Entrepreneurial Lessons from Utah’s Top Founders

In this special compilation episode, Cheri and Jason revisit some of the most powerful moments from conversations with Utah’s top founders and business leaders. Instead of focusing on one company, this episode stitches together hard-won lessons from a range of Utah 100 and Emerging Elite honorees, leaders who have weathered fraud, near-failures, layoffs, and market upheaval and still found a way forward.You’ll hear from founders like Jim Sanders of Nest Tiny Homes, Carson Poppenger of Squeeze, Kristy Pack of PackTax, Crystalee Beck of Comma Copywriters, Karalynne Call of Just Ingredients, Hayden Wadsworth of HydroJug, Trevor Farnes of MTN OPS, Ben Perkins of &Collar, Rich Eggett and Ariel Faloon of Rockwell, and more. Along the way, M&A advisor Garit Lawson, MWCN President Kevin Jessop, and other leaders share perspective on exits, legacy, and Utah’s uniquely collaborative business ecosystem. Whether you’re just getting started or already scaling, this “best of” episode highlights the mindset, values, and practical habits that keep entrepreneurs moving when the stakes are highest.What You’ll LearnHow founders navigate crises—from losing email systems and brands overnight to rebuilding while still serving customers.Why “stubborn tenacity” often separates survivors from those who walk away.How values-driven cultures get built in real life, not on posters—from “life first” policies to companies that put family ahead of perks.Why many Utah founders define success as impact, service, and stewardship—not just exits, revenue, or headlines.How early-stage entrepreneurs can think about pricing, volume, and “getting people through the door” before profitability kicks in.The human side of M&A: how legacy, employees, and culture shape deal decisions just as much as valuation.Practical advice for leaders on defining success clearly, making performance more objective, and having the hard conversations with their teams.Why Utah’s high-trust, relationship-driven ecosystem creates a different kind of competitive environment, one where collaboration lifts the entire market.Featured Founders and Leaders in This EpisodeJim Sanders – Founder & CEO, Nest Tiny HomesCarson Poppenger – CEO & Founder, SqueezeKristy Pack – Founder, PackTaxGarit Lawson – Managing Director, Forbes PartnersCrystalee Beck – CEO & Founder, Comma CopywritersKaralynne Call – CEO & Founder, Just IngredientsHayden Wadsworth – Co-Founder & CEO, HydroJugTrevor Farnes – CEO & Co-Founder, MTN OPSBen Perkins – Founder, &CollarRich Eggett and Ariel Faloon – RockwellKevin Jessop – MWCN Chairman and Chief Marketing OfficerClark T. Bell – CEO & Founder, Nano-Yield Miranda – Executive leader, CricutDave Layton – CEO, Layton ConstructionWant to Connect?[e-mail]@pwc.comMeet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.” Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive DirectorJason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, ProtivitiKevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMAGarit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes PartnersZachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLPKatie Brown, MWCN Business Operations SpecialistThe LaunchPod Media Team