Meet our 20 in their 20s honorees (2022 edition)
Utah Business is proud to introduce you to our state’s up-and-coming talent. These twenty-somethings are starting their own businesses, rising through the ranks of existing ones, and recreating the world. Meet the 2022 Utah Business 20 in their 20s.
Manny Del Rio, 29
VP, Financial Transactions Manager | Zions Bancorporation
What does success look like to you?
Success to me means maintaining perseverance and bravery as I tackle life’s challenges, blaze my own trail, and pursue my dreams. As a first-generation college student, I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to obtain a college-level education and land a role with a great company full of growth potential and opportunity post-graduation. My advice to first-generation students/minorities would be to never give up. Even if your socioeconomic factors are against you, you can do anything you set your mind to in this life.
What do you look for in a job or company?
I look for a company that can provide me with the potential for growth and professional development, which is exactly why Zions Bancorporation has been the perfect fit for me. Zions has provided me with the opportunity to grow my management and leadership skills and ensure that my industry knowledge and skills stay relevant and up-to-date. I also put emphasis on culture fit, as it is very important to me that my employer and I are aligned on values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Sarah Ferrell Ebert, 23
Founder & CEO | Pressed Floral
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I want to have a few kids with my husband and be financially free. I dream of a beautiful home in Utah, raising my family close to the mountains, and having opportunities to travel frequently with my family. I also want to be creating art for people all over the world. I hope to be in a position to create a few large signature pieces a year one-on-one with clients. While doing this, I also want to continue to manage Pressed Floral and hope to have a few locations around the country.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me looks like creating a dream life for my team. Not only do I want to feel accomplished in creating a business that is known across the country, serves clients in other countries, continues to grow, and allows my family and I to live a comfortable lifestyle full of fun and travel—I want to create a company that allows my team members to live a comfortable lifestyle full of fun and travel. I want my team to feel the impact and success that I do.
Jaron Erickson, 24
Founder & CEO | Dojo (Sales Training)
LinkedIn
Who inspires you? Why?
That’s easy—the individuals who have come through the Dojo program. What has inspired me most is not just their high level of performance but their high level of character. At Dojo, we get to work with those who seek to improve themselves professionally and personally. We work with those who are humble in seeking to learn and improve, and hungry to become the best versions of themselves. We work with those who are driven by a deeper purpose to be successful. I personally feel that I have taken more away from the individuals who have come through the Dojo program than I could ever give in return.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
You do not need to compare yourself to others. What is seen and perceived on social media is not always reality. Focus more on your own personal growth, your own path, and your own goals and watch the confidence that begins to flood into your life.
Iqan E. Fadaei, 28
Attorney | Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP
What do you look for in a job or company?
First, being able to work with people who are great professionals but even better human beings. Second, using my skills to contribute to my company and knowing that the company values those contributions. And third, having strong mentorship. I owe my development as an attorney and a professional, in large part to my mentor Betsy Voter. She’s one of the country’s leading attorneys in investment-related law, yet somehow finds the time to lift up everyone around her. The support and sense of belonging that I get from working at Michael Best is the reason I’m so grateful to work there.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
First, learn as much as possible from other people and from life experiences. It requires recognizing your weaknesses and mistakes, but you’ll become a better person for it and also improve your personal and professional relationships. Second, do everything to the best of your ability. You can always take pride in the effort you put into something, even if the end results aren’t what you wanted. This approach is particularly important in the workplace, but it also applies to every other facet of life. Third, stay connected to community. Serving a community provides a sense of purpose that can make achieving professional success more enjoyable and sustainable.
Trevor Gordon, 29
Assistant Manager | Mountain America Credit Union
What do you look for in a job or company?
I want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. It’s very important to me that the company I work for has that as a part of its vision.
Who inspires you? Why?
My parents are my biggest inspiration. Growing up, I didn’t realize the sacrifices my parents were making while raising us or how hard they worked. I am so thankful for them.
Marne’ Grange, 29
Owner | EmieJames & EJ Kids the Toy Store
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is developing into the person I always dreamed of and helping others develop into their best selves. When starting EmieJames, I knew in order for me to feel successful, I needed to develop a balanced family and work life. I never wanted my kids to feel like they came second to work. My goal was for them to genuinely feel part of the business and flourish into kind, confident, and compassionate girls—now they are my sidekicks. The other day I overheard my five-year-old ask her friend, “Do you want to go see the store I own? I think you’ll love it and we can get sodas.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have loved the adventure of owning my own business with my mom. We have a very unique relationship that makes us a power team. We opened EmieJames with the goal to help all women “celebrate their life and home.” There is much to be celebrated in all of our lives. We have now expanded into “celebrating kids” by acquiring the 43-year-old “The Toy Store” stores in Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho. In 10 years, I see EmieJames and EJ Kids the Toy Store adding new locations and growing exponentially online.
Jason Haugen, 28
Founder & CEO | Haugen RV Group
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want to be speaking around the world, inspiring and helping people succeed in life in whatever capacity that means to them.
What is your favorite book?
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett.
Shane Hickenlooper, 29
Co-Founder & CEO | Scroll
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
Be the best at what you do. Find a way to make yourself the most valuable asset your company has. You will go farther this way. Also, find things you love outside of work. Make your life a well-balanced meal. Fill it with “everything good for you” and you will find more joy in work and life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want Scroll to be the number one white label marketing agency in the country.
Kasey Henson, 29
Co-Founder | Reach
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
It’s a lot more fun to become a producer than just a consumer. Find a way to be a producer. That could be on social media by providing content for others to watch, rather than just watching others’ content. Pull the trigger on starting that company, product, or project you have been thinking about. Finally, find a way to bring value to your relationships. You can bring value by giving a gift (outside of an event or holiday), being present with others and listening, and finding ways to contribute to their happiness.
What do you look for in a job or company?
The most important thing to me is the people you surround yourself with. You will become like the 10 people you spend the most time with. Make sure you are with people who are multipliers and not diminishers. Choose to be around others who get the most out of your talent and help you learn and grow while watching out for others who suffer from Tall Poppy Syndrome—those who tear down those who seek success and growth.
Sam Hobson Fairman, 28
Founder & CEO | Sauce Media Group
What does success look like to you?
Success is being passionate about what I do for a living while still enjoying living. There’s no point in working so hard for a goal but never taking the time to enjoy yourself. I’m here to thrive, not survive, baby.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want to be leading my team of stellar creatives at Sauce while potentially dabbling in a new business venture. I envision a life with an exciting career while having time to be present with my loved ones.
Megan Kawaguchi, 26
Manager, Donor Relations & Stewardship | David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah
What do you look for in a job or company?
I look for two things: First, that the company values their people over their bottom line. Second, that the company mission is centered on making a positive impact on people, programs, or communities.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
There is nothing wrong with telling someone you are not OK. Whether in your personal life or your professional life, asking for help is a sign of courage and strength, not a sign of weakness.
John Koelliker, 29
Co-Founder & CEO | Leland
Who inspires you? Why?
My dad. He passed away three years ago after an eight-year battle with a brain tumor. Before he passed, I helped him write a book, “Everybody Needs a Brain Tumor,” that highlights the many blessings and opportunities that came from battling a brain tumor. His determination, humility, and positivity inspire me every day.
What is your favorite book?
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, a simple but life-changing book on the power of thought and action. Has helped me be a better friend, entrepreneur, husband, and father.
Emma Lightfoot, 22
UI/UX Designer | InMoment
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
I would say to take the leap! You may never feel 100 percent qualified or ready to accomplish whatever your goals are, but you can’t finish what you don’t start. Take the initiative to put the extra effort in until you succeed.
What do you look for in a job or company?
In a job, I look for something that is going to challenge me and has a collaborative environment. I enjoy having the opportunity to learn and grow and if you are surrounded by a great team, the learning and growing happens at an exponential rate. In a company, I look for somebody who values their employees. Truly caring about people and their success is important to me.
Lauren McNeely, 29
Product Marketing Manager | Lucid
What do you look for in a job or company?
A culture where people prioritize building real connections, being team players, caring about the individual, and celebrating the big and small wins.
What is your favorite app? Why?
AllTrails. A good hike can help solve most problems in life.
Megan Mounteer, 27
Owner | Country Gardens & Nursery, LLC
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now, our nursery will be the most interactive and inspiring plant nursery in Utah. Part of this plan includes an affordable housing situation with an education center that assists and guides people of all ages and races to become passionate experts in horticulture and agriculture, ranging from houseplant and flower arranging to gardening and plant diagnostics.
Who inspires you? Why?There are a lot of people who inspire me and it’s hard to pinpoint just one person. In the past 26 years of my life, I’ve learned—and continue to be amazed—that people arrive at just the right time. I’m forever grateful for the souls that have invested and sacrificed their time and talents on my behalf because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Zac Muir, 28
VP, Sales & Marketing | Sisu
What do you look for in a job or company?
When athletes start to chase their Olympic dream, they’re told to expect the rule of thirds: on third of the time, they feel overwhelmed, one third of the time they feel normal, and one third of the time they feel on top of the world. All of this means they’re growing. This is what I want from my work.
What is your favorite app? Why?
Our own app of course—Sisu. I’ve watched it turn managers into leaders and overwhelmed operators into process-driven executives, all with the app’s focus on numbers and workflows. I love how it helps salespeople like myself visualize what is achievable and take action every day.
Andrew Pignanelli, 21
Founder & CEO | Velvet
What do you look for in a job or company?
I like companies that are design-led, move very fast, and aren’t dragged down by legacy thinking. Too many companies fall victim to the, “we’ve always done it this way” trap and accept the constraints of the world. Those companies get put out of business by companies like mine.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d like to be running a company that makes an engineering-led physical product that affects people’s everyday lives like the ones we dreamt about in the 60s.
Trevor Reese, 29
Chief Brand Officer | Thread Wallets
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
Face-to-face conversations go further than an email, DM, or text message. Don’t just grow your network, strengthen your relationships.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is a personal journey set by goals that enable growth.
Gabby Saunders, 25
Owner | In The Field Solutions, LLC
Marketer | Pure Healthcare
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
As a member of Gen Z, I can attest to the fact that life has been a shocking experience for us. We watched 9/11, the Iraq War, the economic meltdown of 2008/2009, the 2016 election, and Covid, and now we are here in a time where inflation has made housing, gas, and food emphatically unaffordable for most people in their early 20s. Fear is the greatest inhibitor to finding personal happiness and joy. My advice is to stop being afraid and focus on being authentically and truly yourself. If you choose to chase after your passions, it is not going to be easy, but we are blessed with an economic system that does allow for you to experiment and create your own world defined by your values of success, even if that’s hard to see right now.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Changing the world. I got into politics because I was acutely aware of how much pain and suffering people in our communities face everyday, even if it is not always immediately visible. We have many broken systems and have forgotten how to have constructive and fruitful conversations with each other. The last few years have been so divisive that we have forgotten we are neighbors, family, and friends, not Democrats and Republicans. I have dedicated my career to working on both sides of the aisle, supporting policies that heal our state, and supporting companies like Pure Healthcare that seek to change the way people are treated from the inside out. I hope in 10 years my career still reflects serving others, healing communities, and bringing people together to foster compassion and understanding for “everyday people.”
Megan Townsend, 28
Community and Economic Development Director | Wasatch Front Regional Council
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is leaving others around you feeling like their voice and contributions matter despite the prestige of the position you hold. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”—I remind myself of this Maya Angelou quote often. Leadership is a growing part of my current role and my career goals. Being a good leader is as much about how empowered and supported the people around you feel as what you say and do.
Who inspires you? Why?
Leaders like Salt Lake City Mayor Mendenhall, who show up everyday looking to do the right thing despite all of the reasons not to.
Pierce Woodward, 20
Founder | Brand Pierre
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/Millennials?
Focus on who you spend your time around. You’re a reflection of the people you hang out with. If you want to be a successful investor, spend time around successful investors. If you want to own your own business and travel the world, stop hanging out with people that aren’t motivating you and are talking down your dreams. Spend time with people who push you to become your highest self. Your life will change faster than you expect!
What is your favorite book?
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. I remember my father giving me this book when I was 14 on our flight to London. I read it cover to cover the whole flight. I remember getting off the plane and I could see my future. I had never felt more motivated for life and what I wanted to accomplish.
Kyrsten Woolstenhulme, 29
Director of Innovation Management | University of Utah Partners for Innovation, Ventures, Outreach, and Technology (PIVOT) Center
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is about making an impact, no matter how large or small, and doing so with integrity. It means improving quality of life for myself, my community, and hopefully people around the world by building lasting relationships, constantly pursuing new knowledge and skills, and working to deploy and increase access to cutting-edge technologies. Success means being an instrument for positive change, being sincere and honest, and working for a better tomorrow in everything I do.
Who inspires you? Why?
My grandfather has always been my hero and one of my biggest supporters. He is an incredible example of calm, sincere leadership. He has the ability to ensure everyone he interacts with feels heard and valued, which I’ve always strived to emulate. Thank you, Papa Ron, for being my example and my cheerleader.
Breanne Yamauchi, 29
Partner & COO | Frugll
What is your favorite book?
Today, The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber. Tomorrow, who knows!
What does success look like to you?
Success is tied to action, so I’m always on the move. Sometimes that means two steps forward and sometimes that means one step back, but I never remain stagnant.
