Episodios

  • Turning Employee Experience into Growth | The Founding of Nectar with Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis

    Turning Employee Experience into Growth | The Founding of Nectar with Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis
    Jan 29 2026
    Cheri and Jason sit down with two founders who turned their friendship into one of Utah’s fastest-growing software companies. Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis, co-founders of Nectar, share how their small beginnings evolved into a platform that now serves thousands of customers around the world. This conversation highlights the power of being “in the arena,” where real opportunity emerges through momentum rather than perfect planning.

    This episode also explores the human side of business through Nectar’s growth story. Trevor and Andrew share how recognition and employee experience became the foundation of their company, and ultimately their philosophy. From building teams that feel valued to choosing Utah as the place to scale their growth, this discussion offers an inspiring look at how purpose and community can combine to drive sustainable growth over the long term.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why meaningful recognition leads to better engagement, retention, and performance
    • Lessons about scaling a software company inside Utah’s growing tech ecosystem
    • The role of friendship and trust in building a strong co-founder relationship
    • How to attract and retain talent through culture
    • What it takes to move from founder-led sales to a sustainable growth engine
    • How community and networks can help accelerate startup
    • Leadership habits that help teams stay motivated during rapid growth
    • Why purpose and execution need to grow together to make a successful company

    Connect with Nectar:
    • Nectar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nectar_hr/
    • Nectar Website: https://nectarhr.com/
    • Nectar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nectarhr/product/

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • The Journey from Idea to Impact | How Scott Porter Built San Diablo Churros From the Ground Up

    The Journey from Idea to Impact | How Scott Porter Built San Diablo Churros From the Ground Up
    Jan 15 2026
    In this episode, Cheri and Jason welcome Scott Porter, founder of San Diablo Artisan Churros, for a conversation about entrepreneurship and genuine human connection. What begins as a discussion about churros quickly unfolds into an exploration of what it means to build a mission-driven business. Scott shares how a single opportunity evolved into a whirlwind three-day launch, laying the groundwork for a company that would grow rapidly in succession.

    Scott reflects on the realities behind sustained growth: grueling seasons, tough decisions, and the discipline of knowing when to say no. Anchored by Scott’s belief that business is all about uplifting people, he offers listeners a look at entrepreneurship as something fueled by purpose, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to happiness.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • How to turn an unexpected opportunity into a real business
    • What it actually takes to launch and grow a company from scratch
    • The realities behind entrepreneurial growth, including burnout, pivots, and tough decisions
    • When to say “yes” to growth and when to walk away
    • How to scale during unpredictable moments
    • How mission, joy, and community can be built into a profitable business model
    • The importance of team culture and alignment as a company grows
    • How giving back can be integrated into a brand’s identity without becoming performative
    Connect with Scott Porter:
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiablochurros/
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros Website: https://sandiablochurros.com/
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diablo-artisan-churros/
    • Scott Porter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcraigporter/
    • Scott Porter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcporter/


    Want to Connect?

    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    57 m
  • Entrepreneurial Lessons from Utah’s Top Founders

    Entrepreneurial Lessons from Utah’s Top Founders
    Jan 1 2026
    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?Cheri@MWCN.orgzachary.reed@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
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • From Crisis to Client-Centered Growth | How Kristy Pack Built a New Tax Model for Real People

    From Crisis to Client-Centered Growth | How Kristy Pack Built a New Tax Model for Real People
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode, Cheri and Jason sit down with Kristy Pack, founder of Pack Tax, whose journey from working mother to driven entrepreneur reshaped not only her career, but also the tax experience for thousands of everyday families. What started as a search for flexibility during early motherhood became a fast-growing, multi-location firm serving more than 10,000 clients a year. Kristy shares the decisions, challenges, and risks that led her to build a business grounded in transparency, accessibility, and genuine human connection.

    Listeners will hear how Kristy navigated career pivots, financial uncertainty, and the emotional pressure of supporting a young family, all while betting everything on a different kind of tax firm: one designed for regular people who often fall between the cracks of traditional accounting services. Her story highlights the power of clarity, moral conviction, and building a service-first company culture in an industry not known for warmth or flexibility. This episode features Kristy’s insights on modern tax strategy, the flaws in the current system, how business owners can save meaningfully by understanding their options, and why Pack Tax’s client-first approach has built not just a business, but also a community.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why designing a business around real-life needs—flexibility, community, accessibility— can become a competitive advantage
    • How Pack Tax grew by focusing on regular families and small businesses underserved by traditional firms
    • The tax strategies that most small business owners miss, but can save thousands with the right structure
    • How transparency and client education build loyalty in a complex, often confusing industry
    • The core values that guide Pack Tax’s culture: relationships, accuracy, data security, and no-ego collaboration
    • How to navigate conflicting tax advice from “old school” accountants versus social media-driven shortcuts
    • What it takes to grow a people-first company that balances joy, rigor, and constant improvement

    Connect with Kristy Pack:
    • Website: https://pack.tax/
    • LinkedIn: Kristy Pack
    • Instagram: @kristy.packtax

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • Setbacks & Second Chances: The Rise of Jim Sanders & Nest Tiny Homes

    Setbacks & Second Chances: The Rise of Jim Sanders & Nest Tiny Homes
    Dec 4 2025
    Cheri and Jason sit down with Jim Sanders, a builder-turned-entrepreneur whose path to founding Nest Tiny Homes started with a leap of faith and a crisis that could have ended everything. What began as a simple side project grew quickly, but when the franchise he’d invested in collapsed under fraud, Jim found himself without a clear path forward. Instead of walking away, he rebuilt from scratch. Jim shares how those chaotic six months reshaped his understanding of resilience, integrity, and the kind of leader he wanted to become.

    In this candid conversation, Jim reflects on turning setbacks into momentum, building one of Utah’s fastest-growing ADU companies, and staying grounded while growing a team and a young family. He talks about the purpose behind Nest, the families they serve, and the craftsmanship he refuses to compromise on. His story offers a raw look at entrepreneurship, what it really means to bet on yourself, and how something beautiful can emerge from the most devastating moments.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why a painful franchise collapse became the launchpad for Nest Tiny Homes
    • How the ADU process works—from the first call to turning over the keys
    • The three customer groups benefiting most from ADUs today
    • What Utah entrepreneurs should know about emerging housing trends
    • How organic growth, team culture, and craftsmanship shape Nest’s success
    • The realities of permitting, timelines, and navigating regulations in two states
    • Jim’s best advice for founders ready to turn a side project into a full-time venture

    Connect with Jim Sanders:
    • Website: https://nest-tinyhomes.com/
    • LinkedIn: James Sanders
    • Instagram: @nesttinyhomesutah

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Hope, Healing, and Honest Ingredients with Karalynne Call

    Hope, Healing, and Honest Ingredients with Karalynne Call
    Nov 20 2025
    Cheri and Jason sit down with Karalynne Call, a certified nutritionist, wellness advocate, and founder of one of Utah’s fastest-growing health brands, Just Ingredients. Her journey began with her deeply personal battle with depression, which reshaped her understanding of health and the power of food. Karalynne shares how a long road to healing sparked a passion for education and empowerment, ultimately leading to the building of her own company.

    She discusses how her early Instagram posts turned into a national wellness brand. Karalynne reflects on entrepreneurship, purpose, and staying grounded while leading a rapidly expanding team. Her story offers an honest look at leadership and the grit required to build something meaningful from the ground up.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • How simple, everyday habits can meaningfully impact mental and physical well-being.
    • The challenges and rewards of creating products with real food ingredients.
    • How transparency, kindness, communication, and a family-first mindset shape Just Ingredients’ culture.
    • What it takes to build a company while balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal life.
    • The importance of identifying purpose and passion to sustain long-term growth as an entrepreneur.
    • How Just Ingredients is working to address the misinformation in the supplement and energy drink industry.
    • Why taking small steps works for better health, both mentally and physically.
    • How the right team, shared mission, and aligned values are critical for a sustainable company.


    Connect with Karalynne Call:
    • Website: https://justingredients.us/
    • LinkedIn: Karalynne Call
    • Instagram:@just.ingredients
    • Just Ingredients Podcast: Podcast


    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • Legacy, Leadership, and Lasting Impact | Kevin Jessop on Utah’s Business Evolution & the Future of MountainWest Capital Network

    Legacy, Leadership, and Lasting Impact | Kevin Jessop on Utah’s Business Evolution & the Future of MountainWest Capital Network
    Nov 6 2025
    For Kevin Jessop, outgoing president of MountainWest Capital Network, leadership has always been rooted in service, consistency, and connection. From the early days of handwritten deal reports and volunteer-run events to MWCN's role as a cornerstone of Utah’s booming economy, Kevin has helped shape an ecosystem where founders, investors, and future leaders can grow side by side.

    In this reflective episode, Kevin reflects on how decades of showing up, building trust, and people-first leadership created a lasting impact, both for MWCN and the entrepreneurs it champions. You’ll hear the stories behind Utah’s rise as a business hub, the power of mentorship and humble leadership, and why success isn’t about trophies or titles, but about helping others succeed. As he passes the torch to the next generation of MWCN leaders, Kevin offers a simple truth: real progress comes not from spotlight moments, but from years of steady presence, openness, and service to the community.


    What You’ll Learn
    • How MWCN grew from a grassroots volunteer network into a statewide business engine
    • Why trust, consistency, and showing up remain competitive advantages in Utah’s business community
    • How data and storytelling strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and inspire future founders
    • The vision for MWCN’s next chapter: expanding connection, access, and impact

    Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

    Want to connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • How Crystalee Beck Built a Life-First Business That Empowers Women

    How Crystalee Beck Built a Life-First Business That Empowers Women
    Oct 23 2025
    What if success didn’t mean sacrificing the life you love? For Crystalee Beck, founder and CEO of Comma Copywriters, entrepreneurship began with a powerful “why”—the desire to be fully present for her growing family. Nearly a decade later, her company has become one of Utah’s fastest-growing and most decorated creative agencies—recognized on the Utah 100, Utah Business 40 Under 40, and Best of State lists—while championing flexible, meaningful work for professional writers.

    In this inspiring conversation, Crystalee shares how she turned a layoff into a launchpad, built a thriving remote team guided by five core values, and learned to balance growth with grace. From letting go of ego to trusting others, setting “life-first” values, and navigating AI’s impact on creativity, her story proves that purpose and profit can thrive side by side.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why a powerful “why” matters for your business plan
    • The five core values that define Comma Copywriters’ culture
    • Lessons from nearly a decade of growth, trust, and leadership
    • How to navigate AI in creative industries without losing your voice
    • The story behind the High Five Grant and supporting mom entrepreneurs


    Connect with Crystalee Beck:
    • Website: teamcomma.com
    • LinkedIn: Crystalee Beck
    • Instagram: @commacopywriters
    • The Mama Ladder / High Five Grant: highfivegrant.com

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com
    Meet 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 Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Más Menos
    51 m