What happens when getting rejected from medical school completely changes the course of your career?In this episode, Brett Hopkins shares the unexpected journey that took him from aspiring anesthesiologist to CFO of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee, and ultimately to CEO of Ken Garff Automotive. Brett opens up about learning to recognize your natural strengths, taking risks, and finding success by pursuing the path that fits you—not necessarily the one you originally planned.He also reflects on working alongside Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, what he learned from their leadership, and how the experience shaped his approach to business. Brett discusses his transition into the automotive industry, why he wanted to make the dealership experience “un-car-like,” the future of the car business, electric vehicles and hybrids, and why Utah has become home to some of the most successful automotive groups in the country.Brett also shares his experience being named Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year, and the personal reflection that came with the recognition. He explains why he believes entrepreneurship isn't limited to business owners—and why, in one way or another, we're all entrepreneurs.In this conversation:• Turning rejection into a career pivot• Lessons from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics• Leadership lessons from Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock• Building and scaling Ken Garff Automotive• Why Brett wanted to be “un-car-like”• The future of dealerships and mobility• Electric vehicles vs. hybrids• Utah’s unique entrepreneurial culture• Being named Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year• What it really means to be an entrepreneur• Taking risks and creating valueTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction and Early Career Aspirations00:00:28 - Failed Attempts at Medical School00:01:00 - Pivot to Business and Education00:01:42 - Realization of Natural Aptitude for Business00:02:22 - Graduate School and First Job in Corporate Finance00:03:03 - Expat Experience in France00:04:12 - Transition from Corporate Finance to Salt Lake Olympic Committee00:05:03 - Working with Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock00:06:10 - Leadership Lessons from Mitt Romney and Frazier Bullock00:08:01 - Post-Olympics Career Decisions00:08:44 - Joining Ken Garf Automotive00:10:09 - Insights into the Car Dealership Business00:12:09 - Career Progression at Ken Garf Automotive00:13:09 - Utah's Success in the Car Dealership Industry00:15:14 - Future of the Car Industry00:18:43 - Electric Vehicles and Market Trends00:20:58 - Impact of Gas Prices on Electric Vehicle Demand00:21:17 - Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nomination00:22:01 - Personal Reflection on Entrepreneurship00:24:07 - Encouraging Entrepreneurial Mindset in Teams00:25:21 - Conclusion and Final RemarksWatch the full conversation for a candid look at career pivots, leadership, entrepreneurship, Utah business, and the evolving automotive industry.
In this episode, Clint Betts sits down with Dylan Blake, the founder and owner of Dylan Blake Customs, a premier custom suit and clothing company. From dressing celebrities like Logan Paul and Ray Lewis to outfitting clients for their special occasions, Dylan shares his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming a renowned name in the custom tailoring industry.Timestamps:Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction and Compliment00:00:23 - Guest Introduction: Dylan Blake00:00:49 - Starting the Custom Suit Business00:01:00 - Inspiration and Early Beginnings00:01:31 - Journey to Italy and Sourcing Materials00:02:13 - Suiting Origins: Italy and London00:02:47 - Personal Suit Preferences00:03:16 - Comfort and Fabric Blends00:04:02 - Dylan's Background and Move to Utah00:04:14 - Utah Market and Suit Trends00:05:15 - Sales Model and Tailoring Process00:05:41 - Learning Tailoring from Tommaso00:06:29 - Getting Celebrity Clients00:08:04 - Impact of AI on Tailoring00:09:01 - Suit Manufacturing Process00:10:16 - Off-the-Rack vs. Custom Suits00:10:28 - Scaling the Business and Training Salesmen00:12:03 - Future Expansion Plans00:12:49 - Business Model and Financials00:13:13 - Growth and B2B Opportunities00:14:02 - Marketing Strategies00:14:18 - Trade Shows and Sponsorships00:14:49 - Expanding Product Line00:15:34 - Cultural Shift Towards Dressing Well00:16:02 - Learning Tailoring and Savile Row00:17:13 - Savile Row and Bespoke Tailoring00:18:02 - Empowerment Through Custom Suits00:18:59 - Client Transformations00:19:51 - Passion and Drive00:20:11 - Travel and Business Expansion00:20:32 - Personal Enjoyment of Travel00:20:43 - Client Appreciation and Future Goals00:21:23 - Faith and Business Location00:21:43 - Contact Information and Closing Remarks
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business scaling with the founder of Scaling.com, Blake Erickson. Discover the journey from door-to-door sales to advising over 550 companies on achieving exponential growth. Learn about the principles of scaling, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to leverage AI for efficiency.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome00:00:13 - Scaling.com Origins and Tony Robbins00:00:35 - Transition from Door-to-Door Sales to Business Growth00:01:07 - Partnership with Dr. Benjamin Hardy00:01:38 - Founding of Scaling.com00:02:25 - Criteria for Engaging with Scaling.com00:04:01 - Psychological Aspect of Scaling00:05:29 - Mindset Shift for Exponential Growth00:07:05 - Building a Scalable Model00:08:08 - Simplifying Systems and Building the Right Team 00:09:01 - Exponential Distribution Strategies00:10:16 - The Power Law and Focus on Key Actions00:10:30 - Example of Scaling a Popcorn Company00:12:19 - Discussion on AI and Its Impact on Business00:13:20 - Leveraging AI for Efficiency00:14:02 - Human Connection and Accountability in Business00:15:43 - Self-Leadership and Personal Growth00:17:43 - The Role of the Founder in Scaling00:18:49 - Psychological Barriers to Scaling00:20:06 - Should Every Business Scale?00:21:12 - Purpose-Driven Scaling00:22:47 - Defining Scaling and Its Potential00:23:36 - Self-Leadership and Confidence Building00:24:48 - Upcoming Book: The Power Law00:25:57 - Importance of Focus and Avoiding Busy Work00:28:06 - Example of Messi's Efficiency in Soccer00:30:05 - Final Thoughts on Purpose and Fulfillment00:30:37 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant intersection of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah. Our special guest is Alex Sherman, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Skullcandy, an Utah-based company with deep roots in the action sports world.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction00:34 - Meet Alex Sherman from Skullcandy01:08 - Alex's Journey from Pro Snowboarder to Brand Marketing02:12 - Alex's Role at Skullcandy02:57 - Skullcandy's Utah Roots and Action Sports Culture04:08 - The Origin of Skullcandy05:04 - Staying True to Action Sports DNA06:11 - Skullcandy's Innovative Product Team07:17 - Global Consumer Brand and Fan Engagement08:48 - Exciting Creator Strategies and Influencer Programs10:39 - Skullcandy Headquarters and Office Culture12:53 - Partnership with Woodward and Community Engagement14:19 - Events and Activations: Kilby Block Party and Crusher Cup17:04 - Social Strategy and Gen Z Engagement20:39 - Where to Buy Skullcandy Products23:21 - Upcoming Collaboration: Crusher 1080 with Bose25:04 - Challenges and Advantages of Scaling Internationally26:39 - Custom Headphones for Partners28:08 - Skullcandy's Role in the Utah EcosystemKey Highlights: Alex shares his journey from being a pro snowboarder to leading brand marketing at Skullcandy. Discover how Skullcandy stays true to its action sports roots while constantly innovating. Learn about Skullcandy's exciting collaborations, including the upcoming Crusher 1080 with Bose. Get insights into Skullcandy's social strategy and how they engage with Gen Z. Explore Skullcandy's community involvement and partnerships, including their work with Woodward. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation about the dynamic world of sports, tech, and consumer brands in Utah!Follow Us:Website:siliconslopes.comInstagram:@siliconslopeshowTwitter:@siliconslopeshowFacebook:Silicon Slope ShowFollow Skullcandy:Website:SkullcandyInstagram:@skullcandyTwitter:@skullcandyFacebook:SkullcandySubscribe for more episodes and hit the bell icon to stay updated!
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode, we dive into the world of sports business with Jay Burke, the Director of Marketing at Woodward Park City. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Utah marketing landscape, Jay shares his journey from the advertising world to his passion for mountains, skiing, and action sports.00:13 - Introduction and Guest Welcome00:36 - Jay Burke's Background and Career Beginnings01:08 - Transition to Ski Resort Marketing01:54 - Current Role at Woodward Park City02:25 - Marketing Strategies and Digital Shift02:47 - Importance of Events and Owned Media03:52 - Local Paid Media and Market Education04:38 - Overview of Utah's Outdoor Activities05:01 - Woodward's Global Presence and History06:06 - Future Plans for Woodward Urban Centers06:33 - Year-Round Activities at Woodward07:39 - Summer Camps and Youth Programs09:14 - Corporate Partnerships and Brand Collaborations10:54 - Event Planning and Execution11:19 - Creation and Success of Point to Point Event14:20 - Work-Life Balance in the Outdoor Industry16:07 - Building Community and Youth Culture at Woodward18:29 - Future Event Collaborations20:04 - Future of the Outdoor Industry23:14 - Snow Management and Mountain Operations23:57 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial: X https://x.com/siliconslopesInstagram https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw