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For our third episode of season two, we welcome Mayor Mike Mendenhall. He was born and raised in Palmyra and Spanish Fork, graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1998 and attended Utah Valley University in 1999 before serving an LDS mission in Minnesota. He has worked in finance for 16 years as a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments in Spanish Fork. Mike is married to Amber Geslison, and they have three children—Nash, Monroe, and Jagger—along with a bulldog named Mocha and a cat named Boomer.

He served as President of the Spanish Fork Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and has also been President of the Rotary Club and the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Mike has completed two four-year terms on the City Council and is currently serving his first term as Mayor. He also serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Fairgrounds Committee, Fire Retirement Board, Personnel Committee, Rodeo Committee, SUVPS, UMPA, Council of Governments (COG), and the APPA Policy Maker’s Council.

When we are responsible, we respect others. When we act responsibly, we commit to the well-being of others. When we become part of the responsibility movement, we can change the world. Welcome to Responsibility Matters where responsibility + liberty = freedom. Here's your host Steve Cohen.

Thank you for joining us on Responsibility Matters. Produced by Rachael Lofgran and Doug Jardine and hosted by Stephen Cohen. Please join us next time on Responsibility Matters.

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In this podcast episode, Hale shared his thoughts on leadership, emphasizing the importance of integrity, responsibility, and vision in guiding teams and communities toward success. He reflects on his own leadership journey—from navigating challenges in collegiate athletics to driving economic development in Utah—highlighting the crucial role of accountability in building strong relationships.

About Val

Throughout his career, Hale has been a driving force in community and institutional growth, serving as the Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), President and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President at Utah Valley University.

His deep ties to Brigham Young University (BYU) mark one of the most defining chapters of his career. As BYU’s Athletic Director (1999–2004), he played a pivotal role in enhancing the university’s athletic infrastructure, overseeing major fundraising efforts that led to the construction of Miller Park, the Student Athlete Building, the Indoor Practice Facility, and stadium upgrades. His book, Out of the Blue, chronicles his experiences in BYU Athletics, offering insights into leadership, perseverance, and the evolving world of collegiate sports.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hale has been a committed advocate for Utah’s business, tourism, and film industries, championing initiatives that spurred economic growth across the state. Now retired, he continues to serve as a mentor, speaker, and supporter of meaningful projects like the Statue of Responsibility, believing in its power to unite and inspire future generations.

When we are responsible, we respect others. When we act responsibly, we commit to the well-being of others. When we become part of the responsibility movement, we can change the world. Welcome to Responsibility Matters where responsibility + liberty = freedom. Here's your host Steve Cohen.

Thank you for joining us on Responsibility Matters. Produced by Rachael Lofgran and Doug Jardine and hosted by Stephen Cohen. Please join us next time on Responsibility Matters.

Support the show

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with John Renouard, the visionary behind WHOlives and the groundbreaking Village Drill, which has provided clean water to over 12 million people in 40 countries. Since 2010, John has been on a mission to solve water scarcity, empower local entrepreneurs, and champion human rights—all while making personal sacrifices to create a lasting impact.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
💧 How the Village Drill is revolutionizing access to clean water
🌍 The fight against FGM and child marriages
💡 The power of self-reliance and sustainable solutions
🏆 John's journey from business success to global humanitarian leader

John’s work has earned international recognition, including the World Water Challenge Prize and the American Red Cross International Hero Award. Tune in to hear how one man’s determination changes the world, one well at a time.

Visit www.wholives.org to support them in their mission!

When we are responsible, we respect others. When we act responsibly, we commit to the well-being of others. When we become part of the responsibility movement, we can change the world. Welcome to Responsibility Matters where responsibility + liberty = freedom. Here's your host Steve Cohen.

Thank you for joining us on Responsibility Matters. Produced by Rachael Lofgran and Doug Jardine and hosted by Stephen Cohen. Please join us next time on Responsibility Matters.

Support the show