Setbacks & Second Chances: The Rise of Jim Sanders & Nest Tiny Homes

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?
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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 Podcast Chair and Managing Director, Protiviti
Kevin Jessop, MWCN President and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
The LaunchPod Media Team