Meet our 2020 20 in their 20s
Straddling the line between the millennial and Generation Z, today’s 20-somethings are something else. They’re the zillennials, simultaneously the last group that knew a childhood before computers and the group that has never known a life without a smartphone in hand. These individuals are the ones pulling our businesses into the future.
Aaron A. Martinez, 26
Cofounder & CEO | ProCare Injury Network
Who inspires you?
My son! It seems really cliche, but nothing compares to a person who can get you up every morning like you’re on a mission. Every dream that I have for my life is all about him.
What does success look like to you?
Being in a position to give back and having a seat at every table because people know you have the answers.
Alexis Wilcox, 26
Owner & Entrepreneur | Luxx LLC
What does success look like to you?
Success in life comes from achieving your educational and personal goals. Success is being a valuable person and a positive influence who has compassion for others. I believe success is not taking life for granted, but knowing success only comes through hard work and dedication.
What advice do you have for other zillennials?
Plan for the future by setting goals and work towards your dreams. Surround yourself with those that elevate you to become the best version of yourself. Recognize what abilities and skillsets you have and implement them into your profession. Be the kind of person people recommend.
Anna Sun, 26
Web Developer | Zions Bank
Cofounder | Scriptslate
What is your favorite book?
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
Juggling being the CIO of a medium-sized company and tiger mom to my 2-4 children.
Bear Wilson, 28
Cofounder & President | Champ Recruiting
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I would like to continue scaling Champ Recruiting and build it to a level where our business process has changed the way talent acquisition is handled across the financial industry. I would also like to spend my time and resources advocating for financial literacy among women and low-income communities.
What advice do you have for other zillennials?
Knowing what you want to do for a career is so much less important than knowing what kind of impact you want to have through the work you do. If you are clear on the influence you want to have on the world, you are sure to make it happen even if the vehicle to achieving that ends up looking different than you anticipated.
Blake Locklar, 26 (not pictured)
Officer | United States Air Force
What do you look for in a job or in a company?
I look for companies and organizations that have leaders that embody confidence, competence, and credibility.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I would like to have a PhD in Political Economy and International Relations focused on Central Asian strategy. With this degree and additional experience as an Air Force Officer, my goal is to be detailed temporarily to either the House or Senate Foreign Relations Committee, work as a strategic policy fellow with the US State Department, or be assigned to the Department of Defense’s Joint Staff as a strategist.
Brent Uberty, 27
Managing Director | BW Productions
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
Honestly, I’m just trying to make it through 2020! But I hope in 10 years I am still helping tell stories about incredible people and businesses while hopefully going on cool trips around the world.
Who inspires you?
Ed Bastian inspires me because he opened the world to travel farther and more often. He runs a great business and cares for his employees.
Brook Perry, 24 (not pictured)
Director of Marketing | nuffsaid
What is your favorite book?
Radical Candor by Kim Scott and The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/millennials?
Figure out whether you’re someone who wants direction or who wants the ability to create your own direction. If you’re the former, aim for joining a larger company. If you want more opportunity for growth (and flexibility in the role you choose) and a say in what you do, go for a smaller/high-growth company.
Bryce Nobles, 29
Growth | MX
What social media platform do you use most? Why?
LinkedIn, I love riffing ideas off of my network and getting honest feedback. You are two connections away from anyone.
What do you look for in a job or in a company?
I haven’t had a job title for close to five years, but I can clearly define how I’m making an impact on the business. Tie to a clear metric, but have the ability to transcend any department. And when looking for a new company, [I want] one that is an underdog.
Cassandra Freeman, 27
Account Executive & Team Lead | Weave
Who inspires you? Why?
Sophia Amoruso. Sophia is not only a female entrepreneur working on taking an online store into a multi-million dollar company, she has also shown how to pivot and thrive after setbacks.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I want to be an executive that can create change across a company and also help grow people. Eventually, I want to tackle starting a business of my own and finding a passion that I think I can grow as well and make my own.
Chloe Hale, 27
Engineering Manager | Lucid
Who inspires you? Why?
I find Abraham Lincoln truly inspiring. He consistently and courageously pursued what was right—not what was easy or popular—and did so with powerful humility. I’ve loved learning how he motivated people to unify behind a cause and accomplish something bigger than themselves.
What does success look like to you?
My view of success isn’t about what I own or the position I hold, it’s about who I become. At the end of my life, I hope to be remembered as someone who had a passion for goodness and made a difference in the lives of others.
Claressa Swensen, 25
Cofounder & CEO | AuthorPreneur Central, Inc.
What is your favorite app? Why?
I love the Quickbooks app because I can quickly send invoices, payment reminders, and enter expenses directly from my phone. It’s very convenient for a working mom who is always on the go!
Who inspires you? Why?
I find most of my inspiration in my own kids. Not only do I produce children’s books and find inspiration in them for the storylines, but my children also inspire me to work hard so they grow up seeing what amazing things you can accomplish.
Derek Deitsch, 29
Downtown Development Manager | Downtown Alliance
What is your favorite book?
Happy City by Charles Montgomery. It really helped me to realize my passion for city planning and development by looking at productive case studies from around the world in a way that can be applied at home.
What do you look for in a job or in a company?
I value the opportunity to make valuable contributions to an organization and the community. I feel like I thrive when I am able to connect with various projects and activities, tackle deep organizational structure issues, and interface with different partners.
Devon Gethers, 24
Investor | Mercato Partners
What social media platform do you use most? Why?
LinkedIn is a platform that not only allows me to reach audiences at scale domestically but also reach audiences on a global level.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I intend to start another company. My goal is to be a leader in a large organization and to have a macro impact in the world. I hope to be a managing director of a Private Equity firm.
Julia Saxton, 29
Children’s Miracle Network Program Director | Intermountain Foundation at Primary Children’s Hospital
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
Married to Michael B. Jordan with a couple of kids and a dog. Hey, a girl can dream.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/millennials?
Remember that no matter the latest trend, working hard and being kind never goes out of style. Go change the world.
Mario R. Organista, 29
Cofounder | Casa Quetzalcoatl
Who inspires you? Why?
Alexander Hamilton and George Washington. I’m just a history buff, I love seeing how individuals strive to become better people and change the world.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I hope to continue working in higher education and making sure our underrepresented and diverse student populations have access to it.
Matthew Lusty, 29
Partner | Election Hive
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is a mixture of understanding what you want in life and working hard to get there. It requires perseverance, self-mastery, and intentional effort.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years I want to still be at Election Hive. I want it to grow, thrive, and lead innovation in public relations and government relations.
Maxwell Christen, 29
Sr. Marketing Manager | Salt Lake Brewing Company
Who inspires you? Why?
Absolutely 100 percent my husband, Taylor. He’s always [gives me the] best advice and inspires me to work harder towards my goals. 10/10 partner.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to continue managing the marketing for Squatters & Wasatch Breweries but in a next-level larger role. I love what I do now and I will always want to take the company I’m with further.
Mohan Sudabattula, 24
Founder & CEO | Project Embrace
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I aspire to have my JD and master’s of public policy or public health. Ideally, I would like to be working in the public or private sector as an advocate for the protection, enhancement, and advancement of human rights on either the national or international stage.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is being able to effectively serve your community through building sustainable solutions, while inspiring others to do the same. Success for me is also being able to advocate and represent all members of our community, and bridging the gaps in resources for minority and other disenfranchised groups.
Monique Caraghiaur, 29
Owner & CEO | Monique Cara, LLC
What do you look for in a job or in a company?
What I look for in a job or company is the freedom to create, take initiative, learn, and grow. Find a job that allows you to do all those things keeps you moving.
Where do you want to be or what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years I’ll be just about to retire from the Air Force. My dream would be to create a retreat space that people can use to relax, collaborate, and create. When I don’t have anything occupying the space I’ll use it for my own coaching and photography clients.
Raj Dhaliwal, 29
Associate Attorney | Ray Quinney & Nebeker
What is your favorite app? Why?
Apple Podcasts. You get to listen to whatever you feel like learning about.
What is your favorite book?
Shoe Dog and The President’s Club.
Ross Terrell, 26
News Editor | KUER
Who inspires you? Why?
My mother. She told me “Be excellent” and taught me to never settle. I love you, Mom.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/millennials?
“Go for it.” The best thing you can do is be aware of your time on this planet and value every moment. Life is so short and fleeting and if we’ve learned anything in 2020, it’s that. We are so young, have access to so much technology and information, if there’s something out there that you want, go for it. Be the one who breaks barriers, chase your dreams, do what people say is crazy, but at least you can say you tried.
Zechariah Hintz, 26
President | Borderless Distribution
What do you look for in a job or in a company?
A company that is always on the cutting edge, consistently looking to innovate and improve processes, and rewards and celebrates employees for bringing new ideas to the table.
What advice do you have for other Gen Z/millennials?
Use your relative youth to your advantage and always challenge the status quo, but with tact. I was once given feedback that my enthusiasm for streamlining and improving existing processes was viewed as combative and arrogant. That was hard to take, but I needed it. That experience helped me understand that just as important as it is to have new innovative ideas, it’s just as important how to present them.
To learn more about our honorees, check out the YouTube embed below:
