is my involvement with South Valley Services, a domestic abuse shelter that provides shelter for those in imminent danger as well as therapy and counseling for free.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
When I was 18, I wanted to start two businesses. First, as a lover of root beer floats, I wanted to create a restaurant called “Floaters" where we would serve root beer and sherbet floats, and you could pick the types of soda and ice cream. Back then, I also collected water bottles and wanted to create a water bottle company. There were not nearly as many choices as there are today.
Michael Zaro, 37
CEO | V School
Mike Van Roosendaal, 36
Regional President | Zions Bank
linkedin.com/in/mike-van-roosendaal
What sets you apart from your fellow under-40 peers?
I became a business owner at nine years old. My dad helped me start a candy machine business with two machines, and I grew it over the following years to 18 machines. I would travel by UTA bus across Salt Lake County to service the machines and collect my earnings. I’d then count and roll the quarters at home and take them to the bank to deposit into my account. These regular trips to the bank were my first introduction to banking. Fast forward 25+ years, and I now oversee these branches I visited as a young kid.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The most rewarding aspect of working in the banking industry is being able to help people achieve their dreams. I’ve spent the majority of my career working with small businesses, which is very fulfilling. Whether it’s helping someone navigate the process of starting a business or providing the capital necessary for a small business owner to take the next step in growing their business, I love witnessing firsthand the joy and feeling of accomplishment these business owners experience.
Nico Dato, 33
CMO | Entrata
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Over the years, I’ve developed several business strategies that I consistently lean on. A few of my favorites include: Not all battles are yours: It is important to prioritize what will drive the biggest impact. Quick wins create momentum: Getting something done is better than getting it perfect in most situations. Team huddles have a purpose: A football team has multiple and often very different roles, but each works together on one coordinated play to get the win. Frequent and concise huddles ensure all of the prior preparation stays coordinated. Lastly, business initiatives require clear communication, collaboration and purpose in order to move the company toward its goals.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I love working in industries that have a clear, everyday impact. From earlier in my career when I worked at Podium serving local businesses, to now working at Entrata serving property managers and apartment residents, being a part of that impact and the fact that my family, friends and peers can recognize and see it means a lot to me. As I progress in my career, the ability to find and showcase talented individuals is important to me. I owe a lot of people a debt of gratitude for helping me throughout my career, so I look forward to and seek out opportunities to help develop others’ talents and help them progress in their careers. Making this a consistent part of my daily work continues to be immensely satisfying for me.
Paul Schuhmacher, 38
Managing Director | AArete
linkedin.com/in/paul-schuhmacher-68986a5
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
I believe any good business strategy starts with trust. When I meet with a client, I go in with the mindset that my goal is to develop trust and establish a “client for life.” One of AArete’s guiding principles is “loyalty to clients,” and I exemplify that with every client I serve. My hope is to be the go-to trusted advisor to all my clients by putting integrity and their needs first. I believe that is the best way to build a strong and sustainable business.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
Professionally, I want to continue to take on cutting-edge projects and develop as a leader. When I started at AArete, our firm was around 10 people, and now we are over 500. We are a strong and capable team, and I want to continue to contribute to the growth and mentorship of our next-generation leaders. I also want to continue to develop business in the Mountain West region and build out our footprint here in Utah. It is a great place to live and work with a tremendous talent pool.
Payden Adams, 33
Producer & Senior Director; Entertainment, Production & Game Presentation | The Utah Jazz
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
Utah is truly a basketball state. To be at the heart of something that brings an entire state together is a miraculous opportunity and one that I don’t take lightly. I grew up a Jazz fan myself (though I was a ballet dancer and a musical theater guy), so to have my career bring me to this point is very exciting.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Keep going and “Don’t dream it, be it." Also, don’t get that saying tattooed on your foot. It won’t age well. Just keep the mantra close to your heart.
Remington Atwood, 39
CFO | Onset Financial
linkedin.com/in/remington-atwood-983b9853
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Be creative and flexible. If you haven’t set yourself apart in some way, you won’t be able to beat the competition.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Figure out the “why" of what you’re doing. Look into the details and don’t just go through the motions. Once we know why we’re doing something, it gives us the ability to solve problems as they inevitably arise.
Ryan Flint, 36
Principal | Mountain West Commercial
linkedin.com/in/ryan-f-25654770
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
Serving and loving the customer/client. It has been the backbone of my personal business strategy since day one and served me well.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Hard work, rejection, challenges with health and loss of loved ones, but because of the people I surround myself with, I have been able to get to where I am.
Sam Middleton, 31
VP, Product Marketing | InMoment
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
I’m still working on it every day, but my goal is to master the balance between customer experience obsession and disruptive innovation. Customer experience is the industry I chose to be a part of because it’s the backbone of the world’s most valuable brands. The companies that are customer-obsessed are the ones that stay ahead of the curve. Disruptive innovation has always been a business strategy and principle that caught my attention at school—how do you continue to stay relevant as products and services continue to become more and more commoditized? I think the secret is in combining both strategies.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
I’ve always loved technology almost as much as I love people. The most rewarding part of my job is in an industry that produces cutting-edge technology that helps people understand each other better. Humanity benefits from having better connections with each other, greater empathy and deeper understanding.
Sara Cichos, 33
Experience Leader | KeyBank
linkedin.com/in/sara-cichos-35890293
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
My go-to business strategy is creating a culture where teammates feel empowered to bring their genuine selves to work every day. It doesn’t matter what business or industry you are in—if you don’t have a world-class culture of highly engaged leaders and teammates, you simply won’t be successful. As a leader, I am very passionate about taking care of our teammates at all costs. In banking, consumers can get the products we offer elsewhere, so our goal is to offer personalized solutions and elevated experiences that set us apart from other providers. For our teammates to deliver that elevated client experience to our consumers, we as leaders must provide an elevated employee experience first!
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The most rewarding thing about working at KeyBank is that we have an opportunity to make a positive impact on our clients’ lives and be a part of their personal journeys. Finances are a top stressor for almost every adult, and our teammates provide personalized financial solutions to our clients to improve their overall fiscal journey. At KeyBank, we are constantly building genuine relationships with our clients, and we get to be a part of big life moments such as home purchases and remodeling, wedding financing, debt consolidations, investments, business building, retirement and much more. Supporting our clients through big life moments and tough life moments, we work very hard to leave a lasting positive impact.
Sara Johnson, 32
Clinical Director, Therapeutic Preschool Program & Family Therapist | The Children’s Center Utah
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
It is a privilege to bear witness as families process and heal from traumatic experiences and to be a very small piece of their journey of healing. It is extremely rewarding seeing a caregiver and their child connect. I feel incredibly lucky to see a caregiver grow in their confidence and their ability to respond to their child. I also love working with paraprofessionals and seeing them grow professionally and personally. As part of my role, I have the opportunity to support and coach our therapeutic preschool staff to provide education on child development, behavior management and trauma-informed care. Overall, the most rewarding thing about my job is seeing a caregiver enjoy their child and hearing them laugh.
What does success look like to you?
Success looks like a caregiver who feels confident in their abilities to help their child. It looks like a beautiful moment of connection between a child and someone who cares about them. Success looks like a child who has their needs met. It also looks like staff retention and a positive and supportive work environment.
Skyler M. Tanner, 39
Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
What is your go-to business strategy? Why?
In the field of corporate finance, one of the best strategies I have found for growth is doing good work for clients on today’s projects. By earning current clients’ trust with their existing projects, they will come back to you with more projects and will trust you with their referrals.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2023?
While we would all prefer it does not, if the economy slows into a recession, opportunities for new financing transactions may slow and I will again engage my training and background in bankruptcy and workouts. An economic downturn will have some accompanying pains but will also provide opportunities for creative solutions and grit—traits I have seen well-developed in Utah. If the economy remains strong, I am looking forward to participating in the expansion of Utah’s real estate market.
Stephen Foxley, 36
Director, Public Affairs & Government Relations | Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
linkedin.com/in/stephenfoxleyslc
Are you where you thought you’d be when you were 18?
I’m a little embarrassed to answer yes. I grew up saying I wanted to be a lawyer and thought about this as a career before I was 18. I’ve always been interested in business and politics, and this is a great career to keep you close to both.
Who inspires you most? Why?
My spouse. She had a successful career in finance and as a CPA but felt a calling to become a doctor a little later in life. This meant going back to college and starting over in her 30s. Her bravery and grit to succeed as a medical school student and become a physician continues to amaze me. I look to her as an example of someone with unmatched determination, drive and sincere compassion to improve the lives of others.
Xani Haynie, 39
Director, Online MBA & Professional MBA | University of Utah
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why?
The people I work with are the most rewarding part of my industry. I work with people daily who are energizing, thoughtful and authentic. Every day I have the opportunity through our faculty, staff and students to be inspired. It’s gratifying to watch MBA students’ confidence grow to new heights during the program, see individuals take their careers to the next level, improve their marketability and build friendships that last a lifetime. I appreciate the resourcefulness and valuable contributions that take place every day in higher education.
What does success look like to you?
Success starts from believing in yourself. Many paths can lead to a successful life and career; however, it always starts with doing what you love, being true to yourself, sharing your talents, having a healthy lifestyle and positively impacting your community. As long as you are happy with your impact, you are successful.
To learn more about our 2023 honorees, watch the video below. For additional event photos, please click here. For videos from the event’s 360 photo booth, click here.