UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses

Built a $24M/yr Brand… But Drove a Civic?! | HydroJug (Hayden Wadsworth)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0600

What started as a simple idea — “what if we combined a milk jug with a blender bottle?” — turned into a $24 million business that shook up the entire drinkware industry.

In this episode of UtahPreneur, we sit down with Hayden Wadsworth, co-founder of HydroJug, to unpack the real story behind one of Utah’s fastest-growing e-commerce brands. From late nights leak-testing 3,000 jugs in his dad’s shop to capturing 7% of Amazon’s drinkware market alongside Stanley and Yeti, Hayden’s journey is a masterclass in grit, obsession, and staying lean.

We dive into how HydroJug bootstrapped its way to eight figures with zero outside investors, why Hayden drove a Honda Civic long after hitting $12 million in revenue, and how his immigrant family’s work ethic shaped every part of the company’s DNA. He shares the highs and lows of scaling fast, the paranoia that comes with product obsession, and the branding philosophy that made HydroJug a household name.

If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how a Utah side hustle turned into a national brand — this is it.

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Why Founders in Utah Are 70% More Likely to Build a Unicorn (Tim Culie)

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Utah calls itself the “Startup Capital of the World.” Bold claim, right? But according to the data, founders here are 70% more likely to build a unicorn than anywhere else in the country.

In this episode of UtahPreneur, I sit down with Tim Culie, head of the Startup State Initiative under Governor Cox, to unpack why Utah is punching so far above its weight in tech and entrepreneurship. From a billion-dollar government “fund of funds” to a culture of relentless sales talent, Tim explains the secret sauce that has made Utah the next big startup hub.

We dive into the history—from WordPerfect to Divvy—and explore the role of community, capital, and culture in building billion-dollar businesses. Tim also shares what resources are available right now for Utah founders: $500 seed funding, microloans, subsidized office space, tax credits, and even $2,500 grants to expand internationally.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already scaling, this episode gives you the insider’s roadmap to starting and growing a business in Utah—and maybe even building the next unicorn.

👉 Compilation of UtahPreneur Business Ideas & Hacks: https://utahpreneur.co/ideas

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He Yelled About Laptops on TV… Turns Out He’s a Crypto Millionaire | PC Laptops (Dan Young)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0600

💻 Remember those wild “PC Laptops” commercials from the 2000s? The guy yelling “We love you!” on your TV at 1 a.m.? Turns out, he wasn’t just a gimmick—he was building a business empire behind the scenes.

In this episode of UtahPreneur, we sit down with Dan Young, the mastermind behind PC Laptops, Xidax, and multiple other ventures that quietly made him millions. From selling sunglasses at swap meets to running a crypto hedge fund, Dan’s path to success is as unconventional as it is inspiring.

We talk about the power of personal branding, what it really takes to scale a tech business, and how Dan bet big on himself—even when it meant living behind his first store. He opens up about surviving burnouts, finding clarity through chaos, and why authenticity is still his secret weapon.

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to “The Laptop Man” — or how to turn hustle and heart into generational wealth — this episode is a must-listen.

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✨ Find PC Laptops at: https://www.PCLaptops.com/

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This is Why You See Julia Reagan Billboards Everywhere | Reagan Outdoor Advertising (Bill Reagan)

Thu, 29 May 2025 11:00:00 -0600

🪧 You’ve seen her face—on highways, side streets, and city centers across Utah. But who is Julia Reagan? And why were 300+ billboards dedicated to her?

In this episode of UtahPreneur, we sit down with Bill Reagan, the man behind Reagan Outdoor Advertising, to uncover the emotional story behind the Julia Reagan billboards that captured the state’s attention. We talk about how a grieving husband used his billion-dollar billboard company to honor his late wife, and how love, legacy, and entrepreneurship intersect in one of Utah’s most powerful business stories.

We also explore the rise of Reagan Outdoor Advertising from humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest family-run billboard empires in the western United States. Bill shares insights on scaling a business, building lasting customer relationships, and why storytelling still matters in advertising.

Whether you’ve driven past one of those iconic billboards or are just curious about the man and the mission behind them, this episode is unforgettable.

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➡️ Find Reagan Outdoor Advertising at: https://www.reaganoutdoor.com/

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The $82M World-Class Theatre… in Sandy, Utah?! | Hale Centre Theatre (Mark & Sally Dietlein)

Thu, 15 May 2025 21:00:00 -0600

✨ Mark and Sally Dietlein turned a small South Salt Lake stage into one of the most advanced and beloved theatres in the country—Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, Utah. With over 600,000 guests a year, a $82 million state-of-the-art venue, and stages that move, fly, and even flood, this nonprofit theatre is rewriting the rules of live performance.

In this episode of UtahPreneur, we dive into the story behind Hale Centre Theatre’s incredible growth, the family legacy behind it, and the entrepreneurial grit it took to build something Utah can truly be proud of. Whether you're a fan of the performing arts, an entrepreneur, or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you.

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🎭 Find Hale Centre Theatre at: https://hct.org/

🥪 Find Plates and Palates at: https://www.platesandpalates.com/

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Lost $20M, Slept in His Truck, Built a $50M Brand Anyway | Murphy Door (Jeremy Barker)

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:00:00 -0600

🚪 Jeremy Barker lost $20 million before the age of 22. He went bankrupt twice, slept in his truck, and worked as a firefighter earning $800 paychecks—while pouring everything he had into building Murphy Door, a Utah-based hidden door and custom storage company now valued at over $60 million.

Today, Murphy Door is transforming homes across America—selling to celebrities, high-end homeowners, and DIYers looking to add style, function, and a little mystery to their space. Their secret-door solutions blend craftsmanship, utility, and innovation, all built right here in Utah.
In this episode of UtahPreneur, Jeremy opens up about:
Losing $20M and going bankrupt twice—before 25

🔨 The early days of Murphy Door and what drove him to build it
📲 Why outbound sales now drive more than 50% of revenue
⚖️ Balancing business, sacrifice, and family through it all
💪 Hard-won lessons on resilience, grit, and relentless vision

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, founder, builder, or side hustler—Jeremy’s story is unforgettable. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this conversation might just change the way you see what’s possible.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how Jeremy Barker went from broke to building a nationally recognized home innovation brand—and why Murphy Door is just getting started.

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🚪 Find Murphy Door at: https://murphydoor.com/

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How a $6 Photo Book Idea Became an 8-Figure Brand | Chatbooks (Vanessa Quigley)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0600

⭐ Vanessa Quigley never planned to be a tech founder. But when her youngest son cried over a photo book from his preschool teacher, she realized how badly families need better ways to preserve their memories. That moment sparked Chatbooks—a startup that began with a simple idea: “Print my Instagram.”

In this episode, Vanessa shares the full backstory of how she and her husband built one of Utah’s most beloved consumer brands—without any big launch, fancy funding, or deep tech background. From scrappy early hires (like “Subway Josh”) to a $500K viral ad that put them on the map, we dive into what makes Chatbooks tick.

We also talk about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, building a mission-driven workplace, and why she believes Chatbooks is just getting started—especially with new launches like the Quilt app.

If you're building a business, raising a family, or trying to create meaning through your work—this episode is for you.

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📒 Find Chatbooks at: https://chatbooks.com/

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This Parenting Hack Saves Families Thousands Of Dollars– And She Franchised It | Kid to Kid (Shauna Sloan)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0600

🎙️ Shauna Sloan is the Utah mom who turned her love of thrifting into a national resale empire. In this episode of UtahPreneur, we dive into the origin story of Kid to Kid, one of the most recognizable children's resale franchises in the country. Shauna shares how she and her husband launched the business in 1992 with no outside capital—just grit, a clear vision, and a stroller full of flyers. From rollerblading through neighborhoods to opening over 100 stores, her story is packed with insights for anyone building a business from the ground up.

We talk about what it really takes to grow a franchise, why 90% of Kid to Kid franchise owners are women, and how Shauna bought back underperforming stores and turned them around. You'll also hear how her daughter Chelsea and son Scott took the resale model and launched Uptown Cheapskate, now a thriving brand in its own right. Whether you're into franchising, resale retail, or just love a good founder story, this episode delivers the goods.

If you’ve ever considered buying a business, starting your own, or turning clutter into cash—this one’s for you.

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👕 Find Kid to Kid: https://kidtokid.com/

📽️ Find Utah Podcast Studio at: https://utahpodcaststudio.com/

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She’s on a Mission to Create 20 Female Millionaires | Queen of Wraps (Heather Barber)

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0600

🎙️ Heather Griffith Barber helped turn Queen of Wraps into one of Utah’s most recognized print and vehicle wrap companies. What started with her brothers—and a cape and crown—grew into a full-service branding powerhouse with 30 employees and clients across the country. But at the height of it all, Heather made the bold move to step away.

In this episode, we dive into why she left, how she’s building again, and what she’s doing now to help other founders—especially women—prepare their businesses for exit. Heather is on a mission to create 20 female millionaires, and with five companies under her belt (and a new book that just launched this week), she’s well on her way.

We talk about legacy, leverage, family business dynamics, loss leaders, and what it really looks like to walk away from a brand you built from scratch. This one’s packed with practical takeaways and mindset shifts—don’t miss it.

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✨ Connect with Heather Barber on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergriffithbarber/

📚Purchase her book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYVN81NH

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How Personal Growth Took His Agency to $25M+ | Disruptive Advertising (Jake Baadsgaard)

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0600

🎙 Jake Baadsgaard built Disruptive Advertising into a $25M powerhouse by helping businesses stop wasting money on bad ads. But behind the scenes, Jake was burned out, disconnected from his family, and hiding behind the success of his company. In this episode, he shares the raw, honest story of what happened after he hit $10M in revenue—and realized he didn’t like the person he’d become.

We talk about how Jake rebuilt his life through awareness, honesty, and responsibility, and how that transformation gave birth to Disruptive University. He’s no longer just helping businesses grow—he’s helping people grow. From his earliest freelance gigs to letting go of 70% of his clients to stay aligned with his values, Jake’s story is a masterclass in building a business that actually means something.

If you're chasing growth personal or professional growth, but wondering what it's all for—this one’s for you.

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✨ Find Disruptive Advertising at: https://disruptiveadvertising.com/

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How a College eBay Hustle Became a $10M Business | Dale Majors (Bikewagon and Grand Trunk)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600

🎙 Dale Majors started flipping bike parts online as a teenager, eventually turning that hustle into BikeWagon, a $10M/yr e-commerce business. After scaling and selling the company, he didn’t retire—he used his entrepreneurial skills to design a life built around freedom, adventure, and family. From long-distance bikepacking trips across Europe to launching Venture Anyway, a peer group for entrepreneurs, Dale has always prioritized lifestyle over endless hustle.

In this episode, we talk about his journey from flipping to scaling, why selling a business isn’t always the answer, and how he continues to buy, grow, and invest in businesses like Grand Trunk and Builder Studios. But more than anything, Dale shares how to create a business that fuels the life you actually want—whether that means more adventure, more flexibility, or just the ability to step away when you want.

‼️ Get a Free Day Pass at Builder Studios When You Mention UtahPreneur! https://builder-studios.com/

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The 7-Figure Business Run by Ex-Cons | The Other Side Academy (Dave Durocher)

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600

🎙 After spending 15 years in prison, Dave Durocher had two choices—continue down the path that led him there or turn his life around. He chose the latter, and today, he’s the Executive Director of The Other Side Academy, a two-year residential program in Salt Lake City that helps ex-convicts, addicts, and those looking for a second chance rebuild their lives.

In this episode of UtahPreneur, Dave shares his raw and inspiring journey from incarceration to leadership, the life-changing model of The Other Side Academy, and how their self-sustaining businesses—like a moving company and a thrift store—fund their mission without government assistance.

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➡️ Find The Other Side Academy at: https://www.theothersideacademy.com/

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She Cashed Out Her $10K IRA to Build Utah’s Favorite Cookie Brand (in 2008) | RubySnap Cookies (Tami Steggell)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0700

✨ She walked away from a 15-year career in architecture, cashed out her $10,000 IRA, and risked it all on cookies—long before Utah’s cookie boom.
Back in 2008, Tami Steggell saw an opportunity to reinvent the cookie industry by using 100% real ingredients—no preservatives, no artificial flavors, no shortcuts. She founded RubySnap Cookies in a rundown Salt Lake City neighborhood, determined to make it a destination for gourmet, scratch-made cookies.

But building a premium cookie brand wasn’t easy. She lost her original trademark, scaled too quickly in 2018, pulled out of grocery store distribution, and had to shut down five locations—right before COVID hit. That decision ultimately saved her business and reinforced her belief that “bigger isn’t better—better is better.”

Now, RubySnap Cookies is a Salt Lake City favorite, known for its high-end ingredients, bold flavors, and nostalgic branding. Tami’s story is one of entrepreneurial risk, resilience, and redefining the cookie industry in Utah and beyond.

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🍪 Find RubySnap at: http://www.rubysnap.com/

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This Running Store Went From Barely Surviving to a 30 year legacy | Salt Lake Running Company (Guy & Debbie Perry)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0700

✨For 30 years, Salt Lake Running Company has been more than a store—it’s been the go-to destination for Utah’s running community.
Back in 1995, SLRC started as a small specialty shop in Salt Lake City. Three decades later, it’s one of the most trusted names for runners of all levels. But staying in business for this long—especially in retail—is no easy feat. Competing against big-box retailers and online giants, SLRC has built a brand that thrives on expert advice, high-quality gear, and a deep connection with its customers.

In this episode, we dive into how Salt Lake Running Company has adapted over the years, what it takes to build a lasting retail business, and the role community plays in their success.

Don’t miss this one. And if you haven’t already, check out last week’s episode with Sean Collins of Costa Vida and FatCats—his story of scaling two household names is packed with insights on risk, resilience, and business growth.

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👟 Find SLRC at: http://www.slrc.com/

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He Was Just a Bowling Supply Guy… Now His Brands Make $260M/yr! | Costa Vida & Fat Cats (Sean Collins)

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0700

✨ From starting a parking lot striping company, to building two of Utah’s most well-known brands, Sean Collins has done it all.

Back in 1999, Sean and his business partner, Dave Rutter, had an idea for a family entertainment center—and they made it happen. FatCats launched in 2001, and soon after, they got another opportunity. The founders of a small Mexican restaurant called Costa Azul came to them for funding. They passed. Big mistake. Costa Azul took off, and Sean and Dave realized they had missed a huge opportunity. But when the chance came back around, they became the first Costa Vida franchisees, took over the brand, and rebranded it into the powerhouse it is today.

In this episode, we talk about how Sean scaled two household names, the lessons learned from early business mistakes, and what it takes to grow and sustain a multi-million dollar brand.

Don’t miss this one! And if you haven’t already, check out last week’s episode with Russ and Denice Relyea of World’s Best Corndog—one of the wildest second-chance business stories we’ve ever had on the show.

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🌮 Find Costa Vida at: https://www.costavida.com/

🎳 Find Fat Cats at: https://www.fatcatsfun.com/

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From Roadside Stand to Utah’s Favorite Food Truck | World's Best Corndogs (Russ and Denice Relyea)

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0700

✨ Russ Relyea was at rock bottom—personally and financially—when a simple corndog changed his life. After a chance encounter with a corndog vendor in North Dakota, Russ became obsessed with perfecting the recipe. After a lot of persistence, he finally got the secret formula—and started selling corndogs out of the back of his truck. It was an instant success, with lines of customers forming from day one.

But that’s not even the best part. Just two days before launching the business, Russ got married to Denice—making their love story and their business story completely intertwined. Together, they built World’s Best Corndog, a brand that’s grown from a single truck into a thriving food empire.

In this episode, we dive into their incredible journey—how Russ turned his life around, the challenges of growing a business, and the values that set them apart from the competition. Whether you love a good comeback story, dream of launching your own food business, or just really love corndogs, this episode is for you!

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Utah’s 100-Year-Old Party and Gift Store Thriving in Lehi | Pioneer Party (Emily Ames)

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0700

🌟 Right in the heart of Lehi’s historic Main Street, Pioneer Party & Copy has been a beloved staple in the community for over a century. What started as a small-town pharmacy has transformed into a family-run hub for personalized gifts, ready-to-go presents, and all things celebration.

In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible story of how this iconic Utah business has survived and thrived for generations. You’ll hear about their unique approach to staying relevant in the face of big box stores, the legacy of family ownership, and why they’ve become the go-to destination for celebrations across Utah.

Whether you’re a fan of Utah’s small business success stories, looking for inspiration to grow your own venture, or just love a good community-driven tale, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!

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🥘 Find Beehive Meals at: https://pioneerparty.net/

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She Accidentally Built an $8M Meal Delivery Empire | Beehive Meals (Allyse Jackson)

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0700

🌟 What started as a freezer meal side hustle turned into an 8-figure business transforming family dinners across Utah.

When Allyse Jackson’s husband was between jobs, she decided to sell freezer meals on Facebook to make ends meet. That single post made $10,000 in sales—and Beehive Meals was born. Today, the business is a household name, helping busy families enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle.

In this episode, Allyse shares her incredible journey from a simple idea to scaling Beehive Meals into one of Utah’s fastest-growing businesses. You’ll hear about the challenges of rapid growth, the power of subscriptions, and how she’s impacting thousands of families one meal at a time.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a fan of Utah business success stories, or just love a good dinner hack, this episode is packed with inspiration you don’t want to miss!

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🥘 Find Beehive Meals at: https://beehivemeals.com

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Developers Almost Ruined This Salt Lake Icon, But The Community Stepped In | Ken Sanders Rare Books (Ken Sanders)

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0700

🌟 Right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Ken Sanders Rare Books has become a cultural cornerstone for Utah’s literary community.

With its collection of rare and historic titles, including an unmatched selection of Utah and LDS history, Ken Sanders Rare Books has cultivated a loyal following over decades. But its story hasn’t been without challenges. After losing their previous location to developer pressure, thousands of donors came together to help Ken reopen the store in the Leonard Museum on Library Square.

In this episode, Ken Sanders shares the fascinating journey of his independent bookstore, what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing retail landscape, and why preserving local businesses is vital for a city’s culture and history. Plus, Ken recounts his experiences with the infamous forger Mark Hofmann and the exciting tales of catching rare book thieves.

Whether you’re a book lover, a history buff, or just love a great comeback story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

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📚Find Ken Sanders Rare Books at: https://www.kensandersbooks.com/

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He Couldn’t Find Good Help, So He Built the Biggest Job Board in the Philippines | Onlinejobs.ph (John Jonas)

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0700

✨John Jonas, a Utah entrepreneur, created a job board that connects business owners with highly skilled workers in the Philippines. By cutting out the middleman, OnlineJobs.ph helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time while providing life-changing opportunities for Filipino talent.

Don’t miss this episode, where John shares how he grew OnlineJobs.ph into an 8-figure platform that’s changing lives globally.

➡️ Learn more about OnlineJobs.ph: http://store.onlinejobs.ph/?aid=677834 and https://www.outsourcinglever.com

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This Startup Exposes the $300B Solar Industry By Cutting Out Sales Reps | Project Solar (Matt Smith)

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0700

🌟 From the foothills of Orem to nationwide disruption, this is the story of how Project Solar is flipping the billion-dollar solar industry on its head.
Matt and his co-founder Trevor Hiltbrant saw a huge problem in the solar industry—prices varying by tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how much your sales rep is pocketing. Their solution? Cut out the middleman and bring solar online, saving homeowners thousands while delivering top-notch systems.

In this episode, Matt shares the challenges of launching Project Solar, from raising capital to installing their first DIY system. You’ll hear about how they tackled scaling their operations, the lessons learned in disrupting an industry, and their vision for making solar affordable and accessible for every homeowner.

Whether you’re curious about renewable energy, looking to save big on your next solar install, or just love a good Utah success story, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!

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The Side-Hustle That Took Him From $7/hr to $7Million | BuildaPreneur (Spencer Mecham)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0700

From working $10-an-hour jobs to becoming the top ClickFunnels affiliate and building a thriving content and affiliate marketing business, Spencer Mecham’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we dive into how Spencer leveraged platforms like YouTube, blogs, and social media to create a life of financial freedom while staying true to his family-centered values.

Discover how he stumbled into accidental wins like a $42,000 affiliate payday, built a solopreneur empire with his Buildapreneur brand, and helped thousands of others break into affiliate marketing and side hustles. Whether you’re a Utah-based entrepreneur, a content creator, or just curious about starting your online income journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories from one of the most unassuming yet successful solopreneurs in the game.

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➡️ Subscribe To Spencer Mecham's Channel: ‪@Buildapreneur‬

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How Mailing a $2 Cookie Is Making Small Businesses Thousands | Mailbox Power (William Grader)

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0700

From a small warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah, Mailbox Power is redefining marketing by blending the personal touch of physical gifts with the efficiency of automation. With over 10,000 brownies shipped each month and endless personalized postcards, this Utah-based company is helping businesses nationwide stand out in a crowded digital landscape. In this episode, we sit down with the Vice President of Mailbox Power to uncover their journey from MLM roots to a thriving subscription-based model that’s revolutionizing direct mail and gifting.

Discover how Mailbox Power helps businesses automate client retention, prospecting, and gifting, all while delivering remarkable ROI—like turning $2,000 in sugar cookies into $70,000 in revenue. Whether you’re curious about personalized marketing strategies, looking for inspiration, or just intrigued by the idea of putting your face on a cookie, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to make your brand unforgettable.

❗Get 25% Off Mailbox Power 👉 https://go.mailboxpower.com/kw

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The Secret to Staying Sane? A Third Space | Salt Mine Coworking (David Edmunds)

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0700

From an abandoned bowling alley to a thriving entrepreneurial hub, this is the story of how Salt Mine became a cornerstone of Utah's tech community. In this episode, we explore how David Edmunds transformed a haunted house-like space into one of the first major coworking facilities outside of downtown Salt Lake City. Through the lens of Salt Mine's evolution, we get an insider's perspective on Utah's explosive tech growth, the impact of the pandemic on the future of work, and the changing landscape of commercial real estate. David shares fascinating insights from witnessing the WeWork saga unfold, building community in the age of remote work, and helping thousands of entrepreneurs and companies find their footing in Utah's tech ecosystem.

This is Episode 2 of UtahPreneur, where we continue to explore the stories behind Utah's most impactful founders and entrepreneurs. Whether you're interested in the future of work, building meaningful communities, or understanding Utah's unique business culture, this conversation offers valuable insights into what makes the state's entrepreneurial spirit thrive.

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⛰️ Learn more about Salt Mine Productive Workspace at: https://meetatsaltmine.com/

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Swimming Lessons Save Lives! And She’s Made It Her Mission | Swim Kids (Liz Walker)

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0700

From a backyard trailer park pool to three bustling locations serving over 50,000 families, this is the story of how SwimKids Utah grew from humble beginnings into a lifesaving community staple. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of turning a one-person swimming lesson hobby into a family-run business with real impact. Hear about the journey from teaching neighborhood kids, in exchange for rides to the pool, to training employees, handling massive growth, and developing a unique curriculum that teaches swimming as a life skill, not just playtime. Along the way, we explore what it means to pass on a legacy, build a community-centered business, and instill life-saving skills that truly make a difference.

This is Episode 1 of UtahPreneur, where I’ll be sitting down with Utah’s most inspiring founders and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re interested in local success stories, building a meaningful business, or just curious about what makes Utah’s entrepreneurs tick, this show gives you a front-row seat. Join us as we uncover the real stories behind Utah’s thriving business community.

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How I Turned $2.8K into $3.2M from my BYU Dorm Room

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

From teaching swimming lessons in Pleasant Grove to building a $500K marketing agency from my BYU dorm room, this is the full story of how I turned $2.8K into $3.2M in Utah's growing tech scene. I'm sharing everything – how my Mormon mission changed my business approach, why I dropped out of BYU to pursue entrepreneurship, and how I scaled my agency to serve 50+ orthodontists before selling it. Plus, the surprising pivot into affiliate marketing that now generates $50K+ monthly while working just 4 hours a day.

This is Episode 0 of UtahPreneur, where I'll be sitting down with Utah's most interesting founders and business owners to uncover the real stories behind their success. Whether you're a Silicon Slopes startup founder, a small business owner in Utah County, or just someone interested in building something meaningful, this show takes you inside the headquarters of Utah's most exciting companies to learn directly from the people who built them. Join me as we build Utah's most connected business community.

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