Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1985, Cuisine Unlimited began as a small deli and has since grown into a leading Utah catering company, with experience handling events ranging from small gatherings of a few guests to large-scale events with up to 3,000 attendees. Account Executive, Isabelle Caiozzo, joins us with more. Isabelle Caiozzo: Utah’s events industry has seen incredible growth in recent years, fueled by a strong sense of community and a spirit of collaboration. Cuisine Unlimited is a full-service catering and event production company based in Salt Lake City. For over 40 years, we’ve brought people together through food — from nonprofit galas and elegant weddings to large-scale conferences and private gatherings. I personally have been in the industry for the last ten years, and witnessing its evolution here in Utah has been inspiring. We believe food is more than a meal — it is a shared experience. Our menus are thoughtfully curated using seasonal, locally sourced ingredi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Tentamus runs a global network of specialized labs focused on ensuring goods are safe and high quality. As a life sciences leader, they continually improve their testing methods and technology. Chief Executive Officer of the North America region, Richard Adams, joins us with more. Richard Adams: At Tentamus North America, we play a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of the products you interact with everyday. As part of a global network of highly specialized laboratories, including facilities right here in Utah, we provide critical third-party quality testing across major industries like food and feed, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and environmental sciences. Why is this important? In today’s world, consumers demand safety and trust. For brands, maintaining that trust and ensuring strict regulatory compliance is paramount. That’s where Tentmaus North America comes in. We offer the deep expertise, advanced technology, and reliable, accred

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1960, the Humane Society of Utah is the state’s largest animal welfare and pet resource center, offering a variety of programs that help animals find safe, loving homes. Director of Finance and Strategic Planning, Majda Scofield, joins us with more. Majda Scofield: At the Humane Society of Utah, we’ve spent 65 years protecting animals and supporting the people who love them. Over the past year, we have helped more than 10,000 animals through programs like our Pet Retention initiative, which provides food, veterinary care, and guidance to keep families together with their pets. Our veterinary clinic served over 38,000 clients, performing thousands of surgeries and administering vaccinations to keep pets healthy. Behind the scenes, our foster families care for more than 1,700 animals, and volunteers generously contributed tens of thousands of hours. Not only that, we have educated thousands of children about compassion and advocated for stronger animal w

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum in downtown Salt Lake has sparked curiosity since 1978. With over 12 interactive features and new exhibits every several months, it’s a great place for kids to learn and explore. Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Bodenlos, joins us with more. Kathleen Bodenlos: Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is Utah’s only children's museum focused on science, art, and hands-on learning through play. With new exhibits opening every six months, there’s always something fresh, fun, and exciting to explore. Experience the largest model train set in the Intermountain West, discover over 250 real fossils in an interactive dinosaur dig experience, and dive into immersive play spaces inspired by Utah businesses. There's no shortage of something for every age, interest, and ability. Here, fun is just the beginning! Every exhibit is thoughtfully designed to help children discover and connect with the world — building foundational skills like com

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding in 1949, Grand Canyon University has offered diverse programs in education, sciences, business, music, fine arts, and nursing and continues to be known for producing skilled teachers, nurses, and health care professionals. Senior University Development Manager, Raymond Lauderdale, joins us with more. Raymond Lauderdale: Grand Canyon University now offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at our learning site in Sandy, Utah. Designed for individuals with at least 60 transferrable college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this program blends online coursework with hands-on skills labs, immersive simulations, and clinical rotations at respected health care facilities across the region. With three start dates a year, you can begin your nursing journey on a flexible and convenient schedule. Grand Canyon University’s accredited ABSN program is built on a Christian worldview and emphasizes ethical practice, professional

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Clear numbers create strong businesses, and Durable Finance is helping Utah companies achieve both. From bookkeeping to CFO-level strategy, they’re giving business owners the tools to grow. Chief Executive Officer, Chase Murdock, joins us with more. Chase Murdock: Most accounting firms stop at the numbers, but we don’t. Durable Finance was built by operators, for operators: people who understand what it’s like to run a business and make difficult decisions under pressure. We cover the fundamentals: bookkeeping, accounting, and accurate financial reporting, but our value goes beyond that. We provide strategic support through cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and CFO-level guidance that helps business owners move forward with clarity and confidence. Too often, business leaders are left guessing what their numbers really mean. We eliminate that uncertainty. Our work gives owners the financial visibility they need to grow wisely and manage risk effectively. From s

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1994, Envision Engineering has been a trusted, award-winning team helping communities across Utah and internationally with smart, sustainable solutions in electrical engineering. Founder and senior principal, Jeff Owen, joins us with more. Jeff Owen: At Envision Engineering, we focus on the electrical side of building design, everything from lighting and power to security, audio visual, and communication systems. We work closely with architects and other engineers to design a wide range of projects including schools, airports, libraries, churches, offices, and more. You’ve probably seen some of our work around town, like the new airport terminal, the Rice-Eccles Stadium expansion, or the City Creek Center. One area we’re really passionate about is sustainability. We designed the electrical systems for Utah’s first zero-energy K–12 school, Odyssey Elementary, which produces more energy than it uses. At Envision Engineering, we’re always looking for s

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Dawn McKenna Group is one of America’s top luxury real estate teams. In Park City, their partnership with the Schlopy Family blends local expertise with national reach to connect buyers and sellers in Utah’s premier mountain communities. Associate Broker, Erik Schlopy, joins us with more. Erik Schlopy: Over 30 years ago, I moved to Park City to train for the Olympics, and like so many others, I never left. The lifestyle, the community, and the mountains are simply unmatched. Today, I help clients find their own piece of this incredible place, whether it’s a ski-in or ski-out condo, a family home, or a private mountain retreat. I’ve lived the Park City lifestyle for decades and understand every facet of the market. Through the Dawn McKenna Group Schlopy Family and Coldwell Banker’s globally acclaimed brands, we combine local expertise with national and international reach. With direct access to key feeder markets through our top-producing colleagues across th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1997, Western Governors University is a leading nonprofit that makes high-quality, affordable education more accessible. With a student-first approach and smart technology, WGU helps people gain the skills they need to move forward in their careers. President, Scott Pulsipher, joins us with more. Scott Pulsipher: Nearly 415,000 Utah residents have some college credit but no degree. Many others face relentless barriers to accessing and completing a life-changing degree or credential. This untapped talent is exactly who Western Governors University was founded to serve. By creating accessible, equitable pathways, WGU enables human progress, so more individuals may experience economic mobility. Our competency-based, skills-driven model ensures education is a pathway to opportunity, traversable by all, while providing employers with the skilled workers they need. As the future of work evolves, Western Governors University collaborates with employers to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1945, Catholic Community Services of Utah has empowered people in need to reach self-sufficiency, serving all regardless of their race, religion, or personal circumstances. Volunteer and Community Relations Director, Mariza Gallegos, joins us with more. Mariza Gallegos: At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we're committed to lovingly serving and providing hope along the Wasatch Front. Every day, we work to ensure that no one in our community faces hunger, homelessness, or hardship alone. Through a variety of programs, we provide food for those facing hunger, daytime shelter for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and support for refugees resettling in Utah. At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their background or circumstance. With compassion at the heart of everything we do, we come alongside those in our community striving to make the best of hard situations. We also work closel

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than two decades, Iron Gate Catering has been proudly serving Salt Lake City and Northern Utah and just recently earned a Silver Award in this year’s Best of Northern Utah for Catering. Co-owner, Jim Gilliland, joins us with more. Jim Gilliland: As a family-owned business, we’re known for exceptional service, customizable menus, and unbeatable value. Whether catering for 20 or 1,000 guests, our attention to detail and commitment to excellence remain consistent. Need box lunches for a training session? We’re ready. Hosting a buffet for your company holiday party? Consider it done. Planning a plated dinner for your dream wedding? We’ll make it flawless. Our experience ensures your event runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your guests while we handle the catering with care and precision. Trusted throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah, Iron Gate Catering delivers exceptional flavor and unforgettable moments. Visit us at IronGateCatering.com or c

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. btone FITNESS Brickyard is a reformer Pilates remix studio in Millcreek offering 45-minute, full-body classes that combine strength, balance, and flexibility. Classes are beginner-friendly, open to all levels, and led by supportive instructors. Owner, Janeen McCormick, joins us with more. Janeen McCormick: At btone FITNESS Brickyard, we’ve created a space where everyone, no matter their fitness level, can feel challenged, supported, and seen. Our 45-minute TONE classes are joyful, Pilates-inspired workouts that blend strength training, functional movement, balance, and flexibility into one seriously effective workout. We do it all on our custom reformer, which we call TONEy, and trust me, it brings the burn in the best way. What makes our method special is that it’s completely customizable. Whether you’re looking to push and challenge yourself, if you’re new to fitness, or looking for core rehab postpartum, you’ll find options to modify or level up every move.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. What began as an initiative from the University of Utah President’s Office evolved into Proxima, a benefit company dedicated to expanding access to education and training, and building a consistent pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals to meet growing demand. CEO, Richard Saunders, joins us with more. Richard Saunders: What makes Proxima unique is its focus on building a new healthcare workforce from communities facing the greatest barriers to education and training. We connect with individuals lacking the resources to get started — whether it’s a recent high school graduate, or a mom returning to work, or even a foreign-trained medical professional — and we help them enroll in Utah’s colleges and universities. Through skills training, resume support, and interview prep, we guide them into healthcare careers with advancement plans that are supported by their employers. Proxima is not reshuffling the existing workforce — we’re creating a new one, while in

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Nonprofits Association truly embodies the spirit of Utah. Through dedicated outreach across the state, they help build a thriving, connected nonprofit community, and create lasting impact in every corner of Utah. Chief Executive Officer, Jill Bennett, joins us with more. Jill Bennett: The Utah Nonprofits Association is more than just a network — it's the heartbeat of Utah’s nonprofit community. We bring people together who believe in something bigger than themselves: helping others, lifting voices, and making change where it’s needed most. Nonprofits are where compassion meets action. Care for the vulnerable, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, protecting the environment, and creating beauty through the arts. Work that touches lives in quiet, powerful ways every single day. Utah Nonprofits Association stands beside these organizations, offering the guidance, training, and the support they need to keep going — and keep growing. In a world ful

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1953, Whitaker Construction has grown into one of the largest utility and heavy civil contractors serving the Intermountain area. With offices in Brigham City, Ogden, Magna and St. George, they provide a variety of services across the state. President, Brett Nielsen, joins us with more. Brett Nielsen: Utah’s growth depends on strong infrastructure. For more than 70 years, Whitaker Construction has supported that growth through critical underground utility and heavy civil construction projects. Our work supports daily life, from clean water and natural gas to earthwork, roadways, and wastewater systems. Much of what we build gets buried when it’s complete, and we take great pride in that. When our work goes unnoticed, that’s how we know we’ve done it right. What sets us apart? Whitaker Construction is 100 percent employee-owned. Our nearly 700 employee-owners have a stake in our success, and it shows in the pride, quality, and care we bring to every pro

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For many Utah students, a pair of glasses can be key to learning, confidence, and success. But access to vision care is increasingly out of reach for thousands of families. That’s where Friends for Sight steps in. Development Director, Julia DeLeeuw, joins us with more. Julia Deleeuw: At Friends for Sight, we believe vision care isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic need. Our mission is to break down barriers so every Utahn can see clearly and thrive. We do this through free vision clinics, school and community screenings, and our signature pop-up event, SightFest. Here’s the reality — 70 percent of Utah students who fail a vision screening never get the glasses they need. That’s tens of thousands of kids. That’s why SightFest matters. In just one day, we turn a school gym into a full-service eye clinic. Volunteer doctors and staff provide eye exams and fit over 100 students with their first pair of glasses — delivered to their school within weeks. What’s really great

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 40 years, David Evans and Associates has supported local businesses with dependable electrical equipment, advanced automated control systems, and expert on-site support — all while staying focused on making a meaningful impact in their communities. Marketing Specialist, Megan Callister, joins us with more. Megan Callister: At David Evans and Associates, we are creating a different future: engineers, surveyors, planners, hydrographers, landscape architects, and natural resources scientists working together to improve quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments. We take pride in our partnerships with clients, driving meaningful change nationwide. As a leader in transportation, land development, water resources, and energy projects, David Evans and Associates is ranked among Engineering News Record’s Top 100 Pure Design Firms. From traditional to renewable energy, our clients rely on us for smart, sustainable solutio

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2012, Hoopes Events has helped hundreds of clients create unforgettable events, offering full-service planning, expert day-of coordination, and custom décor and design for beautifully tailored stress-free celebrations. Lead Planner and Designer, Tonya Hoopes, joins us with more. Tonya Hoopes: Planning a corporate event — whether it’s a major conference or an intimate board retreat — requires time, strategy, and precision. That’s where a professional event planning company becomes an essential partner. An experienced planning team brings structure and clarity from day one — creating timelines, managing budgets, sourcing venues, and coordinating vendors. They handle the logistics, so your internal team can stay focused on content, goals, and stakeholder engagement. For large-scale conferences, they oversee everything from registration systems and run-of-show production to speaker management and sponsor activation. For smaller retreats, they ensure a tailored,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One of the best ways to support the local economy is by shopping local. From retail boutiques to family-owned restaurants, the impact is felt across Utah. Today, South Jordan Chamber President and CEO Boyd Petersen joins us to share how local businesses power his community. Boyd Petersen: One of the strongest ways to support South Jordan’s economy is by shopping local. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every 100 dollars spent at a local business, about 68 dollars stays in our community — compare that to just 43 dollars at national chains. This reinvestment helps create jobs, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life in South Jordan. Our Buy Local South Jordan initiative shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant small business community offering residents easy ways to support local entrepreneurs. Local businesses give South Jordan its distinct character and charm, which big-box retailers simply can’t replicate. By choosing t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1886, Ensign College, formerly LDS Business College, has been helping students learn by faith and preparing them to assume responsible positions in the workplace as well-qualified, confident, and capable professionals. President, Bruce Kusch, joins us with more. Bruce Kusch: Nearly five years ago, LDS Business College became Ensign College, but that’s not all that has changed. Today, our associate and bachelor’s degrees build upon skills-based certificates, designed to help students succeed in today’s workforce. Our innovative 7-week block schedule allows students to focus on fewer courses at a time, making college more manageable for working adults, returning learners, and part-time students of any age. Ensign College serves thousands globally through our partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Here in Utah, our Salt Lake City campus offers the most affordable degrees in the state. With generous scholarships, most students graduate with little to no