Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders

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212

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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 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 Welcome00:00:13 - Scaling.com Origins and Tony Robbins00:00:35 - Transition from Door-to-Door Sales to Business Growth00:01:07 - Partnership with Dr. Benjamin Hardy00:01:38 - Founding of Scaling.com00:02:25 - Criteria for Engaging with Scaling.com00:04:01 - Psychological Aspect of Scaling00:05:29 - Mindset Shift for Exponential Growth00:07:05 - Building a Scalable Model00:08:08 - Simplifying Systems and Building the Right Team 00:09:01 - Exponential Distribution Strategies00:10:16 - The Power Law and Focus on Key Actions00:10:30 - Example of Scaling a Popcorn Company00:12:19 - Discussion on AI and Its Impact on Business00:13:20 - Leveraging AI for Efficiency00:14:02 - Human Connection and Accountability in Business00:15:43 - Self-Leadership and Personal Growth00:17:43 - The Role of the Founder in Scaling00:18:49 - Psychological Barriers to Scaling00:20:06 - Should Every Business Scale?00:21:12 - Purpose-Driven Scaling00:22:47 - Defining Scaling and Its Potential00:23:36 - Self-Leadership and Confidence Building00:24:48 - Upcoming Book: The Power Law00:25:57 - Importance of Focus and Avoiding Busy Work00:28:06 - Example of Messi's Efficiency in Soccer00:30:05 - Final Thoughts on Purpose and Fulfillment00:30:37 - 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 - Introduction00:34 - Meet Alex Sherman from Skullcandy01:08 - Alex's Journey from Pro Snowboarder to Brand Marketing02:12 - Alex's Role at Skullcandy02:57 - Skullcandy's Utah Roots and Action Sports Culture04:08 - The Origin of Skullcandy05:04 - Staying True to Action Sports DNA06:11 - Skullcandy's Innovative Product Team07:17 - Global Consumer Brand and Fan Engagement08:48 - Exciting Creator Strategies and Influencer Programs10:39 - Skullcandy Headquarters and Office Culture12:53 - Partnership with Woodward and Community Engagement14:19 - Events and Activations: Kilby Block Party and Crusher Cup17:04 - Social Strategy and Gen Z Engagement20:39 - Where to Buy Skullcandy Products23:21 - Upcoming Collaboration: Crusher 1080 with Bose25:04 - Challenges and Advantages of Scaling Internationally26:39 - Custom Headphones for Partners28:08 - Skullcandy's Role in the Utah EcosystemKey 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.comInstagram:@siliconslopeshowTwitter:@siliconslopeshowFacebook:Silicon Slope ShowFollow Skullcandy:Website:SkullcandyInstagram:@skullcandyTwitter:@skullcandyFacebook:SkullcandySubscribe 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 Welcome00:36 - Jay Burke's Background and Career Beginnings01:08 - Transition to Ski Resort Marketing01:54 - Current Role at Woodward Park City02:25 - Marketing Strategies and Digital Shift02:47 - Importance of Events and Owned Media03:52 - Local Paid Media and Market Education04:38 - Overview of Utah's Outdoor Activities05:01 - Woodward's Global Presence and History06:06 - Future Plans for Woodward Urban Centers06:33 - Year-Round Activities at Woodward07:39 - Summer Camps and Youth Programs09:14 - Corporate Partnerships and Brand Collaborations10:54 - Event Planning and Execution11:19 - Creation and Success of Point to Point Event14:20 - Work-Life Balance in the Outdoor Industry16:07 - Building Community and Youth Culture at Woodward18:29 - Future Event Collaborations20:04 - Future of the Outdoor Industry23:14 - Snow Management and Mountain Operations23:57 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf 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.comApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial: X https://x.com/siliconslopesInstagram 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 nextHow losing multiple business plan competitions actually pointed him toward his real opportunityThe moment he realized golf courses were the customer, not golfersWhy "our customers are our investors" became the founding mantra of foreUPThe chess match with John Richards that decided $400K in equityHow staying small, scrappy, and focused on the lower-end of the market built the foundation for a massive exitWhat Evan has learned since selling and what he's up to now (besides being an unpaid Uber driver for his four kids)About the GuestsAdam 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 Introduction00:29 - Overview of OnBase01:01 - Evolution of NIL in Sports01:26 - Joe Summers' Background01:44 - Sponsorship Pitch Meeting02:00 - Founding of OnBase02:43 - Shift to Licensing and Sponsorships03:47 - Challenges in Licensing and Sponsorships04:08 - Role of OnBase in Streamlining Processes05:04 - Different Systems in College Licensing05:49 - Tech Tools in Sports Business06:16 - Building Custom Systems07:10 - Private Equity in College Sports07:39 - Player Mobility and NIL08:39 - Professionalism in College Sports09:38 - Donor Fatigue and ROI10:24 - Impact of Successful Athletic Programs11:33 - Financial Challenges in College Sports11:52 - Excitement for Utah's Sports Future13:05 - How Brands Can Get Involved with OnBase13:58 - OnBase's Future Plans14:55 - Major League Baseball in Utah15:41 - Joe's Experience in Athletic Departments17:07 - Importance of Licensing Over Individual Endorsements18:38 - Risks of Personal Endorsements19:48 - Ideal Clients for OnBase21:06 - Success with Minky Couture21:44 - 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.comShow links: WithonbaseOnbaseApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify 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 Introduction00:23 - Guest Intro: Rob Cornilles00:34 - Rob's Background00:55 - Wade and Rob's Connection01:18 - Evolution of Ticket Sales01:38 - Early Sales Methods01:49 - Founding Game Face02:05 - Rob's Start with Clippers02:25 - Challenges with Clippers02:46 - Realization in Sales03:07 - Competing LA Teams03:29 - Observing Fans03:50 - LA Riots Impact04:13 - Enthusiasm in Sales04:35 - New Sales Approach04:56 - Sharing Sales Secrets05:16 - Results-Based Selling05:32 - Selling Relationships05:55 - First Game Experience06:06 - Fan Motivations06:27 - Reasons Fans Attend06:48 - Business Outcomes07:09 - Results-Centered Selling07:30 - Value Beyond the Game07:52 - Business Initiatives08:14 - Expanding to Other Industries08:39 - Selling Results09:07 - Transferable Skills09:28 - Modern Sales Challenges09:49 - B2B Sales Shift10:01 - Results-Focused Messaging10:22 - Role of Technology10:43 - Personal Interaction11:01 - Timeless Sales Skills11:22 - Open-Ended Questions11:43 - Sales Education Gap12:04 - Rob at BYU12:24 - Sales Skills for Executives12:46 - AI in Sales13:05 - Human Interaction in Service13:25 - Frustration with AI13:47 - Personal Touch in Service14:08 - Training on Service Calls14:30 - Customer Service Skills14:51 - Tech and Sports in Utah15:14 - Professionalization of College Sports15:36 - Innovation in Fan Experience15:59 - Breaking into Sports16:22 - Starting in Sales16:47 - Wade's Career Path17:08 - Sports Media Realities17:29 - Practical Experience17:50 - Value of Sales Skills18:14 - Networking in Premium Sales18:36 - Sales Training Benefits18:59 - Sports as Conversation Starter19:20 - Upcoming Utah Sports Events19:42 - Utah's Sports Recognition20:00 - Innovation in Utah Sports20:27 - Customer Service Importance20:48 - Industry Conversations21:10 - 30 Years of Game Face21:30 - Game Face's Impact21:51 - Expansion Beyond Sports22:13 - Conclusion and FutureIf 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.comShow 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 Welcome00:38 - Jason's Mentorship and Early Days of Sponsor CX01:09 - The Decision to Go All-In on Sponsor CX02:09 - Initial Investment and Early Support02:52 - The Hero's Journey of an Entrepreneur03:11 - Importance of Believing in the Founder03:58 - Jeff's Venture Investing Philosophy05:00 - Jeff's Background and Career Overview07:09 - Running for Governor and Post-Political Journey08:19 - Transition to a More Reflective Life08:31 - Jeff's Investment Approach and Early Stage Focus09:13 - Qualities of a Successful Founder11:04 - Scaling a Startup and Building a Team12:08 - Achieving Product-Market Fit13:39 - Leadership Qualities in Startups15:58 - Key Characteristics of Effective Leaders17:03 - Importance of Kindness in Leadership19:01 - Human Element in Leadership and Management19:41 - Introduction to Jeff's Book on AI and Humanity20:16 - Why Jeff Wrote the Book22:46 - Where to Find Jeff's Book and Follow His Work23:39 - 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.comApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial:Twitter Twittersiliconslopes Instagram InstagramLogin • Instagram LinkedIn LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedIn YouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes

November 26, 20251 hr 32 min

Tub Club Founder Ryan Welch

In this riveting episode, we sit down with Ryan, the founder of Tub Club, a men's bubble bath and self-care brand that's redefining relaxation for modern men. Ryan's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from his tumultuous teenage years in Southern California to the disciplined life of a Blackhawk crew chief in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.Ryan opens up about his struggles with education, his time living out of cars, and his unexpected path to joining the Army. He shares candid stories about his military experiences, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the life lessons he learned along the way.But that's not all. Ryan also delves into his post-military life, including his involvement with Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) and the controversies that followed. He provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by those working to combat human trafficking.This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with raw honesty, resilience, and a touch of humor. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, military life, or social causes, Ryan's story will leave you inspired and wanting more.00:13 - Introduction to Ryan and Tub Club00:54 - Ryan's LinkedIn Post and Public Announcement01:57 - Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles03:16 - Ryan's Early Life and Struggles with Education10:01 - Moving to Hawaii and Life as a Surfer11:41 - Joining the Army and Becoming a Blackhawk Crew Chief17:06 - Transitioning to an Engineer and Special Operations21:17 - Deployments and Military Experiences26:10 - Leaving the Army and Starting a Family30:10 - Involvement with Operation Underground Railroad34:48 - Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas with OUR38:30 - The Decision to Resign from OUR43:06 - The Legal Battle and Family TragedyIf 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: Siliconslopessiliconslopes.comShow Links : MytubclubTub Club | Bubble Bath For MenSocial:Twitter - TwittersiliconslopesInstagram - InstagramLogin • Instagramonslopes/LinkedIn - LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedInYouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes

November 5, 202524 min

Fullcast Co-Founder & CMO Amy Cook interviews Pathology Watch Co-Founder Greg Osmond

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Leaders on Leaders podcast! In this episode, your host Amy Cook sits down with her brother, Greg Osmond, a trailblazer in the healthcare industry and co-founder of Pathology Watch.Join us as Greg shares his incredible journey from serving a mission in Honduras to co-founding a groundbreaking company that aims to bring health equity to underserved areas. Learn about the personal experiences that fueled his passion for healthcare innovation, including the impactful story of a woman in Honduras and the influence of their father's battle with brain cancer.Greg also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building Pathology Watch, the importance of having a supportive family, and the role of spirituality in staying charged and focused. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for some inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.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.comShow Links:https://www.fullcast.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

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Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders

About the show

Listen to episodes

Scaling.com Founder Blake Erickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tub Club Founder Ryan Welch

Fullcast Co-Founder & CMO Amy Cook interviews Pathology Watch Co-Founder Greg Osmond

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