Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders

Silicon Slopes
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Silicon Slopes Show features thought-provoking conversations with Utah's top entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives, but with a unique twist. Silicon Slopes gives the mic to Utah's most influential leaders to interview each other, creating authentic peer-to-peer conversations that go beyond traditional podcasting. With different hosts and guests throughout the show, listeners and viewers get a much broader perspective on what's happening inside Silicon Slopes and across Utah's tech ecosystem. The show covers everything from leadership and entrepreneurship to philosophies on life itself. Nothing is off the table in these interviews. Expect hilarious personal stories, candid takes on current events, and hard-won business advice from legends who've been in the trenches. This is where Utah's tech community comes together to share the wisdom that's driving one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the nation. Learn more at SiliconSlopes.com.

  1. 5h ago

    Ken Garff Automotive Group CEO Brett Hopkins

    In this episode, we sit down with Brett Hopkins, a remarkable entrepreneur who shares his incredible journey from aspiring doctor to successful business leader. Brett opens up about his early struggles with medical school rejections, his pivot to the business world, and the lessons he learned along the way.Join us as Brett discusses: His initial dream of becoming an anesthesiologist and the challenges he faced.The pivotal moment that led him to pursue a career in business.His experiences working in corporate finance and his time as an expat in France.The transformative role he played as CFO of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee.His unexpected venture into the car dealership industry with Ken Garf Automotive.Insights into the future of the car industry, including electric vehicles and hybrid technology.His nomination for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year and what it means to him.This episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories that highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding your true calling. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for some motivation, Brett's story is sure to inspire you. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Early Career Aspirations 00:00:28 - Failed Attempts at Medical School 00:01:00 - Pivot to Business and Education 00:01:42 - Realization of Natural Aptitude for Business 00:02:22 - Graduate School and First Job in Corporate Finance 00:03:03 - Expat Experience in France 00:04:12 - Transition from Corporate Finance to Salt Lake Olympic Committee 00:05:03 - Working with Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock 00:06:10 - Leadership Lessons from Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock 00:08:01 - Post-Olympics Career Decisions 00:08:44 - Joining Ken Garf Automotive 00:10:09 - Insights into the Car Dealership Business 00:12:09 - Career Progression at Ken Garf Automotive 00:13:09 - Utah's Success in the Car Dealership Industry 00:15:14 - Future of the Car Industry 00:18:43 - Electric Vehicles and Market Trends 00:20:58 - Impact of Gas Prices on Electric Vehicle Demand 00:21:17 - Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nomination 00:22:01 - Personal Reflection on Entrepreneurship 00:24:07 - Encouraging Entrepreneurial Mindset in Teams 00:25:21 - Conclusion and Final Remarks

  2. 1d ago

    Dylan Blake Customs Founder Dylan Blake

    In this episode, Clint Betts sits down with Dylan Blake, the founder and owner of Dylan Blake Customs, a premier custom suit and clothing company. From dressing celebrities like Logan Paul and Ray Lewis to outfitting clients for their special occasions, Dylan shares his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming a renowned name in the custom tailoring industry.Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Compliment 00:00:23 - Guest Introduction: Dylan Blake 00:00:49 - Starting the Custom Suit Business 00:01:00 - Inspiration and Early Beginnings 00:01:31 - Journey to Italy and Sourcing Materials 00:02:13 - Suiting Origins: Italy and London 00:02:47 - Personal Suit Preferences 00:03:16 - Comfort and Fabric Blends 00:04:02 - Dylan's Background and Move to Utah 00:04:14 - Utah Market and Suit Trends 00:05:15 - Sales Model and Tailoring Process 00:05:41 - Learning Tailoring from Tommaso 00:06:29 - Getting Celebrity Clients 00:08:04 - Impact of AI on Tailoring 00:09:01 - Suit Manufacturing Process 00:10:16 - Off-the-Rack vs. Custom Suits 00:10:28 - Scaling the Business and Training Salesmen 00:12:03 - Future Expansion Plans 00:12:49 - Business Model and Financials 00:13:13 - Growth and B2B Opportunities 00:14:02 - Marketing Strategies 00:14:18 - Trade Shows and Sponsorships 00:14:49 - Expanding Product Line 00:15:34 - Cultural Shift Towards Dressing Well 00:16:02 - Learning Tailoring and Savile Row 00:17:13 - Savile Row and Bespoke Tailoring 00:18:02 - Empowerment Through Custom Suits 00:18:59 - Client Transformations 00:19:51 - Passion and Drive 00:20:11 - Travel and Business Expansion 00:20:32 - Personal Enjoyment of Travel 00:20:43 - Client Appreciation and Future Goals 00:21:23 - Faith and Business Location 00:21:43 - Contact Information and Closing Remarks

  3. Aug 4

    Scaling.com Founder Blake Erickson

    In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business scaling with the founder of Scaling.com, Blake Erickson. Discover the journey from door-to-door sales to advising over 550 companies on achieving exponential growth. Learn about the principles of scaling, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to leverage AI for efficiency. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:00:13 - Scaling.com Origins and Tony Robbins 00:00:35 - Transition from Door-to-Door Sales to Business Growth 00:01:07 - Partnership with Dr. Benjamin Hardy 00:01:38 - Founding of Scaling.com 00:02:25 - Criteria for Engaging with Scaling.com 00:04:01 - Psychological Aspect of Scaling 00:05:29 - Mindset Shift for Exponential Growth 00:07:05 - Building a Scalable Model 00:08:08 - Simplifying Systems and Building the Right Team  00:09:01 - Exponential Distribution Strategies 00:10:16 - The Power Law and Focus on Key Actions 00:10:30 - Example of Scaling a Popcorn Company 00:12:19 - Discussion on AI and Its Impact on Business 00:13:20 - Leveraging AI for Efficiency 00:14:02 - Human Connection and Accountability in Business 00:15:43 - Self-Leadership and Personal Growth 00:17:43 - The Role of the Founder in Scaling 00:18:49 - Psychological Barriers to Scaling 00:20:06 - Should Every Business Scale? 00:21:12 - Purpose-Driven Scaling 00:22:47 - Defining Scaling and Its Potential 00:23:36 - Self-Leadership and Confidence Building 00:24:48 - Upcoming Book: The Power Law 00:25:57 - Importance of Focus and Avoiding Busy Work 00:28:06 - Example of Messi's Efficiency in Soccer 00:30:05 - Final Thoughts on Purpose and Fulfillment 00:30:37 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

  4. Aug 4

    The Intersection of Sports, Tech, and Culture: A Deep Dive with Skullcandy's Alex Sherman

    In this episode, we dive into the vibrant intersection of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah. Our special guest is Alex Sherman, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Skullcandy, an Utah-based company with deep roots in the action sports world. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Meet Alex Sherman from Skullcandy 01:08 - Alex's Journey from Pro Snowboarder to Brand Marketing 02:12 - Alex's Role at Skullcandy 02:57 - Skullcandy's Utah Roots and Action Sports Culture 04:08 - The Origin of Skullcandy 05:04 - Staying True to Action Sports DNA 06:11 - Skullcandy's Innovative Product Team 07:17 - Global Consumer Brand and Fan Engagement 08:48 - Exciting Creator Strategies and Influencer Programs 10:39 - Skullcandy Headquarters and Office Culture 12:53 - Partnership with Woodward and Community Engagement 14:19 - Events and Activations: Kilby Block Party and Crusher Cup 17:04 - Social Strategy and Gen Z Engagement 20:39 - Where to Buy Skullcandy Products 23:21 - Upcoming Collaboration: Crusher 1080 with Bose 25:04 - Challenges and Advantages of Scaling Internationally 26:39 - Custom Headphones for Partners 28:08 - Skullcandy's Role in the Utah Ecosystem Key Highlights: Alex shares his journey from being a pro snowboarder to leading brand marketing at Skullcandy. Discover how Skullcandy stays true to its action sports roots while constantly innovating. Learn about Skullcandy's exciting collaborations, including the upcoming Crusher 1080 with Bose. Get insights into Skullcandy's social strategy and how they engage with Gen Z. Explore Skullcandy's community involvement and partnerships, including their work with Woodward. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation about the dynamic world of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah! Follow Us: Website:siliconslopes.com Instagram:@siliconslopeshow Twitter:@siliconslopeshow Facebook:Silicon Slope Show Follow Skullcandy: Website:Skullcandy Instagram:@skullcandy Twitter:@skullcandy Facebook:Skullcandy Subscribe for more episodes and hit the bell icon to stay updated!

  5. Jul 1

    Exploring the Future of Action Sports with Jay Burke | Silicon Slope Show

    Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode, we dive into the world of sports business with Jay Burke, the Director of Marketing at Woodward Park City. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Utah marketing landscape, Jay shares his journey from the advertising world to his passion for mountains, skiing, and action sports. 00:13 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:36 - Jay Burke's Background and Career Beginnings 01:08 - Transition to Ski Resort Marketing 01:54 - Current Role at Woodward Park City 02:25 - Marketing Strategies and Digital Shift 02:47 - Importance of Events and Owned Media 03:52 - Local Paid Media and Market Education 04:38 - Overview of Utah's Outdoor Activities 05:01 - Woodward's Global Presence and History 06:06 - Future Plans for Woodward Urban Centers 06:33 - Year-Round Activities at Woodward 07:39 - Summer Camps and Youth Programs 09:14 - Corporate Partnerships and Brand Collaborations 10:54 - Event Planning and Execution 11:19 - Creation and Success of Point to Point Event 14:20 - Work-Life Balance in the Outdoor Industry 16:07 - Building Community and Youth Culture at Woodward 18:29 - Future Event Collaborations 20:04 - Future of the Outdoor Industry 23:14 - Snow Management and Mountain Operations 23:57 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video.  Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social:  X https://x.com/siliconslopes Instagram https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

  6. May 7

    From Toilet Seats to Tee Times: How Evan Teshima Built and Sold a Golf Tech Empire

    What does it take to bootstrap a SaaS company from a broke college student's dorm-room idea to a successful acquisition with barely $50K in real outside capital? In this special Silicon Slopes Podcast, guest host Adam Stoker, President and CEO of Brand Revolt, sits down with Evan Teshima, investor and Co-Founder of foreUP golf software, to find out. Evan co-founded foreUP as a BYU senior after a pivotal entrepreneurship class taught by John Richards sparked a realization: golf courses were running their entire operations on archaic, CD-based software that belonged in a museum. So he and his co-founders built a cloud-based point-of-sale system from scratch and spent the next decade turning it into the industry's go-to platform, powering over 2,300 courses across the country before being acquired by Clubessential Holdings. But the path there was anything but linear. In this candid conversation, Evan walks through seven major pivots, a near-death convertible note crisis, years of rock-bottom salaries, and the legendary chess match against investor John Richards that nearly made or broke the company. He also shares the counterintuitive philosophy that kept foreUP alive in those early years: stop chasing elephants and go for the rabbits. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Evan's first business idea involved a self-opening toilet seat and what came nextHow losing multiple business plan competitions actually pointed him toward his real opportunityThe moment he realized golf courses were the customer, not golfersWhy "our customers are our investors" became the founding mantra of foreUPThe chess match with John Richards that decided $400K in equityHow staying small, scrappy, and focused on the lower-end of the market built the foundation for a massive exitWhat Evan has learned since selling  and what he's up to now (besides being an unpaid Uber driver for his four kids) About the Guests Adam Stoker is President & CEO of Brand Revolt, a full-service marketing agency known for bold, innovative destination marketing strategies. With over 17 years in advertising, Adam is also the host of the Destination Marketing Podcast and author of Touchpoints: A Destination Marketer's Guide. He was recognized as a Utah Business 40 Under 40 honoree and is a fellow investor in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund. Evan Teshima is the Co-Founder and former CEO of foreUP Golf Software, the first 100% cloud-based point-of-sale and management platform built specifically for golf courses. After co-founding foreUP in his BYU senior year and growing it over a decade with minimal outside capital, Evan led the company through its acquisition by Clubessential Holdings in 2021. He is now an investor and advisor — and a devoted father of four. Both Adam and Evan are investors in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund, which continues to back promising Utah-based founders.

  7. Jan 21

    The Future of Sports Licensing and NIL with Wade Leaphart & Joe Summers

    Welcome back to the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode we dive into the dynamic world of sports business with Joe Summers from OnBase. Join us as we explore how OnBase is revolutionizing licensing, sponsorship, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for brands and athletes alike.  00:13 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 - Overview of OnBase 01:01 - Evolution of NIL in Sports 01:26 - Joe Summers' Background 01:44 - Sponsorship Pitch Meeting 02:00 - Founding of OnBase 02:43 - Shift to Licensing and Sponsorships 03:47 - Challenges in Licensing and Sponsorships 04:08 - Role of OnBase in Streamlining Processes 05:04 - Different Systems in College Licensing 05:49 - Tech Tools in Sports Business 06:16 - Building Custom Systems 07:10 - Private Equity in College Sports 07:39 - Player Mobility and NIL 08:39 - Professionalism in College Sports 09:38 - Donor Fatigue and ROI 10:24 - Impact of Successful Athletic Programs 11:33 - Financial Challenges in College Sports 11:52 - Excitement for Utah's Sports Future 13:05 - How Brands Can Get Involved with OnBase 13:58 - OnBase's Future Plans 14:55 - Major League Baseball in Utah 15:41 - Joe's Experience in Athletic Departments 17:07 - Importance of Licensing Over Individual Endorsements 18:38 - Risks of Personal Endorsements 19:48 - Ideal Clients for OnBase 21:06 - Success with Minky Couture 21:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information  If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.   Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Show links: WithonbaseOnbase Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e  Social: Twitter  Twittersiliconslopes   Instagram Instagraminstagram.com/siliconslopes   LinkedIn   LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedIn   YouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes

  8. Jan 7

    President of Utah Valley University Astrid Tuminez Interviews Seth Jenson and Hunter Anderton on the Entrepreneurial Journey

    In 2018, following a rich and storied career in business, philanthropy, and academia, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez became the seventh president of Utah Valley University. She is the first woman to serve on a full-time basis as UVU president. Raised in the slums of the Philippines, Tuminez rose to become a world leader in the fields of technology and political science, most recently serving as an executive at Microsoft. She is also the former vice dean of research and assistant dean of executive education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Dr. Seth Jenson recently joined the UVU Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute from the University of Oxford, where he lectured and researched entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems. He has consulted and collaborated with elite entrepreneurship programs worldwide, including India’s premiere entrepreneurship governing bodies (NITI Aayog and EDII), Harvard, LSE, MIT, Stanford, Techstars, as well as state governments and regional programs. As a leader in the Bolder Way Forward initiative, Seth helps shape Utah policy to close entrepreneurial gender gaps and foster diverse leadership. He completed his bachelor's at BYU in Finance and graduate degrees in Sociology (MSc) and Business Strategy (PhD) at Oxford. Hunter Anderton is a serial entrepreneur currently scaling his second venture, Simpll. Dedicated to making blockchain opportunities accessible, Simpll provides user-friendly node hosting that removes technical barriers for everyday users. Under Hunter’s leadership, the company saw explosive early product-market fit, surpassing $1M in ARR in its infancy. A deeply involved member of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute (BEI) ecosystem, Hunter is a graduate of the Sandbox program and "0 to CEO" series. His rapid scaling recently earned him a nomination for the BEI Rocketship Award for revenue growth, as well as funding from multiple competitive programs.

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About

Silicon Slopes Show features thought-provoking conversations with Utah's top entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives, but with a unique twist. Silicon Slopes gives the mic to Utah's most influential leaders to interview each other, creating authentic peer-to-peer conversations that go beyond traditional podcasting. With different hosts and guests throughout the show, listeners and viewers get a much broader perspective on what's happening inside Silicon Slopes and across Utah's tech ecosystem. The show covers everything from leadership and entrepreneurship to philosophies on life itself. Nothing is off the table in these interviews. Expect hilarious personal stories, candid takes on current events, and hard-won business advice from legends who've been in the trenches. This is where Utah's tech community comes together to share the wisdom that's driving one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the nation. Learn more at SiliconSlopes.com.

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