MountainWest Capital Network

04/10/2026

There is a part of Kyle’s story that goes way beyond business strategy.

Kyle talks about the early years of building Frazil, the late nights, the leaner years, and the time spent in the war room with a small team trying to build something that could really scale.

And the takeaway is simple: when you are in the trenches with people you love and care about, even the hard days are different.

That part of the story is not about slush.
It is about trust.
It is about shared belief.
It is about who you want beside you when things get hard.

🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

04/08/2026

🎙️ This week on Welcome to the Winners’ Circle, Jason Roberts and Cheri M. Waldron sit down with Kyle Freebairn and Sam Owens of Frazil.

What looks like a fun frozen drink brand on the surface is actually a story about operational discipline, bold marketing, obsessive attention to detail, and a team building with real conviction behind the scenes. From Free Frazil Friday to the systems that helped Frazil scale nationally, this conversation gets into what it really takes to grow a brand in a crowded category.

It is a fun episode, but it is also a sharp one.

🎧 Full episode drops tomorrow 4/8.

04/07/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as we bring together Utah’s business and investment community for an afternoon focused on the trends, transactions, and momentum shaping the market across the state.

After a year that began with more caution across the market, momentum started to build as 2025 progressed. Readiness activity increased, engagement picked up, and the pipeline heading into 2026 grew stronger.

We’re excited to bring that energy together again at this year’s Deal Flow event.

We hope to see you there!

09/25/2025

We just launched a special episode with Garit Lawson, Managing Director at Forbes Partners.
Garit brings a wealth of perspective on what it really means to sell your company, beyond just the numbers. From the rapid rise of Lume Deodorant to his work with founder-led and family-owned businesses, he shares what makes great deals happen: persistence, soft skills, and a clear vision for legacy.

Thank you, Garit, for joining us and sharing such valuable insights. This is a must-listen for Utah’s incredible community of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Link to listen in comments!

09/11/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Just Dropped!

We had the privilege of sitting down with Hayden Wadsworth, founder and CEO of HydroJug, the Utah-born hydration brand that’s become a household name.

What started as Hayden’s side hustle—built nights and weekends while finishing his MBA and working full-time—has turned into a hydration movement powered by innovative design, grassroots community, and a relentless commitment to quality.

In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The sacrifices behind scaling a self-funded brand
✅ Why product quality is non-negotiable
✅ Building resilience while juggling work, school, and entrepreneurship
✅ How HydroJug went from startup to nationwide recognition
✅ Why greatness comes from constant improvement and authenticity

Whether you’re a founder, dreamer, or doer—this is an inspiring masterclass in building a purpose-driven brand from the ground up.

🙏 Huge thanks to Hayden for joining us and sharing his story.
🎧 Hosted by Cheri M. Waldron and Jason Roberts, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

📢 Listen now: [link in the comments]

08/14/2025

From $15,000 and a credit card… to 500+ employees and one of Utah’s fastest growing companies.

Carson Poppenger 🍊founder and CEO of Squeeze, built his company on something far more powerful than a perfect business plan—persistence.

In our newest MountainWest Capital Network Podcast episode (dropping this Thursday), Carson shares how he:
• Bootstrapped Squeeze during the 2009 financial crisis
• Built AI-driven lead conversion tools before most competitors knew they needed them
• Outperformed billion-dollar companies by 4x

🎙 Don’t miss this conversation about resilience, grit, and building a business when the odds are stacked against you.

Huge thanks to Carson for joining us, to Cheri M. Waldron and Jason Roberts for leading such a great conversation from the host seats, and to Zachary Reed, CPA for producing this episode. Link to this episode in comments!

06/03/2025

It’s here!
The MWCN Podcast is officially live. In our trailer + bio episode, get to know your hosts—Cheri M. Waldron, MWCN Executive Director, and Jason Roberts, MWCN President-Elect and Managing Director at Protiviti—and find out what you can expect from this new podcast.
We’re shining a spotlight on the leaders building Utah’s economy—one story at a time.

Subscribe and listen-link in the comments!

05/06/2025

The MWCN Utah 100 is back—celebrating the top 15 revenue companies, 100 fastest-growing businesses, and a standout group of Emerging Elite. Where does your company rank among Utah’s top performers?

Apply now at www.utah100.org to see where you stand among Utah’s Fastest Growing Companies. Applications are open through June 30.

05/01/2023

Applications are now open for the MWCN Utah 100 Award event, honoring Utah's Fastest Growing Companies, Top Revenue and Emerging Elite. Are you one of Utah's Fastest Growing Companies? Apply today and find out at www.utah100.org.

04/28/2023

04/28/2023

On April 21, 2023 MountainWest Capital Network honored Robert Redford with its 35th annual Entrepreneur of the Year award.

04/28/2023

Last Friday we had the opportunity to celebrate Robert Redford as our MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year. Words can't touch the feeling in the room as we all gathered together to recognize all he means to us, all he has created for us and all he inspires us to do. This legendary individual speaks to us in a language we can understand and relate to on a platform called Sundance - protecting, promoting and honoring - leading by example - all we love here in this beautiful state. He has created and protected spaces and places for people to grow and fly. At the conclusion, Amy Redford left us with an inspiring invitation: In the spirit of the "nest", from your abundance take risks. Invest in what you care about, what you see and what you can change for the better.

I think we all left taking the invitation to heart. Thank you to all that came together to create, support, honor, showcase and attend. It was a wonderful tribute and I am grateful to all those that made it possible! Sundance Institute Sundance Mountain Resort Cornerstone Technologies a8ency MountainWest Capital Network Zions Bank