UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
Keaton Walker - Small Business Marketing Expert & Entrepreneur
What if your favorite Utah business never made it?
UtahPreneur is a storytelling podcast uncovering the make-or-break moments behind the shops, brands, and founders at the heart of Utah’s entrepreneurial excellence. While most business podcasts focus on unicorns and viral growth, we dig into the stories that almost didn’t happen, but shape our everyday experience here in Utah now. From bootstrapped startups to neighborhood storefronts, these stories show what it really takes to build a business in Utah.
🎧 Weekly in-person interviews with founders across Utah
🧠 Practical insights for entrepreneurs + curious locals
⛰️ Real stories from the edge of success, survival, and what almost wasn’t
Subscribe and rediscover the soul of your city.
Notable Guests: Costa Vida, Beehive Meals, Project Solar, Kid-to-Kid, & Spencer Mecham (Buildapreneur)
Topics: Small business funding, local marketing strategies, Utah startup stories, hiring and leadership, brick-and-mortar growth, high growth founder origin stories, surviving hard seasons, scaling without burnout, building community through business, building a business with your community, and what makes a business last
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Top 10 UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
She’s on a Mission to Create 20 Female Millionaires | Queen of Wraps/Heather Barber
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
04/03/25 • 52 min
🎙️ Heather Griffith Barber helped turn Queen of Wraps into one of Utah’s most recognized print and vehicle wrap companies. What started with her brothers—and a cape and crown—grew into a full-service branding powerhouse with 30 employees and clients across the country. But at the height of it all, Heather made the bold move to step away.
In this episode, we dive into why she left, how she’s building again, and what she’s doing now to help other founders—especially women—prepare their businesses for exit. Heather is on a mission to create 20 female millionaires, and with five companies under her belt (and a new book that just launched this week), she’s well on her way.
We talk about legacy, leverage, family business dynamics, loss leaders, and what it really looks like to walk away from a brand you built from scratch. This one’s packed with practical takeaways and mindset shifts—don’t miss it.
🤝 Join the UtahPreneur community page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B5LVFu4RU/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
✨ Connect with Heather Barber on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergriffithbarber/
📚Purchase her book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYVN81NH
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
He Built Utah’s Most Iconic Rare Book Store | Ken Sanders’ Rare Books
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
01/09/25 • 47 min
🌟 Right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Ken Sanders Rare Books has become a cultural cornerstone for Utah’s literary community.
With its collection of rare and historic titles, including an unmatched selection of Utah and LDS history, Ken Sanders Rare Books has cultivated a loyal following over decades. But its story hasn’t been without challenges. After losing their previous location to developer pressure, thousands of donors came together to help Ken reopen the store in the Leonard Museum on Library Square.
In this episode, Ken Sanders shares the fascinating journey of his independent bookstore, what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing retail landscape, and why preserving local businesses is vital for a city’s culture and history. Plus, Ken recounts his experiences with the infamous forger Mark Hofmann and the exciting tales of catching rare book thieves.
Whether you’re a book lover, a history buff, or just love a great comeback story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss!
🌐 Get a Special Offer for Streamlyne: https://streamlyne.io/utahpreneur
📚Find Ken Sanders Rare Books at: https://www.kensandersbooks.com/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
This Warehouse in Bluffdale Will Send Unlimited Postcards for You for $79/mo | Mailbox Power
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
11/29/24 • 40 min
From a small warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah, Mailbox Power is redefining marketing by blending the personal touch of physical gifts with the efficiency of automation. With over 10,000 brownies shipped each month and endless personalized postcards, this Utah-based company is helping businesses nationwide stand out in a crowded digital landscape. In this episode, we sit down with the Vice President of Mailbox Power to uncover their journey from MLM roots to a thriving subscription-based model that’s revolutionizing direct mail and gifting.
Discover how Mailbox Power helps businesses automate client retention, prospecting, and gifting, all while delivering remarkable ROI—like turning $2,000 in sugar cookies into $70,000 in revenue. Whether you’re curious about personalized marketing strategies, looking for inspiration, or just intrigued by the idea of putting your face on a cookie, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to make your brand unforgettable.
❗Get 25% Off Mailbox Power 👉 https://go.mailboxpower.com/kw
🌐 Get a Special Offer for Streamlyne: https://streamlyne.io/utahpreneur
📲 Subscribe to on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
This Running Store Went From Barely Surviving to a 30 year legacy | Salt Lake Running Company (SLRC)
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
02/20/25 • 58 min
✨For 30 years, Salt Lake Running Company has been more than a store—it’s been the go-to destination for Utah’s running community.
Back in 1995, SLRC started as a small specialty shop in Salt Lake City. Three decades later, it’s one of the most trusted names for runners of all levels. But staying in business for this long—especially in retail—is no easy feat. Competing against big-box retailers and online giants, SLRC has built a brand that thrives on expert advice, high-quality gear, and a deep connection with its customers.
In this episode, we dive into how Salt Lake Running Company has adapted over the years, what it takes to build a lasting retail business, and the role community plays in their success.
Don’t miss this one. And if you haven’t already, check out last week’s episode with Sean Collins of Costa Vida and FatCats—his story of scaling two household names is packed with insights on risk, resilience, and business growth.
🤝 Join the UtahPreneur community page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B5LVFu4RU/
👟 Find SLRC at: http://www.slrc.com/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
Flipping Bike Parts into a $10M/yr Empire–And Designing the Life He Really Wanted | Dale Majors
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
03/20/25 • 63 min
🎙 Dale Majors started flipping bike parts online as a teenager, eventually turning that hustle into BikeWagon, a $10M/yr e-commerce business. After scaling and selling the company, he didn’t retire—he used his entrepreneurial skills to design a life built around freedom, adventure, and family. From long-distance bikepacking trips across Europe to launching Venture Anyway, a peer group for entrepreneurs, Dale has always prioritized lifestyle over endless hustle.
In this episode, we talk about his journey from flipping to scaling, why selling a business isn’t always the answer, and how he continues to buy, grow, and invest in businesses like Grand Trunk and Builder Studios. But more than anything, Dale shares how to create a business that fuels the life you actually want—whether that means more adventure, more flexibility, or just the ability to step away when you want.
!!️ Get a Free Day Pass at Builder Studios When You Mention UtahPreneur! https://builder-studios.com/
🤝 Join the UtahPreneur community page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B5LVFu4RU/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
This Utah Newcomer Built The East Bench’s Favorite Coworking Spot | Salt Mine Productive Workspace
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
11/21/24 • 36 min
From an abandoned bowling alley to a thriving entrepreneurial hub, this is the story of how Salt Mine became a cornerstone of Utah's tech community. In this episode, we explore how David Edmunds transformed a haunted house-like space into one of the first major coworking facilities outside of downtown Salt Lake City. Through the lens of Salt Mine's evolution, we get an insider's perspective on Utah's explosive tech growth, the impact of the pandemic on the future of work, and the changing landscape of commercial real estate. David shares fascinating insights from witnessing the WeWork saga unfold, building community in the age of remote work, and helping thousands of entrepreneurs and companies find their footing in Utah's tech ecosystem.
This is Episode 2 of UtahPreneur, where we continue to explore the stories behind Utah's most impactful founders and entrepreneurs. Whether you're interested in the future of work, building meaningful communities, or understanding Utah's unique business culture, this conversation offers valuable insights into what makes the state's entrepreneurial spirit thrive.
🌐 Get a Special Offer for Streamlyne: https://streamlyne.io/utahpreneur
⛰️ Learn more about Salt Mine Productive Workspace at: https://meetatsaltmine.com/
📲 Subscribe to on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
She Cashed Out Her $10K IRA to Build Utah’s Favorite Cookie Brand (in 2008) | RubySnap Cookies
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
03/06/25 • 56 min
✨ She walked away from a 15-year career in architecture, cashed out her $10,000 IRA, and risked it all on cookies—long before Utah’s cookie boom.
Back in 2008, Tami Steggell saw an opportunity to reinvent the cookie industry by using 100% real ingredients—no preservatives, no artificial flavors, no shortcuts. She founded RubySnap Cookies in a rundown Salt Lake City neighborhood, determined to make it a destination for gourmet, scratch-made cookies.
But building a premium cookie brand wasn’t easy. She lost her original trademark, scaled too quickly in 2018, pulled out of grocery store distribution, and had to shut down five locations—right before COVID hit. That decision ultimately saved her business and reinforced her belief that “bigger isn’t better—better is better.”
Now, RubySnap Cookies is a Salt Lake City favorite, known for its high-end ingredients, bold flavors, and nostalgic branding. Tami’s story is one of entrepreneurial risk, resilience, and redefining the cookie industry in Utah and beyond.
🤝 Join the UtahPreneur community page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B5LVFu4RU/
🍪 Find RubySnap at: http://www.rubysnap.com/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
Costa Vida and Fat Cats - The 9 Figure Success Story | Sean Collins
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
02/14/25 • 53 min
✨ From starting a parking lot striping company, to building two of Utah’s most well-known brands, Sean Collins has done it all.
Back in 1999, Sean and his business partner, Dave Rutter, had an idea for a family entertainment center—and they made it happen. FatCats launched in 2001, and soon after, they got another opportunity. The founders of a small Mexican restaurant called Costa Azul came to them for funding. They passed. Big mistake. Costa Azul took off, and Sean and Dave realized they had missed a huge opportunity. But when the chance came back around, they became the first Costa Vida franchisees, took over the brand, and rebranded it into the powerhouse it is today.
In this episode, we talk about how Sean scaled two household names, the lessons learned from early business mistakes, and what it takes to grow and sustain a multi-million dollar brand.
Don’t miss this one! And if you haven’t already, check out last week’s episode with Russ and Denice Relyea of World’s Best Corndog—one of the wildest second-chance business stories we’ve ever had on the show.
🌐 Get a Special Offer for Streamlyne: https://streamlyne.io/utahpreneur
🌮 Find Costa Vida at: https://www.costavida.com/
🎳 Find Fat Cats at: https://www.fatcatsfun.com/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
This $25M/yr CEO Discovered Success Means Nothing Without Authenticity | Disruptive Advertising
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
03/28/25 • 63 min
🎙 Jake Baadsgaard built Disruptive Advertising into a $25M powerhouse by helping businesses stop wasting money on bad ads. But behind the scenes, Jake was burned out, disconnected from his family, and hiding behind the success of his company. In this episode, he shares the raw, honest story of what happened after he hit $10M in revenue—and realized he didn’t like the person he’d become.
We talk about how Jake rebuilt his life through awareness, honesty, and responsibility, and how that transformation gave birth to Disruptive University. He’s no longer just helping businesses grow—he’s helping people grow. From his earliest freelance gigs to letting go of 70% of his clients to stay aligned with his values, Jake’s story is a masterclass in building a business that actually means something.
If you're chasing growth personal or professional growth, but wondering what it's all for—this one’s for you.
🤝 Join the UtahPreneur community page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B5LVFu4RU/
📲 Subscribe to The Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
✨ Find Disruptive Advertising at: https://disruptiveadvertising.com/
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
Growing From 3 Swim Students to Over 50,000 | SwimKids Utah
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses
11/14/24 • 46 min
From a backyard trailer park pool to three bustling locations serving over 50,000 families, this is the story of how SwimKids Utah grew from humble beginnings into a lifesaving community staple. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of turning a one-person swimming lesson hobby into a family-run business with real impact. Hear about the journey from teaching neighborhood kids, in exchange for rides to the pool, to training employees, handling massive growth, and developing a unique curriculum that teaches swimming as a life skill, not just playtime. Along the way, we explore what it means to pass on a legacy, build a community-centered business, and instill life-saving skills that truly make a difference.
This is Episode 1 of UtahPreneur, where I’ll be sitting down with Utah’s most inspiring founders and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re interested in local success stories, building a meaningful business, or just curious about what makes Utah’s entrepreneurs tick, this show gives you a front-row seat. Join us as we uncover the real stories behind Utah’s thriving business community.
🌐 Get a Special Offer for Streamlyne: https://streamlyne.io/utahpreneur
📲 Subscribe to on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UtahPreneur
🎙 Hosted by: Keaton Walker
🎧 New episodes every week! Don't miss out—subscribe now!
Follow Us:
@utahpreneur on Youtube and TikTok
@utahpreneurpod on Instagram and X
Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more!
Get in Touch:
Want to get a business featured on UtahPreneur? Or have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]
Support the Show:
Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and share it with friends. Your support means the world!
More Content & Resources:
Check out our website at utahpreneur.co for bonus episodes, show notes, and exclusive insights.
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FAQ
How many episodes does UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses have?
UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses currently has 19 episodes available.
What topics does UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses cover?
The podcast is about Ideas, Founder, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Company, Startup, Podcasts, Ceo and Business.
What is the most popular episode on UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses?
The episode title 'He Built Utah’s Most Iconic Rare Book Store | Ken Sanders’ Rare Books' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses?
The average episode length on UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses is 55 minutes.
How often are episodes of UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses released?
Episodes of UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses?
The first episode of UtahPreneur - Inside Utah's Most Iconic Businesses was released on Nov 7, 2024.
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