237. Jason Christensen — Whipping Up Delicious Protein Bars
In this episode, Jason Christensen, co-founder of the Utah-based protein bar company Blue Unicorn, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a summer sales job. He and his partner, Dr. Luke Tolley, formed the company after creating a unique, plant-based protein bar that is also nut-free, gluten-free, and tastes like a treat. The company manufactures its bars in Springville, Utah, and sells them online and through local retailers like Good Earth Markets and, soon, Harmon's. Christensen believes that a sense of accountability and a "can-do" spirit are key to entrepreneurial success, and he credits Utah's supportive business community with fostering this environment.
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27:19
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27:19
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.
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22:39
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22:39
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.
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22:39
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22:39
236. Scott Cuthbertson — A Holistic Approach to Economic Growth and AI
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. Cuthbertson discusses his inspiration for the company, where he combined his 15 years of experience in management consulting with his recent work in economic development in Utah. He identified a need for companies that had been incentivized to come to the state to receive ongoing support to realize their vision fully. Alpen Associates offers a range of services to both companies and communities, including site selection, navigating the incentives process, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson highlights the company's use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, including creating a tool to help match companies with suitable communities. He emphasizes the importance of the "human in the loop," suggesting that while technology is a great tool, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity will become even more valuable. As an example of the company's work, Cuthbertson details a partnership with High Tech Solutions to develop a small modular nuclear reactor ecosystem in Utah. This initiative addresses Utah's growing need for energy, creates jobs, and establishes Utah as a national hub for nuclear energy.
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22:39
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22:39
235. Brian Miller — Addressing the Hidden Cost of Financial Stress With MoneyRight
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Miller, founder and CEO of MoneyRight. Miller's journey into personal finance began at age 11. Initially, a traditional financial advisor, he grew disillusioned with a system that benefits the wealthy. Miller focused on helping students and others develop basic financial skills, recognizing the link between money management and emotional and psychological health. He then created MoneyRight, a platform for employees to provide financial education and psychological insights for the company's benefit. Miller identified a significant need for this service, as financial stress impacts productivity, turnover, and absenteeism. He explains that MoneyRight aims to become an employee's financial operating system. The program begins with a confidential financial stress assessment to identify a company's most significant issues. It then provides employees with a free portal, paid for by the employer, featuring monthly topics, videos, and tools tailored to their needs. The software teaches key financial concepts, like debt repayment strategies, and the importance of investing, while emphasizing a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
The Business Elevated podcast discusses what it's like to live, work, and recreate in the great state of Utah from the perspective of the state's business, nonprofit, and government leaders. Since 2019, it has included the state's critical economic development topics, the day's pressing issues, and timely conversations with industry-leading guest experts. The Business Elevated podcast is a production of the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.
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