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Welcome to Entrepreneur Weekly with Alan Taylor. Today, he talks to Gregory Vetter, the CEO and founder of companies like Alta Fresh Foods and Homegrown Brands. Gregory’s journey started in a small town where his mother's salad dressing inspired him. A funny moment happened when he found out a neighbor had taken her dressing, highlighting his love for food and community. After leaving his job in insurance sales, Gregory launched a salad dressing brand based on his mother’s recipe. He was one of the first to offer organic options and the first to sell Whole30-approved bottled dressing in the U.S. His achievements earned him awards like the 35 Under 35 and recognition as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year. He lives on a farm with his wife and four kids, raising Longhorn cattle, and he is the author of the bestselling book "Undressed," which shares his journey in the clean food movement and the importance of avoiding artificial ingredients. Gregory’s story began with creating a leading organic salad dressing brand during the clean eating trend. The company grew a lot but faced conflicts among investors, which led to a failed sale process that valued the business between $300 and $500 million. In the end, the company was auctioned for just $4.5 million. This experience inspired Gregory to write "Undressed" to share lessons with young entrepreneurs. Later, Gregory talked about the challenges he faced after selling his company during the COVID-19 crisis. He highlighted important leadership principles, like leaving things better than you found them. Encouraged by his performance coach, he decided to write a book. He mentioned that failure can enhance credibility and help guide others. From his journey, Tessamae emerged, a successful organic refrigerated dressing brand that follows Whole30 guidelines, showing that healthy products can taste great. Using his experience, Gregory also started Alta Foods, which creates private-label salads for retailers and focuses on reducing food waste. He later founded a brand accelerator to help others grow their ideas, including a portable toilet company that developed a successful brand and cleaning wipes. Gregory continues to explore new brand ideas in different areas. Alan asked Gregory to share key insights from his book, like the importance of leading by example and leaving things better than you found them. Gregory referenced a quote by Joseph Campbell: "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek," which emphasizes facing fears, especially for leaders. He noted that many of his goals were only achieved after he confronted his fears. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to get ready for their fears and to build resilience and growth through challenges. Gregory believes that success is a journey where consistent effort leads to progress over time. What’s next for Gregory? He plans to start a new alcohol business soon, which excites him. This summer, he will also introduce a new energy drink that he thinks will be a refreshing addition to the market. He is also writing a new book to explore the concepts from his previous works, as many people have requested more insights. In addition to writing, Gregory is helping young business leaders overcome their challenges. Soon, he will begin leadership retreats at his farm. The first retreat, called "Finding Optimal," will help participants discover how to reach their full potential by understanding how to perform at their best. Gregory's current efforts show his commitment to helping others overcome obstacles and find motivation to pursue their dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In the most recent episode of Entrepreneur Weekly, host Alan Taylor participated in the AI Mavericks Conference, an event organized by Scott Duffy. During this conference, Catherine Bell, the founder of Titan Impact Group, shared her insights into her journey of understanding artificial intelligence (AI). Initially, she found AI to be daunting; however, she ultimately recognized its potential to enhance organizational productivity. Catherine's mission is to help families create multiple streams of passive income, which she was inspired to pursue after becoming a single mother following the loss of her husband. She aims to empower others by providing tools for financial stability and helping them navigate life's challenges. She drew an analogy between her previous methods and using an axe, an instrument that once helped her secure $30 million in funding but has since lost its effectiveness. Integrating AI tools, such as ChatGPT, marked a significant shift in their operational framework. At first, AI was seen as a superficial enhancement; however, it quickly became an invaluable collaborative partner that fundamentally changed their approach to business analysis. This transformation allowed them to create a comprehensive business overview and develop a well-defined ideal customer profile. By exploring customer psychographics—identifying pain points, motivations, and aspirations—they were able to refine their strategies and achieve substantial growth, similar to the rigorous market research practices employed by industry leaders. Next is Jason Reid, who discussed the role of money in artificial intelligence (AI), drawing from his 30 years as the CEO of the National Services Group, which includes four construction companies with over 3,000 employees. He brought his team of fifteen to a conference focused on AI innovation, emphasizing the need for collaborative learning to implement AI tools within their businesses effectively. Reid expressed concern about the potential job losses in customer service and sales roles due to rapid AI advancements, predicting that many positions could be eliminated within three years. He pointed out that a significant portion of the workforce may not be motivated to learn new skills, which could worsen job displacement. By comparing this technological transformation to changes in the automotive industry, he underscored the importance of adapting and embracing continuous learning to navigate the future job market. Alan inquired when the next event will be. Scott confirmed the next AI Mavericks conference in Los Angeles on September 29th and 30th, targeting founder CEOs and leadership teams interested in AI implementation. Previous discussions highlighted the ambiguity surrounding intellectual property (IP) for AI-generated content, with attendees curious about the IP status of AI-assisted creations. A Goldman Sachs study revealed that only 6.1% of U.S. businesses use AI, indicating substantial growth potential. The conference aims to address this by teaching fundamental AI concepts, helping attendees navigate their fears of missing out and starting their AI journeys. Kevin Buckley, Founder and Senior US Patent Attorney at Torrey Pines Law Group, recently discussed the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI). He clarified that when a human author or inventor creates a work with AI assistance, they typically retain ownership of the IP. Current legal rulings confirm that AI itself cannot be recognized as an author or inventor. Buckley emphasized the importance of understanding IP, noting that a business's value often lies in its brand, which is protected by various trademarks. He also pointed out that original works in both music and literature are automatically copyrighted upon creation. Ultimately, he called for a proactive approach to navigating the evolving challenges in IP and AI, suggesting more in-depth discussions on the subject are needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In this episode of Entrepreneur Weekly, Alan Taylor engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with longtime friend, Scott Duffy, exploring the rapidly evolving domain of artificial intelligence (AI) at the AI Mavericks event in Los Angeles. Initially harboring skepticism, Alan’s perspective undergoes a transformation upon noting that a mere 6.1% of businesses have integrated AI into their operations, as highlighted by a Goldman Sachs study, underscoring the nascent stage of AI adoption in various sectors. Scott introduces Jason Barnard, who developed a tool to help brands build authority in the AI sector by enhancing their online presence. Jason stresses the importance of a strong digital narrative, noting that he, despite his background, needed to boost his online authority at his company, Kalicube. Barnard focuses on training AI, like Google’s algorithms, to represent individuals' credibility and expertise accurately. He encourages people to take control of their online narrative to ensure they are seen as credible experts. By testing AI platforms with inquiries about notable figures, individuals can see how consistent branding fosters trust—like teaching a dog a trick. Up next, we have Joe Stolte, who co-founded Daily AI, a groundbreaking tool that has changed how I create and send weekly emails. Despite being in its early stages, Daily AI has significant potential to transform businesses that may not realize what they're missing. The company focuses on “outcomes over outputs,” emphasizing that AI tools must drive tangible results, particularly for small businesses. By creating effective AI workflows and agents, Daily AI helps engage audiences and streamline the sales process, enabling users to automate tasks and achieve better results faster than traditional methods. Joining us next is, Renee Lossia Acho from the Renee Lossia Acho Real Estate Group, who discusses AI's role in real estate. Traditionally, developing educational courses has been resource-intensive, but AI, especially through digital twins, is changing this. However, some professionals worry about job security due to automation. It's crucial to remember that machines can't replicate the personal interactions essential for building relationships in real estate. Instead, AI should be seen as a complementary tool to enhance productivity and help professionals maximize their time. Brad Moss, founder of Enhanced AI, previously managed Amazon's third-party selling platform. Three and a half years ago, he recognized the potential of artificial intelligence and sought to create a platform for business professionals to build custom agents. With his background in tech and entrepreneurship, Moss is well-equipped to scale Enhanced AI. The platform streamlines the agent-building process, allowing users to create voice-controlled agents easily. He envisions a system where users can articulate their needs to automatically generate customized agents and encourages early engagement to maximize the platform’s capabilities.. In a recent segment, Alan spoke with motivational speaker Dan Clark, who has been active since 1982 and started his career with the National Speakers Association under Zig Ziglar. Dan discussed how AI could enhance his focus on personal responsibility and character-based values, acknowledging the need for motivation in today’s fast-paced world. He emphasized preserving the creative process while recognizing AI's potential to improve communication, particularly in marketing. Dan highlighted the ability of AI to replicate and amplify the wisdom of speakers like himself, Scott Duffy, and Alan. He concluded by expressing excitement about the upcoming AI Mavericks conference and its innovative potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Welcome to another episode of Entrepreneur Weekly with Alan Taylor who is at the SheTech Event 2025 took place at the Mountain America Expo Center, featuring insights from Ryan Starks of the Governor's Office for Economic Opportunity. He highlighted Utah's strong economic environment, praised community support for training future leaders, and discussed efforts to mentor students. The office focuses on business growth, entrepreneurship, and tourism, contributing to job creation and household tax relief. John Bradshaw, host of the Venture Capital Podcast, joined the event to promote opportunities for women. Drawing from his experiences of having nine nieces and his childhood interests, he emphasized breaking traditional gender roles. He encouraged young girls to explore diverse paths and shared details about his software company, Codebase.com, which is committed to creating opportunities for future generations. Jerry Henley leads the Utah Innovation Fund, managing a $30 million fund that invests around $250,000 in promising university startups across Utah. The state aims to boost its entrepreneurial ecosystem with a planned 225,000 square foot Innovation Center to support over 300 startups. Henley is optimistic about engaging more local entrepreneurs. The fund's team, under Executive Director Jeff Moss, is notably diverse, with four out of six members being women. Kat Kennedy from Kickstart Fund joined Alan to discuss a STEM education and entrepreneurship event that encouraged hands-on technology creation. Alan shared a personal story about nurturing young people's risk-taking and resilience. The event also focused on women's challenges in entrepreneurship and the need for supportive environments. Overall, it highlighted the importance of practical experience in developing future leaders in technology and business. McKay Christensen, CEO of Thanksgiving Point, discussed the organization’s mission to empower children through confidence-building STEM programs. He highlighted the significant disparity in STEM career pursuits based on socioeconomic status in Utah: 31% of children from high-income households pursue STEM careers compared to only 7% from low-income backgrounds. To support disadvantaged youth, Thanksgiving Point provides free access to its science centers for families receiving public assistance like WIC or SNAP, aiming to spark interest and confidence in STEM. Tara Rosander shared her experiences at the recent SheTech event attended by over 3,000 girls. She emphasized the importance of mentorship with a 3 to 1 mentor-to-girl ratio, suggesting more frequent events to expand their impact. Tara recounted a success story of a girl who, after attending SheTech, pursued a STEM degree and received five job offers after presenting at an event. She expressed pride in how the program empowers future generations. [00:00:00] Ryan Starks – Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity . [00:07:23] John Bradshaw – Venture Capital Podcast [00:11:28] Jerry Henley – Utah Innovation Fund [00:19:18] Kat Kennedy – Kickstart Fund [00:26:21] McKay Christensen – CEO of Thanksgiving Point [00:34:51] Tara Rosander – Managing Director of Exceed Consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The SheTech event in Sandy, Utah, is returning for its second year, attracting approximately 3,000 high school girls interested in STEM fields and 1,000 professionals and mentors. Superintendent Sydnee Dickson emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences in inspiring girls to explore various careers. While she expresses concern over potential shifts in education policies, she highlights events like SheTech as vital for fostering talent and innovation. Despite the growing interest in STEM, many girls lack support from parents and educators. Confidence in math is essential, as it strongly correlates with success in other areas. Cyndi Tetro is recognized for promoting STEM education and creating supportive environments for young girls. Alex Lawrence, CEO of EV Auto, advocates for electric vehicles and aims to introduce girls to automotive technology. He values the current opportunities for female representation in the industry and underscores the need for girls to be involved in automotive advancements. Ben Capell from Peterson Ventures emphasizes the importance of mentoring and notes the increasing interest of high school girls in exploring various career paths. He highlights the role of events like SheTech in guiding youth toward potential careers. Tyler Jennings, an entrepreneur and mentor at Utah Valley University, focuses on connecting talented individuals and simplifying the entrepreneurial process. He believes in aligning personal passions with controllable factors for fulfillment, helping aspiring founders navigate challenges. Amanda Covington, Chief CorporateAffairs Officer and a Utah native, has a diverse background in broadcast journalism and public service. She holds a communications degree and is passionate about the intersection of data, economics, and artificial intelligence. Amanda works at a family firm connected to the Larry H. Miller Company, which includes Megaplex theaters, the Salt Lake Bees, a senior health company, and a real estate platform. She also serves on the Utah Board of Higher Education alongside Sydnee Dickson, promoting initiatives like SheTech to support women in technology. Kevin Nethercott highlighted the rapid growth of Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) in the telecommunications sector, facilitating communication functions in everyday applications. He noted the demographic challenges within the industry and the establishment of a "Women in CPaaS" group to foster networking and dialogue among women. Nethercott commended initiatives like the Women Tech Council in Utah for guiding young girls into tech careers and expressed enthusiasm for mentoring and increasing diversity in the field.n the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]