2024 Sales & Marketers of the Year Awards
What’s a business without its sales and marketing teams? Utah Business is proud to present the 2024 Sales & Marketers of the Year honorees—individuals who’ve had a measurable impact on their company’s bottom line and are going above and beyond to share their visions with the world.
2024 Sales & Marketers of the Year Awards photographed by MANICPROJECT for Utah Business
Honorees
Best Integrated Marketing Campaign
Zions Bank Marketing Team
Describe your team’s achievements during the past year.
This past year has been a remarkable one for Zions Bank as we celebrated our 150th anniversary. As Utah’s oldest locally headquartered financial institution, we wanted to ensure our anniversary celebration honored our commitment to each of the communities we serve throughout the state while also looking forward to the future. In connection with our celebration, we hosted more than 120 community celebrations, introduced a state-of-the-art drone light show, coordinated a fleet of 10 wrapped Jeeps that logged more than 80,000 miles in five months, and published the first-ever comprehensive history of Zions Bank to name just a few of the elements of our campaign.
What is your company’s favorite way to engage with your customers?
At its heart, banking is a very local and very personal business, and Zions Bank is a relationship bank. We prefer to meet our clients where they are by engaging with them on a very local and personal level and participating with them in the places that are most important to them. Whether through targeted events, personalized marketing communications or key sponsorships, we are proud of the clients with whom we are associated, and we want them to be proud to be associated with us.
Best Marketing Team
TAB Bank Marketing Team
What is your company’s favorite way to engage with your customers?
For a growing online bank with over a billion dollars in assets, TAB takes an unusually hands-on approach to engaging current and would-be customers. In addition to messaging through digital channels (which has become the status quo in modern marketing), TAB frequently participates in trade shows and industry conferences, as well as local and regional networking and charity events, to invite real-world connections. TAB’s 100 percent U.S.-based customer service team provides support via both phone and electronic means. Commercial lending customers also enjoy access to dedicated relationship and/or portfolio managers, who act as additional resources and partners. For TAB, it’s the “Great People” behind the screen that drive success for the bank and its customers alike.
How does your company’s approach to sales and marketing set you apart?
We trust our team. A huge part of our approach is having the patience and strategic confidence as leaders to hire the right talent—people aligned with our customer values—then get out of their way. We don’t micromanage; we don’t pressure for short-term results over long-term vision. As a family-owned business, we are afforded luxuries that publicly traded companies might not have, but the results speak for themselves. We communicate context and priorities, then trust teams to apply their creativity and expertise to solve problems for our customers.
Best Outdoor Advertising Campaign
Snowbasin Resort Marketing Team
Describe your team’s achievements during the past year.
Last winter was transformational for Snowbasin’s business. It was our first year on the Ikon Pass, and our team debuted an extremely successful “Go North” campaign to drive awareness of the partnership and our geographic proximity, welcoming many new skiers from across the state to Snowbasin. As we continue to grow our brand, our team has been setting records and greatly exceeding our goals as Snowbasin has become one of the top destinations in Utah.
What 2023 marketing campaign is your company most proud of?
Snowbasin was long considered a “hidden gem” or “best-kept secret” in the ski industry. There was a gap between the perception and reality of our experience, so our team really focused on building the brand to be renowned in a way that matches our world-class quality. Following a record winter, we climbed to No. 2 in our industry-leading rankings for ski resorts. It’s extremely rewarding to see Snowbasin elevate to what it has long deserved and be considered one of the best ski resorts in the country.
Best PR Campaign
Oz Marketing Marketing Team
Describe your team’s achievements during the past year.
In an award-winning year, both the agency and its clients received multiple prestigious accolades. We assisted in hosting phenomenal new events for the Young Automotive Group and held the first annual Wasatch Back Overlanding Expo in Morgan, Utah. While assisting the Young Automotive Group with expansions into Idaho Falls and Missoula, Oz Marketing cultivated relationships with various media outlets to expand our client’s influence in new markets. Oz Marketing oversaw and planned the grand opening weekend celebration of Young Powersports XL Centerville and worked diligently to highlight Young Automotive Group’s nonprofit. With the help of Oz Marketing’s efforts, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation was able to donate over $1 million in 2023 and strengthen its programs like the KIND Fund, which helped over 1,750 children in need of clothing assistance in 2023.
What marketing advice do you have for other companies and organizations?
At Oz Marketing, we believe in the importance of getting in front of the employees of clients. Our agency works to ensure that our clients and employees know what we’re doing and that they are engaged with the marketing efforts. Too often, only management knows what’s happening to market their products or services. A frontline employee should never learn about marketing, promotions, etc., from a customer. By getting employees informed, engaged and excited about your marketing, you ensure that the elements of your campaign are extended to the customer experience.
Best Product Launch
Goal Zero
Describe your team’s achievements during the past year.
Our team worked hard to successfully launch the Skylight, the first product in our Yeti-Ready Gear line. To help build customer excitement leading up to the launch and to drive immediate sales, the marketing, e-commerce, PR and social teams worked hand-in-hand to launch an integrated digital marketing campaign with social teaser posts, a lineup of top-tier consumer media and targeted YouTube reviews along with a dedicated product page on Goal Zero’s site. Immediately following the launch of the Skylight, the team had a complicated 50+ SKU launch less than a month later. The combined work of the marketing team helped ensure successful launches, which is evident in the Skylight quickly selling more units than originally forecasted.
What marketing advice do you have for other companies and organizations?
Have fun with it! The ins and outs of sales and marketing can be complicated, and we’ve found that the best teams are those who like to work together and enjoy a good consumer challenge.
Best Social Media Campaign
Lucid Software
Describe your team’s achievements during the past year.
The “Lucid Explains the Internet” campaign has been a massive cross-functional effort, and it’s been amazing to see the videos go viral once again! Lucid has such a strong culture of experimentation and innovation, and that has been vital in reinventing the original campaign while also identifying new and emerging trends to highlight through our videos. With more than 4 million likes on TikTok alone, this has been a huge win for our entire team.
What marketing advice do you have for other companies and organizations?Now more than ever, it’s so important to find new ways to make human connections with your audience—something that is sometimes overlooked in B2B marketing. We see across social media how our users want to connect with us and our products in a human way. Our CMO Nathan Rawlins said it best, “Advances in technology will drive a greater appetite for authenticity. The challenge for marketers is to use technology in a way that boosts productivity while allowing for the human side of marketing to shine through.”
Best Digital Marketing Campaign
Landon Howard
Digital Team Lead | Max Connect Digital
linkedin.com/in/landon-howard
What are the challenges and rewards of working in marketing?
The challenge of working for an agency is that each day is different, but this is what makes it exciting. With clients in many different industries and digital marketing always changing, we face new and exciting challenges each day. The biggest reward of working in digital marketing is seeing our ads help a business succeed. To see business owners, CEOs and CMOs happy with their business is extremely rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be in marketing?
There are many “skills” within digital marketing that can be learned—how to set up campaigns, how to utilize ad platforms, how to analyze data, etc. The attributes we focus on when hiring are positivity, being solution-oriented and having a willingness to learn. My advice would be to hone those skills. Focus on the positive, find solutions rather than problems and put your ego aside to be able to learn all that you can in your field.
Best Use of Video
Kali Mower
Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer | Odyssey House
What’s the most exciting campaign you’ve worked on?
One of the most exciting campaigns I’ve had the pleasure of working on was a collaborative effort with our HR team during the Great Resignation. We focused on rebranding our HR, utilizing compelling video content and persuasive copy to showcase the unique culture and benefits of our agency to potential hires. This project was particularly thrilling as it allowed us to creatively convey our organization’s values and spirit, making a significant impact in attracting and retaining talented individuals in a challenging job market.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
Everyone has a unique set of skills and perspectives they bring to the table. Identify your strengths—whether they’re creativity, empathy, analytical thinking or communication—and find ways to apply them in sales or marketing contexts. Remember that skills in sales and marketing can be developed over time. It’s not just about having natural talent; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt and grow.
Marketing Leadership
Mark Boothe
VP, Customer, Field, & Partner Marketing | Domo
linkedin.com/in/markboothe1
What are the challenges and rewards of working in marketing?
My team and I get to do really cool things with amazing people, and luckily, I’m surrounded by some of the best marketers in the business. I’m only good because of the work of amazing team members. I’m all about relationships, so making sure I enjoy who I work with and the projects I get to be involved in is paramount to my success and happiness.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be in marketing?
Business is about relationships and hard work. If you have the right relationships, nurture them appropriately, work your tail off, and you will be fine. If you don’t have the right relationships, make that a top priority. If you don’t know how to work hard, hurry up and learn!
Marketing Disrupter
Michael Rueckert
Director, Marketing | Snowbasin Resort
linkedin.com/in/michael-rueckert-ab056232
What’s the most exciting campaign you’ve worked on?
Redefining and building Snowbasin’s brand has been an extremely fulfilling project as we bring recognition to the mountain I’ve grown to love. The ski resort is an 83-year-old business and one of the oldest in North America, but it has been under the radar until just recently. In a highly competitive ski market, our “What If?” campaign aimed to portray how Snowbasin is different from the other resorts in the region. It told Snowbasin’s story through the lens of our customers and really captured the magic of what makes us special, kicking off a strong period of multi-year growth.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
Now that I’m 10 years into my career, I’m looking to stretch myself beyond marketing as a leader at Snowbasin. I recently started a revenue committee that analyzes our lines of business and identifies things we can do to create growth, whether it’s marketing-related or operational. This year, I’m also debuting a new sports marketing class at the University of Utah as an adjunct professor. I’m thrilled to take the knowledge I’ve learned throughout my career and help create the next generation of leaders in this industry.
Marketing Professional—For Profit
Preston Jackson
Head, Growth | Yoodlize
Why were you initially attracted to marketing?
I love that it’s at the intersection of creativity and data. You get to be creative and try new things while at the same time getting quick feedback about how effective you were in communicating your ideas and getting the attention of your audience.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to finish each day knowing that you gave it your all, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to get a little bit better, and doing something to make someone else’s life a little bit better. If you string enough of those days together, you’ll be able to look back on a life well lived.
Marketing Professional—Nonprofit
Michelle Sathe
PR & Marketing Strategist | Best Friends Animal Society
linkedin.com/in/michelle-sathe-4089146
Why were you initially attracted to marketing? Why do you remain there?
In my mind, marketers are the conduits between vast amounts of information and a core message. It’s our job to distill it all down to an essence and then craft a compelling story that’s going to interest and inspire people. That’s a challenge that never gets old for me. It helps when you are marketing something you’re passionate about—in my case, working for Best Friends Animal Society allows me to combine my passion for communications with helping homeless animals. I consider it a privilege to be the voice for those who don’t have one.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
My goal for 2024 is to increase awareness of Best Friends Animal Society’s work and inspire Utahns everywhere to help homeless pets in their communities. By adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating and sharing about homeless pets with family and friends, we can all make this amazing state a no-kill state in no time.
Growth Excellence
Nick Powell
VP, Sales | JobNimbus
linkedin.com/in/nick-powell-16556142
Why were you initially attracted to sales?
I was initially drawn to sales and marketing because of the dynamic nature of the field. The idea of connecting with people, understanding their needs and providing solutions has always excited me. I find great satisfaction in the art of persuasion and the challenge of meeting and exceeding targets.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
Everyone has the potential to excel in sales or marketing, regardless of their initial perception of their skills. My advice to someone who may doubt their abilities in these fields is to recognize that skills can be developed and refined over time. Whether you realize it or not, you constantly sell yourself to your colleagues and friends.
Call Center Leadership
Scott Hansen
VP, Customer Contact Center | Extra Space Storage
linkedin.com/in/scotthansenconsulting
What’s the most exciting campaign you’ve worked on?
Taking over the contact center at Extra Space Storage. I came in right at the start of COVID-19, and we had just sent almost all of the in-office team home. We had to adapt everything from our coaching process to our new hire training to operate in a virtual space. We observed productivity increases and higher employee engagement; it also opened up our hiring pool outside of Utah. Now, we have agents in 22 states! In 2023, we completed the largest M&A deal in Utah history when Extra Space merged with Life Storage. Our company grew by 50 percent, including the contact center.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
We’re focusing more on remotely managed storage facilities. These locations do not have an onsite manager, so all of the sales and customer service items are accomplished through a kiosk, over the phone or through our website. At these locations, we are testing out having our sales team proactively reach out to customers through the kiosk and go through the sales process virtually. Currently, we have under 100 locations with this approach, but we aim to significantly grow this in the upcoming years.
Sales Impact
Tosh Mackintosh
Sr. President, Sales | Aptive Environmental
linkedin.com/in/tosh-mackintosh-7734b525
Why were you initially attracted to sales?
Frankly, it was that with commission sales, there wouldn’t be a limit on my income. If I worked hard and became more skilled, I could and would make more money. I knew the financial incentives would get me to work harder and thus feel more satisfied and fulfilled with what I was doing.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
The best and most successful salespeople I’ve ever met don’t fit the description of the type of person who would “do well at sales.” If you are genuine, aren’t easily triggered mentally and are somebody who can get better at the things you put your mind to, I think you can thrive in sales.
What does success look like to you?
Success, at its core, is helping others level up and achieve their goals. I am only able to achieve success by pursuing goals and leveling up myself as well, but ultimately, my joy and success in life are tied to my efforts and results in helping those around me.
Sales Professional—B2B
Diana Brumett
Client Services Specialist – Team Lead | CBRE
linkedin.com/in/diana-brumett-b547077
What are the challenges and rewards of working in sales?
I work in commercial real estate, and one of the most significant surprises is the rewarding connection you establish with people. As a sales or marketing professional, you have the opportunity to meet individuals who are incredibly passionate about their product or service. Being able to assist them in overcoming their challenges and witnessing their success can be incredibly fulfilling and gratifying.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
A surprising aspect of working in sales and marketing is the constant need for adaptability and staying on top of market trends. The dynamics of the industry are constantly changing, and maintaining flexibility is essential. Juggling multiple projects, meeting targets and staying updated with the latest marketing techniques can be challenging, but I am up for the challenge.
Sales Professional—Consumer
Danny LePelley
Sales Professional | Young Automotive Group
linkedin.com/in/danny-lepelley-9a4232105
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
Sales provides me with an opportunity to continually challenge myself. On average, I’ve increased my numbers by over 18 percent each year. In 2022, I sold a personal best of over 376 units. That’s a benchmark I look forward to beating in 2024. In addition, we hold competitions during our sales events. I’ve taken first place so many times that extra incentives have been put in place for salespeople who beat me. I look to keep thriving during those contests and giving my competition a challenge.
What does success look like to you?
Obviously, part of my success is related to my numbers—I love beating the marks from my previous year and winning sales competitions—but it goes beyond that. As a sales professional, I also tie my success to my ability to form relationships with my customers. Every time I interact with a person at the dealership, I want them to know they’re interacting with a trustworthy person who has their best interest at heart. Success in this area is what drives success in other areas. I also enjoy success related to giving back to the community. Baseball is a meaningful part of my life, and a portion of my sales are donated to Morgan High School’s baseball team.
Sales Professional—Retail
Jed Miles
National Sales Manager, Mass Retail | Malouf Companies
linkedin.com/in/jed-miles-12650882
What are the challenges and rewards of working in sales?
Most people might be surprised at just how often you hear “no.” I’ve pitched countless programs during my 27 years in this profession and have been very fortunate to land more than my fair share. With that said, patience is paramount. It takes equal shares of diligence and creativity to succeed in this space.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
The sky is the limit with Malouf. We’re in a unique position because we have so many amazing resources—like creative capabilities, product design and distribution—all in-house. Because of the support we receive from the entire Malouf organization, we go into conversations with retailers and buyers with a high level of confidence. We are able to execute programs for retailers efficiently and quickly because of the many tools Malouf possesses. I strongly feel that the cream will rise to the top in 2024 because of Malouf’s most important asset: our people.
Sales Professional—SaaS
Travis Uale
Regional Director, Sales | Lucid Software Inc.
linkedin.com/in/travisuale/
Why were you initially attracted to a career in sales?
The daily challenges captivated me—the constant grind, adapting to market dynamics and overcoming obstacles—but what truly keeps me committed is the incredible people I work with. The collaborative spirit and shared enthusiasm create a dynamic community that fuels professional and personal growth. I’m fortunate to be in an environment that allows me to succeed and encourages continuous development.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
Believe in yourself and embrace the potential for growth. Success in these fields often hinges on a combination of determination, adaptability and a willingness to learn. Nobody is born with all the skills needed for a sales career. It’s about continuous improvement and the ability to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of business. Be humble enough to accept coaching and be open to making necessary changes. Absorb feedback and refine your approach accordingly. With self-belief and receptiveness to coaching, anyone can carve a path to success in a sales career.
Revenue Leadership
Jen Ruckel
SVP, Sales | 3form
linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ruckel-a025245
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
To truly excel in a sales career, it’s essential to possess certain qualities. The two skills I value are curiosity and resilience. When you’re curious, you’re able to connect with your customers on a deeper level, which can lead to more meaningful conversations. When you’re resilient, you’re able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going no matter what. These qualities promote growth and development and help you build the emotional intelligence you need to navigate the ups and downs of the sales process.
What does success look like to you?
I define success as the ability to uplift and guide others, as well as create a sense of community and belonging. I understand the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in the workplace and believe that people thrive when they feel heard and valued as part of something greater. Of course, as head of sales, I know the importance of achieving revenue targets, but the ability to inspire and coach a team to perform at their best starts with them feeling like they belong. Only then can you motivate them to push a little further and achieve those goals!
Sales Leadership
Amanda Fumo
Chief Revenue Officer | Entrata
linkedin.com/in/amanda-fumo-7a059638
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a salesperson?
Because I don’t have a traditional sales background, I understand firsthand how intimidating breaking into sales can be. But the important thing to remember is that if you think creatively, you can find a way to utilize your skills in a sales career. Working in sales incorporates a lot more than just selling a product; it builds creative thinking, strategy building and leadership skills. Coming from an investing background, I was able to use my knowledge and investing skills to see things in a new light and find new ways to help Entrata achieve its long-term goals.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?
In 2024, I am looking forward to continuing on our growth trajectory and growing a loyal and engaged customer and client base. We have exciting partnerships and projects with AI to help our customers and partners accelerate their efficiency and digital transition. We look forward to building on our sales trajectory and expanding our product suite with our recent acquisition of Rent Dynamics. It’s an exciting time to be at Entrata! 
JUDGES | 2024
Find additional photos from our event for download here.
