Episodes

  • One Utah Family’s Sweet Success | Building Andersen’s Crazy Candy with The Andersens

    One Utah Family’s Sweet Success | Building Andersen’s Crazy Candy with The Andersens
    Mar 12 2026
    In this week’s episode, Jason and Cheri sit down with Jared and Heather Andersen, founders of Andersen’s Crazy Candy. What started with the simple decision to buy a freeze dryer unexpectedly turned into one of Utah’s fastest-growing confectionery brands. A fun hobby to share with friends and family quickly grew into a candy business that is now recognized nationwide. Their story shares the grit, innovation, and sacrifice that come with building a family business, especially in a category that literally did not exist.

    Jared and Heather share every detail of their story, the good and the bad, highlighting the cost and reward that come with running your own company. Through it all, they learned to rely on one another and remember the purpose behind what they are building. This is more than just a candy story; they are building something meaningful to share for generations to come.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • What it takes to create a brand new product category
    • The power of distribution partnerships in scaling
    • How to pivot when facing setbacks
    • How to balance a fast-growing business with family life
    • Having courage in high-stakes business decisions
    • Avoiding fear-based decisions when scaling
    • How coaching and mentorship can accelerate your growth
    • How Utah’s business ecosystem supports fast-growing companies

    Connect with The Andersens:
    • Andersen’s Crazy Candy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazycandyfun/

    • Andersen’s Crazy Candy Website: https://crazycandy.com/

    • Jared Andersen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-andersen-b18691324/

    • Heather Andersen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-andersen-750689324/



    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com
    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Leading Through Hypergrowth to Reinvention | Crofter Market with Bobby Clayson

    Leading Through Hypergrowth to Reinvention | Crofter Market with Bobby Clayson
    Feb 26 2026
    This week, Cheri and Jason sit down with entrepreneur and early TaxBit co-founder Bobby Clayson to explore what it takes to build, pivot, and rebuild in rapidly changing industries. From helping launch a billion-dollar fintech startup during the early days of cryptocurrency compliance to founding Crofter Market—a platform connecting consumers directly with local farmers—Bobby shares how solving real problems and staying adaptable has shaped his journey.

    The conversation moves beyond startup milestones into the realities of leadership, growth, and starting again with purpose. Bobby reflects on lessons learned at TaxBit, the humility required to pivot, and why he turned his focus toward strengthening local food supply chains. It's a candid look at execution, resilience, and building companies that create meaningful impact for customers, communities, and teams.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why solving a clear, real-world problem creates a stronger foundation than starting with a product idea
    • Lessons from scaling a fast-growing startup inside Utah’s collaborative tech ecosystem
    • How cross-functional respect (across engineering, tax, product, and operations) strengthens founding teams
    • Why culture, humility, and self-awareness matter for long-term leadership growth
    • What it means to pivot strategically while maintain forward movement with focus and intention
    • How mentors, advisors, and community networks accelerate learning and decision-making
    • Why building trust, both internally and externally, drives sustainable growth
    • How purpose-driven execution guides founders across multiple ventures and industries

    Connect with Bobby Clayson:
    • Bobby Clayson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyclayson
    Connect with Crofter Market:
    • Crofter Market on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/croftermarket/
    • Crofter Market Website: https://crofter.com/
    • Crofter Market on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crofter-market


    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com
    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Turning Private Aviation into a Growth Engine | The Founding of SkyShare with Cory Bengtzen

    Turning Private Aviation into a Growth Engine | The Founding of SkyShare with Cory Bengtzen
    Feb 12 2026
    This week, hosts Cheri and Jason sit down with Cory Bengtzen, Founder and CEO of SkyShare, to explore what it really takes to scale a complex, capital-intensive business while preserving trust, culture, and long-term vision. Cory shares his journey from running car dealerships to building one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in the western United States—one that’s bootstrapped, values-driven, and deeply rooted in Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    The conversation dives into SkyShare’s evolution from aircraft brokerage to fractional ownership, charter services, and innovative programs designed to make private aviation more accessible. Cory reflects on leadership lessons learned through rapid growth, the importance of crystal-clear core values, and how trust—among co-founders, teams, and clients—became a defining advantage.What You’ll Learn:
    • Why meaningful recognition leads to better engagement, retention, and performance
    • Lessons about scaling a software-enabled aviation company inside Utah’s growing tech ecosystem
    • The role of friendship and trust in building a strong co-founder relationship
    • How to attract and retain talent through clearly lived company culture
    • What it takes to move from founder-led sales to a sustainable growth engine
    • How community, referrals, and networks accelerate startup growth
    • Leadership habits that keep teams motivated during rapid expansion
    • Why purpose and execution must grow together to build a successful company

    Connect with Cory Bengtzen:
    • Cory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-bengtzen-95a13216/
    Connect with SkyShare:
    • SkyShare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyshare/?hl=en
    • SkyShare Website: https://www.skyshare.com/
    • SkyShare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbskyshare/


    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Turning Employee Experience into Growth | The Founding of Nectar with Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis

    Turning Employee Experience into Growth | The Founding of Nectar with Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis
    Jan 29 2026
    Cheri and Jason sit down with two founders who turned their friendship into one of Utah’s fastest-growing software companies. Trevor Larson and Andrew Hollis, co-founders of Nectar, share how their small beginnings evolved into a platform that now serves thousands of customers around the world. This conversation highlights the power of being “in the arena,” where real opportunity emerges through momentum rather than perfect planning.

    This episode also explores the human side of business through Nectar’s growth story. Trevor and Andrew share how recognition and employee experience became the foundation of their company, and ultimately their philosophy. From building teams that feel valued to choosing Utah as the place to scale their growth, this discussion offers an inspiring look at how purpose and community can combine to drive sustainable growth over the long term.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why meaningful recognition leads to better engagement, retention, and performance
    • Lessons about scaling a software company inside Utah’s growing tech ecosystem
    • The role of friendship and trust in building a strong co-founder relationship
    • How to attract and retain talent through culture
    • What it takes to move from founder-led sales to a sustainable growth engine
    • How community and networks can help accelerate startup
    • Leadership habits that help teams stay motivated during rapid growth
    • Why purpose and execution need to grow together to make a successful company

    Connect with Nectar:
    • Nectar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nectar_hr/
    • Nectar Website: https://nectarhr.com/
    • Nectar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nectarhr/product/

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • The Journey from Idea to Impact | How Scott Porter Built San Diablo Churros From the Ground Up

    The Journey from Idea to Impact | How Scott Porter Built San Diablo Churros From the Ground Up
    Jan 15 2026
    In this episode, Cheri and Jason welcome Scott Porter, founder of San Diablo Artisan Churros, for a conversation about entrepreneurship and genuine human connection. What begins as a discussion about churros quickly unfolds into an exploration of what it means to build a mission-driven business. Scott shares how a single opportunity evolved into a whirlwind three-day launch, laying the groundwork for a company that would grow rapidly in succession.

    Scott reflects on the realities behind sustained growth: grueling seasons, tough decisions, and the discipline of knowing when to say no. Anchored by Scott’s belief that business is all about uplifting people, he offers listeners a look at entrepreneurship as something fueled by purpose, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to happiness.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • How to turn an unexpected opportunity into a real business
    • What it actually takes to launch and grow a company from scratch
    • The realities behind entrepreneurial growth, including burnout, pivots, and tough decisions
    • When to say “yes” to growth and when to walk away
    • How to scale during unpredictable moments
    • How mission, joy, and community can be built into a profitable business model
    • The importance of team culture and alignment as a company grows
    • How giving back can be integrated into a brand’s identity without becoming performative
    Connect with Scott Porter:
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiablochurros/
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros Website: https://sandiablochurros.com/
    • San Diablo Artisan Churros on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diablo-artisan-churros/
    • Scott Porter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcraigporter/
    • Scott Porter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcporter/


    Want to Connect?

    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President, Podcast Chair and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Entrepreneurial Lessons from Utah’s Top Founders

    Entrepreneurial Lessons from Utah’s Top Founders
    Jan 1 2026
    In this special compilation episode, Cheri and Jason revisit some of the most powerful moments from conversations with Utah’s top founders and business leaders. Instead of focusing on one company, this episode stitches together hard-won lessons from a range of Utah 100 and Emerging Elite honorees, leaders who have weathered fraud, near-failures, layoffs, and market upheaval and still found a way forward.You’ll hear from founders like Jim Sanders of Nest Tiny Homes, Carson Poppenger of Squeeze, Kristy Pack of PackTax, Crystalee Beck of Comma Copywriters, Karalynne Call of Just Ingredients, Hayden Wadsworth of HydroJug, Trevor Farnes of MTN OPS, Ben Perkins of &Collar, Rich Eggett and Ariel Faloon of Rockwell, and more. Along the way, M&A advisor Garit Lawson, MWCN President Kevin Jessop, and other leaders share perspective on exits, legacy, and Utah’s uniquely collaborative business ecosystem. Whether you’re just getting started or already scaling, this “best of” episode highlights the mindset, values, and practical habits that keep entrepreneurs moving when the stakes are highest.What You’ll LearnHow founders navigate crises—from losing email systems and brands overnight to rebuilding while still serving customers.Why “stubborn tenacity” often separates survivors from those who walk away.How values-driven cultures get built in real life, not on posters—from “life first” policies to companies that put family ahead of perks.Why many Utah founders define success as impact, service, and stewardship—not just exits, revenue, or headlines.How early-stage entrepreneurs can think about pricing, volume, and “getting people through the door” before profitability kicks in.The human side of M&A: how legacy, employees, and culture shape deal decisions just as much as valuation.Practical advice for leaders on defining success clearly, making performance more objective, and having the hard conversations with their teams.Why Utah’s high-trust, relationship-driven ecosystem creates a different kind of competitive environment, one where collaboration lifts the entire market.Featured Founders and Leaders in This EpisodeJim Sanders – Founder & CEO, Nest Tiny HomesCarson Poppenger – CEO & Founder, SqueezeKristy Pack – Founder, PackTaxGarit Lawson – Managing Director, Forbes PartnersCrystalee Beck – CEO & Founder, Comma CopywritersKaralynne Call – CEO & Founder, Just IngredientsHayden Wadsworth – Co-Founder & CEO, HydroJugTrevor Farnes – CEO & Co-Founder, MTN OPSBen Perkins – Founder, &CollarRich Eggett and Ariel Faloon – RockwellKevin Jessop – MWCN Chairman and Chief Marketing OfficerClark T. Bell – CEO & Founder, Nano-Yield Miranda – Executive leader, CricutDave Layton – CEO, Layton ConstructionWant to Connect?Cheri@MWCN.orgzachary.reed@pwc.comMeet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.” Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive DirectorJason Roberts, MWCN President, Podcast Chair and Managing Director, ProtivitiKevin Jessop, MWCN Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer, IMAGarit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair, Managing Director, Forbes PartnersZachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLPKatie Brown, MWCN Business Operations SpecialistThe LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • From Crisis to Client-Centered Growth | How Kristy Pack Built a New Tax Model for Real People

    From Crisis to Client-Centered Growth | How Kristy Pack Built a New Tax Model for Real People
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode, Cheri and Jason sit down with Kristy Pack, founder of Pack Tax, whose journey from working mother to driven entrepreneur reshaped not only her career, but also the tax experience for thousands of everyday families. What started as a search for flexibility during early motherhood became a fast-growing, multi-location firm serving more than 10,000 clients a year. Kristy shares the decisions, challenges, and risks that led her to build a business grounded in transparency, accessibility, and genuine human connection.

    Listeners will hear how Kristy navigated career pivots, financial uncertainty, and the emotional pressure of supporting a young family, all while betting everything on a different kind of tax firm: one designed for regular people who often fall between the cracks of traditional accounting services. Her story highlights the power of clarity, moral conviction, and building a service-first company culture in an industry not known for warmth or flexibility. This episode features Kristy’s insights on modern tax strategy, the flaws in the current system, how business owners can save meaningfully by understanding their options, and why Pack Tax’s client-first approach has built not just a business, but also a community.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why designing a business around real-life needs—flexibility, community, accessibility— can become a competitive advantage
    • How Pack Tax grew by focusing on regular families and small businesses underserved by traditional firms
    • The tax strategies that most small business owners miss, but can save thousands with the right structure
    • How transparency and client education build loyalty in a complex, often confusing industry
    • The core values that guide Pack Tax’s culture: relationships, accuracy, data security, and no-ego collaboration
    • How to navigate conflicting tax advice from “old school” accountants versus social media-driven shortcuts
    • What it takes to grow a people-first company that balances joy, rigor, and constant improvement

    Connect with Kristy Pack:
    • Website: https://pack.tax/
    • LinkedIn: Kristy Pack
    • Instagram: @kristy.packtax

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN President, Podcast Chair and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Setbacks & Second Chances: The Rise of Jim Sanders & Nest Tiny Homes

    Setbacks & Second Chances: The Rise of Jim Sanders & Nest Tiny Homes
    Dec 4 2025
    Cheri and Jason sit down with Jim Sanders, a builder-turned-entrepreneur whose path to founding Nest Tiny Homes started with a leap of faith and a crisis that could have ended everything. What began as a simple side project grew quickly, but when the franchise he’d invested in collapsed under fraud, Jim found himself without a clear path forward. Instead of walking away, he rebuilt from scratch. Jim shares how those chaotic six months reshaped his understanding of resilience, integrity, and the kind of leader he wanted to become.

    In this candid conversation, Jim reflects on turning setbacks into momentum, building one of Utah’s fastest-growing ADU companies, and staying grounded while growing a team and a young family. He talks about the purpose behind Nest, the families they serve, and the craftsmanship he refuses to compromise on. His story offers a raw look at entrepreneurship, what it really means to bet on yourself, and how something beautiful can emerge from the most devastating moments.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why a painful franchise collapse became the launchpad for Nest Tiny Homes
    • How the ADU process works—from the first call to turning over the keys
    • The three customer groups benefiting most from ADUs today
    • What Utah entrepreneurs should know about emerging housing trends
    • How organic growth, team culture, and craftsmanship shape Nest’s success
    • The realities of permitting, timelines, and navigating regulations in two states
    • Jim’s best advice for founders ready to turn a side project into a full-time venture

    Connect with Jim Sanders:
    • Website: https://nest-tinyhomes.com/
    • LinkedIn: James Sanders
    • Instagram: @nesttinyhomesutah

    Want to Connect?
    Cheri@MWCN.org
    zachary.reed@pwc.com

    Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”

    Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director
    Jason Roberts, MWCN Podcast Chair and Managing Director, Protiviti
    Kevin Jessop, MWCN President and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA
    Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners
    Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP
    Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist
    The LaunchPod Media Team
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins