The Daily Herald

In the interview, John discusses the plight of the entrepreneur in recognition of the sacrifices that are made in order to grow a company. He also addresses questions about whether we are about to see a boom in entrepreneurial ventures, an what factors may be driving this including employment rates, age, and funding.

Treat yourself to a moment of insight from one of our local leaders: Local Entrepreneurs Battling Recession

A few of my favorite quotes from the article:

…I’ve known entrepreneurs who started by living on Top Ramen and sleeping on a mattress in their business office, and made sacrifices for many years to bring that dream to fruition.

…The No. 1 thing investors look at before investing is the experience of the management team.

…It’s a grievous error to turn down money just because investors want a bigger chunk of the company, especially if the entrepreneur could have grown the company with that funding. If someone is willing to give you money in this environment, take it.

…At some point in the next 10-20 years, the next Google or Yahoo! will come out of Utah County.

…Entrepreneurs who survive at a time like this will have much better chance of thriving when the economy recovers.

…It’s a great time to start a business now because it’s cheaper to build the business.

Hosted by UVEF chairman Roger Andrus and emcee’d by Rick White of Fusion-io, the event featured a keynote address by Utah Leutenant Governor Gary R. Herbert with comments and insights from Alan Ashton, founder of WordPerfect, and event sponsors Steve Grizzel of Innoventures and Rona Rahlf of the Provo Daily Herald. 25 award plaques were presented to the winners. The exciting event was punctuated with Rick White’s energetic humor, drawings for gifts, and an extravagant buffet lunch will well-appointed table settings.

Here is a YouTube video of the event, with winners and links listed below in reverse order:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are the winners of the UVEF Top 25 Under Five 2009:

25 | CFOwise

CFOwise provides executive-level expertise on a flexible budget by offering businesses of any size a part-time, outsourced Chief Financial Officer (CFO). CFOwise is based in Pleasant Grove.

24 | Isis Dei

Named after the Egyptian goddess of protection, Isis Dei offers creative, practical accessories for all types of electronic devices. Isis Dei is based in Provo.

23 | The Ready Project

The Ready Project simplifies the preparedness process. Their line of gourmet food storage meals are delicious and easy to prepare and are sold through several different distribution channels – Online, Local Retail and Direct Sales. The Ready Project is based in Pleasant Grove.

22 | Big Brainz

Big Brainz develops the most powerful, effective educational video games ever created by combining the most compelling technology from “real” video games with the cuttingedge methods of interactive instruction. Big Brainz is based in Provo.

21 | Rocketship, Inc.

Rocketship is a multi-disciplinary industrial design and product development firm, providing creative product development solutions across a wide range of categories. Rocketship is based in Provo.

20 | Spoon Me

Spoon Me is a fun, fresh, exciting and truly “green” frozen yogurt and smoothie franchise with stores in Utah and Arizona that focuses on creating remarkable experiences for our customers and a life changing business for our franchise owners. Spoon Me is based in Provo.

19 | Jive Communications, Inc.

Jive provides full-featured, affordable IP telephone systems to clients nationwide. Their virtual platform offers a wide range of features for businesses of any size. Jive is based in Orem.

18 | Castlewave, LLC

CastleWave was initially started in March 2007 as a test-case to prove out entrepreneurial principles that were written in a book authored by 2 of the managing partners.  They followed the book, chapter by chapter, as they developed CastleWave, a Search Engine Optimization business, and were soon landing large customers and starting to see some growth.

17 | SEO.COM

SEO.com provides search engine marketing and optimization consulting services. They help companies of any size show up at the top of Google and get more leads and sales for their businesses. SEO.com is based in the Provo Technology Center at Novell

16 | IntelliSchematic

IntelliSchematic is an industrial training company focused on training programs for industries utilizing motion control and power transmission equipment for production and operation. IntelliSchematic is based in Alpline.

15 | Snapp Conner PR

Snapp Conner PR is a specialized agency that provides all aspects of strategic and tactical PR execution for companies in the technology space. Snapp Conner PR is based in South Jordan.

14 | Infuse Medical

Infuse Medical is a medical education agency that develops comprehensive training programs for medical device manufacturers. Infuse Medical is based in Lehi.

13 | Rockwell, Inc.

RockWell, Inc. is a manufacturer of one-piece decorative window wells for the residential construction industry. RockWell is based in Utah County.

12 | Pfadt Race Engineering

Pfadt Race Engineering is focused on the design and manufacture of high-end performance suspension products for 1997 and newer Corvettes and the 2010 Camaro. Pfadt Race Engineering is based in Salt Lake City.

11 | iTOK

iTOK offers Help Desk tools and services to optimize your home computer for better performance and to protect it from virus attacks and spyware. iTOK is based in Lindon.

10 | FamilyLink.com

Family Link helps families connect online primarily through it’s ‘We’re Related’ Facebook and iPhone application. Family Link is based in Provo.

9 | ZenPrint

ZenPrint is a leading developer of web-to-print applications helping businesses and social networks promote and monetize their brand. ZenPrint is based in Salt Lake City.

8 | InsideSales.com

InsideSales.com is the first provider of on-demand Lead Management software to integrate a powerful suite of marketing tools that include dialers, voice messaging and nearly two dozen other productivity-enhancing ‘power tools’. InsideSales.com is based in the Provo Technology Center at Novell.

7 | LaneLinks, Inc.

LaneLinks is a team of dedicated transportation professionals that utilizes proprietary tracking tools to create and manage customized partnerships between private fleets and shippers. LaneLinks is based in Provo.

6 | Navigator Business Solutions, Inc.

Navigator Business One Solutions is a leading SAP Gold Partner that offers SAP products and services to small and mid-size companies to help manage their growth. Navigator Business One Solutions is based in Pleasant Grove.

5 | Aribex, Inc.

Aribex is the worldwide leader in innovative handheld x-ray products. Aribex develops X-ray products for the dental, veterinary, forensic, security, and industrial verification markets. Aribex is based in Orem.

4 | Allegiance, Inc.

Allegiance offers a suite of web and phone-based Enterprise Feedback Management solutions to provide companies and organizations with a way to collect, manage and act upon customer and employee feedback to improve their business performance. Allegiance is based in South Jordan.

3 | OrangeSoda

OrangeSoda’s specialty is in helping small and medium-sized businesses who don’t have massive advertising budgets show up when potential local customers search for companies or services like theirs online. OrangeSoda is based in American Fork.

2 | Imagine Learning, Inc.

Imagine Learning was founded with one goal in mind: to teach English to the children of the world. Today Imagine Learning English is being used by tens of thousands of students globally. Imagine Learning is based in Provo.

1 | ZAGG, Inc.

ZAGG designs, manufactures, and distributes protective clear coverings and accessories for consumer electronic and hand-held devices, worldwide. ZAGG is based in Salt Lake City.

Congratulations to all on a job well done! The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Utah, helping to reduce the impact of our ailing economy and establishing Utah as one of the best places to start a business in the United States.

My special thanks and appreciation to the UVEF board of directors for their collective effort to make this year’s event the most well-prepared and recognized event to date.

Read other stories about the award ceremony here:

Provo Daily Herald: 20 Utah County entrepreneurs honored by the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum
PilmerPR: Top 25 Under Five | Entrepreneurs Honored By UVEF

Featured on Local FoxNews:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information about the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum, or the annual Top 25 Under 5 Awards, contact any member of the UVEF Board of Directors, including myself.

-Cary

Utah businesses with fewer than five years in operation are invited to apply for the UVEF Top 25 Under Five Awards, sponsored by the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum. All Utah companies, five years old or younger, are invited to apply electronically at www.uvef.net.

Applicants will be judged based on revenue and job creation. Nominations are now being accepted through June 19th. 2009 marks the eighth year of the UVEF Top 25 Under Five Awards program. This is a great opportunity for young organizations to be recognized for success and growth. There is no fee to apply.

UVEF’s Top 25 Under Five Awards have recognized the development of more than 200 individuals and companies, including Utah success stories like Agel Enterprises, Interbank FX, Seastone, Altiris, Omniture, and Xango among many others. 2009 award recipients will be recognized at ceremonies on July 9th.

Pass the word along; post this to your Facebook or Twitter accounts by clicking the badges below and let’s get the word out!

As Fusion-io’s Chief Marketing Officer and one of the company’s founders, Rick White is responsible for planning and implementing the company’s marketing strategies and is part of the energy driving the company. Rick is presenting at the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum on Thursday, May 14 at Noon in the Novell Cafeteria.

Rick will present on his marketing experience at Fusion io, and how our fears may be getting in the way of accomplishing success.

Register to attend.

Fusion-io announced in April 2009 that it closed $47.5 million in Series B funding from a group of investors led by global venture capital firm Lightspeed Venture Partners. Fusion-io is a leading provider of enterprise solid-state technology and high-performance I/O solutions that unlock a world of possibilities for performance-starved applications, closing the gap between processing power and storage performance.

The UVEF luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Novell Cafeteria.

Since UVEF’s founding in 1989, business in Utah and in Utah Valley has undergone a revolution. That year, email was a luxury enjoyed by only a few. The World Wide Web on the Internet was still five years in the future. WordPerfect held dominant market share. Geneva Steel still had ten years of life left. Since then, Utah Valley’s population has almost doubled to nearly half a million. UVU (formerly UVSC) has tripled in size to 26,000 students. Businesses have grown in areas that did not exist in 1989.

The new UVEF chair, Roger Andrus has helped secure over $100,000,000 in capital for entrepreneurs in new business ventures. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Business Development Corporation (BDC) of Provo, a non-profit entity sponsored by Provo City’s Economic and Redevelopment Agency.

“Entrepreneurship in Utah is one of our greatest strengths,” said Andrus. “Utah entrepreneurs have created tens of thousands of jobs in past years. This has softened the effects of the current recession and contributed to Utah’s high ranking relative to other state economies. We believe this creative, resilient entrepreneurial spirit will lead our state back to prosperity.”

Also serving on the 2009 UVEF board: Steve Grizzell, InnoVentures Capital Partners; Kyle Bowen Love, Direct Controls, Inc; Les Pardew, Alpine Studios; John Pilmer, PilmerPR; Dr. Mark W. Lund, PowerStream; Bryant Armstrong, Squire & Company; John Richards, Centers for Entrepreneurship & E-Business, BYU; Tim Hunt, Certiport; Steven Roy, USTAR; and Stephen D. Clark, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UVU.

The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) is a volunteer non-profit support group connecting entrepreneurs to Money, Markets, and Mentors. Celebrating 20 years of new business success, UVEF empowers individuals to thrive in business through potent education and networking. Its mission is to provide effective tools and create synergy between members and business experts. For information on upcoming meetings, speakers and membership visit www.uvef.net.

# # #

Press Contact:
John Pilmer, APR
PilmerPR
801-369-7535
jpilmer@pilmerpr.com
www.pilmerpr.com

“These recipients demonstrate the power of ideas coupled with sound management,” stated Shauna Theobald, chairman of the board, UVEF. “These companies and individuals represent the highest character and spirit that personify the term – entrepreneur.”

2008 Winners include:
Utah Entrepreneur of the Year – John Edwards, Move Networks
Most Innovative Product – Hand-held X-Ray, Aribex
Ronald K. King Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Warner Woodworth
Community Service Award – Todd Manwaring
Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs – Paul Allen, Provo Labs
Utah Valley’s Best Kept Secret – Reflect Scientific

At ceremonies held last month, UVEF named Dr. Bill Jordan Pope and BYU Center for Entrepreneurship as 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees.

The UVEF is a non-profit support group working to share knowledge and experience. As a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, the UVEF promotes the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures by: providing networking opportunities, promoting recognition of business accomplishments and contributions, sharing business experiences, and by encouraging free enterprise.  Information on upcoming meetings, speakers, and membership can be found at www.uvef.net.

#

Press Contact:
John Pilmer, APR,
PilmerPR
801-369-7535
jpilmer@pilmerpr.com
www.pilmerpr.com

UVEF will present awards in five categories: Entrepreneur of the Year; the Most Innovative Product; the Social Entrepreneur of the Year; Utah Valley’s Best Kept Secret; and Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs.

There is no cost to UVEF members; all others $25.

RSVP to tiffany(at)cedo.org or info.uvef(at)gmail.com or call 801.226.1521 or visit http://www.uvef.net

As a “serial entrepreneur” leading two Utah companies onto the Inc. 500 list of fastest growth companies in the US, and landing 4 times in the top 10 fastest growing companies in Utah, Jim Pack has learned to adapt and succeed in an ever changing marketplace.  Among his different business experiences, he has served as CEO of AdvancedMD, CEO of IGS-Cubed, President of Easy Dental Systems, Vice President of Strategy, Sales and Business Development at Dentrix, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SilverPlatter and a variety of other management, sales, marketing and consulting positions.

Jim has a BS in Economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Michigan and several advanced degrees from the School of Hard Knocks.

Please join UVEF on Thursday, November 13th from 11:45 to 1:30 at the Novell Cafeteria in East Bay, Provo. Register today online at  www.uvef.net.  Any questions, email tiffany-at-cedo.org, or call CEDO at 801-226-1521.  No cost to UVEF members.  All others, $25.

The forum will provide insights on building world class management teams from Dennis’ understanding of which human resource practices offer the greatest return on shareholder value.

Dennis leads vSpring’s human capital practice. Prior to joining vSpring, Dennis built an executive search practice in technology and finance at The Diestel Group, a boutique executive search firm. He worked nationally and was instrumental in helping organizations expand their operations and succeed by attracting and retaining world-class talent.

To register for the forum, visit: http://www.uvef.net/

Details:

Title: Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum
Location: Novell Cafeteria
Register: Click here
Description: Glean insights on building world class management teams and learn from Dennis’ understanding of which human resource practices offer the greatest return on shareholder value.
Start Time: 11:30
Date: 2008-10-09
End Time: 13:30

The event, held at Noah’s in Lindon, received 109 RSVPs and hosted 210 individuals for a buffet lunch and award ceremony. Event coordinators were both pleasantly surprised and a little anxious over the standing room-only attendance, even though food ran a little low near the end of the line.

The event was sponsored by InnoVentures Capital Partners, Silicon Slopes and Omniture.Thanks to all for a nicely-done event. The food was good, and the opportunities to network with local entrepreneurs was outstanding. I recognized some of the top brass from many of our local leading companies, making the event a great way to rub shoulders with the who’s who of Utah Valley.

The awards ceremony was MC’d by Steve Grizzle, who opened with comments regarding the humble beginnings of many of the winning companies. “Many of these companies failed to meet payroll at least once along the way to their success’ he said. I found this a very inspiring opening that was only fortified when the final top five each had an opportunity to speak for a moment. Each provided an encouraging story of their entrepreneurial struggle to achieve success.

Among the five, I gleaned the following few thoughts:

Number four winner Seastone Consumer Packaging related an inspirational story recalling an initial experience when a large client requested a bid for a large order with demands that the price be kept to one cent per piece and a deadline of one day. The team worked all night and could only find the item for three cents. ‘I’m no mathematician”, he said, “but I knew we would loose money if we bought for three and sold for one.” Raising laughter from the audience, he said “We took the job anyway.” At great risk, the team was able to research their resources and found the item for less than half a penny. The job turned a million dollar profit and launched the company toward success. ‘Taking risk’ was cited as a component of their success.

Skullcandy, who took the number three award, recalled their struggle through hard times and indicated that perseverance was key to their rise as the fastest growing consumer electronics company in the world. “The worst was when the sherrif showed up to deliver an eviction notice; we paid the factory two times in a row, but hadn’t paid the rent for three times in a row.” Every entrprenuer in the room seemed to nod in understanding.

Control4, who grabbed second place, shared their commitment to the Utah Valley community and making hard decisions to maintain their support. “Our investors said that if we wouldn’t move to the bay area that we couldn’t have their money. We told them that if we had to move, we didn’t need their money.” It looks like their integrety paid off.

Finally, I had a chance to catch up with David Elkington of Inside Sales, who were awarded number eleven. We laughed as he recalled that things have not always been rosey; ‘My neighbors thought I had a great job” he said, “they had no idea there were times when we were barely hanging on.”

I came to realize that there has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears poured into these successful companies. They are all truly inspiring for new companies facing similar trials and tribulations. It’s nice to learn that the big boys have experienced what I am going through, and it gives me hope that it can be worth the price.

Shauna Theobold, UVEF 2008 Chair, summed it up nicely saying “These Top 25 winners have demonstrated excellence in their fields and provide the brightest of prospects for the future growth of Utah business, This group represents the spirit of entrepreneurship and sets the mark by which others will be measured.”

UVEF’s Top 25 Under Five Awards is in it’s ninth year, having recognized more than 175 entrepreneurs and companies.

And the winners are…

1 — Agel Enterprises, LLC

• Agel Enterprises, LLC has created a nutritional supplement in single-serving gel form packaging that is not a burden to consume, is convenient, tastes good, and quickly absorbs into the body.
• Their supplements have helped create a new cosmetic skin care line, Ageless.
• In 2007, they launched their new non-profit organization- the Agel Cares Foundation, which has already made significant donations in the United States, the Philippines and Nigeria.
• They have grown from $9 million in 2005 to $89 million in 2007.  In May of 2008, Agel won the category of Best Nutrition/Health Product in the state of Utah.
• www.agel.com

2 — Control4

• Control4 is the platform for today’s digital home and makes whole-home automation a practical option for any residence. They believe that home automation is not just for the rich and that fully customizable solutions are not just for luxury homes.
• Control4’s affordable and easy-to-use software and hardware products enable home theatre control, multi-room music, smart lighting, temperature control, and security, through a range of in-home and over-the-web remote control technology.
• www.control4.com

3 — Skullcandy

• Skullcandy was founded in 2003 by CEO Rick Alden.  It is the fastest growing consumer electronics company on earth, specializing in audio & gaming headphones, audio accessories, integrated audio devices & mp3 players.
• Skullcandy is positioned as a “core” brand in the snow, skate and surf markets.  They are partners with companies that integrate audio technology into their products, which creates referent brand credibility in the core market.
• The company has grown over 100% per year since it was founded.
• www.skullcandy.com

4 — Seastone Consumer Products Group

• Seastone Consumer Products Group is the market leader in specialty gift card packages and gift card promotional programs.
• Seastone provides fully customizable, turnkey gift card promotional programs, utilized by many of the nation’s largest retailers.
• They were recognized as the 2nd fastest growing company in Utah Valley by Business Q Magazine.
• www.seastone.com

5 — Mindshare Technologies

• Mindshare’s business monitoring survey tools gather continuous real-time threads of customer feedback that can be immediately transformed into actionable intelligence.
• The solution is affordable, yet dynamic and customizable, to flex with a company’s needs, allowing businesses to build strong enterprise feedback management and monitoring processes.
• In May of 2008, Mindshare completed its 20 millionth customer survey.  They have grown revenue over 8 times in 3 years.
• www.mshare.net

6 — Sunrise Publishing Group, Inc. (DBA Echo Pages)

• Sunrise Publishing Group (DBA Echo pages—is the 4th largest producer of telephone directories in Denver, Colorado.
• Echo Pages delivers to 600,000 homes and businesses from Denver to Colorado Springs.
• The Association of Directory Publishers has awarded them the following awards: 2008 Third Place Excellence in Ad Design & Art-Electronic; 2008 Second Place Excellence in Ad Design & Art-Print; 2007 Third Place Excellence in Ad Design & Art-Print.
• www.echopages.com

7 — Aribex, Inc.

• Aribex is a worldwide leader in innovative, handheld x-ray products.  The Aribex NOMAD X-Ray Systems are the first-ever handheld, battery-powered x-ray machines optimized for the dental and veterinary industries.
• They have been recognized both nationally and internationally for their innovation, safety, and ease of use.  The company is also planning ventures into other markets, including medical, forensic, security, and industrial.
• In June of 2008, Aribex shipped their 2000th NOMAD device.
• www.aribex.com

8 — Cymphonix Corporation

• Because of the changing state of the Internet, companies are searching for an easier way to control Internet resources.
• Cymphonix is the first company to successfully provide small and medium sized organizations the ability to control both Internet browsing activity and Internet application activity—ensuring that mission critical information has the resources it needs.
• Cymphonix was given the 2004 Best of VARVision Award.
• www.cymphonix.com

9 — Alianza

• Alianza provides the first hosted, fully-integrated IP-based platform for delivering Unified Communications Applications, via Software as a Service (SaaS), for  Broadband Service Providers.  They also provide value-added applications.
• Alianza’s proprietary PowerPlatform enables Broadband Service Providers to launch private-labeled solutions in less than 30 days, with no capital ventures.
• Alianza’s headquarters are in Lindon, Utah.  The company has established branches in Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore as part of its ongoing strategy to service English and Spanish-speaking markets worldwide.
• www.alianza.com

10 — Vested Group (tied for #10 with Navigator Business Solutions)

• Vested Group is a private investment company specializing in high-growth business markets.  They focus on delivering a full range of investments and services in their core sectors of real estate and information technologies.
• They have developed a proprietary online system that significantly reduces costs for construction and renovation.
• Vested Group was recognized as one of the Top 10 Companies to watch in 2008 by Utah Valley Business Q
• CEO Chad Bennett is the 2007 Investor of the Year in the Utah Valley Real Estate Investors Association.

10 — Navigator Business Solutions (tied for #10 with Navigator Business Solutions)

• As an SAP certified partner, Navigator distributes and implements SAP Business One exclusively.  SAP Business One is an affordable, integrated business management solution, designed specifically for small and midsize companies to help manage their growth.
• Navigator creates broad vertical add-in applications for SAP Business One software, and custom programming.  They also sell, implement, and provide training services for SAP Business One and add-ins.
• Navigator was named SAP Best New Business Partner for 2005, Partner of the Year for 2006, was awarded the SAP Pinnacle Award for Innovation for 2007, and the Top Ten Club 2008.
• www.NB1s.com

11 — InsideSales.com, Inc.

• InsideSales.com was the first hosted CRM software with a built-in dialer solution that tripled or quadrupled the amount of contacts that a professional sales representative could make over the phone.
• InsideSales.com also pioneered the Lead Response Management (LRM—market with technologies like the award-winning ResponseSwami that helps companies call Web-based leads back in seconds or minutes rather than the typical hours or days that they do now.
• They were voted 2007 Product of the Year by INTERNET TELEPHONY Magazine, and Unified Communications Magazine.
• www.InsideSales.com

12 — Procerus Technologies

• Procerus Technologies, founded in January of 2004, develops and markets the Kestrel™ Autopilot System for mini and micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs and MAVs).
• The company’s purpose is to bring innovative and meaningful miniature UAV avionics products to market for military and emerging commercial applications.
• www.procerusuav.com

13 — OrangeSoda Inc.

• OrangeSoda serves the small to medium sized business (SMB—with search marketing services.  Their expertise comes from over a decade of studying user search behavior and helping tens of thousands of small businesses strengthen their online presence.
• OrangeSoda’s technology is tailor-made for the SMB, allowing a business to sidestep the process of setting up, tracking, and managing a search marketing campaign.
• They were voted the #1 Startup Company in Utah Valley in Utah Valley BusinessQ Magazine.
• www.OrangeSoda.com

14 — Experience Dental Studio (tied for #14 with Hunter Composites, LLC)

• Founded in July of 2006 by Mark Willes, Experience Dental Studio is the exclusive laboratory for designing DURAthin veneers.
• Mark is the creator of these veneers, and together with Dr. Dennis Wells, their current hands-on, DURAthin LIVE courses are helping dentists across the country provide their patients with viable, beautiful, minimal-prep options.
• Every Experience Dental Studio team member has been carefully sought out and personally trained by Mark to execute his vision for excellence.
• www.durathinveneers.com

14 — Hunter Composites, LLC (tied for #14 with Experience Dental Studio)

• Hunter Composites was founded in 2003, when Clint Ashton and his son, Tyler, started working in their garage on products utilizing a new fiberglass process called resin infusion.
• They expanded into making architectural columns using this process, and have patent pending on the column process.  They are now also making church steeples and graphite box beams.
• Hunter Composites has grown to 25 people, and 1.5 million a year in sales.  They plan on reaching 5 million by 2010.

15 — Q90 Corporation

• Q90 Corporation develops and provides custom software, email hosting, and data migration services.  Each product and service is designed to align with the client’s specific goals and systems to increase productivity and maximize return on investment.
• Q90 has provided personal service to over 150 companies nationwide.
• Q90 encourages the entrepreneurship of its employees by offering to help them start joint companies around original ideas.
• www.q90.com

16 — Snapp Conner PR

• Born out of 23 years of specialized experience in the technology industry, Snapp Conner PR provides all aspects of strategic and tactical PR execution for companies in the technology, health and wellness, and life sciences space.
• Snapp Conner PR assists organizations, ranging from start-ups and growth companies to established ventures and public companies, in creating and executing PR programs to achieve maximum possible business results.
• They grew from 0 to $1.25 million, and from 3 employees to 11 in the first year.
• www.snappconner.com

17 — Rockwell, Inc.

• RockWell, Inc. is a manufacturer of decorative window wells for the residential construction industry.
• The window wells are a one-piece product, manufactured from composite fiberglass, and have a stone texture that looks and feels like real stone.
• Rockwell, Inc. sells their products through 40+ independent distributors in 24 states and Canada.  They are known by their customers and competitors as the Cadillac of window wells.
• www.rockwellinc.com

18 — Ad Hoc Electronics

• Ad Hoc Electronics’ ILLUMRA energy management products use battery-free wireless technology to simplify installation and maintenance of green control systems in commercial buildings.
• The company provides wireless solutions for sensor, controls, and networking applications.
• Some of their products include: ILLUMRA energy management products, Decorator Wireless Switch, Real Estate Utilization Sensor, and Video Arraignment System
• www.adhocelectronics.com

19 — FundingUniverse, Inc.

• FundingUniverse connects qualified entrepreneurs with active VC’s, angel investors, and lending sources.
• They offer a 13-lesson Funding Boot Camp, which utilizes multimedia presentations and webinars, to answer entrepreneurs’ questions about raising investment capital.  They also provide templates for business plans and financial statements.
• They were awarded UTC Emerging Executive of the Year.
• www.fundinguniverse.com

20 — LineaGen, Inc.

• LineaGen is a content-based biomarker discovery company, focused on the commercialization of novel, patentable diagnostic tests that will lead to more personalized healthcare regimens for human health and disease conditions.
• LineaGen received $5.8 million in venture capital funding in 2007.  These funds are dedicated to approximately 18 months of company operations and medical research.
• LineaGen collaborates with the University of Utah for much of its research efforts, and provides them with resources to expand significant medical research projects.
• www.lineagen.com

21 — Renasis, LLC

• Renasis, LLC specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of wireless communications products, services, and system solutions.  Their products are designed to extend the reach of Wireless Local Area Networks.
• Experts in the innovation and implementation of wireless technology, Renasis also provides OEM/ODM services to a growing number of premier manufacturers.
• Renasis has won key accounts in the wireless hospitality market.  They also now have offices on two continents.
• www.renasis.com

22 — Kaufman Enterprise Solutions

• Founded in 2006, Kaufman Enterprise Solutions currently serves as the CFO for almost four dozen companies, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales and thousands of employees.
• In 2007, they helped their clients raise over $15 million in debt and equity financing.
• They founded Kaufman CFO University, a proprietary and growing knowledge-base that provides their CFOs with unparalleled continuing education.
• www.kescfo.com

23 — Ciralight

• Ciralight is a Utah-based corporation, created for the purpose of bringing outside light inside at intensity levels where electric lights are no longer needed during daylight hours.  The result is energy savings, improved human performance, and a significant reduction in life threatening pollution.
• Current local customers include: Mark Miller Toyota and AARUP.  Nationally, they serve Office Depot, Staples, and Petsmart, among many others.  They are also heavily involved with international clients.
• www.ciralight.com

24 — Five Star Painting

• Five Star Painting is a franchise system that operates in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.  At present, there are 53 painting franchises in operation doing residential, commercial, and industrial painting.
• Five Star Painting promises a quality painting job that is clean, on time, and on budget.  Their painter certification program assures that the painters have the skills to do a beautiful job.  They also use the latest technologies to make sure they’re as efficient as possible.
• www.fivestar-painting.com

25 — Rocketship

• Rocketship is a multi-disciplinary industrial design and product development firm, providing creative product development solutions across a wide range of categories.
• Rocketship has developed multiple award winning products for companies like ProvoCraft, Control 4, Jetboil, Buck Knives, NuSkin, and others.
• They get the job done and meet expectations.  70% of sales stem from repeat clients.
• www.rocketshipdesign.com

Congratulations to each of these companies for doing a fantastic job! Good luck to those of you who are in the running for next year. You can learn more about the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) by visiting the website at http://www.uvef.net/

The UVEF is a non-profit support group working to share knowledge and experience. As a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, the UVEF promotes the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures by providing networking opportunities, promoting recognition of business accomplishments and contributions, sharing business experiences, and by encouraging free enterprise.

Our appreciation goes to John Pilmer and Jack Shirts at PilmerPR for sponsoring our attendance at the event.