MountainWest Capital Network

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

09/13/2022

/PRNewswire/ -- MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) today introduced the 2022 Utah 100, its annual alpha list of the fastest growing companies in the state. In...

09/08/2022

Looking forward to our September Business Forum with Keynote Speaker Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting, CEO & Founder of AZOVA
Doctor Cheryl Lee Eberting is a digital health visionary, a healthcare disruptor, and is leading the way in restructuring the way healthcare benefits are delivered, accessed and paid for. Register today to attend! Link in comments.

08/15/2022

We are excited to announce the MWCN Utah 100 Keynote will be Tiffany Peterson! Tiffany Peterson is a seasoned speaker and international coach guiding individuals, teams, and audiences in creating thriving personal lives and successful business results. Her podcast show ranks in the Top 1% of all global podcasts.

Before founding her own company, The Lighthouse Principles, Tiffany worked with and for many popular brands: Franklin Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the world famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad series, and Jack Canfield, creator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, helping each of these brands set new sales records and experience expansive new growth.

Tiffany is passionate about empowering others with proven, universal success habits and her tried and true sales strategies. She has coached people all around the globe to successfully create with intention a life and a business that they love.

For more information about creating your ideal life and results, visit www.TiffanySpeaks.com