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Aug 2026

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Silicon Slopes Show features thought-provoking conversations with Utah's top entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives, but with a unique twist. Silicon Slopes gives the mic to Utah's most influential leaders to interview each other, creating authentic peer-to-peer conversations that go beyond traditional podcasting. With different hosts and guests throughout the show, listeners and viewers get a much broader perspective on what's happening inside Silicon Slopes and across Utah's tech ecosystem. The show covers everything from leadership and entrepreneurship to philosophies on life itself. Nothing is off the table in these interviews. Expect hilarious personal stories, candid takes on current events, and hard-won business advice from legends who've been in the trenches. This is where Utah's tech community comes together to share the wisdom that's driving one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the nation. Learn more at SiliconSlopes.com.

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August 28, 202625 min

Entrepreneur of the Year Mountain West Winner Brett Hopkins CEO of Ken Garff Automotive

What happens when getting rejected from medical school completely changes the course of your career? In this episode, Brett Hopkins shares the unexpected journey that took him from aspiring anesthesiologist to CFO of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee, and ultimately to CEO of Ken Garff Automotive. Brett opens up about learning to recognize your natural strengths, taking risks, and finding success by pursuing the path that fits you—not necessarily the one you originally planned. He also reflects on working alongside Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, what he learned from their leadership, and how the experience shaped his approach to business. Brett discusses his transition into the automotive industry, why he wanted to make the dealership experience “un-car-like,” the future of the car business, electric vehicles and hybrids, and why Utah has become home to some of the most successful automotive groups in the country. Brett also shares his experience being named Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year, and the personal reflection that came with the recognition. He explains why he believes entrepreneurship isn't limited to business owners—and why, in one way or another, we're all entrepreneurs.In this conversation: • Turning rejection into a career pivot • Lessons from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics • Leadership lessons from Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock • Building and scaling Ken Garff Automotive • Why Brett wanted to be “un-car-like” • The future of dealerships and mobility • Electric vehicles vs. hybrids • Utah’s unique entrepreneurial culture • Being named Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year • What it really means to be an entrepreneur • Taking risks and creating value Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Early Career Aspirations 00:00:28 - Failed Attempts at Medical School 00:01:00 - Pivot to Business and Education 00:01:42 - Realization of Natural Aptitude for Business 00:02:22 - Graduate School and First Job in Corporate Finance 00:03:03 - Expat Experience in France 00:04:12 - Transition from Corporate Finance to Salt Lake Olympic Committee 00:05:03 - Working with Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock 00:06:10 - Leadership Lessons from Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock 00:08:01 - Post-Olympics Career Decisions 00:08:44 - Joining Ken Garf Automotive 00:10:09 - Insights into the Car Dealership Business 00:12:09 - Career Progression at Ken Garf Automotive 00:13:09 - Utah's Success in the Car Dealership Industry 00:15:14 - Future of the Car Industry 00:18:43 - Electric Vehicles and Market Trends 00:20:58 - Impact of Gas Prices on Electric Vehicle Demand 00:21:17 - Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nomination 00:22:01 - Personal Reflection on Entrepreneurship 00:24:07 - Encouraging Entrepreneurial Mindset in Teams 00:25:21 - Conclusion and Final Remarks Watch the full conversation for a candid look at career pivots, leadership, entrepreneurship, Utah business, and the evolving automotive industry.

August 27, 202622 min

Dylan Blake Customs Founder Dylan Blake

In this episode, Clint Betts sits down with Dylan Blake, the founder and owner of Dylan Blake Customs, a premier custom suit and clothing company. From dressing celebrities like Logan Paul and Ray Lewis to outfitting clients for their special occasions, Dylan shares his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming a renowned name in the custom tailoring industry.Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Compliment 00:00:23 - Guest Introduction: Dylan Blake 00:00:49 - Starting the Custom Suit Business 00:01:00 - Inspiration and Early Beginnings 00:01:31 - Journey to Italy and Sourcing Materials 00:02:13 - Suiting Origins: Italy and London 00:02:47 - Personal Suit Preferences 00:03:16 - Comfort and Fabric Blends 00:04:02 - Dylan's Background and Move to Utah 00:04:14 - Utah Market and Suit Trends 00:05:15 - Sales Model and Tailoring Process 00:05:41 - Learning Tailoring from Tommaso 00:06:29 - Getting Celebrity Clients 00:08:04 - Impact of AI on Tailoring 00:09:01 - Suit Manufacturing Process 00:10:16 - Off-the-Rack vs. Custom Suits 00:10:28 - Scaling the Business and Training Salesmen 00:12:03 - Future Expansion Plans 00:12:49 - Business Model and Financials 00:13:13 - Growth and B2B Opportunities 00:14:02 - Marketing Strategies 00:14:18 - Trade Shows and Sponsorships 00:14:49 - Expanding Product Line 00:15:34 - Cultural Shift Towards Dressing Well 00:16:02 - Learning Tailoring and Savile Row 00:17:13 - Savile Row and Bespoke Tailoring 00:18:02 - Empowerment Through Custom Suits 00:18:59 - Client Transformations 00:19:51 - Passion and Drive 00:20:11 - Travel and Business Expansion 00:20:32 - Personal Enjoyment of Travel 00:20:43 - Client Appreciation and Future Goals 00:21:23 - Faith and Business Location 00:21:43 - Contact Information and Closing Remarks

August 4, 202630 min

Scaling.com Founder Blake Erickson

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business scaling with the founder of Scaling.com, Blake Erickson. Discover the journey from door-to-door sales to advising over 550 companies on achieving exponential growth. Learn about the principles of scaling, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to leverage AI for efficiency. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:00:13 - Scaling.com Origins and Tony Robbins 00:00:35 - Transition from Door-to-Door Sales to Business Growth 00:01:07 - Partnership with Dr. Benjamin Hardy 00:01:38 - Founding of Scaling.com 00:02:25 - Criteria for Engaging with Scaling.com 00:04:01 - Psychological Aspect of Scaling 00:05:29 - Mindset Shift for Exponential Growth 00:07:05 - Building a Scalable Model 00:08:08 - Simplifying Systems and Building the Right Team 00:09:01 - Exponential Distribution Strategies 00:10:16 - The Power Law and Focus on Key Actions 00:10:30 - Example of Scaling a Popcorn Company 00:12:19 - Discussion on AI and Its Impact on Business 00:13:20 - Leveraging AI for Efficiency 00:14:02 - Human Connection and Accountability in Business 00:15:43 - Self-Leadership and Personal Growth 00:17:43 - The Role of the Founder in Scaling 00:18:49 - Psychological Barriers to Scaling 00:20:06 - Should Every Business Scale? 00:21:12 - Purpose-Driven Scaling 00:22:47 - Defining Scaling and Its Potential 00:23:36 - Self-Leadership and Confidence Building 00:24:48 - Upcoming Book: The Power Law 00:25:57 - Importance of Focus and Avoiding Busy Work 00:28:06 - Example of Messi's Efficiency in Soccer 00:30:05 - Final Thoughts on Purpose and Fulfillment 00:30:37 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

August 4, 202629 min

The Intersection of Sports, Tech, and Culture: A Deep Dive with Skullcandy's Alex Sherman

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant intersection of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah. Our special guest is Alex Sherman, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Skullcandy, an Utah-based company with deep roots in the action sports world. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Meet Alex Sherman from Skullcandy 01:08 - Alex's Journey from Pro Snowboarder to Brand Marketing 02:12 - Alex's Role at Skullcandy 02:57 - Skullcandy's Utah Roots and Action Sports Culture 04:08 - The Origin of Skullcandy 05:04 - Staying True to Action Sports DNA 06:11 - Skullcandy's Innovative Product Team 07:17 - Global Consumer Brand and Fan Engagement 08:48 - Exciting Creator Strategies and Influencer Programs 10:39 - Skullcandy Headquarters and Office Culture 12:53 - Partnership with Woodward and Community Engagement 14:19 - Events and Activations: Kilby Block Party and Crusher Cup 17:04 - Social Strategy and Gen Z Engagement 20:39 - Where to Buy Skullcandy Products 23:21 - Upcoming Collaboration: Crusher 1080 with Bose 25:04 - Challenges and Advantages of Scaling Internationally 26:39 - Custom Headphones for Partners 28:08 - Skullcandy's Role in the Utah Ecosystem Key Highlights: Alex shares his journey from being a pro snowboarder to leading brand marketing at Skullcandy. Discover how Skullcandy stays true to its action sports roots while constantly innovating. Learn about Skullcandy's exciting collaborations, including the upcoming Crusher 1080 with Bose. Get insights into Skullcandy's social strategy and how they engage with Gen Z. Explore Skullcandy's community involvement and partnerships, including their work with Woodward. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation about the dynamic world of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah! Follow Us: Website:siliconslopes.com Instagram:@siliconslopeshow Twitter:@siliconslopeshow Facebook:Silicon Slope Show Follow Skullcandy: Website:Skullcandy Instagram:@skullcandy Twitter:@skullcandy Facebook:Skullcandy Subscribe for more episodes and hit the bell icon to stay updated!

July 1, 202624 min

Exploring the Future of Action Sports with Jay Burke | Silicon Slope Show

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode, we dive into the world of sports business with Jay Burke, the Director of Marketing at Woodward Park City. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Utah marketing landscape, Jay shares his journey from the advertising world to his passion for mountains, skiing, and action sports. 00:13 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:36 - Jay Burke's Background and Career Beginnings 01:08 - Transition to Ski Resort Marketing 01:54 - Current Role at Woodward Park City 02:25 - Marketing Strategies and Digital Shift 02:47 - Importance of Events and Owned Media 03:52 - Local Paid Media and Market Education 04:38 - Overview of Utah's Outdoor Activities 05:01 - Woodward's Global Presence and History 06:06 - Future Plans for Woodward Urban Centers 06:33 - Year-Round Activities at Woodward 07:39 - Summer Camps and Youth Programs 09:14 - Corporate Partnerships and Brand Collaborations 10:54 - Event Planning and Execution 11:19 - Creation and Success of Point to Point Event 14:20 - Work-Life Balance in the Outdoor Industry 16:07 - Building Community and Youth Culture at Woodward 18:29 - Future Event Collaborations 20:04 - Future of the Outdoor Industry 23:14 - Snow Management and Mountain Operations 23:57 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social: X https://x.com/siliconslopes Instagram https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

May 7, 202631 min

From Toilet Seats to Tee Times: How Evan Teshima Built and Sold a Golf Tech Empire

What does it take to bootstrap a SaaS company from a broke college student's dorm-room idea to a successful acquisition with barely $50K in real outside capital? In this special Silicon Slopes Podcast, guest host Adam Stoker, President and CEO of Brand Revolt, sits down with Evan Teshima, investor and Co-Founder of foreUP golf software, to find out. Evan co-founded foreUP as a BYU senior after a pivotal entrepreneurship class taught by John Richards sparked a realization: golf courses were running their entire operations on archaic, CD-based software that belonged in a museum. So he and his co-founders built a cloud-based point-of-sale system from scratch and spent the next decade turning it into the industry's go-to platform, powering over 2,300 courses across the country before being acquired by Clubessential Holdings. But the path there was anything but linear. In this candid conversation, Evan walks through seven major pivots, a near-death convertible note crisis, years of rock-bottom salaries, and the legendary chess match against investor John Richards that nearly made or broke the company. He also shares the counterintuitive philosophy that kept foreUP alive in those early years: stop chasing elephants and go for the rabbits. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Evan's first business idea involved a self-opening toilet seat and what came next How losing multiple business plan competitions actually pointed him toward his real opportunity The moment he realized golf courses were the customer, not golfers Why "our customers are our investors" became the founding mantra of foreUP The chess match with John Richards that decided $400K in equity How staying small, scrappy, and focused on the lower-end of the market built the foundation for a massive exit What Evan has learned since selling and what he's up to now (besides being an unpaid Uber driver for his four kids) About the Guests Adam Stoker is President & CEO of Brand Revolt , a full-service marketing agency known for bold, innovative destination marketing strategies. With over 17 years in advertising, Adam is also the host of the Destination Marketing Podcast and author of Touchpoints: A Destination Marketer's Guide . He was recognized as a Utah Business 40 Under 40 honoree and is a fellow investor in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund. Evan Teshima is the Co-Founder and former CEO of foreUP Golf Software , the first 100% cloud-based point-of-sale and management platform built specifically for golf courses. After co-founding foreUP in his BYU senior year and growing it over a decade with minimal outside capital, Evan led the company through its acquisition by Clubessential Holdings in 2021. He is now an investor and advisor — and a devoted father of four. Both Adam and Evan are investors in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund, which continues to back promising Utah-based founders.

January 21, 202622 min

The Future of Sports Licensing and NIL with Wade Leaphart & Joe Summers

Welcome back to the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode we dive into the dynamic world of sports business with Joe Summers from OnBase. Join us as we explore how OnBase is revolutionizing licensing, sponsorship, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for brands and athletes alike. 00:13 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 - Overview of OnBase 01:01 - Evolution of NIL in Sports 01:26 - Joe Summers' Background 01:44 - Sponsorship Pitch Meeting 02:00 - Founding of OnBase 02:43 - Shift to Licensing and Sponsorships 03:47 - Challenges in Licensing and Sponsorships 04:08 - Role of OnBase in Streamlining Processes 05:04 - Different Systems in College Licensing 05:49 - Tech Tools in Sports Business 06:16 - Building Custom Systems 07:10 - Private Equity in College Sports 07:39 - Player Mobility and NIL 08:39 - Professionalism in College Sports 09:38 - Donor Fatigue and ROI 10:24 - Impact of Successful Athletic Programs 11:33 - Financial Challenges in College Sports 11:52 - Excitement for Utah's Sports Future 13:05 - How Brands Can Get Involved with OnBase 13:58 - OnBase's Future Plans 14:55 - Major League Baseball in Utah 15:41 - Joe's Experience in Athletic Departments 17:07 - Importance of Licensing Over Individual Endorsements 18:38 - Risks of Personal Endorsements 19:48 - Ideal Clients for OnBase 21:06 - Success with Minky Couture 21:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Show links: WithonbaseOnbase Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social: Twitter Twittersiliconslopes Instagram Instagraminstagram.com/siliconslopes LinkedIn LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedIn YouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes

January 7, 202644 min

President of Utah Valley University Astrid Tuminez Interviews Seth Jenson and Hunter Anderton on the Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2018, following a rich and storied career in business, philanthropy, and academia, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez became the seventh president of Utah Valley University. She is the first woman to serve on a full-time basis as UVU president. Raised in the slums of the Philippines, Tuminez rose to become a world leader in the fields of technology and political science, most recently serving as an executive at Microsoft. She is also the former vice dean of research and assistant dean of executive education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Dr. Seth Jenson recently joined the UVU Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute from the University of Oxford, where he lectured and researched entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems. He has consulted and collaborated with elite entrepreneurship programs worldwide, including India’s premiere entrepreneurship governing bodies (NITI Aayog and EDII), Harvard, LSE, MIT, Stanford, Techstars, as well as state governments and regional programs. As a leader in the Bolder Way Forward initiative, Seth helps shape Utah policy to close entrepreneurial gender gaps and foster diverse leadership. He completed his bachelor's at BYU in Finance and graduate degrees in Sociology (MSc) and Business Strategy (PhD) at Oxford. Hunter Anderton is a serial entrepreneur currently scaling his second venture, Simpll. Dedicated to making blockchain opportunities accessible, Simpll provides user-friendly node hosting that removes technical barriers for everyday users. Under Hunter’s leadership, the company saw explosive early product-market fit, surpassing $1M in ARR in its infancy. A deeply involved member of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute (BEI) ecosystem, Hunter is a graduate of the Sandbox program and "0 to CEO" series. His rapid scaling recently earned him a nomination for the BEI Rocketship Award for revenue growth, as well as funding from multiple competitive programs.

December 24, 202534 min

Sports Business Chapter Chair Wade Leaphart Interviews Founder & CEO at Game Face Rob Cornilles

Join host Wade Leaphart, Chair of the Sports Business Chapter at Silicon Slopes, as he sits down with Rob Cornilles, founder and CEO of Game Face Inc. Rob is a pioneer in modern sports sales training and has transformed the way organizations approach ticket sales and customer engagement. In this episode, Wade and Rob dive deep into the evolution of ticket sales, from the early days of paper lead lists and phone books to the sophisticated CRM systems and results-based selling approaches of today. Rob shares his journey from working with the LA Clippers in the 90s to founding Game Face and coaching tens of thousands of professionals across major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB. 00:13 - Podcast Introduction 00:23 - Guest Intro: Rob Cornilles 00:34 - Rob's Background 00:55 - Wade and Rob's Connection 01:18 - Evolution of Ticket Sales 01:38 - Early Sales Methods 01:49 - Founding Game Face 02:05 - Rob's Start with Clippers 02:25 - Challenges with Clippers 02:46 - Realization in Sales 03:07 - Competing LA Teams 03:29 - Observing Fans 03:50 - LA Riots Impact 04:13 - Enthusiasm in Sales 04:35 - New Sales Approach 04:56 - Sharing Sales Secrets 05:16 - Results-Based Selling 05:32 - Selling Relationships 05:55 - First Game Experience 06:06 - Fan Motivations 06:27 - Reasons Fans Attend 06:48 - Business Outcomes 07:09 - Results-Centered Selling 07:30 - Value Beyond the Game 07:52 - Business Initiatives 08:14 - Expanding to Other Industries 08:39 - Selling Results 09:07 - Transferable Skills 09:28 - Modern Sales Challenges 09:49 - B2B Sales Shift 10:01 - Results-Focused Messaging 10:22 - Role of Technology 10:43 - Personal Interaction 11:01 - Timeless Sales Skills 11:22 - Open-Ended Questions 11:43 - Sales Education Gap 12:04 - Rob at BYU 12:24 - Sales Skills for Executives 12:46 - AI in Sales 13:05 - Human Interaction in Service 13:25 - Frustration with AI 13:47 - Personal Touch in Service 14:08 - Training on Service Calls 14:30 - Customer Service Skills 14:51 - Tech and Sports in Utah 15:14 - Professionalization of College Sports 15:36 - Innovation in Fan Experience 15:59 - Breaking into Sports 16:22 - Starting in Sales 16:47 - Wade's Career Path 17:08 - Sports Media Realities 17:29 - Practical Experience 17:50 - Value of Sales Skills 18:14 - Networking in Premium Sales 18:36 - Sales Training Benefits 18:59 - Sports as Conversation Starter 19:20 - Upcoming Utah Sports Events 19:42 - Utah's Sports Recognition 20:00 - Innovation in Utah Sports 20:27 - Customer Service Importance 20:48 - Industry Conversations 21:10 - 30 Years of Game Face 21:30 - Game Face's Impact 21:51 - Expansion Beyond Sports 22:13 - Conclusion and Future If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Show Links: https://gamefaceinc.com Social: Twitter https://twitter.com/siliconslopes Instagram https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

December 3, 202524 min

Founder and CEO of SponsorCX Jason Smith interviews Founder & Chairman Peak Capital Partners & Element Ventures Jeff Burningham

In this episode, Jason Smith, Founder and CEO of Sponsor CX, sits down with Jeff Burningham, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. Jeff shares his journey from starting a tech company as an undergrad at BYU to becoming a venture capitalist and even running for governor of Utah. 00:12 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:38 - Jason's Mentorship and Early Days of Sponsor CX 01:09 - The Decision to Go All-In on Sponsor CX 02:09 - Initial Investment and Early Support 02:52 - The Hero's Journey of an Entrepreneur 03:11 - Importance of Believing in the Founder 03:58 - Jeff's Venture Investing Philosophy 05:00 - Jeff's Background and Career Overview 07:09 - Running for Governor and Post-Political Journey 08:19 - Transition to a More Reflective Life 08:31 - Jeff's Investment Approach and Early Stage Focus 09:13 - Qualities of a Successful Founder 11:04 - Scaling a Startup and Building a Team 12:08 - Achieving Product-Market Fit 13:39 - Leadership Qualities in Startups 15:58 - Key Characteristics of Effective Leaders 17:03 - Importance of Kindness in Leadership 19:01 - Human Element in Leadership and Management 19:41 - Introduction to Jeff's Book on AI and Humanity 20:16 - Why Jeff Wrote the Book 22:46 - Where to Find Jeff's Book and Follow His Work 23:39 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social: Twitter Twittersiliconslopes Instagram InstagramLogin • Instagram LinkedIn LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedIn YouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes