Name: Brian Acord

Organization(s): Attensity, Ascend 6, Acord Holdings, YEA

Biography: Brian is the founder of several startups (including YEA). As Managing Director of Ascend 6 his experience includes over three dozen startups ranging from family owned businesses to Fortune 500 clients like Disney, Tech Data, and United Airlines. He holds a B.S. in Education from BYU and earned his MBA from the University of Virginia. He is a strong advocate of education and has taught entrepreneurship at both the University of Utah and BYU. You can read his Linked-In profile at www.blog.yeabiz.com and visit his entrepreneurial blog at www.blog.yeabiz.com.

Recommended Reading: see the online library

Name: Gabrielle Acord

Organization(s): Acord Therapy

Biography: Gabby has been a very patient wife of an entrepreneur for a long time. She is a licensed clinical social worker and recently started her own business where she provides individual, couple, and family therapy. Out of all of the amazing people who volunteer for YEA, Gabby is the only one who can have you committed.

Name: Paul Ahlstrom

Organization(s): vSpring Capital

Biography: Paul is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building companies. Prior to vSpring, Paul founded and served as CEO of Knowlix, a venture-backed knowledge management software company aimed at the customer support market, which he successfully sold in 1999. Paul graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Communications.

Other: Audio Clip: Listen to Paul talk about why teenagers make great entrepreneurs.

Name: Bill Aho

Organization(s): ClearPlay

Biography: Bill has a successful background in some of the world’s leading corporations (Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Darden Restaurants). He is currently a partner with McFarland Strategy Partners but he has also served as CEO of two technology companies (most recently at ClearPlay). Bill has been featured in Forbes and appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines and electronic media. He was also named to the V100 as one of Utah’s top entrepreneurs in 2006 and 2007.

Name: Jason Alba

Organization(s): JibberJobber.com

Biography: Jason was actually looking for a job when he came across the idea for JibberJobber. In January 2006 he learned that searching for a job during a “job seeker’s market” was still a very inefficient and needlessly complicated process. His quest to develop useful job-seeking tools led to the development of JibberJobber.com which has become a personal relationship manager that allows you to do everything you need to do to manage a job search and optimize your network relationships - for the duration of your career!

Name: Rick Alden

Organization(s): SkullCandy

Biography: Rick is the CEO and founder of Skullcandy. Rick created a lifestlye technology brand that integrates cell phone and audio switching so the active lifestyle can easily switch from tunes to voice calls. Rick's 15 years of snowboard event and pro tour planning allowed him to understand the psychographics of the Skullcandy target customer and create an authentic alternative and lifestyle brand.

Name: Kelly Anderson

Organization(s): Sweet & Charming

Biography: Kelly started Sweet & Charming while completing her Master’s Degree at BYU. Working with the BYU Center for Entrepreneurship she won several awards in national business plan competitions without ever taking a business class. Mrs. Anderson is a networking princess and has created a popular blog/organization called Start Up Princess.com. Kelly is married to an entrepreneur and is the mother of three, she is also a very active Trustee of One Heart Bulgaria, a non-profit organization for Bulgarian orphans.

Name: Karen Andrews

Organization(s): Kassing/Andrews Advertising, Scrap Book USA

Biography: Karen Andrews Seen here in her first mug shot, Karen has caused mischief and mayhem for decades leaving a ruthless trail of victims in her wake. Together with her partner in crime, she currently runs the dual fronts of Kassing/Andrews Advertising and Scrap Book USA, both are believed to serve as a front to her more devious activities.

Name: Jason Barber

Organization(s): Seatability

Biography:After earning graduating from BYU Jason Barber started Seatability with his best friend in the early spring of 2005 and has invested everything to make it a great company. Seatability manufactures and distributes contemporarily designed office furniture products throughout the USA and other markets. In early 2007 Jason launched a second company, (Elasticity LLC) with a new line of products scheduled soon.

Name: Andy Barfuss

Organization(s): Hamilton Park, Inc

Biography: Andy Barfuss is currently the co-founder and vice-president of Hamilton Park, Inc. He developed the idea from conception and has expanded it into a multi-million dollar company in only twenty-four months. Mr. Barfuss has also been affiliated with Wasden Home Builders, Inc., NEXTLink Affinity, ITC Long Distance, and Bellwether Technologies, Inc.

Name: Larry Benson

Organization(s): Visual Elements

Biography: Larry is the Founder and President of Visual Elements, an agency responsible for developing and maintaining the consumer perception and corporate image of many companies across the country. During his 16 years of experience in Corporate Branding and Marketing his influence can be seen in companies such as Reebok, Harley Davidson, Disney, the NFL and the NBA. Mr. Benson has served on the Board of Directors of YEA since its inception and is a major reason why this Summit is so successful.

Name: Leslee Benson

Organization(s): Visual Elements

Biography: Leslee's main job is to make sure her husband does what he is told. She finds this very difficult and at times, pointless. Even though she may not recognize it, Leslee has a naturally brilliant entrepreneurial mind. She is a master organizer and a closet author and a very valuable resource for YEA.

Name: Brad Bertoch

Organization(s): Wayne Brown Institute

Biography: Brad is President of the Wayne Brown Institute, a nonprofit venture accelerator dedicated to improving the human condition through entrepreneurship. Under his direction, the Institute has maintained the oldest and most successful venture accelerator program in the country with participating in an Institute venture conference having raised over $1.2 billion in private equity.

Name: Brian Beutler

Organization(s): Alianza

Biography: Brian is CEO / Founder of Alianza Global Communication Services, the leading provider of virtual IP telecommunications technology in Latin America. Headquartered in SLC, Alianza has been named as one of the 25 fastest-growing companies in Utah for 2005 and 2006. Mr. Beutler has also been recognized by the Utah Technology Council as the “2005 Emerging CXO of the Year.” Prior to Alianza, Mr. Beutler was the President of BeeLine Long Distance. He attended BYU, where he continues to lecture on entrepreneurship.

Name: Leonard Black

Organization(s): University of Utah

Biography: Leonard is the Director of the University of Utah's Entrepreneur Program and also runs the Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center.

Name: Clayton Blackham

Organization(s): Snapp Conner PR

Biography: Clayton is a senior PR associate at Snapp Conner PR and has an extensive knowledge in technology and sports public relations. Clayton has been responsible for a variety of company and product launches including Sharp Analytics, Shade Clothing and T-Splines. While the majority of his background is in the technology sector, Clayton has also executed media and community relations initiatives while working for the Utah Jazz’s PR department.

Name: Brock Blake

Organization(s): Funding Universe

Biography: Brock leads the strategy and execution of FundingUniverse. With his passion for entrepreneurship he is regularly asked to speak at conferences across the U.S.. At age 24, he was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of the 2006 Top 40 Under 40 business professionals in Utah and was selected by his peers to vSpring Capital’s v100 list. Previously, he served as CEO of KnowMarketing, LLC,. He is a graduate of BYU and is happily married with one child.

Name: Bryan Boam

Organization(s): NCSi

Biography: Bryan is the Founder of Network Consulting Services, Inc., a networking consulting company. He has 15 years of experience in Information Technology including Chief Network Architect at First Security Bank of Utah and Chief Network Architect and Administrator at Megahertz Corporation. His prior company, Network Engineering, Inc. was acquired by a Questar, Inc. in 1999.

Favorite Entreprenuerial Quote: "See a need, fill a need."

Recommended Reading: "Reading? Doesn't that spoil the movie?"

Other: Audio Clip: Listen to Bryan talk about his first entrepreneurial experience.

Name: Jan Boam

Organization(s): Outdoor Photography, NCSi

Biography: In addition to running NCSi and being the mother of four (including triplets), Jan runs her own photography studio in her "spare" time. Jan has her undergraduate in Sports Medicine from the University of Utah. She is an amazing individual and her talents are greatly appreciated at YEA.

Name: Travis Bonino

Organization(s): Salsa Leedos Mexican Grill

Biography: Travis Bonino is the founder of Salsa Leedos Mexican Grill. Salsa Leedos was started in 2002 in Sandy. The restaurant, located in West Jordan, also provides catering services across the valley. Travis also supports the schools D.A.R.E. programs by providing free lunch to 90 schools amounting to 13,000 students yearly.

Name: Mitch Brinton

Organization(s): Campus Pipeline, The Markers Club

Biography: Mitch Brinton is the co-founder of The Markers Club, an exclusive equity ownership golf club focused on amazing golf destinations around the world. Mitch is also the co-founder of Campus Pipeline, Inc., where he helped take the company from three founders to over 300 employees as the company raised over $80 million and signed over 400 universities.

Name: Dallas Browning

Organization(s): Ascend Six

Biography: Dallas recently graduated from the University of Utah with a double major in Marketing and Business Administration.  After having worked in Sales, Marketing and Software Engineering, Dallas is now starting his own venture called Consumer Creative. The company’s web site, theAdCompetition.com will enable consumers to competitively create and broadcast commercials for their favorite companies. Dallas is excited to be a part of YEA, and wishes only that it had been around while he was in high school.

Name: Jeff Crane

Organization(s): OceanGrown International, Uplej, HotSaints.com

Biography: Jeff started his own small business of buying and selling cars for a profit before the age of 18. Then he started multiple brick and mortar and Internet businesses but found that being a “middle man” was the best business for him. While his formal education came from Cypress College and UVSC, most of Jeff’s education came by “Getting his hands dirty” founding businesses such as; CreditCardRates.com, HomeClassifieds.com, HotSaints.com. He is co- founder of OceanGrown, International and founder of Uplej.com.

Name: Cathy Crowder

Organization(s): Wells Fargo Bank

Biography: Cathy has eleven years in the banking industry, with experience in sales, lending, retail banking and management. She is primarily responsible for working with clients in assessing their current and future credit needs and ensuring that they benefit from our range of deposit and transaction services. Mrs. Crowder is actively engaged in the community and serves on the Board of YEA. She has a degree in Psychology and is the Development Coordinator of Layton Christian Academy.

Name: Cindy DeHart

Organization(s): Novell

Biography: Cindy has been a great volunteer for YEA and has a talent for driving projects forward. She has a clear vision of the end game and is able to cover all the details necessary to make sure she gets there.

Name: Ilene Dickamore

Organization(s): America First Credit Union

Biography: Ilene is currently a Business Development Officer in the Bus. Lending & Bus. Services departments at America First Credit Union. 20 years of service. Consumer senior loan officer, former branch manager, former internal Bus. Development Manager responsible for internal sales development & training. Moved to Bus. Lending Department as BDO in June 2006. Conventional business loans (secured and unsecured) and SBA loans are primary focus.

Name: Carolyn Duncan

Organization(s): The Hundred Dollar Business

Biography: Carolynn loves the energy involved in entrepreneurship and startup companies. She recently worked at Provo Labs and TagJungle, as well as other local startups. Currently, she is involved in "The Hundred Dollar Business" an experiment that applies 10 business principles and a $100 budget to start a business and turn a profit in 30 days.

Name: Adam Edmunds

Organization(s): SilentWhistle / Allegiance

Biography: Adam hit on an idea to help companies comply with Sarbanes-Oxley section 301 and founded SilentWhistle in 2004. The company, now Allegiance, provides companies with open channels of communication to help them guard against unethical practices and helps break down communication barriers. Edmunds was the 2004 BYU Entrepreneur of the Year and was named to the 2005 vSpring v|100 list.

Name: Alan Edwards

Organization(s): Kunzler & Associates

Biography: Alan earned his law degree from Duke University, with a bachelor’s in physics and master’s in communications from Utah State University. He has practiced in New York and Salt Lake City. Alan has experience in all aspects of intellectual property law, including trade secrets, litigation avoidance, copyrights, and licensing. With a strong understanding of superconductors, and atmospheric phenomena, as well as computer modeling of oil well logging tools.

Name: Eric Eliason

Organization(s): Meosphere

Biography: Eric started Meosphere.com when he took his family on a summer internship to Brussels. He realized that his two year old daughter was accumulating interesting life points by visiting London, Paris, etc. and had already visited 25 states and 7 countries. Wanting to capture those experiences but realizing that a printed book just wouldn’t do the trick, Meoshphere was born.  Now anyone can capture the important events of their lives and share them with others by joining in the fun at www.meosphere.com.

Name: Beau Erekson

Organization(s): NCSi

Biography: Beau is currently in charge of Sales for NCSi. He is finishing his undergradute studies at the Universtiy of Utah and we all know that it is only a matter of time until he starts a new venture of his own.

Name: Christian Faulconer

Organization(s): CrimeReports.com

Biography: Christian Faulconer started his first business in college and sold it to pay for graduate school. He is currently co-founder and COO of Public Engines, provider of the CrimeReports.com service. Previously, Christian founded an analytics portal provider which he sold to iCrossing, the world’s largest multimedia agency.  Christian attended BYU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting and information systems.

Name: Michael Flynn

Organization(s): Economic Development Corporation of Utah

Biography: Michael is the Director of National Business Development at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah where he works closely with the governor’s office to recruit biotech, information technology and industrial development companies to relocate to the great State of Utah.

Name: Martin Frey

Organization(s): Connect, LLC

Biography : Martin served as the Managing Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development until May 2006. Previously, Frey was employed at Cisco Systems, a Silicon Valley-based technology company. Mr. Frey holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from BYU, and completed Harvard’s advanced management program. Frey is currently a Sr. Partner with Connect LLC and is an adventure racing and tennis enthusiast.

Name: Marcial Hales

Organization(s): My Girlfriend's Kitchen

Biography: Marcia has food in her blood and a fire in her belly.  Her passion is the bustling world of Girlfriend operations—including all-important menu development, ingredient sourcing, facility build-out and operations management. Born and raised in Ohio, with a BA in graphic design from American University in Washington, D.C., Marcia worked in restaurants as a teen, as an adult and owned quite a few too. Including the acclaimed Juniper at the Snowed Inn in Park City.

Name: Josh Heath

Organization(s): SnappConner PR

Biography: Josh Heath has a diverse PR background ranging from the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office to FranklinCovey.  His experience has included implementing an anti-sexual violence campaign for Salt Lake City and writing for the LDS Church’s Newsroom Website.  Prior experience also includes working in protective operations for the LDS Church. 

Name: Lt. Governor, Gary Herbert

Organization(s): State of Utah

Biography: Gary Richard Herbert is Utah's sixth Lieutenant Governor and was elected on November 2, 2004. Prior to his election as Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Herbert served 14 years on the Utah County Commission, earning many awards for his civic and community service. A Realtor(R) by profession, Mr. Herbert is also a veteran of the Utah Army National Guard.

Name: Rachael Herrscher

Organization(s): TodaysMama

Biography: At age 7, Rachael Herrscher gave credit to magic socks for helping her score winning goals for her soccer team. Some of that magic must have rubbed off, for the CEO of TodaysMama has continued to score big ever since. With job experience ranging from medical recruiting to adoption services outreach, Rachael brings her personal touch to the marketing and strategic direction of TodaysMama. Rachael is the proud Mama of toddlers Josh and Addie.

Make sure you read Rachel's Blog. She Rocks!

Name: Arkin Hill

Organization(s): Lumin Publishing

Biography: Arkin Hill grew up in Las Cruces, NM before earning an MBA from BYU. In 1999 he entered the magazine publishing industry in sales. After working for Utah Business Magazine as an Advertising Director, and at Wasatch Digital iQ as the Publisher, Arkin founded Lumin Publishing in February 2003. Mr. Arkin married Jenny Miller from Taylorsville, Utah in 1994. They are the parents of six children-four boys and two girls. They live in West Jordan, Utah.

Name: Tim Hunt

Organization(s): Lingotek

Biography: Tim Hunt is the founder and CEO of Lingotek backed by Flywheel Ventures out of New Mexico. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur Tim supervised scripture translation for the LDS Church worldwide where he was responsible for about 85 of the current 105 translations the Church has produced. While getting his MBA, Tim took first place in a statewide business plan competition winning $40,000 and also took first place in an international business plan competition.

Name: Dave Hunter

Organization(s): HaleStorm Entertainment

Biography: Dave Hunter was a successful real estate developer for ten years before teaming up with long-time friend Kurt Hale as co-founders of HaleStorm to take the movie business by storm. Their first production, “Singles Ward” grossed over $1.25 million at the box office entirely through an in-house, self-distribution model. Follow-up movies include “The R.M.,” “The Home Teachers,” “The Best Two Years,” “Baptists At Our Barbecue,” “Suits on the Loose,” and “Mobsters and Mormons,” and “Church Ball.”

Name: Jennifer Jackenthal

Organization(s): My Girlfriend's Kitchen

Biography: Jennifer has lived and worked all over the world.  Her pilot Dad was based in Europe where she was born and spent her first 12 years.  Jen graduated from Oregon State University as Senior Class President with a BA in Marketing.  She then entered fashion retail, jumping between May Company, Casual Corner and Macy’s in Portland, Connecticut and San Francisco—as Buyer and Merchandise Planner responsible for annual sales of $90+ million.

Name: Wade Jensen

Organization(s): IT OutSource

Biography: Wade Jensen started his first business while still in high school. He is currently Is the founder and CEO of IT OutSource, a wireless automated service network that designs efficiency plans for small, medium and large corporations.

Name: Kimberly Johnson

Organization(s): Disney / Marriott

Biography: Kimberly Johnson Born and raised in Seattle, Kimberly has a background in hospitality, corporate training, and sales. She has worked  with various companies including Disney, Marriott, Hewlett Packard, and Franklin Covey Coaching. Mrs. Johnson currently manages a fledgling fashion accessories business and has a a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University. As a Program Coordinator, Kim plays a very important role in the YEA program.

Name: Kim Jones

Organization(s): Vérité

Biography: Kim founded Vérité based upon a vision for taking media to a digital communications platform.  After twelve years in Silicon Valley marketing and selling everything from high-end file servers and workstations to programmable chips, Kim Jones moved to Utah for a change.  As CEO of Vérité she is focused on digital production for sales, marketing and training communications as well as web-based business applications.  

Name: Gaylen Jorgensen

Organization(s): Let’s Play Sports, Inc.

Biography: Gaylen is part owner of Let’s Play Sports, Inc., a corporation that owns and operates 16 indoor soccer facilities in eight states. Locations in Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Ogden, and Lindon, have proven that Gaylen is not the only avid soccer enthusiast in Utah.  For nearly 20 Years, Let’s Play Sports has provided youth and adults year round opportunity to play soccer in Utah. Gaylen, his wife, and 5 children live in West Jordan, and enjoy spending time together outdoors.

Name: Damon Kirchmeier

Organization(s): UTFC

Biography: Damon is Chief Operating Officer of UTFC Financing Solutions, LLC. He has funded more than 50 companies to date and sits as an advisor on several boards.  He is a frequent speaker on raising capital and is active in the Utah entrepreneurial community. Damon is also the 2003 silver medalist, 2004 bronze medalist and 2006 National Champion at the masters mountain biking World Championships.

Name: Dave Lamson

Organization(s): NCSi

Biography: Dave is an attorney who never practiced law. Instead, he took his passion for hockey and turned it into a 12-year business as the founder of Salt Lake Dek Hockey. He is currently working at NCSi but it won't be long before we see Dave start his next venture.

Name: Alex Lawrence

Organization(s): Lawrence Capital Management, Godfather's Pizza

Biography: Alex's investments include, but are not limited to, real estate, rental properties, commercial developments, stocks, operating entities, limited partnerships, food franchises and other minority equity interests in a variety of operating businesses in Utah and Idaho. Current operating businesses include multi-state, multi-unit operations for Godfather's Pizza, LoveSac and TGIFriday's.

Name: Kent Madsen

Organization(s): Wasatch Venture Fund

Biography: - Prior to joining Wasatch Venture Fund, Kent worked for Ford Motor Company in the Advanced Technology Group. While there, he developed mathematical and computational models for analyzing vehicle aerodynamic and thermodynamic properties and systems. He then transferred to Ford's China Operations where he helped write, present and negotiate joint venture proposals. Mr. Madsen then relocated to China to manage the Product Development of a newly established joint venture in China. Mr. Madsen has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He also has a M.S.E. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in International Studies. His M.B.A. is from Wharton.

Name: Joyce Mathie

Organization(s): Sargent Steam

Biography: At the age of 60 when all her friends were ending their careers, Joyce started up a fabulous new company selling steam cleaners. It began with her infectious enthusiasm for a remarkable product that literally changed her life. Health problems were keeping her from cleaning her own house in the conventional ways but her steam cleaner performed some pretty remarkable tasks and she became a strong advocate of a revolutionary product.

Name: Ned Maxfield

Organization(s): Utah Angels Network

Biography: Ned is currently responsible for Business Development with Solomon Technology Solutions. He is also the president of the Utah Angels Network (not affiliated with the Utah Angels). The Utah Angels Network website site offers an online matching service where investors and entrepreneurs register and then interact online in a fashion somewhat similar to a dating Web site. www.utahangelnetwork.com

Name: Larry H. Miller

Organization(s): Larry H. Miller Group

Biography: Larry is a native of Salt Lake City.  He married his high school sweetheart, Gail Saxton, three years after graduating from West High School.  Larry and Gail have 5 children and 22 grandchildren.

Larry is best known for the Utah Jazz, the Energy Solutions Arena, Jordan Commons and his other movie theatres, the Salt Lake Bees and Miller Motor Sports Park in Tooele. He is actively involved in many civic affairs and philanthropic endeavors.

Name: Matthew Miller

Organization(s): Informera Corporation

Biography: Matt started his first business at the age of 14. A year later, Miller Computing reached $60,000 in annual sales. While attending BYU, Matthew developed the idea for Informera Corporation which currently offers advertisers access to highly targeted captive audiences in restaurant waiting areas.

Name: Nancy Mitchell

Organization(s): Women's Business Center, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

Biography: Nancy Mitchell is a local business consultant specializing in start-up businesses, mentoring, and certification for women and minority owned businesses. For 10 years she was with the Women's Business Center at the Salt Lake Chamber, most of them as its executive director. Nancy is committed to the concept of role models to inspire others and has promoted successful entrepreneurs through various awards programs. She recently received a lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts from the Salt Lake Chamber.

Name: Ryan Money

Organization(s): HireVue

Biography: Ryan is currently the CEO/Founder of HireVue. He has a full understanding what it takes to start and operate a new business and has the tools and persistence to take an idea from a nothing to a flourishing and healthy company. Ryan was selected as one of V-Spring capitals top one hundred entrepreneurs. He was also chosen by Connect Magazine as one of the four up incoming entrepreneurs. He sits on the Foundation Board at Westminster College along with the Weber State Entrepreneurial Association. Ryan co-founded the Utah Bloggers Association www.UtahBloggers.com.

Name: Kent Moon

Organization(s): Member Business Lending

Biography: Kent has been active in the national small business market for over 30 years. Previously, Mr. Moon was a Senior Vice President of Zions First National Bank and was also the District Director of the Salt Lake City office of the U. S. Small Business Administration, which overviewed the development of all of SBA loan programs. Mr. Moon has also written numerous articles and books on small business and American Capitalism.

Name: Jeff Morris

Organization(s): MWI

Biography: Jeff has been involved in entrepreneurship since an early age when he did the typical lawn care, candy stand businesses. In college I started a web development company. After college, I started Rustico with two partners and built the company to $1 million in sales. After selling the business last December I’ve started a garage flooring company and an emergency preparedness company. Mr. Moss is currently VP for MWI. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Political Science and serves as a city council member for Saratoga Springs.

Name: Ryan Nelson

Organization(s): Tennis Universe

Biography: Ryan founded Tennis Universe with an undying love of the sport. It's main goal is to help high school tennis coaches.Tennis Universe provides many free services to help coaches and players learn the great lifetime sport of tennis and is committed to improving the game of tennis for high school tennis programs, and the community as a whole. 

Name: Shawn Nelson

Organization(s): LoveSac, Virgin Airlines

Biography: Shawn is a creative, intelligent, savvy, determined entrepreneur.  One of his most remarkable achievements is his recent success on FOX’s The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best where he went on to win $1 million and a three-month position as President of Virgin Worldwide with a future opportunity to lead one of Virgin’s newest ventures.

Name: Steve Nelson

Organization(s): Unishippers

Biography: With over $230 million in annual revenues, Unishippers is the largest reseller of transportation services in the U.S.. Aggregating approximately 275 franchises who serve more than 50,000 customers throughout the U.S., Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Unishippers as the number 1 company in the Business Services category from 1992 to 2000 and has been listed repeatedly in Franchise Times’ Top 200 franchises.

Name: Scott Nichols

Organization(s): CourtClerk.net

Biography: Scott founded CourtClerk.net in Princeton, New Jersey in 2002. Mr. Nichols recognized that attorneys were spending a disproportionate amount of their time trying to generate business rather than generating revenue by interacting with clients. Mr. Nichols started CourtClerk.net to provide marketing services that immediately generate revenue for law firms.

Name: Jeremy Nielson

Organization(s): Utah Fund of Funds

Biography: Jeremy is the Venture Manager of the Utah Fund of Funds; a $100 Million Fund of Funds that invests in private equity and venture capital funds committed to Utah companies.  Mr. Neilson was previously an associate with the University Venture Fund, and also worked as a consultant with Neilson Elggren, a forensic accounting firm.  Mr. Neilson holds a B.S. in Business Management from BYU, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Utah and a J.D. from Wake Forest.

Name: Leslie Norris

Organization(s): Snapp/Norris Group

Biography: Leslie is co-founder and managing partner of Snapp Norris Group, Inc. (SNG). She is a seasoned marketing communications professional that has delivered world-class strategic marketing counsel, public relations and advertising/promotional programs over the course of her 26 year career. Leslie has received numerous industry awards and recognition for her achievements, including Top 30 Women to Watch in 2006 and vSpring’s Top 100 Entrepreneur List 2006.

Name: Bob O'Connor

Organization(s): Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Biography: Bob O'Connor is the managing partner of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's Salt Lake City office. Bob's practice focuses on helping technology and growth companies form, organize and capitalize businesses, raise capital through private and public debt and equity financings, and buy and sell companies and technologies.

Name: Erin Olsen

Organization(s): Haute and Prim

Biography: Erin Olsen Ever since Erin was a little girl, she has been surrounded by entrepreneurship. She spent ten years in the fashion world doing everything from modeling to designing to sales. She has lived and worked in China, India, Italy, Germany, and NYC and visited more than 15 countries. Recently she started her own business helping youth (www.hauteandprim.com). She has also been a talent director, ski instructor, and a campaign staffer for the Huntsman Campaign for Governor. Her in-depth knowledge of many different industries serves as a crucial resource for women who are pursuing entrepreneurship."

Name: Rudy Ortiz

Organization(s): Small Business Development Center

Biography: Rudy Ortiz is currently Assistant Director of the Salt Lake Region SBDC. His academic background consists of an MBA in International Business and a BBA in Management, both from Texas A&M. Mr. Ortiz has served as GM and CFO for Quicktruss, Inc. and provides consulting services to emerging technical companies. He was Chair of the Texas Senate’s sub-committee on Trade and Technology in Corpus Christi and was appointed by the Corpus Christi City Council as a Board Member of the City’s Business Opportunity Committee.

Name: Don Osmond

Organization(s): Snapp Conner PR

Biography: Don Osmond is a senior associate specializing in technology. He currently serves as a key member of the Alianza, Cemaphore and Central Logic accounts, focusing on media relations and executive positioning. He also supports day to day account activities on other accounts including Cymphonix and UTC. His previous experience includes work with clients such as Dell, Nike, Darden and Capgemini. Don is a graduate of BYU and is currently a member of PRSA Salt Lake City Chapter.

Name: Dinesh Patel

Organization(s): vSpring Capital

Biography: Dr. Patel is a Managing Director and Founding Partner of vSpring Capital, an early stage venture capital fund with $125 million under management. Dr. Patel is also the Founder, Chairman, President & CEO of Ashni Naturaceuticals, Inc. a company that specializes in the research, development and marketing of clinically tested and patent-protected naturaceutical products. In 1999, Dr Patel Co-founded and was the Chairman of Salus Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including antisense and gene therapy drugs. Born and raised in Zambia, Africa Dr Patel got his undergraduate degree from India and his doctorate degree from University of Michigan. Dr Patel and his wife, Kalpana and children, Ashish and Avni reside in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Name: Stephanie Peterson

Organization(s): Today's Mama

Biography: Stephanie Peterson is CFO of TodaysMama (www.todaysmama.com). This nine-time marathon competitor is also a project manager in the construction industry. Aside from building homes, she stays busy building TodaysMama by overseeing the financial and expansion plans of the organization and keeps herself grounded by caring for Logan and Lincoln.

Name: Greg Peterson

Organization(s): GH Peterson Holdings, DuraTuff, Mirus Advisors

Biography: Mr. Peterson is the founder and Managing Partner of Aptus Advisors. Mr. Peterson created Aptus as a platform to provide services and technologies that enable transactions for private companies and investors. In addition to Aptus, Mr. Peterson has been managing a portfolio of investment positions in manufacturing, online technologies, and advisory services for GH Peterson Holdings for more than 7 years.

Name: Scott Petty

Organization(s): vSpring Capital

Biography: Scott is a managing director at vSpring Capital. Prior to vSpring, Scott was COO of Zuka Juice when it grew from its first store to 96 retail units and over 400 employees.  Scott has also worked as a consultant with Bain & Company focusing on re-engineering more than 16 companies. Scott serves on the Board of Directors of the Lassonde New Venture Development Center, and the National Directors Council at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Scott received a BS in Economics from BYU and an MBA from Harvard.

Name: Gary Rhodes

Organization(s): Brigham Young University

Biography: Gary Rhodes is a Professor of Marketing at BYU and holds the Stephen Mack Covey Professorship awarded by the Center of Entrepreneurship.  As an active researcher in entrepreneurial marketing strategy, his work focuses on identifying marketing tactics that accelerate company growth. He has published works in numerous journals and sits on the advisory board of a number of start-up companies. Mr. Rhodes received his B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry and MBA from Idaho State and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech.

Name: John Richards

Organization(s): Brigham Young University

Biography: John Richards teaches entrepreneurship, e-business, and management consulting in the Marriott School of Management and the School of Technology at BYU.  John has been an active founder, investor, mentor, coach, consultant, board member, and participant in dozens of entrepreneurial ventures and business enterprises.  A frequent speaker, John remains active as an investor in businesses and mentor and consultant to entrepreneurs.  John, age 45, his wife Susan, and their children reside in Provo, Utah.

Name: Craig Salmon

Organization(s): Salmon HVAC

Biography: Craig grew up in Utah where he graduated from Viewmont High School. Ongoing education included HVAC, and Electrical.  He started a business with Father Eugene Salmon, and Mark Alder in 1979 upon his return from the Rapid City South Dakota Mission. This business was sold in 1998. He is currently the President of Salmon HVAC, a company he started in 2002.

Name: Yeah Samake

Organization(s): Daily Dose Foundation

Biography: Yeah has a comprehensive training in policy analysis, program evaluation, and alternative solution formulation. He has experience in design and evaluation of international development projects. He administered surveys with individuals and groups in 72 villages in his native country of Mali, West Africa.  Mr. Samake holds a Master of Public Policy from Brigham Young University.

Name: Dr. Brett Savage

Organization(s): Next Phase Advisers

Biography: Brett was born and reared in the deserts of Arizona. He is the author of several publications, workshops, articles and other business intellectual property. He holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Masters in Education and Doctorate in Theoretical Philosophical Psychology. General Manager of Next Phase Advisers, and has over 25 years experience in consulting/training and facilitating change for executives, management, unions, work teams, and families.

Name: Jim Shea

Organization(s): U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist - Skeleton

Biography: Jim’s athletic career began as a driver for 2-man and 4-man bobsleds. In 1995 he moved on to the extreme sport of Skeleton and was recognized as the rookie of the year. After winning the World Championship in Altenberg, Germany, Jim returned home and presented the trophy to Mitt Romney, the President of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. Shea taught him about the dangerous sport of Skeleton and convinced Romeny to reintroduce Skeleton as an Olympic sport, an event that had not taken place since the 1948 Winter Olympics.

Name: Chris Shoff

Organization(s): Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati

Biography: Chris is a corporate and securities attorney in the Salt Lake City office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Chris' practice focuses on the representation of public and private corporations, private emerging growth companies and venture capital firms. He has transactional experience in mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and venture-capital financings. Chris joined the Salt Lake City office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in 2002 after participating in the firms summer associate program in Kirkland, Washington in 2001. Chris received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and received his B.S. summa cum laude in economics from Weber State University in 1999. He currently serves on the Dean's Advisory Board of Weber State University's John B. Goddard School of Business and Economics. He is a member of the Utah State Bar association.

Name: Shad Slaughter

Organization(s): Utah Truffles / Crèv

Biography: Shad is currently an owner of Utah Truffles. He loves small business. Mr. Slaughter recently received his MBA from Westminster College and decided to throw his education and savings into a small chocolate company with amazing possibilities.

Name: Chad Smith

Organization(s): C3 Home Solutions

Biography: Chad was raised in Colorado Springs, where he spent several years working in various capacities in the low-voltage industry. Mr. Smith has a B.S. in Business Management and was selected for the Junto Revolution 2006 Group.  Currently Smith owns and operates C3 Home Solutions and is one of the partners running dailymemories.com.

Name: Cheryl Snapp

Organization(s): Snapp Norris Group

Biography: Cheryl Snapp Conner is co-founder, Partner and Executive Director of Public Relations Services for Snapp Norris Group, Inc. (SNG). Cheryl is an award-winning public relations professional whose experience over the course of her career has been balanced between agency provider and internal corporate communications direction.

Name: Joshua Steimle

Organization(s): MWI

Biography: Josh is the President of MWI, a web development firm he started with a loan through Zion’s Bank. His previous business, Mindwire won the Business Plan Competition at BYU and was sold in 2003 to Avalon Digital, a NASDAQ-listed firm. His an avid skateboarder / snowboarder who has been creating business plans and branding strategies since the fourth grade. He also keeps a blog at www.donloper.com

Name: Todd Stevens

Organization(s): Wasatch Venture Fund

Biography: Todd is the founder and Managing Director of Wasatch Venture Fund. Mr. Stevens oversees the operations of four venture capital funds with assets of over $200 million. Prior to founding Wasatch, Mr. Stevens worked as a consultant, Treasurer of a Utah based publicly traded company and as a real estate development executive. He has raised capital and invested over $500 million in private and public companies. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Management from the University of Utah, cum laude. He also received a Master in Business Administration degree from Harvard University graduating with honors.  

Name: Tom Stockham

Organization(s): MyFamily.com, Ticketmaster

Biography: - Tom Stockham is the former president and chief executive officer of MyFamily.com, Inc. Tom came to MyFamily from Ticketmaster (TMCS), the world's leading ticketing and access company. During Tom's tenure as leader of the electronic ticketing organization (1999-2001), online ticket sales increased 146 percent to more than $1 billion annually, and revenue grew more than 200 percent. Tom was a founder of Sonic Innovations (SNCI), a publicly traded hearing health company, and guided the company from start-up through series B funding. Tom holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Name: Matt Stubbs

Organization(s): Snapp Conner PR

Biography: Matt Stubbs has a background of broadcast media spanning both television and radio. He has worked as a television camera operator, news producer and technical director. Matt recently worked at KSL Radio as the Executive Producer of The Nightside Project. Under his direction the show moved to a # 1 slot at night and gained national attention with syndication in SLC, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington DC. Matt currently works Snapp-Connor PR and received a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Spanish from BYU.

Name: Steve Theobald

Organization(s): Redstone Design

Biography: Steve is the President of Redstone Design, a promotional products marketing firm he founded in 1995. He was previously the founder of Utopia Sport designs and paid for college by running his own asphalt seal coating business. He holds a BA from BYU where he served as President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs for two years.

Name: Kent Thomas

Organization(s): CFO Solutions

Biography: Kent is the founder and managing member of CFO Solutions, L.L.C.. Since 1996 Kent and his team have served over seventy client companies ranging from startup to $30 Million + in annual revenues. Their clients have raised more than $180 Million in equity, debt and lease financing. Kent was named to the v|Spring Capital Top 100 Venture Entrepreneurs of 2005.

Name: Kimball Thomson

Organization(s): Next Phase

Biography: Kimball Thomson is president & CEO of the Next Phase family of companies, which includes Next Phase Communications, PR and marketing; Next Phase Advisors, strategy and organizational development; and Next Phase Publishing, publishing consulting. Kimball has more than 15 years experience in communications, marketing and business development strategy. A prolific writer / editor, Kimball edits Business Utah, the State of Utah’s annual economic development publication and Digital iQ magazine, which he founded, and is a contributing editor of Utah Business magazine. He is the author of Utah: Life Elevated (which will be published in Q4 2007) and multiple issues of The Utah Facts Book. Kimball graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and did his MBA work at BYU.

Name: Carey VanOrden

Organization(s): Ascend Six, GH Peterson

Biography:Carey VanOrden Carey is an expert in marketing strategy and communications. She runs the marketing for several of the GH Peterson portfolio companies. Her contributions include the go-to-market strategy, customer communications, Internet presence, and other marketing deliverables. She holds a B.A. in advertising and an M.B.A. from BYU. Ms. Van Orden also does independent marketing consulting to several high-growth, early stage ventures.

Name: Vicki Varela

Organization(s): Kennecott Land

Biography: Vicki is responsible for management of all community and political issues by working with public officials, media and the community. Before joining Kennecott Land in November 2002, Mrs. Varela was previously Deputy Chief of Staff for Utah Governor Michael Leavitt. Mrs. Varela has 25 years of experience in public policy, strategic communications and journalism, including running statewide issues campaigns, and roles as Utah Assistant Commissioner of Higher Education and Deseret News Education Editor.

Name: Evan Walker

Organization(s): w Talent Agency / w Brands

Biography: Evan started his first business at the age of 15. The company did about $100,000 in sales the first year and became a multi-million dollar company within 3 years. With a bit of foresight and luck he sold the Internet based business 6 months before the dot com crash at the age of 19. With several years of modeling experience and a successful business, Evan wanted to mold his passion for modeling and business together. He opened W models in October 2002 and now represents over 500 of Utah’s top models and actors.

Listen as Evan talks about "Passion over Profits"

Name: Greg Warnock

Organization(s): vSpring Capital, Junto Partners

Biography: Greg is one of the most active private equity investors in Utah, having invested in 18 companies during the 12 years preceding the formation of vSpring. He was the founder of Precision Data Link, which he sold in 1998. He was principle in more than 20 M&A transactions prior to vSpring that have given Greg a deep understanding of the ingredients of successful private equity investing.

Name: Gary Williams

Organization(s): Brigham Young University

Biography: Gary teaches entrepreneurial strategy and new venture financing at the Center for Entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University where he also runs the country’s largest single-school Business Plan Competition. He serves on numerous Boards and is the former CEO of the Sterling Wentworth Corporation.

Name: Ken Woolley

Organization(s): Extra Space Storage

Biography: Ken started his first business at age 13 distributing collectable postage stamps. In high school, he operated his own TV repair business. In college, he provided much of the financing for his BA in physics, and both his MBA and Ph.D. in business through importing and selling antique cars from England.  In 1978, Mr. Woolley left his employer to found Extra Space Storage, and to become an Associate Professor of Business at Brigham Young University. Under his leadership, Extra Space Storage has grown to a company of over 300 employees, and $650 million in real estate assets in 13 states.

Name: Terry Wood

Organization(s): KTVX Channel 4 news Anchor

Biography: Terry began his journalism career in 1968 as a radio anchor and reporter in Dallas, Texas. He has since worked in Lubbock, Salt Lake City, New Orleans, Atlanta and is now back in Utah. You can catch Terry each weekday night as he anchors the KTVX Channel 4 News Team at 10:00 p.m.

Name: Dano Ybarra

Organization(s): FlowPoint

Biography: Dano has over 10 years experience in the telecommunications industry and an additional 13 years in the information publishing industry. His most recent start-up (FlowPoint) makes broadband routers specifically designed for DSL. While serving at the helm, the company grew from $800,000 to $32 million in annual sales in an eighteen month period. FlowPoint continued to grow to over $120 million a year in revenues until it was acquired by Efficient Networks for $1.2 Billion. Mr. Ybarra holds a B.S. in Computer Science.

Name: Dan "the Laptop Man" Young

Organization(s): PC Laptops

Biography: Dan (“The Laptop Man”) is the founder and president of Sandy, Utah-based PC Laptops LLC. Born in 1971 and raised in Southern California, Young is a first-generation American. His parents emigrated from China to the United States in the late 1930s to escape repression and the early throes of World War II. His first entrepreneurial efforts selling T-shirts, sunglasses, and novelty items from a stand in Venice Beach yielded modest success, but he was caught up in the teen party and gang scene prevalent in Los Angeles at the time. Now in 2002, with four retail outlets in Utah, a web presence, retail agreements with four major Utah University bookstores, and 30-plus employees, the company has been renamed PC Laptops. This emphasizes the company’s focus on portable computers, but also it prepares for geographical expansion.

Name: Annette Zimmerman

Organization(s): Mountain America Credit Union

Biography: Annette Zimmerman is the Senior VP of Business Services and the Women's Financial Services Network for Mountain America Credit Union.  During her 23 years of experience she has served as SVP and CIO during a historic technology evolution of over $1.5B organizational growth. She recently developed the credit union industry’s first Women’s Financial Services Network.  She has a Bachelors degree in Business Information Systems and a passion for volunteerism and serves on numerous boards and committees.