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What happens when a successful real estate entrepreneur steps into the spotlight of reality television? Jennifer Yeo, founder of Presidio Real Estate and star of Bravo's "Sold on SLC," takes us behind the curtain of her remarkable journey.

Born in Utah but raised in California, Jennifer returned to the Beehive State during her high school years. After experiencing the 2008 market crash and feeling disappointed with the ethical standards in the industry, she made a bold decision: "I just thought I'd take it into my own hands and start my own company." That choice transformed into Presidio Real Estate, which grew to 17 locations and over 600 agents across Utah.

Jennifer's path to television began unexpectedly with an appearance on "Below Deck" during the pandemic, which led to Bravo offering her own show. Though hesitant about how reality TV might affect her professional reputation, she embraced the opportunity: "This was a massive risk to take. But again, it's NBC. How do you turn down NBC?" The experience taught her valuable lessons about authenticity, perception, and staying true to herself amid public scrutiny.

Beyond business and television, Jennifer shares profound insights about self-discovery and relationships. After nine years in the dating scene following her first divorce, she approached finding a partner with intention, creating specific criteria that eventually led her to her husband. "The only relationship you will have your entire life is the one with you," she explains, emphasizing how self-respect builds the foundation for attracting the right partnerships.

Throughout our conversation, Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her newest venture—opening a Wisconsin-inspired lakeside restaurant in Daybreak—and her philosophy toward risk: "I'm not afraid to fail." Her journey reminds us that authentic leadership, clear values, and the courage to evolve will always attract the right people, opportunities, and success.

Follow Jennifer on Instagram @itsjenniferyeo to stay connected with her ongoing projects and adventures!

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Sheridan Mordue never imagined her small Salt Lake City furniture store would one day be a thriving retail brand in airports across America. But twenty-six years after founding Hip and Humble with her sister, that's exactly what happened – all because she was willing to let go of her original plan and follow where her customers led her.

When economic downturns and big box competition threatened their furniture business, Sheridan noticed something unexpected: the small gift items they'd added as supplements were selling faster than their carefully crafted furniture pieces. Rather than resisting this shift, she embraced it, moving Hip and Humble to the vibrant 9th and 9th neighborhood in 2004 and transforming it into a beloved local boutique.

The biggest pivot came when Salt Lake City officials and airport retailers began calling, encouraging her to consider an airport location. "I literally thought we were done for," Sheridan recalls about opening during the pandemic in September 2020. Yet despite supply chain issues so severe she was arranging greeting cards one by one just to fill empty display tables, the store resonated deeply with travelers seeking joy and authenticity.

That success led to a truly courageous moment when Sheridan – dressed in jeans and a cardigan among executives in three-piece suits – attended a major airport retail convention. Despite feeling completely out of place, her authenticity and vision sparked intense interest, ultimately leading to airport locations in Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Louisville, with Detroit, Houston, San Diego, and San Jose coming soon.

Throughout her journey, Sheridan has maintained a powerful philosophy: "Do not hold so tightly to your business plan that you miss your best opportunity to grow your business." Like sand held too tightly that slips through your fingers, rigid business thinking can cause you to lose what matters most. It's a lesson in courage, adaptability, and staying true to your vision while remaining open to unexpected paths.

Visit hipandhumble.com to learn more and experience the authentic heart and soul that has made this Salt Lake City boutique a national success story.

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Spring in Salt Lake City brings its famous weather rollercoaster, and we're all along for the ride! After enjoying beautiful 60-degree weather, we woke up to six inches of fresh snow the next day. The city seems divided – half thrilled for extended ski seasons, half desperately waiting for consistent golf weather. Personally, I'm caught in the middle: eager to hit the greens but grateful for the much-needed moisture in our region.

St. Patrick's Day celebrations were in full swing last weekend! The Shane Gillis concert delivered big laughs, and the Edison House party afterward kept the festive spirit going strong. These community gatherings remind us why Salt Lake continues to develop such a vibrant social scene despite our modest size.

Have you caught our recent episode with Jeanette Padilla? She's doing remarkable work providing nutritionally dense meals to those who need them most in our community. Her perspective on Salt Lake's evolution offers thoughtful insights into where we're headed as a city.

Looking ahead to this Saturday's release, we're sitting down with Sheridan Mordu, founder of Hip and Humble. What started as a local Salt Lake business has expanded impressively to airports nationwide. Her entrepreneurial journey showcases the potential for local businesses to achieve national success while maintaining their unique vision. This recommendation from previous guest Missy Grice promises to deliver valuable insights for anyone interested in business growth and adaptation.

Subscribe now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform to catch Sheridan's story this Saturday, and buckle up for more of spring's weather surprises – we're definitely not out of this seasonal transition yet!

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What happens when a personal crisis transforms into a community mission? Jeanette Padilla's journey from eating crackers three times daily as an immigrant child to founding the Food Justice Coalition exemplifies how our deepest wounds can become powerful catalysts for change.

When Jeanette found herself alone in Utah during Christmas 2020, rather than wallowing in isolation, she decided to channel her energy into serving others. What started as a single Christmas dinner for 200 homeless individuals – complete with tablecloths, decorations, and handwritten notes – unexpectedly blossomed into a thriving nonprofit that's changing how Salt Lake City approaches food insecurity.

The Food Justice Coalition provides nutrient-dense, plant-based meals to those experiencing food scarcity, recognizing that the issue extends beyond access to include time poverty and cooking skills. With remarkable candor, Jeanette explains how her initial "angry vegan" approach evolved into one of understanding and empathy – acknowledging that sustainable change comes through connection rather than confrontation.

Our conversation explores how authenticity attracts authenticity, evidenced by the remarkable community of volunteers, donors, and supporters who've rallied around Food Justice Coalition's mission. We discuss their exciting new café project offering healthy meals at just $3-4, and how the organization addresses the paradox of America being simultaneously the world's richest country while millions struggle with basic needs.

More than just a food service, Jeanette's organization embodies a philosophy of dignity, connection, and recognizing our shared humanity. Subscribe to learn how one woman's commitment to "just help one person" created ripples that continue to transform an entire community, and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey of authentic service.

Food Justice Coalition: https://www.foodjusticecoalition.org/

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Link to Submit Mailbag Questions

Link to Patreon

Ready for new ways to connect in Salt Lake City beyond the usual bar scene and dating apps? Your wishes have been heard! The Small Lake City Podcast is launching an official Patreon designed specifically to bring our community together through engaging events and gatherings that don't revolve around alcohol.

Host Eric Nilsson shares that after a year and a half of conversations with listeners, the most consistent feedback has been the desire for authentic connection opportunities in Salt Lake. The new Patreon addresses this directly with two months of already-planned community events. Members will also receive exclusive discounts to popular local establishments that will "pay for itself" while supporting Salt Lake businesses.

The latest episode featuring Cheryl Mignon of Cheryl's Bagels showcases another New Jersey transplant who fell in love with Salt Lake six years ago. Her authentic bagels have developed a cult following in the city and represent the kind of local gem this podcast loves to highlight. Additionally, this Saturday marks the return of the mailbag episode format where Eric will answer all your burning questions about Salt Lake City life. Submit yours through the link in the show notes, via email, or through social media DMs to participate.

Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter for upcoming St. Patrick's Day recommendations and make the most of Utah's remaining ski season! Join our growing Small Lake City community today through the Patreon link below and start connecting with fellow Salt Lakers who share your interests.

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Who would have thought that a New Jersey native's quest for authentic bagels would lead to one of Utah's most beloved local businesses? After relocating to Utah with no plans to become an entrepreneur, Cheryl found herself missing the distinctive chew and flavor of East Coast bagels. Her solution at first was both practical and slightly comical – flying back to New Jersey and stuffing her carry-on with six dozen bagels at a time.

When COVID hit and travel became impossible, Cheryl faced a bagel crisis. Rather than settling for what was available locally, she rolled up her sleeves and embarked on a six-month scientific experiment to recreate the perfect bagel at high altitude. This wasn't just about satisfying a craving; it became a passion project that involved meticulous testing, family taste-tests (sometimes literally throwing sample bagels at her kids), and countless adjustments for Utah's unique climate challenges.

What began as neighbors asking to buy her bagels quickly evolved into an "accidental business," as Cheryl describes it. Despite initially resisting the idea – "I don't want a business... I just left corporate America" – she found herself drawn to the joy of creating something meaningful from scratch. From producing 25 dozen bagels in her home kitchen to signing a lease and transforming an office space into a proper bagel shop, each step was driven by necessity and a growing community of devoted customers.

Today, Cheryl's Bagels stands for more than just authentic East Coast-style bagels in Utah. It represents a philosophy about food as connection, community building, and creating experiences beyond transactions. Cheryl notices when regulars haven't visited, remembers their preferences, and creates a space where meaningful interactions happen naturally. As she puts it, "If we did all the business we did and it was all online and never saw people, I would probably be folding this business because it's not about that. I need the human interaction."

Whether you're an East Coast transplant missing a taste of home, a food enthusiast curious about what makes a truly great bagel, or someone inspired by stories of unexpected entrepreneurship, Cheryl's journey from bagel smuggler to beloved local business owner demonstrates how addressing a simple need with passion and authenticity can evolve into something truly special. Stop by Cheryl's Bagels and taste the difference that dedication makes – no toaster needed for these fresh, perfect bagels.

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Get ready to uncover the mouthwatering secrets behind the perfect bagel in our latest episode featuring Cheryl Mignon, founder of Cheryl's Bagels. Hailing from New Jersey, Cheryl has brought her passion for bagels to Salt Lake City, creating a culinary experience that has captured the hearts of many. We dive deep into her story, exploring how her love for food and unwavering commitment to quality have transformed her passion into a thriving business.

From discussing the nuances of East Coast versus West Coast bagel styles to sharing the intimate process behind her unique recipes, Cheryl paints a vivid picture of what it takes to craft a bagel that resonates with the soul. Listeners will learn about the challenges she's faced, the community she has built, and the joy that comes from connecting through food. Cheryl’s bagel shop isn't just about selling a product; it's about creating a culture of love and appreciation for authentic flavors.

Join us for this delicious journey, and be inspired to chase your own culinary dreams! Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode. Your feedback means the world to us!

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Step into the culinary world of Salt Lake City with Executive Chef Nick Zocco of Urban Hill. In this engaging episode, Chef Nick shares his journey from the rich food culture of New Mexico to leading one of Salt Lake’s most innovative restaurants. Discover the flavors, experiences, and challenges that shaped his path as he reflects on how food brings people together.

Learn about the transformative power of the local food scene, where urban dining is distinguished by a commitment to high-quality ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Chef Nick explains how his extensive background in prestigious Las Vegas kitchens taught him the art of consistency, teamwork, and creativity. With a passionate focus on sustainable practices, Chef Nick also discusses his collaborative approach that encourages input from his kitchen staff and strives to create a strong community connection.

Whether you're a foodie, a chef in training, or simply curious about the culinary arts, this episode offers valuable insights. Join us as we explore the evolution of Salt Lake's dining landscape and gain deep knowledge of what it takes to create not just meals, but unforgettable experiences for diners. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated and become part of the Urban Hill experience!

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