Working Through the Hustle: Behind the Story of Bucked Up with Jeff & Ryan Gardner

Working Through the Hustle: Behind the Story of Bucked Up with Jeff & Ryan Gardner

Bucked Up is one of Utah’s most well-known supplement and energy drink brands. But do you know the full story behind the company? Cheri and Jason sit down with Jeff and Ryan Gardner, the twin brothers behind Bucked Up, and ask them about how their company came to be. They share the origin story of the company built on instinct, hustle, and a knack for spotting opportunity. Their journey from deerantlerspray.com to a company with $300 million in revenue is full of entrepreneurial wisdom for anyone looking to scale. Jeff and Ryan open up about the hard lessons that came with scaling. They discuss their evolving roles within the company, a growing push into AI, and what it means to build a brand that people genuinely want to be a part of. Their insights provide a masterclass in market timing, brand identity, and knowing when to get out of your own way. What You’ll Learn: * Why buying the right domain name at the right time can be worth more than any marketing campaign * How to identify white space in a crowded market  * The real cost of being too frugal with early hires  * How to know when you've outgrown your own company and what to do about it * How Bucked Up is using AI to transform customer support and company adoption * What makes Utah a strong environment for launching and scaling a consumer brand * The mindset shift required to go from a founder to a leader who relies on others Connect with Jeff, Ryan, and Bucked Up: * Bucked Up on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bucked-up/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bucked-up/] * Bucked Up Website: https://www.buckedup.com [https://www.buckedup.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorW6LxrMM2SAXj7X9K7RuOPD1mSp0o0G0gYT77ub3V9kBh3eS1M] * Bucked Up on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckedup/ [https://www.instagram.com/buckedup/] * Ryan Gardner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckedupceo/ [https://www.instagram.com/buckedupceo/] * Ryan Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gardner-97245732/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gardner-97245732/] * Jeff Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-gardner-15715a95/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-gardner-15715a95/] Want to Connect? Cheri@MWCN.org zachary.reed@pwc.com Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”  Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist Amanda Wallman, Alpine Edge Marketing The LaunchPod Media Team The views expressed in this program are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Any references to specific investments or outcomes are illustrative and not indicative of overall performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Leadership Principles Built to Last | The Story Behind FranklinCovey with Paul Walker

What does it take to build a company that outlasts trends, technology shifts, and decades of change? Cheri and Jason are joined by Paul Walker, CEO of FranklinCovey, for a conversation about leadership, organizational culture, and the secret to successful business performance. Paul shares the origin story of FranklinCovey and draws surprising parallels to the challenges every entrepreneur faces when trying to scale. Paul highlights the important principles that have guided him through his career and helped him stay grounded in his goals. He dives into what makes good company culture in this new age of technology and AI. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or managing a growing team, this episode is filled with insights on execution, leadership, development, and how to work with AI to further growth and success. What You’ll Learn: * Why culture beats technology as a competitive advantage * How to narrow your focus for better execution * The difference between identifying problems and solving them * How to balance high expectations and genuine care as a leader * How to think about AI strategically with FranklinCovey’s framework * What principles-based leadership means in practice * How to scale a founding-stage company from the ground up * Why Utah has become a strong hub for tech and talent Connect with Paul Walker and FranklinCovey: * FranklinCovey Website: https://www.franklincovey.com/ [https://www.franklincovey.com/] * FranklinCovey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/franklincovey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/franklincovey/] * FranklinCovey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franklincovey/ [https://www.instagram.com/franklincovey/] * Paul Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-walker-921bb884/?skipRedirect=true [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-walker-921bb884/?skipRedirect=true] Want to Connect? Cheri@MWCN.org zachary.reed@pwc.com Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”  Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist Amanda Wallman, Alpine Edge Marketing The LaunchPod Media Team The views expressed in this program are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Any references to specific investments or outcomes are illustrative and not indicative of overall performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Best of The Winners' Circle | A Compilation of Utah's Top Founders

Cheri and Jason look back on their conversations with nine of Utah's most remarkable businesses and their founders to look at the question that kept coming up across every conversation this past year: what makes Utah a good place to build a business? As they reflect on each founder's answers and thoughts, they share the moments that show what it takes to build a truly remarkable business. The range of companies in this episode is wide, but the thread running through every story is remarkably consistent. Community, humility, and staying in the arena even when you have no idea how it's going to work out. This is a masterclass in what it actually takes, told by the people who lived it. What You’ll Learn: * The data behind Utah's deal ecosystem and what makes it more sustainable than Silicon Valley * Why the Nectar founders turned down an investor  * How Bobby Clayson lost his seat at TaxBit and what he learned * The "work begets work" philosophy that drives Nectar's growth * Why Cory Bengtzen built SkyShare for 17 years without outside investment  * Why Mary Crafts still believes her best decade is still ahead * Why Frazil's flywheel keeps spinning faster  * What Scott Porter learned about building a business around human connection Guests featured in this episode: * Trevor Larson – CEO & Co-Founder, Nectar [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turning-employee-experience-into-growth-the-founding/id1818372923?i=1000747165922]  * Andrew Hollis – Co-Founder & Head of Growth, Nectar [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turning-employee-experience-into-growth-the-founding/id1818372923?i=1000747165922]  * Bobby Clayson – Co-Founder, TaxBit and Founder, Crofter Market [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-through-hypergrowth-to-reinvention-crofter/id1818372923?i=1000751732717] * Matt Bartholomew – Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-2025-utah-deal-flow-report-a-look-at-utahs/id1818372923?i=1000768900466] * Kyle Freebairn – CEO, Frazil  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turning-slush-into-scale-inside-the-frazil-growth/id1818372923?i=1000760440023] * Sam Owens – CMO & Co-Founder, Frazil [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turning-slush-into-scale-inside-the-frazil-growth/id1818372923?i=1000760440023] * Scott Porter – Founder, San Diablo Artisan Churros [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-idea-to-impact-how-scott-porter/id1818372923?i=1000745276783] * Cory Bengtzen – Founder & CEO, SkyShare  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turning-private-aviation-into-a-growth-engine/id1818372923?i=1000749419640] * Dr. Stephen Neeleman – Founder, HealthEquity [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthequity-and-the-future-of-healthcare/id1818372923?i=1000766601414] * Bud Scruggs – Co-Founder, The Cynosure Group  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cynosure-story-inside-cynosures-success-strategy/id1818372923?i=1000763230531] * Mary Crafts – CEO, Founder, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Author [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-woman-who-refused-to-quit-building-a/id1818372923?i=1000757473629] Want to Connect? Cheri@MWCN.org zachary.reed@pwc.com Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”  Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist Amanda Wallman, Alpine Edge Marketing The LaunchPod Media Team The views expressed in this program are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Any references to specific investments or outcomes are illustrative and not indicative of overall performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The 2025 Utah Deal Flow Report | A Look at Utah’s Business Economy with MWCN

Utah's deal landscape is more complex, more competitive, and more geographically diverse than ever before. This episode pulls back the curtain on how it all gets measured.  Jason and Cheri sit down with three members of the MountainWest Capital Network community to walk through the findings of the 2025 Deal Flow Report, now in its 31st edition. Kady Reese, Matt Bartholomew, and Kevin Jessop break down what actually moved capital in Utah last year and where momentum is heading in 2026. The group gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the report is created, and how it has evolved from its humble 1996 origins. This episode highlights what makes Utah's ecosystem distinctly different from Silicon Valley and other major markets. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the forces shaping Utah's economy, this conversation offers a ground-level view of the state's deal-making engine. What You’ll Learn: * What the Utah Deal Flow Report is and how it's put together  * How the report has evolved since 1996 from a pamphlet into a comprehensive annual publication * What drove Utah's strong 2025 deal volume, which matched the record highs of 2021 * How private equity is expanding beyond tech into blue-collar sectors  * Why Utah County's deal volume is now rivaling Salt Lake County for the first time * How Utah's deal ecosystem compares to Silicon Valley and the broader U.S. economy * Who actually uses the Deal Flow Report and why  * What the Capital Providers section of the report is and why it was added Connect with Kady Reese, Matt Bartholomew, and Kevin Jessop: * Kady Reese on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kady-reese-a6899918/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kady-reese-a6899918/] * Matt Bartholemew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bartholomew-70726b2/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bartholomew-70726b2/] * Kevin Jessop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjessop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjessop/] Want to Connect? Cheri@MWCN.org zachary.reed@pwc.com Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”  Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist Amanda Wallman, Alpine Edge Marketing The LaunchPod Media Team The views expressed in this program are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Any references to specific investments or outcomes are illustrative and not indicative of overall performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

HealthEquity and the Future of Healthcare | Dr. Stephen Neeleman’s Insights on HSAs

We all need healthcare, but not all of us understand the ins and outs of the business behind it. Today’s episode breaks down HSAs, the healthcare business, and how individuals can build long-term financial health through healthcare at every stage of life. Jason and Cheri sit down with Dr. Stephen Neeleman, founder and vice chairman of HealthEquity, to explore the story behind one of the nation’s most impactful healthcare financial platforms. Dr. Neeleman shares the core principles that have guided both his career and his company’s growth. At the heart of their conversation is a clear mission: to help people take control of their healthcare through financial tools that create long-term security. Dr. Neeleman breaks down the evolution of HealthEquity and the innovation required to stay competitive. He reflects on personal experiences, entrepreneurial lessons, and the importance of building a culture rooted in purpose, service, and continuous improvement.  What You’ll Learn: * How health savings accounts (HSAs) work and why they matter for long-term financial health * The connection between healthcare decisions and personal financial responsibility * Practical ways individuals can use HSAs at different stages of life * What it takes to grow a business without losing its core purpose * The importance of having a “why” in both business and leadership * Insights into the future of healthcare finance and consumer-driven healthcare * Leadership principles that foster strong company culture and long-term success * Advice for entrepreneurs looking to build impactful, purpose-driven companies Connect with HealthEquity and Stephen Neeleman: * HealthEquity’s Website: https://www.healthequity.com/ [https://www.healthequity.com/] * HealthEquity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthequity/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthequity/] * HealthEquity on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthequity/ [https://www.instagram.com/healthequity/] * Stephen Neeleman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-neeleman-19b0315/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-neeleman-19b0315/] Want to Connect? Cheri@MWCN.org zachary.reed@pwc.com Meet the dedicated members of our podcast committee who curate content, organize interviews, and ensure the success of The MountainWest Capital Network Podcast “Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.”  Cheri Waldron, MWCN Executive Director Jason Roberts, MWCN President and Managing Director, Protiviti Kevin Jessop, MWCN Podcast Vice-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer, IMA Garit Lawson, MWCN Podcast Chair, Managing Director, Forbes Partners Zachary Reed, MWCN Podcast Producer, Senior Associate, PwC LLP Katie Brown, MWCN Business Operations Specialist The LaunchPod Media Team The views expressed in this program are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Any references to specific investments or outcomes are illustrative and not indicative of overall performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.