Lunch Format and Location
All lunch events are free and are held at the Zions Bank building located at One South Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, in the 18th floor Founders Room at 12:00 PM unless otherwise specified. The best parking for the event is in the parking lot for City Creek (it's is free for under an hour). Lunch events last about an hour and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
Gavin Christensen - 02/27/14
Since founding Kickstart in 2008, Gavin has been responsible for all aspects of managing the firm in addition to leading due diligence and investment decisions in conjunction with Kickstart's Investment Committee.
Prior to Kickstart, Gavin was an analyst, associate and principal at vSpring (now Signal Peak). Before vSpring Capital, Gavin also worked as a Vertical Strategy Associate for Google and as a consultant in Monitor Group's Cambridge office where he advised clients on a range of strategic, operational, and organizational improvements. Gavin began his career at Fidelity Investments as an investments representative.
Gavin received a Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Economics (with Honors), cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Gavin currently serves on the boards of Chargeback Guardian, Fuze Network, Grosocial (observer), Jackrabbit Systems, Juxta Labs, nanoMR, Panoptic Security, Symbiot, Zenprint and Zerista.
Prior to Kickstart, Gavin was an analyst, associate and principal at vSpring (now Signal Peak). Before vSpring Capital, Gavin also worked as a Vertical Strategy Associate for Google and as a consultant in Monitor Group's Cambridge office where he advised clients on a range of strategic, operational, and organizational improvements. Gavin began his career at Fidelity Investments as an investments representative.
Gavin received a Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Economics (with Honors), cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Gavin currently serves on the boards of Chargeback Guardian, Fuze Network, Grosocial (observer), Jackrabbit Systems, Juxta Labs, nanoMR, Panoptic Security, Symbiot, Zenprint and Zerista.
David Hornik - 01/17/14
For nearly two decades, David has worked with technology startups throughout the software sector. In 2000, David joined August Capital to invest broadly in information technology companies, with a focus on enterprise application and infrastructure software, as well as consumer facing software and services.
Prior to joining August Capital, David was an intellectual property and corporate attorney at Venture Law Group and Perkins Coie. In his legal practice, David represented high tech startups in all aspects of their formation, financing, and operations. Before that, David was a litigator in New York City at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
David has an eclectic educational background. He holds an AB in Computer Music from Stanford University, an M.Phil in Criminology from Cambridge University and a JD from Harvard Law School.
David is currently a lecturer at the Harvard Law School, where he teaches entrepreneurship and venture capital, and previously lectured at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, where he taught intellectual property. He is the author of VentureBlog, the first venture capital blog, and VentureCast, the first venture capital podcast, and is the founder and executive producer of The Lobby conference, an annual gathering of the thought leaders of the digital media ecosystem.
Current Board Affiliations: Blippy, Gravity, Nomis, Rocket Lawyer,Splunk, StumbleUpon, SAY Media
Additional Current Investments: Bill.com, eBates, LiveOps, PayNearMe,WePay
Previous investments: Aardvark (acquired by Google), DoneRight (acquired by LendingTree), Evite (acquired by Ticketmaster), Jaxtr (acquired by Sabse Bolo), PayCycle (acquired by Intuit), RedSwoosh (acquired by Akamai), Notiva (acquired by Oracle), Tickle (a
Prior to joining August Capital, David was an intellectual property and corporate attorney at Venture Law Group and Perkins Coie. In his legal practice, David represented high tech startups in all aspects of their formation, financing, and operations. Before that, David was a litigator in New York City at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
David has an eclectic educational background. He holds an AB in Computer Music from Stanford University, an M.Phil in Criminology from Cambridge University and a JD from Harvard Law School.
David is currently a lecturer at the Harvard Law School, where he teaches entrepreneurship and venture capital, and previously lectured at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, where he taught intellectual property. He is the author of VentureBlog, the first venture capital blog, and VentureCast, the first venture capital podcast, and is the founder and executive producer of The Lobby conference, an annual gathering of the thought leaders of the digital media ecosystem.
Current Board Affiliations: Blippy, Gravity, Nomis, Rocket Lawyer,Splunk, StumbleUpon, SAY Media
Additional Current Investments: Bill.com, eBates, LiveOps, PayNearMe,WePay
Previous investments: Aardvark (acquired by Google), DoneRight (acquired by LendingTree), Evite (acquired by Ticketmaster), Jaxtr (acquired by Sabse Bolo), PayCycle (acquired by Intuit), RedSwoosh (acquired by Akamai), Notiva (acquired by Oracle), Tickle (a
Kimo Esplin - 12/17/13
Kimo Esplin currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Huntsman Corporation, a publicly listed (NYSE:HUN) global manufacturer of specialty and differentiated chemicals, where he oversees Accounting, Treasury, Finance, Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Information Systems and Tax. Huntsman today has approximately 12,000 associates and operates from multiple locations worldwide. In 2012, the company had revenues of over $11 billion.
Mr. Esplin joined Huntsman in 1994 as Vice President and Treasurer following seven years with the
Chicago office of Bankers Trust Company in Corporate Finance where he worked closely with the Huntsman organization. Kimo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and also holds an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Mr. Esplin joined Huntsman in 1994 as Vice President and Treasurer following seven years with the
Chicago office of Bankers Trust Company in Corporate Finance where he worked closely with the Huntsman organization. Kimo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and also holds an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Jim Quigley - 10/25/13
James H. Quigley, CEO Emeritus, retired as Senior Partner from Deloitte U.S. in June 2012. From 2007 until 2011, he was CEO of Deloitte, Touche & Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) (the global network). Previously, from 2003 until 2007, Jim was CEO, Deloitte U.S. The Deloitte member firms provide audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients in 150 countries. Throughout his 37 years with the organization, Jim has held numerous key leadership roles and built a distinguished track record of service to many multinational clients.
Jim is actively engaged in a number of business organizations and committees. He is U.S. co-chairman of the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue and a member of the Board of Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., German Marshall Fund of the United States, The Economic Club of New York and a Trustee of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation. He is also a member of the Council on Competitiveness, the National Advisory Committee – Brigham Young University, and Advisory Board of the Center for Leadership and Ethics – Duke Fuqua Business School.
Jim has a history of involvement in various business and community groups in the United States, including The Japan Society, Catalyst – the Center for Audit Quality, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Financial Accounting Foundation, the U.S. Council for International Business, the Business Roundtable, the Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Improvements to Financial Reporting, and numerous committees of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Junior Achievement of New York City.
Jim is the co-author of As One: Individual Action, Collective Power (2011), a best-selling book that addresses the leadership challenge of creating environments that inspire large groups to work together toward a common goal.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree and an honorary Doctorate of Business from Utah State University. He was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Commercial Science from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Jim is actively engaged in a number of business organizations and committees. He is U.S. co-chairman of the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue and a member of the Board of Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., German Marshall Fund of the United States, The Economic Club of New York and a Trustee of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation. He is also a member of the Council on Competitiveness, the National Advisory Committee – Brigham Young University, and Advisory Board of the Center for Leadership and Ethics – Duke Fuqua Business School.
Jim has a history of involvement in various business and community groups in the United States, including The Japan Society, Catalyst – the Center for Audit Quality, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Financial Accounting Foundation, the U.S. Council for International Business, the Business Roundtable, the Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Improvements to Financial Reporting, and numerous committees of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Junior Achievement of New York City.
Jim is the co-author of As One: Individual Action, Collective Power (2011), a best-selling book that addresses the leadership challenge of creating environments that inspire large groups to work together toward a common goal.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree and an honorary Doctorate of Business from Utah State University. He was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Commercial Science from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Allan Landon - 8/26/13
Al Landon – Banking Executive and Adjunt Professor at the Universities of Utah and Hawaii
Al is a partner in Community BanCapital, a community bank investment fund based in Portland, Oregon. He is a Director of MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City and an adjunct instructor at the Universities of Utah and Hawaii. Al also is a member of the National Board of the Smithsonian Institution and is a General Director of PBS, both based in Washington.
Al finished his work in 2010 as Chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawaii, a NYSE company with a market value exceeding $2 billion. Bank of Hawaii, noted for its financial results, asset quality, and disciplined management, was selected by Forbes Magazine as the “Best Bank in America” in 2009 and 2010.
Al also held positions of leadership of several community and business organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Medical Services Association, Hawaii’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield provider.
Before joining Bank of Hawaii in 2000, Al was a CPA and Partner with Ernst & Young, where for 28 years he served in several Midwest and Eastern offices. He is a graduate of Iowa State University.
Al and his wife Sue reside in Park City, Utah. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Al is a runner and also enjoys skiing, golfing, fishing and tending to his acreage. Locally, Al serves on advisory boards for the David Eccles School of Business and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, both at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and he chairs the board of the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies.
Al is a partner in Community BanCapital, a community bank investment fund based in Portland, Oregon. He is a Director of MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City and an adjunct instructor at the Universities of Utah and Hawaii. Al also is a member of the National Board of the Smithsonian Institution and is a General Director of PBS, both based in Washington.
Al finished his work in 2010 as Chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawaii, a NYSE company with a market value exceeding $2 billion. Bank of Hawaii, noted for its financial results, asset quality, and disciplined management, was selected by Forbes Magazine as the “Best Bank in America” in 2009 and 2010.
Al also held positions of leadership of several community and business organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Medical Services Association, Hawaii’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield provider.
Before joining Bank of Hawaii in 2000, Al was a CPA and Partner with Ernst & Young, where for 28 years he served in several Midwest and Eastern offices. He is a graduate of Iowa State University.
Al and his wife Sue reside in Park City, Utah. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Al is a runner and also enjoys skiing, golfing, fishing and tending to his acreage. Locally, Al serves on advisory boards for the David Eccles School of Business and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, both at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and he chairs the board of the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies.
Bob Fuehr - 5/14/13
Bob Fuehr – Retired Telecom Corporate Officer and Former 2nd Congressional District Candidate
Bob Fuehr has had over thirty years of business experience in large companies, small start-ups and state government and yet is still learning new things on a daily basis. “I’m an ideal example that you’re never too old to learn…or to try new things.” Bob started with Ohio Bell Telephone Company when he was 17 years old as an installer/repairman at the enviable pay of $70 a week and retired thirty years later as a Group Vice President and Corporate Officer at Media One Cable, a subsidiary of U S WEST that he helped to create. Along the way, he moved nine times going coast to coast holding jobs in operations, marketing, finance, M&A and public policy, including three years as the Utah Vice President and CEO for U S WEST, now Century Link, where he directed over 3500 employees.
When Media One was acquired by AT&T, Bob returned to Utah as the COO of STSN, a small Internet start-up charged with wiring all the Marriott hotels world-wide with Internet access. “I knew that going from a Fortune 500 company to a start-up would be a challenge but I never imagined that we would grow from 70 employees to over 400 in one year and wire everything from the Times Square Marriott Marquis to the Marriott Hotel in Beijing.” The difficulties of ramping up manufacturing of a rapidly evolving product and the development of the backbone network to support the growth made every day on the job a challenge.
“I have always believed that if you have the ability and the opportunity to do public service, when your real career is done, you should absolutely do it” so in 2001 when Governor Leavitt asked Bob to run the Division of Business and Economic Development for the state, he readily accepted. He reentered the political field in 2012 when he ran for the Republican nomination in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.
Bob has been active in both civic and business organizations including ten years on the Zions First National Bank Board, fifteen years on the Southern University Board of Fellows, terms on the United Way, Pioneer Memorial Theatre and Utah Symphony Boards and an assignment as a Visiting Professor of Economics at the Gakushuin University in Tokyo. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from CASE Institute of Technology and a MBA from the Harvard Business School, where he was the Humphrey Fellow.
Bob Fuehr has had over thirty years of business experience in large companies, small start-ups and state government and yet is still learning new things on a daily basis. “I’m an ideal example that you’re never too old to learn…or to try new things.” Bob started with Ohio Bell Telephone Company when he was 17 years old as an installer/repairman at the enviable pay of $70 a week and retired thirty years later as a Group Vice President and Corporate Officer at Media One Cable, a subsidiary of U S WEST that he helped to create. Along the way, he moved nine times going coast to coast holding jobs in operations, marketing, finance, M&A and public policy, including three years as the Utah Vice President and CEO for U S WEST, now Century Link, where he directed over 3500 employees.
When Media One was acquired by AT&T, Bob returned to Utah as the COO of STSN, a small Internet start-up charged with wiring all the Marriott hotels world-wide with Internet access. “I knew that going from a Fortune 500 company to a start-up would be a challenge but I never imagined that we would grow from 70 employees to over 400 in one year and wire everything from the Times Square Marriott Marquis to the Marriott Hotel in Beijing.” The difficulties of ramping up manufacturing of a rapidly evolving product and the development of the backbone network to support the growth made every day on the job a challenge.
“I have always believed that if you have the ability and the opportunity to do public service, when your real career is done, you should absolutely do it” so in 2001 when Governor Leavitt asked Bob to run the Division of Business and Economic Development for the state, he readily accepted. He reentered the political field in 2012 when he ran for the Republican nomination in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.
Bob has been active in both civic and business organizations including ten years on the Zions First National Bank Board, fifteen years on the Southern University Board of Fellows, terms on the United Way, Pioneer Memorial Theatre and Utah Symphony Boards and an assignment as a Visiting Professor of Economics at the Gakushuin University in Tokyo. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from CASE Institute of Technology and a MBA from the Harvard Business School, where he was the Humphrey Fellow.
Alex Lawrence - 4/16/13
Alex Lawrence - Founder, StartupFlavor and Vice Provost, Weber State University
Alex Lawrence is the founder of StartupFlavor. He is an entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and tech guy (with other interests, too). He has been launching and growing successful companies for more than 20 years. He is well-versed in business strategy, sales, Internet marketing, social media, venture and debt capital, mobile and web application development, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, exits, commercial real estate, and even operations. Alex's most recent partnership, Lendio, ranks #34 on the Inc. 500 list.
Alex is currently Vice Provost of Innovation and Economic Development as well as Director of the Entrepreneurship Program at the John B. Goddard School of Business and Economics, both at Weber State University, where he earned his MBA. He teaches real-world strategies in his classes that are based on cutting edge, proven approaches used in todays business. As Vice Provost, he works with faculty, staff, students and business members in the community to help start and grow businesses. He is also the Director of USTAR (Utah Science Technology And Research) Technology Outreach for Northern Utah. USTAR is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy.” This revolutionary initiative invests in world-class innovation teams and research facilities to create novel technologies that are subsequently commercialized through new business ventures. Finally, he serves as the Executive Director of the Weber State University Research Foundation(WSURF), a wholly owned WSU entity that fosters and supports on campus innovation and commercialization with students, faculty and the surrounding business community.
Alex is a contributor on Entrepreneurship for Forbes Magazine. He also writes a regular column for Utah Business Magazine. He has been featured on TechCrunch, 40 under 40 Top Entrepreneurs, V100 Top 100 Technology Entrepreneurs, E-50 Top 50 Social Entrepreneurs, WSU Entrepreneur Alumni of the Year, and more. He currently volunteers as a Board Member for the Columbus Community Center for the Disabled and the Weber State University Alumni Association; two great community organizations. He is also on the advisory board for the Goddard School of Business and Economics Advisory Council, the Women Tech Council , The NorthFront Entrepreneur Alliance , Launch Sales and Marketing , the WSU Entrepreneur Association, CircleFive, ForeUP, Wedgies, Vinny, and I’m a Trustee for Launchup.org.
He has been married for 12 years. His family lives a quiet life in the mountains of Utah, where they enjoy golf, fly fishing and other outdoor activities like cycling. When he is not having fun with his family, he'd love to be playing golf, riding his bike or upgrading Apple products.
Alex Lawrence is the founder of StartupFlavor. He is an entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and tech guy (with other interests, too). He has been launching and growing successful companies for more than 20 years. He is well-versed in business strategy, sales, Internet marketing, social media, venture and debt capital, mobile and web application development, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, exits, commercial real estate, and even operations. Alex's most recent partnership, Lendio, ranks #34 on the Inc. 500 list.
Alex is currently Vice Provost of Innovation and Economic Development as well as Director of the Entrepreneurship Program at the John B. Goddard School of Business and Economics, both at Weber State University, where he earned his MBA. He teaches real-world strategies in his classes that are based on cutting edge, proven approaches used in todays business. As Vice Provost, he works with faculty, staff, students and business members in the community to help start and grow businesses. He is also the Director of USTAR (Utah Science Technology And Research) Technology Outreach for Northern Utah. USTAR is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy.” This revolutionary initiative invests in world-class innovation teams and research facilities to create novel technologies that are subsequently commercialized through new business ventures. Finally, he serves as the Executive Director of the Weber State University Research Foundation(WSURF), a wholly owned WSU entity that fosters and supports on campus innovation and commercialization with students, faculty and the surrounding business community.
Alex is a contributor on Entrepreneurship for Forbes Magazine. He also writes a regular column for Utah Business Magazine. He has been featured on TechCrunch, 40 under 40 Top Entrepreneurs, V100 Top 100 Technology Entrepreneurs, E-50 Top 50 Social Entrepreneurs, WSU Entrepreneur Alumni of the Year, and more. He currently volunteers as a Board Member for the Columbus Community Center for the Disabled and the Weber State University Alumni Association; two great community organizations. He is also on the advisory board for the Goddard School of Business and Economics Advisory Council, the Women Tech Council , The NorthFront Entrepreneur Alliance , Launch Sales and Marketing , the WSU Entrepreneur Association, CircleFive, ForeUP, Wedgies, Vinny, and I’m a Trustee for Launchup.org.
He has been married for 12 years. His family lives a quiet life in the mountains of Utah, where they enjoy golf, fly fishing and other outdoor activities like cycling. When he is not having fun with his family, he'd love to be playing golf, riding his bike or upgrading Apple products.
Ken Kaufman - 3/27/13
Ken Kaufman - Founder, CFOwise
Ken Kaufman has served in various leadership roles, including President, CEO, CFO, COO, VP of Administration, and VP of Sales, in entrepreneurial start-ups, mid-stage companies, and large multi-national corporations in a variety of industries. He is currently the President, CFO, and board member of Aribex, a four-year consecutive Inc. 500/5000 company and the founder of CFOwise, a Top 25 Under Five award recipient four consecutive years. He is also fulfilling a term as chairman of the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF).
In 2012 Ken was recognized by Utah Business as CFO of the year. He's been mentioned on several Top Forty Under 40 lists and was included in Signal Peak Venture's 2010 and 2012 classes of the top 100 Entrepreneurs. He wrote an award-winning and best-selling book, Impact Your Business, and is a sought-after speaker and writer (American Express OPEN Forum®). He earned a B.S. in business from BYU and MBA from the University of Georgia in finance & entrepreneurship where his peers selected him as the most outstanding student.
Ken Kaufman actively serves in his church and the Boy Scouts of America. He regularly mentors BYU business students and judges business plan competitions. He lives in Lehi, Utah with his wife and six children.
Ken Kaufman has served in various leadership roles, including President, CEO, CFO, COO, VP of Administration, and VP of Sales, in entrepreneurial start-ups, mid-stage companies, and large multi-national corporations in a variety of industries. He is currently the President, CFO, and board member of Aribex, a four-year consecutive Inc. 500/5000 company and the founder of CFOwise, a Top 25 Under Five award recipient four consecutive years. He is also fulfilling a term as chairman of the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF).
In 2012 Ken was recognized by Utah Business as CFO of the year. He's been mentioned on several Top Forty Under 40 lists and was included in Signal Peak Venture's 2010 and 2012 classes of the top 100 Entrepreneurs. He wrote an award-winning and best-selling book, Impact Your Business, and is a sought-after speaker and writer (American Express OPEN Forum®). He earned a B.S. in business from BYU and MBA from the University of Georgia in finance & entrepreneurship where his peers selected him as the most outstanding student.
Ken Kaufman actively serves in his church and the Boy Scouts of America. He regularly mentors BYU business students and judges business plan competitions. He lives in Lehi, Utah with his wife and six children.
Joel Peterson - 1/16/13
Joel Peterson - Founder, Peterson Partners
Mr. Peterson founded Peterson Partners (PPLP), a Salt Lake City-based private equity group with some $1/2 Billion under management. PPLP focuses on providing growth and buyout capital to businesses with strong management teams and a track record of success. Peterson Partners has invested in local Utah businesses such as Winder Dairy, Making Memories, EnergySolutions, Diamond Rental, Asphalt Zipper and 3form, as well as national businesses such as JetBlue Airways, Cranium and Asurion, and international ones such as Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras, Packsize, D&S Investments, and K.P.R. Mill Limited.
Separate from this private equity business, Mr. Peterson founded JCP Capital to fulfill a passion for partnering with talented entrepreneurs in earlier stage or smaller ventures.
Mr. Peterson has been on the faculty at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University since 1992 where he has taught courses in real estate investment, entrepreneurship and leadership. He was selected by students to receive the 2005 Distinguished Teacher Award. He currently serves as a Director at Stanford’s Center for Leadership Development and Research, as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Group, and as an Overseer at the Hoover Institution.
Between 1973 and 1991, he was Treasurer, CFO, Board member and CEO of Trammell Crow Company, the world’s largest private real estate development firm.
Mr. Peterson is currently Chairman of the Board at JetBlue Airways, and on the boards of Franklin Covey and Ladder Capital Finance, a billion-dollar real estate investment company, and Bonobos, a New York based apparel start-up. Over the past 35 years, he has served on dozens of public and private boards including Asurion, the Dallas Market Center, Texas Commerce Bank (Dallas), the Advisory Board at the GSB at Stanford, and on the President’s Council at his alma mater. He was valedictorian at his undergraduate institution, Brigham Young University, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1973.
He and his wife, Diana, have been married for 38 years and have 7 children and 14 grandchildren.
Mr. Peterson founded Peterson Partners (PPLP), a Salt Lake City-based private equity group with some $1/2 Billion under management. PPLP focuses on providing growth and buyout capital to businesses with strong management teams and a track record of success. Peterson Partners has invested in local Utah businesses such as Winder Dairy, Making Memories, EnergySolutions, Diamond Rental, Asphalt Zipper and 3form, as well as national businesses such as JetBlue Airways, Cranium and Asurion, and international ones such as Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras, Packsize, D&S Investments, and K.P.R. Mill Limited.
Separate from this private equity business, Mr. Peterson founded JCP Capital to fulfill a passion for partnering with talented entrepreneurs in earlier stage or smaller ventures.
Mr. Peterson has been on the faculty at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University since 1992 where he has taught courses in real estate investment, entrepreneurship and leadership. He was selected by students to receive the 2005 Distinguished Teacher Award. He currently serves as a Director at Stanford’s Center for Leadership Development and Research, as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Group, and as an Overseer at the Hoover Institution.
Between 1973 and 1991, he was Treasurer, CFO, Board member and CEO of Trammell Crow Company, the world’s largest private real estate development firm.
Mr. Peterson is currently Chairman of the Board at JetBlue Airways, and on the boards of Franklin Covey and Ladder Capital Finance, a billion-dollar real estate investment company, and Bonobos, a New York based apparel start-up. Over the past 35 years, he has served on dozens of public and private boards including Asurion, the Dallas Market Center, Texas Commerce Bank (Dallas), the Advisory Board at the GSB at Stanford, and on the President’s Council at his alma mater. He was valedictorian at his undergraduate institution, Brigham Young University, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1973.
He and his wife, Diana, have been married for 38 years and have 7 children and 14 grandchildren.
Fourth Annual Young Professionals Networking Event - 11/27/12
Join us for a light lunch and afternoon of networking at the 4th Annual Young Professionals Networking Event.
This event is hosted by the UACPA ProNet Council, the Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar and the Young Finance Professionals. A light lunch will be provided.
This event is hosted by the UACPA ProNet Council, the Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar and the Young Finance Professionals. A light lunch will be provided.
Dan Clark - 9/19/12
Dan Clark - President/CEO, Clark Success Systems
Dan is President/CEO of the international communications and high performance consulting firm, Clark Success Systems, a New YorkTimes Best Selling Author, Award Winning Athlete, University Professor, Adventurer, Journalist, Gold Record Songwriter/Recording Artist, Philanthropist, and one of the most sought after speakers on the platform today!
Over a twenty-five year period, wherein they hired 250 of the most popular speakers/celebrities/authors on the planet, through a compilation of audience evaluations and a strict set of performance criterion which included requests for multiple return engagements, Achievers North America and Achievers Europe unanimously named Dan one of the Top Ten Speakers In The World!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uafO8sQmCZs&feature=plcp
Dan is President/CEO of the international communications and high performance consulting firm, Clark Success Systems, a New YorkTimes Best Selling Author, Award Winning Athlete, University Professor, Adventurer, Journalist, Gold Record Songwriter/Recording Artist, Philanthropist, and one of the most sought after speakers on the platform today!
Over a twenty-five year period, wherein they hired 250 of the most popular speakers/celebrities/authors on the planet, through a compilation of audience evaluations and a strict set of performance criterion which included requests for multiple return engagements, Achievers North America and Achievers Europe unanimously named Dan one of the Top Ten Speakers In The World!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uafO8sQmCZs&feature=plcp
Jill Taylor - 8/28/12
Jill Taylor - President, KeyBank’s Utah District
Jill Taylor is President of KeyBank’s Utah District. In this position, she is responsible for growing KeyBank’s client base in s Banking, Business Banking, Private Banking and Commercial Banking. She also partners with the sales managers of KeyBank’s Community Development Bank, Key Investment Services and Key Wealth Management Group, to ensure the seamless delivery of those products and services to clients in Utah.
Ms. Taylor began her banking career with Bank One, where she served as First Vice President and Retail District Manager in Utah prior to joining KeyBank in 2004.
Ms. Taylor earned her Bachelor of Science degree in communications from the University of Utah. She is active in a number of charitable and community endeavors. She currently sits on the boards of Junior Achievement of Utah, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, the Utah Bankers’ Association, United Way of Salt Lake, Utah Valley University’s School of Business and Westminster College Institute for New Enterprise.
Jill Taylor is President of KeyBank’s Utah District. In this position, she is responsible for growing KeyBank’s client base in s Banking, Business Banking, Private Banking and Commercial Banking. She also partners with the sales managers of KeyBank’s Community Development Bank, Key Investment Services and Key Wealth Management Group, to ensure the seamless delivery of those products and services to clients in Utah.
Ms. Taylor began her banking career with Bank One, where she served as First Vice President and Retail District Manager in Utah prior to joining KeyBank in 2004.
Ms. Taylor earned her Bachelor of Science degree in communications from the University of Utah. She is active in a number of charitable and community endeavors. She currently sits on the boards of Junior Achievement of Utah, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, the Utah Bankers’ Association, United Way of Salt Lake, Utah Valley University’s School of Business and Westminster College Institute for New Enterprise.
Senator Jake Garn - 7/17/12
Senator Jake Garn
Jake Garn is a graduate of the University of Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance.
He served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He is a retired Brigadier General in the Utah Air National Guard and has logged more than 12,000 hours of flight time. He flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1985. He is a former insurance executive and served as Mayor of Salt Lake City prior to his election to the United States Senate in 1974. He served six years as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
Senator Garn retired from the Senate in January 1993 and is a self-employed consultant serving on a number of public and private sector boards.
Jake Garn is a graduate of the University of Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance.
He served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He is a retired Brigadier General in the Utah Air National Guard and has logged more than 12,000 hours of flight time. He flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1985. He is a former insurance executive and served as Mayor of Salt Lake City prior to his election to the United States Senate in 1974. He served six years as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
Senator Garn retired from the Senate in January 1993 and is a self-employed consultant serving on a number of public and private sector boards.
Jason Ellis - 5/31/12
Jason Ellis - President & Chief Executive Officer, Spring Retail Group
Jason Ellis joined Spring Mobile in April of 2001 as a founding partner and the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. In a few short years, Ellis built Spring’s management team and directed implementation of its operational infrastructure. In September of 2006, Ellis was promoted to CEO of Spring Retail Group, the parent company for Spring Mobile and its sister companies, Gadget Guard and Simply Mac. Jason sits on the board of the Salt Lake chapter of Head Start. He holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Utah and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Jason Ellis joined Spring Mobile in April of 2001 as a founding partner and the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. In a few short years, Ellis built Spring’s management team and directed implementation of its operational infrastructure. In September of 2006, Ellis was promoted to CEO of Spring Retail Group, the parent company for Spring Mobile and its sister companies, Gadget Guard and Simply Mac. Jason sits on the board of the Salt Lake chapter of Head Start. He holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Utah and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Michael Wadoups - 4/19/12
Michael Wadoups - President, Utah Senate
Senator Waddoups currently serves as President of the Utah State Senate. He has served in the Utah Senate for 13 years and has served as Chairman of the Rules Committee and also as Senate Majority Leader. He served in the Utah House of Representatives for 10 years fulfilling leadership positions as Rules Chairman and Majority Whip. During his time in the legislature he has served as President of the Multi-State Transportation Commission, Chair of the Health Care Task Force, and served on the Judicial Conduct Commission. Mr. Waddoups has received numerous awards for his service, leadership and community involvement. Mr. Waddoups is a Property Manager by profession and has been the President and owner of Cooperative Property Management for the past 27 years. He manages homeowners associations throughout Salt Lake and Davis counties.
Senator Waddoups currently serves as President of the Utah State Senate. He has served in the Utah Senate for 13 years and has served as Chairman of the Rules Committee and also as Senate Majority Leader. He served in the Utah House of Representatives for 10 years fulfilling leadership positions as Rules Chairman and Majority Whip. During his time in the legislature he has served as President of the Multi-State Transportation Commission, Chair of the Health Care Task Force, and served on the Judicial Conduct Commission. Mr. Waddoups has received numerous awards for his service, leadership and community involvement. Mr. Waddoups is a Property Manager by profession and has been the President and owner of Cooperative Property Management for the past 27 years. He manages homeowners associations throughout Salt Lake and Davis counties.
Nathan Rafferty - 2/8/12
Nathan Rafferty - CEO, Ski Utah
Nathan was named President & CEO of Ski Utah in October, 2005. Before changing roles within the organization, he served as Ski Utah’s director of communications for seven years, with previous experience at Park City Mountain Resort. His responsibilities include continuing to promote Utah’s 14 mountain resorts with a budget of approximately $3.5 million. He works on both tourism promotion and legislative issues as a member of the Utah Office of Tourism’s board of directors. A Salt Lake City native, Nathan has worked in various capacities in Utah’s ski industry, starting as an intern with Ski Utah the summer he graduated from the University of Arizona in 1994. In 2007, and again in 2012, he was named one of Utah’s “100 Most Influential People” by Utah Business Magazine and to their “40 Under 40” list in 2008.
Nathan was named President & CEO of Ski Utah in October, 2005. Before changing roles within the organization, he served as Ski Utah’s director of communications for seven years, with previous experience at Park City Mountain Resort. His responsibilities include continuing to promote Utah’s 14 mountain resorts with a budget of approximately $3.5 million. He works on both tourism promotion and legislative issues as a member of the Utah Office of Tourism’s board of directors. A Salt Lake City native, Nathan has worked in various capacities in Utah’s ski industry, starting as an intern with Ski Utah the summer he graduated from the University of Arizona in 1994. In 2007, and again in 2012, he was named one of Utah’s “100 Most Influential People” by Utah Business Magazine and to their “40 Under 40” list in 2008.
Robert Pedersen - 1/25/12
Robert G. Pedersen II - CEO, Co-founder, and Chairman, ZAGG Inc.
Robert provides the overall vision and leadership of ZAGG Inc. Robert has more than 20 years’ experience in executive management, sales and marketing, communications, as well as owning and managing several start-up businesses and enterprises. Since 1998, Robert was a co-owner and executive manager for Del Sol LLC, a Utah-based international specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, where he implemented the in-line retail store model. Del Sol now has more than 100 stores world-wide. Additionally, Robert created and was the director of DelSol.com, Del Sol LLC’s Internet presence. In 2002 Robert founded PayTeck, Inc., a Utah provider of Internet-based payment processing services, which was later sold to Zion’s Bank, a public company, in 2005. Robert co-founded ZAGG Inc. and has served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since that time. Robert is also the Company’s largest shareholder.
Robert earned a degree in business administration (BSBA) from the University of Phoenix and a Masters Degree (MBA) from Brigham Young University in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing, finance and organizational communications. Robert and his wife Kim and their six children reside in Holladay, Utah.
Robert provides the overall vision and leadership of ZAGG Inc. Robert has more than 20 years’ experience in executive management, sales and marketing, communications, as well as owning and managing several start-up businesses and enterprises. Since 1998, Robert was a co-owner and executive manager for Del Sol LLC, a Utah-based international specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, where he implemented the in-line retail store model. Del Sol now has more than 100 stores world-wide. Additionally, Robert created and was the director of DelSol.com, Del Sol LLC’s Internet presence. In 2002 Robert founded PayTeck, Inc., a Utah provider of Internet-based payment processing services, which was later sold to Zion’s Bank, a public company, in 2005. Robert co-founded ZAGG Inc. and has served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since that time. Robert is also the Company’s largest shareholder.
Robert earned a degree in business administration (BSBA) from the University of Phoenix and a Masters Degree (MBA) from Brigham Young University in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing, finance and organizational communications. Robert and his wife Kim and their six children reside in Holladay, Utah.
Past Events
2011
January 25th: David Golden, Division Manager of Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo
February 11th: Sean Schickedanz , General Partner of Clean Pacific Ventures
March 30th: Jack Brittain, VP of Tech Venture Development
April 26th: Leo Hopf, Management Consultant and Author
May 27th: Rich Nelson, President & CEO of the Utah Technology Council
June 3rd: Doug Anderson, Dean of the Huntsman School of Business at USU
July 6th: GMAT Preview presented by Manhattan GMAT
September 13th: Cal Boardman, PhD, Professor at University of Utah
October 28th: Senator Bob Bennett
November 3rd: Third Annual Young Professionals Networking Event
November 16th: Rodney Rasmussen, Co-Founder and CFO, V3 Systems
December 13th: Bruce Cundick, Chief Investment Officer for the Utah Retirement Systems
2010
January 12th: Jeremy Neilson, Managing Director, Utah Fund of Funds
February 24th: Kimball Rasmussen, CEO, Deseret Power
March 23rd: C. Richard Schwarz, SVP, Zions Bank
April 12th: Gary Crocker, Chairman of Merrimack Pharmaceiticals and President of Crocker Ventures LLC
May 18th: Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach of the University of Utah Football Team
June 29th: Roger Clarke, President of Ensign Peak Advisors
July 14th: Kent Bowman, Managing Partner, Audit and Business Advisory Partner, Tanner LC
September 9th: Scott Petty, Managing Director at vSpring Capital
October 28th: Lew Cramer, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Utah
November 22nd: Chip Everest, Managing Partner, Western Pacific Group and Co-Founder, Energy Solutions
2009
January 21st: Robert Nydegger, Portfolio Manager for Ensign Peak Advisors
February 20th: Kent Misener, Chief Investment Officer for DMBA
March 27th: Cecil Samuelson, President of Brigham Young University
April 21st: Greg Miller, CEO, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
May 15th: Bruce Bingham, Founding Partner, Hamilton Partners
July 17th: Executive Team from Choice Humanitarian
August 19th: Eric Jacobsen, Managing Partner & Co-founder, Dolphin Capital
September 25th: Roger McOmber, Partner, Sawtooth Investment Management
October 26th: Jeff Cardon, CEO, Wasatch Advisors
November 16th: Bill Murray, Partner, Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliff
December 17th: Scott Anderson, President & CEO, Zions Bank
2008
January 18th: David Winder, Former Executive Director of Utah Dept. of Community and Economic Development
February 20th: Clark B. Hinckley, Sr. VP of Investor Relations and Communications for Zions Bank
March 26th: Jake Boyer, President of The Boyer Company
April 23rd: Jordan Clements, Managing Partner of Peterson Partners
May 21st: CFO Panel with Kay Hall (Zion’s Bank), Randy Plant (Alphagraphics), and Jeff Morrin (APX Alarm) - Moderator, Tom Stringham (Roth Capital Partners / University Venture Fund)
June 26th: David Carter, Serial Entrepreneur and Experienced Investor
August 28th: Lane Beattie, President of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
September 24th: Fraser Bullock, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sorenson Capital
October 20th: Sterling Jenson, CFA, Regional Managing Director of Wells Capital Management
November 19th: Fred Zirkle, Founder & CEO of IndustryPro
December 18th: Rick Alden, Founder & CEO of Skullcandy
2007
September 12th: Gary D. Kennedy, President & CEO of Remedy MD
October 17th: John Lunt, President & Director of Lunt Capital
November 8th: Kent Madsen, Managing Director of Wasatch Venture Fund
December 13th: Bob Hatch, President of Wells Fargo UT
January 25th: David Golden, Division Manager of Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo
February 11th: Sean Schickedanz , General Partner of Clean Pacific Ventures
March 30th: Jack Brittain, VP of Tech Venture Development
April 26th: Leo Hopf, Management Consultant and Author
May 27th: Rich Nelson, President & CEO of the Utah Technology Council
June 3rd: Doug Anderson, Dean of the Huntsman School of Business at USU
July 6th: GMAT Preview presented by Manhattan GMAT
September 13th: Cal Boardman, PhD, Professor at University of Utah
October 28th: Senator Bob Bennett
November 3rd: Third Annual Young Professionals Networking Event
November 16th: Rodney Rasmussen, Co-Founder and CFO, V3 Systems
December 13th: Bruce Cundick, Chief Investment Officer for the Utah Retirement Systems
2010
January 12th: Jeremy Neilson, Managing Director, Utah Fund of Funds
February 24th: Kimball Rasmussen, CEO, Deseret Power
March 23rd: C. Richard Schwarz, SVP, Zions Bank
April 12th: Gary Crocker, Chairman of Merrimack Pharmaceiticals and President of Crocker Ventures LLC
May 18th: Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach of the University of Utah Football Team
June 29th: Roger Clarke, President of Ensign Peak Advisors
July 14th: Kent Bowman, Managing Partner, Audit and Business Advisory Partner, Tanner LC
September 9th: Scott Petty, Managing Director at vSpring Capital
October 28th: Lew Cramer, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Utah
November 22nd: Chip Everest, Managing Partner, Western Pacific Group and Co-Founder, Energy Solutions
2009
January 21st: Robert Nydegger, Portfolio Manager for Ensign Peak Advisors
February 20th: Kent Misener, Chief Investment Officer for DMBA
March 27th: Cecil Samuelson, President of Brigham Young University
April 21st: Greg Miller, CEO, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
May 15th: Bruce Bingham, Founding Partner, Hamilton Partners
July 17th: Executive Team from Choice Humanitarian
August 19th: Eric Jacobsen, Managing Partner & Co-founder, Dolphin Capital
September 25th: Roger McOmber, Partner, Sawtooth Investment Management
October 26th: Jeff Cardon, CEO, Wasatch Advisors
November 16th: Bill Murray, Partner, Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliff
December 17th: Scott Anderson, President & CEO, Zions Bank
2008
January 18th: David Winder, Former Executive Director of Utah Dept. of Community and Economic Development
February 20th: Clark B. Hinckley, Sr. VP of Investor Relations and Communications for Zions Bank
March 26th: Jake Boyer, President of The Boyer Company
April 23rd: Jordan Clements, Managing Partner of Peterson Partners
May 21st: CFO Panel with Kay Hall (Zion’s Bank), Randy Plant (Alphagraphics), and Jeff Morrin (APX Alarm) - Moderator, Tom Stringham (Roth Capital Partners / University Venture Fund)
June 26th: David Carter, Serial Entrepreneur and Experienced Investor
August 28th: Lane Beattie, President of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
September 24th: Fraser Bullock, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sorenson Capital
October 20th: Sterling Jenson, CFA, Regional Managing Director of Wells Capital Management
November 19th: Fred Zirkle, Founder & CEO of IndustryPro
December 18th: Rick Alden, Founder & CEO of Skullcandy
2007
September 12th: Gary D. Kennedy, President & CEO of Remedy MD
October 17th: John Lunt, President & Director of Lunt Capital
November 8th: Kent Madsen, Managing Director of Wasatch Venture Fund
December 13th: Bob Hatch, President of Wells Fargo UT