What does it take to bootstrap a SaaS company from a broke college student's dorm-room idea to a successful acquisition with barely $50K in real outside capital?
In this special Silicon Slopes Podcast, guest host Adam Stoker, President and CEO of Brand Revolt, sits down with Evan Teshima, investor and Co-Founder of foreUP golf software, to find out.
Evan co-founded foreUP as a BYU senior after a pivotal entrepreneurship class taught by John Richards sparked a realization: golf courses were running their entire operations on archaic, CD-based software that belonged in a museum. So he and his co-founders built a cloud-based point-of-sale system from scratch and spent the next decade turning it into the industry's go-to platform, powering over 2,300 courses across the country before being acquired by Clubessential Holdings.
But the path there was anything but linear.
In this candid conversation, Evan walks through seven major pivots, a near-death convertible note crisis, years of rock-bottom salaries, and the legendary chess match against investor John Richards that nearly made or broke the company. He also shares the counterintuitive philosophy that kept foreUP alive in those early years: stop chasing elephants and go for the rabbits.
In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why Evan's first business idea involved a self-opening toilet seat and what came next
• How losing multiple business plan competitions actually pointed him toward his real opportunity
• The moment he realized golf courses were the customer, not golfers
• Why "our customers are our investors" became the founding mantra of foreUP
• The chess match with John Richards that decided $400K in equity
• How staying small, scrappy, and focused on the lower-end of the market built the foundation for a massive exit
• What Evan has learned since selling  and what he's up to now (besides being an unpaid Uber driver for his four kids)

About the Guests
Adam Stoker is President & CEO of Brand Revolt, a full-service marketing agency known for bold, innovative destination marketing strategies. With over 17 years in advertising, Adam is also the host of the Destination Marketing Podcast and author of Touchpoints: A Destination Marketer's Guide. He was recognized as a Utah Business 40 Under 40 honoree and is a fellow investor in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund.
Evan Teshima is the Co-Founder and former CEO of foreUP Golf Software, the first 100% cloud-based point-of-sale and management platform built specifically for golf courses. After co-founding foreUP in his BYU senior year and growing it over a decade with minimal outside capital, Evan led the company through its acquisition by Clubessential Holdings in 2021. He is now an investor and advisor — and a devoted father of four.

Both Adam and Evan are investors in John Richards' Startup Ignition Fund, which continues to back promising Utah-based founders.

Welcome back to the Silicon Slope Show! In this episode we dive into the dynamic world of sports business with Joe Summers from OnBase. Join us as we explore how OnBase is revolutionizing licensing, sponsorship, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for brands and athletes alike.
 00:13 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:29 - Overview of OnBase
01:01 - Evolution of NIL in Sports
01:26 - Joe Summers' Background
01:44 - Sponsorship Pitch Meeting
02:00 - Founding of OnBase
02:43 - Shift to Licensing and Sponsorships
03:47 - Challenges in Licensing and Sponsorships
04:08 - Role of OnBase in Streamlining Processes
05:04 - Different Systems in College Licensing
05:49 - Tech Tools in Sports Business
06:16 - Building Custom Systems
07:10 - Private Equity in College Sports
07:39 - Player Mobility and NIL
08:39 - Professionalism in College Sports
09:38 - Donor Fatigue and ROI
10:24 - Impact of Successful Athletic Programs
11:33 - Financial Challenges in College Sports
11:52 - Excitement for Utah's Sports Future
13:05 - How Brands Can Get Involved with OnBase
13:58 - OnBase's Future Plans
14:55 - Major League Baseball in Utah
15:41 - Joe's Experience in Athletic Departments
17:07 - Importance of Licensing Over Individual Endorsements
18:38 - Risks of Personal Endorsements
19:48 - Ideal Clients for OnBase
21:06 - Success with Minky Couture
21:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
 If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. 
 Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com
Show links: WithonbaseOnbase

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In 2018, following a rich and storied career in business, philanthropy, and academia, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez became the seventh president of Utah Valley University. She is the first woman to serve on a full-time basis as UVU president. Raised in the slums of the Philippines, Tuminez rose to become a world leader in the fields of technology and political science, most recently serving as an executive at Microsoft. She is also the former vice dean of research and assistant dean of executive education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

Dr. Seth Jenson recently joined the UVU Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute from the University of Oxford, where he lectured and researched entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems. He has consulted and collaborated with elite entrepreneurship programs worldwide, including India’s premiere entrepreneurship governing bodies (NITI Aayog and EDII), Harvard, LSE, MIT, Stanford, Techstars, as well as state governments and regional programs. As a leader in the Bolder Way Forward initiative, Seth helps shape Utah policy to close entrepreneurial gender gaps and foster diverse leadership. He completed his bachelor's at BYU in Finance and graduate degrees in Sociology (MSc) and Business Strategy (PhD) at Oxford.

Hunter Anderton is a serial entrepreneur currently scaling his second venture, Simpll. Dedicated to making blockchain opportunities accessible, Simpll provides user-friendly node hosting that removes technical barriers for everyday users. Under Hunter’s leadership, the company saw explosive early product-market fit, surpassing $1M in ARR in its infancy. A deeply involved member of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute (BEI) ecosystem, Hunter is a graduate of the Sandbox program and "0 to CEO" series. His rapid scaling recently earned him a nomination for the BEI Rocketship Award for revenue growth, as well as funding from multiple competitive programs.

Join host Wade Leaphart, Chair of the Sports Business Chapter at Silicon Slopes, as he sits down with Rob Cornilles, founder and CEO of Game Face Inc. Rob is a pioneer in modern sports sales training and has transformed the way organizations approach ticket sales and customer engagement.
In this episode, Wade and Rob dive deep into the evolution of ticket sales, from the early days of paper lead lists and phone books to the sophisticated CRM systems and results-based selling approaches of today. Rob shares his journey from working with the LA Clippers in the 90s to founding Game Face and coaching tens of thousands of professionals across major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

00:13 - Podcast Introduction
00:23 - Guest Intro: Rob Cornilles
00:34 - Rob's Background
00:55 - Wade and Rob's Connection
01:18 - Evolution of Ticket Sales
01:38 - Early Sales Methods
01:49 - Founding Game Face
02:05 - Rob's Start with Clippers
02:25 - Challenges with Clippers
02:46 - Realization in Sales
03:07 - Competing LA Teams
03:29 - Observing Fans
03:50 - LA Riots Impact
04:13 - Enthusiasm in Sales
04:35 - New Sales Approach
04:56 - Sharing Sales Secrets
05:16 - Results-Based Selling
05:32 - Selling Relationships
05:55 - First Game Experience
06:06 - Fan Motivations
06:27 - Reasons Fans Attend
06:48 - Business Outcomes
07:09 - Results-Centered Selling
07:30 - Value Beyond the Game
07:52 - Business Initiatives
08:14 - Expanding to Other Industries
08:39 - Selling Results
09:07 - Transferable Skills
09:28 - Modern Sales Challenges
09:49 - B2B Sales Shift
10:01 - Results-Focused Messaging
10:22 - Role of Technology
10:43 - Personal Interaction
11:01 - Timeless Sales Skills
11:22 - Open-Ended Questions
11:43 - Sales Education Gap
12:04 - Rob at BYU
12:24 - Sales Skills for Executives
12:46 - AI in Sales
13:05 - Human Interaction in Service
13:25 - Frustration with AI
13:47 - Personal Touch in Service
14:08 - Training on Service Calls
14:30 - Customer Service Skills
14:51 - Tech and Sports in Utah
15:14 - Professionalization of College Sports
15:36 - Innovation in Fan Experience
15:59 - Breaking into Sports
16:22 - Starting in Sales
16:47 - Wade's Career Path
17:08 - Sports Media Realities
17:29 - Practical Experience
17:50 - Value of Sales Skills
18:14 - Networking in Premium Sales
18:36 - Sales Training Benefits
18:59 - Sports as Conversation Starter
19:20 - Upcoming Utah Sports Events
19:42 - Utah's Sports Recognition
20:00 - Innovation in Utah Sports
20:27 - Customer Service Importance
20:48 - Industry Conversations
21:10 - 30 Years of Game Face
21:30 - Game Face's Impact
21:51 - Expansion Beyond Sports
22:13 - Conclusion and Future

If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. 
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Show Links: https://gamefaceinc.com
 
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In this episode, Jason Smith, Founder and CEO of Sponsor CX, sits down with Jeff Burningham, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. Jeff shares his journey from starting a tech company as an undergrad at BYU to becoming a venture capitalist and even running for governor of Utah.

00:12 - Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:38 - Jason's Mentorship and Early Days of Sponsor CX
01:09 - The Decision to Go All-In on Sponsor CX
02:09 - Initial Investment and Early Support
02:52 - The Hero's Journey of an Entrepreneur
03:11 - Importance of Believing in the Founder
03:58 - Jeff's Venture Investing Philosophy
05:00 - Jeff's Background and Career Overview
07:09 - Running for Governor and Post-Political Journey
08:19 - Transition to a More Reflective Life
08:31 - Jeff's Investment Approach and Early Stage Focus
09:13 - Qualities of a Successful Founder
11:04 - Scaling a Startup and Building a Team
12:08 - Achieving Product-Market Fit
13:39 - Leadership Qualities in Startups
15:58 - Key Characteristics of Effective Leaders
17:03 - Importance of Kindness in Leadership
19:01 - Human Element in Leadership and Management
19:41 - Introduction to Jeff's Book on AI and Humanity
20:16 - Why Jeff Wrote the Book
22:46 - Where to Find Jeff's Book and Follow His Work
23:39 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement
 
If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. 

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Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372
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In this riveting episode, we sit down with Ryan, the founder of Tub Club, a men's bubble bath and self-care brand that's redefining relaxation for modern men. Ryan's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from his tumultuous teenage years in Southern California to the disciplined life of a Blackhawk crew chief in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
Ryan opens up about his struggles with education, his time living out of cars, and his unexpected path to joining the Army. He shares candid stories about his military experiences, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the life lessons he learned along the way.
But that's not all. Ryan also delves into his post-military life, including his involvement with Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) and the controversies that followed. He provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by those working to combat human trafficking.
This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with raw honesty, resilience, and a touch of humor. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, military life, or social causes, Ryan's story will leave you inspired and wanting more.

00:13 - Introduction to Ryan and Tub Club
00:54 - Ryan's LinkedIn Post and Public Announcement
01:57 - Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles
03:16 - Ryan's Early Life and Struggles with Education
10:01 - Moving to Hawaii and Life as a Surfer
11:41 - Joining the Army and Becoming a Blackhawk Crew Chief
17:06 - Transitioning to an Engineer and Special Operations
21:17 - Deployments and Military Experiences
26:10 - Leaving the Army and Starting a Family
30:10 - Involvement with Operation Underground Railroad
34:48 - Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas with OUR
38:30 - The Decision to Resign from OUR
43:06 - The Legal Battle and Family Tragedy

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Our website: Siliconslopessiliconslopes.com
Show Links : MytubclubTub Club | Bubble Bath For Men

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onslopes/
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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Leaders on Leaders podcast! In this episode, your host Amy Cook sits down with her brother, Greg Osmond, a trailblazer in the healthcare industry and co-founder of Pathology Watch.
Join us as Greg shares his incredible journey from serving a mission in Honduras to co-founding a groundbreaking company that aims to bring health equity to underserved areas. Learn about the personal experiences that fueled his passion for healthcare innovation, including the impactful story of a woman in Honduras and the influence of their father's battle with brain cancer.
Greg also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building Pathology Watch, the importance of having a supportive family, and the role of spirituality in staying charged and focused. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for some inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.

If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. 

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In this episode of The Silicon Slopes Show, host Brock Blake sits down with Bradley Rencher, a prominent figure in the Utah business community and a mentor to many. Bradley shares his incredible journey from being an investment banker in New York to becoming a key player in the tech industry with Omniture and Adobe, and now leading BambooHR.

00:00 - Introduction
00:22 - Bradley's Early Career in Investment Banking
01:18 - Transition to Omniture and the Impact of the Omniture IPO
02:36 - Working with Josh James and the Omniture Team
05:43 - The Bold Move from Banking to Business Operations
07:52 - The Acquisition of Omniture by Adobe and Its Impact on Utah's Tech Scene
12:01 - The Growth of Adobe in Utah
16:01 - Bradley's Decision to Leave Adobe
18:13 - Joining BambooHR and Building a Strong Company Culture
22:16 - Leadership Principles and Maintaining Company Culture
27:15 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life
30:16 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

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In this episode, we sit down with Clint Betts, to explore his incredible journey from a small-town upbringing in Spanish Fork, Utah, to becoming a pivotal figure in Utah's tech community. Clint shares his personal story of being adopted, his early entrepreneurial ventures, and the creation of Beehive Startups and Silicon Slopes.

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Rustiness
00:46 - Fourth Node Podcast and Utah's Tech History
01:07 - Growing Up in Utah 
01:43 - Spanish Fork and Early Life
02:26 - Foster Care and Adoption
04:03 - Meeting Biological Family
06:44 - Adoption and Family Dynamics
08:24 - Writing as Therapy
10:30 - Early Career and Education
11:10 - LDS Mission and Early Marriage
12:18 - Running a Deli and College Life
13:34 - Joining iZeni and Beehive Startups
15:10 - Challenges of Raising Money in Early Utah Tech Scene
16:57 - Beehive Startups and Community Building
18:24 - StartSLC and Its Impact
20:55 - StartSLC Pitch Competition
22:25 - Transition to Silicon Slopes
23:01 - Josh James and the Origin of Silicon Slopes
25:05 - Silicon Slopes' Mission and Early Days
28:37 - Mission Accomplished and COVID-19 Impact
32:00 - Refocusing Silicon Slopes' Mission
34:34 - Challenges and Community Fragmentation
38:10 - Maintaining Utah's Unique Tech Ecosystem
42:45 - Future Vision for Silicon Slopes

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In this episode, we sit down with David from Western Governors University (WGU) to explore the future of education and how WGU is leading the way with its innovative, competency-based, 100% online model. David shares his insights on the role of AI in accelerating learning, the importance of technology in education, and the unique approach WGU takes to serve its students.

00:02 - Introduction and David's Tenure at WGU
00:22 - Competency-Based and Online Education at WGU
00:52 - The Future of Education and AI
01:46 - Accelerated Learning Through AI
02:15 - AI's Impact on Student Support and Learning
03:56 - History and Founding of WGU
05:01 - Developing New Degrees and Programs
06:17 - David's Experience at Walmart
08:09 - Parallels Between Walmart and WGU
09:52 - Student-Centric Approach at WGU
10:17 - A Day in the Life of David at WGU
11:26 - Pillars of Great Leadership
12:48 - Moving from Arkansas to Utah
13:45 - WGU's Office Locations
14:41 - David's Reading Recommendations
16:10 - Future of WGU and Technology Integration
18:54 - WGU's Degree Programs
19:33 - David's Education Experience
20:25 - The Importance of Giving and Taking Chances
21:44 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude

If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. 

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