In this Friday Conversation, we’re joined by Peggy Evleth, Manager at RSM NetSuite Global Practice, and Bryan Dunford, Executive Vice President at Advantus Corp. With David Rowley from RSM as our moderator, Bryan dives into his extensive experience with digital transformations and acquisitions, which have been pivotal to Advantus Corp.’s growth. He explains how embracing new technologies and a strategic approach to acquisitions has strengthened their competitive edge in consumer products. Meanwhile, Peggy shares her expertise in ERP transitions, providing a global perspective on optimizing client solutions and the importance of thoughtful planning for a smooth transformation.

The discussion then shifts to decision-making during major transitions, where leaders often face difficult choices that may affect stakeholders and team dynamics. Bryan discusses how he prioritized Advantus’s long-term goals and customer satisfaction over immediate internal convenience, reflecting on the strategic factors that led to their adoption of NetSuite. He shares his decision to avoid newer platforms like Acumatica due to their risks, noting that sticking with outdated, on-premises systems would have been more costly in the long term. Peggy adds valuable insights into how businesses can avoid the hidden costs of sticking to legacy systems or attempting self-implementation without expert guidance.

In the final segment, Bryan and Peggy explore best practices for successful platform migration, emphasizing the need for dedicated teams, consistent accountability, and proactive change management. Bryan highlights the advantages of training employees on new technologies, which not only drives adoption but enhances retention. He also delves into Advantus’s approach to acquisitions, categorizing targets by their specific needs and discussing the potential of AI in automating ERP processes. Bryan explains how their internal AI policy ensures responsible and strategic use of technology, underscoring the importance of aligning advancements with business goals for sustainable growth.

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In this Friday Conversation, we’re joined by Jenny Groberg, CEO and Founder of BookSmarts Accounting. Since founding her firm in 2008, Jenny has grown BookSmarts to employ 30 women and serve over 300 clients nationwide. Named Utah's 2024 CEO of the Year by Utah Business and a four-time 2023 Stevie Award winner, she’s known for empowering women and delivering top-notch service. Jenny shares how her scrappy, hustle-driven approach transformed her business into a top 100 Utah company, and discusses the challenges in the accounting industry, the rise of AI, and the benefits of leading a woman-run firm breaking industry norms.

In this conversation, Jenny dives into how BookSmarts is leveraging AI and cloud-based accounting software to streamline operations. By automating data entry and utilizing blockchain technology, her team creates efficiencies that allow for more personalized client interactions and reduced costs. Recently featured in an article on the best accounting software for 2024, Jenny emphasizes the importance of switching to cloud-based systems to integrate workflows, boost profitability, and improve strategic decision-making.

Jenny further explains how business owners need to closely monitor rising product costs to ensure profitability. Whether a company is service-based or product-driven, staying on top of expenses and adjusting prices accordingly is crucial for long-term success. She also shares a significant setback she overcame—initially assigning only one accountant per client. This model proved unstable, so she introduced cross-trained teams to ensure seamless client support regardless of staff availability, providing stability for both employees and clients.

Despite challenges, Jenny's focus remains on growth and job creation. Her goal is to double her workforce, reach eight figures in revenue, and provide more flexible job opportunities for women. Reflecting on her personal journey, including overcoming a traumatic brain injury, Jenny’s resilience has fueled her vision of empowering others, creating lasting impact through her business and charitable work.

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In this Friday Conversation, we’re joined by Tyler, founder and CEO of Cozy Earth, a luxury bedding and loungewear brand known for its focus on sustainability and comfort. Tyler takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his time at BYU, where he served a mission in Australia and learned Mandarin. He shares how this language skill led him to explore opportunities in overseas manufacturing, eventually launching Cozy Earth. We dive into his passion for creating high-quality products, the lessons learned from building a brand, and how staying true to a vision helped Cozy Earth become a market leader.

Tyler delves into the challenges of funding a consumer-driven business and the critical importance of choosing the right kind of capital. He explains how taking the wrong type of investment can shift your focus away from quality and growth, forcing you to prioritize investor timelines over long-term strategy. Although Cozy Earth initially took friends and family capital, Tyler recapped the business to maintain more control. He reflects on his early days in 2009, when digital ads were non-existent, and how that shaped his approach to scaling a brand. Without venture capital, Tyler had to rely on strong margins and careful planning, navigating cash flow challenges while gradually building a customer base.

Tyler explains how during a visit to a factory in China, he was told that Americans prioritize price over quality, with most opting for cheaper, disposable products. Despite this advice, he believed there was a market for long-lasting, high-quality goods. Drawing parallels to how people invest in iPhones for their value, Tyler saw an opportunity to focus on durable, well-made products that offer real benefits. Cozy Earth’s commitment is to ensure every product is at least 50% better than the competition in terms of comfort, durability, and sustainability, appealing to consumers who seek quality over quantity.

In this Friday Conversation, we’re joined by Robert Pedersen, founder of ZAGG, an innovative company that made waves with its screen protectors for electronic devices. Robert shares his journey from growing up in Utah, playing golf with his family, to the pivotal moment when ZAGG’s protective film for military helicopter blades was repurposed for consumer electronics. He reflects on his love for family, how the growth of ZAGG offers some key lessons for entrepreneurs and how ZAGG evolved from humble beginnings to become a household name.

Robert discusses how it’s not just about having a quality product, but about building trust through branding and customer service. While screen protectors were already available, ZAGG’s approach elevated the commodity through better distribution, market positioning, and a strong customer service ethos—offering 100% refunds and leveraging relationships with retailers like Best Buy. This combination led to a major breakthrough, turning a simple product into a multi-million dollar business.

Another topic of conversation included the valuable lesson that entrepreneurs should focus on building a solid team based on character and trust. Competency can be learned, but a team aligned in values and passion is invaluable. As your company scales, adding specialists for specific roles is necessary, but the core of a great team is built on trust and collaboration.

Robert has always had a passion for creating products and bringing ideas to life, whether it’s a physical product or a service. This passion is a core part of his identity, and as someone who’s always been proud to call Utah home, he sees the state following a similar journey. While Utah may not be as immediately recognizable as places like California or New York, Robert believes it is steadily making a name for itself, thanks in large part to the rise of Silicon Slopes. He often points out that Utah doesn’t need to reinvent itself – the state already boasts an incredible ecosystem of businesses and innovators. What’s needed is more effective marketing to showcase what’s already here.

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In this Friday Conversation, were joined by Joey Albertson, the founder and CEO of Bookflow, the owner of the Profitability Project, and a fractional CFO. Joey shares her journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, highlighting her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of starting and growing their businesses.

She discusses her roots in Utah, her love for being a mom and business owner, and her evolution from a bookkeeping business to a revops firm. Joey also delves into the founding story of Bookflow and the Profitability Project, emphasizing the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and taking the first steps towards entrepreneurship. She provides insights into the challenges faced by early-stage businesses and outlines the steps she guides aspiring entrepreneurs through, starting with clarifying their identity and moving on to branding, marketing, and optimizing systems. Joey's story is a testament to the power of embracing imperfection and pursuing one's entrepreneurial dreams with determination and resilience.

In the evolving landscape of bookkeeping, Joey discusses the significant trends and shifts she observes, particularly in the implementation of AI. She acknowledges the apprehension some may feel about AI in handling their finances due to the vulnerability of such data. Joey emphasizes the importance of trusting professionals in managing finances and sees AI as a powerful tool for analyzing, optimizing, and automating processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Additionally, Joey highlights the rise of fractional executive roles, such as fractional CFOs, as a budget-friendly option for startups looking to access specialized expertise without the cost of a full finance team. She emphasizes the need for companies to carefully choose a fractional executive that aligns with their specific needs, whether it be in strategy, fundraising, operations, or other areas critical for growth and success. Joey's insights shed light on the changing dynamics within the financial and executive realms and the opportunities they present for businesses seeking sustainable growth and success.

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In this Friday Conversation, we were joined by Doug Maxfield and Sarah Clayton, both senior client partners at Korn Ferry. Doug has been with the firm for over two decades, starting from a small consulting firm in Provo before Korn Ferry acquired it. He now focuses primarily on the technology sector. Sarah, on the other hand, leads the global culture change management and communications practice. Her impressive background includes working in government and politics, including positions in the US Senate, Department of Education, and the White House before transitioning to human capital consulting.

Korn Ferry is recognized as the world's leading executive recruiting firm, with a significant global footprint comprising about 10,000 employees in 50 countries. They work with the majority of the world's most admired companies, specializing not only in executive search but also in consulting services that align organizational structure and people development with business strategies. In this conversation, Doug and Sarah dive into the fascinating topic of predicting CEO success, sharing insights from their extensive experience and recent research. They discuss current trends, the evolving role of CEOs, and the critical characteristics that define successful leaders in today's dynamic environment. They also explain how Korn Ferry supports CEOs globally, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead effectively amid ongoing challenges.

Doug & Sarah also explain the significant role of CEO reputation in a company's market value. Research shows that executives attribute nearly 50% of their market value to their CEO's reputation. The CEO's public image and how they handle social and cultural issues can dramatically impact the company's brand. They discuss the example of Elon Musk, whose actions and statements have both positively and negatively influenced the reputation of Tesla, Twitter (now X), and other companies he's associated with. CEOs must navigate the delicate balance of being visible and taking a stand on issues while staying true to their organization’s values.

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In this Friday Conversation, we were joined by Ben Hodson Founder & CEO of JobNimbus, a company that has been revolutionizing business management for contractors since 2012. With advancements in technology and software, the space has seen significant improvements over the last decade. JobNimbus stands out by providing a comprehensive end-to-end business management solution that streamlines everything from lead management to payment collection, making it easier for contractors to run their businesses efficiently.

Ben explains what sets JobNimbus apart from other solutions in the market. Unlike traditional systems, JobNimbus integrates a full suite of tools, allowing contractors to handle everything digitally—from estimating and signing contracts to scheduling crews and ordering materials. This not only enhances professionalism but also significantly boosts revenue. On average, customers see a 43% increase in revenue within the first twelve months. By automating and simplifying business processes, JobNimbus empowers contractors to focus on what they do best, delivering exceptional service and earning stellar reviews from satisfied clients.

Ben also delves into his approach to continuous learning and personal growth. By going deep into various subjects and understanding their fundamentals, Ben enhances his problem-solving skills and creativity. He reads voraciously, averaging about a book and a half per week, and actively applies insights from diverse topics to his work at JobNimbus. This commitment to learning and curiosity drives innovation and adaptability, crucial traits for any successful entrepreneur.

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In this Friday Conversation, we were joined by Shaun Ritchie, Chairman of the Board at nClouds who recently transitioned from CEO of nClouds to a board position after steering the company's growth for the past two years. Shawn shares insights into the strategic move and the recruitment of a top-tier talent from AWS, highlighting nClouds' standing as a premier partner of AWS and the exciting developments on the horizon.

As Shawn delves into his entrepreneurial journey, tracing his roots from Arizona to Utah and recounting his ventures in internet marketing and venture-backed software businesses, we gain a deeper understanding of his diverse experience in the business world. His transition from founding and selling businesses to acquiring nClouds underscores the evolution of his entrepreneurial path and the dynamic nature of the tech industry.

Exploring the entrepreneurial landscape in Utah, Shawn sheds light on the unique advantages of building businesses in the state, emphasizing the supportive ecosystem, collective ambition, and the blend of resources available for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing parallels between Utah and other tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Shawn reflects on the distinctive community spirit and growth potential that make Utah a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Shaun also provides more insights on nClouds, a cutting-edge cloud services organization that empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with ease. By leveraging their expertise and strategic partnerships, particularly with Amazon Web Services (AWS), nclouds facilitates the seamless transition of companies into the cloud era, enabling them to optimize operations and drive growth effectively.

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