Meet Our Affiliates
We encourage local business leaders to participate in this competition as mentors or investors, supporting our future leaders and investing in the future of their community. Join us on this exciting journey of entrepreneurship and innovation, and help us inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Affiliates
Todd Pedersen
Founder of Vivint | Invest Nest Competition Judge
Todd Pedersen, the visionary Founder of Vivint, has been a trailblazer in the smart home and security industry for over two decades.
With a keen understanding of market needs and a passion for technological innovation, Pedersen established Vivint with the mission of simplifying and enhancing the lives of homeowners. Under his leadership, the company has grown exponentially and has become one of the largest home automation and security providers in North America, serving over a million customers.
Todd’s dedication to creating user-centric, intelligent solutions has garnered numerous accolades, positioning Vivint as a leader in the industry. A respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, Todd Pedersen’s impact on the smart home market has been both transformative and lasting.
Click Lizi’s photo to see a video message about the competition.
Affiliates
Lizi Heaps
The Food Nanny | Invest Nest Competition Judge & Mentor
Lizi Heaps, affectionately known as The Food Nanny, is a celebrated culinary expert and television personality who champions the importance of meal planning and home cooking.
Drawing from her mother Liz Edmunds’ legacy, Lizi shares her passion for wholesome, delectable meals through her popular blog, cookbook, and social media channels. Focused on family traditions and fostering connections around the dinner table, she has inspired a multitude of households to embrace the pleasure of cooking and the significance of shared meals.
With her warm, engaging approach, Lizi Heaps has become a cherished figure in the realms of food and family living.
Affiliates
Jimmer Fredette
Professional Basketball Player | Invest Nest Promoter
Jimmer Fredette, an accomplished professional basketball player, has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional skills and unwavering determination on the court.
As a standout collegiate athlete at Brigham Young University, he earned numerous accolades, including the 2011 National Player of the Year. Known for his incredible scoring ability and sharp shooting, Jimmer has consistently demonstrated the resilience and perseverance necessary to excel at the highest level of competition.
Off the court, his humble demeanor and dedication to charitable efforts have earned him admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike, making Jimmer Fredette a respected figure in the world of professional basketball.
Click Jimmer’s photo to see a video message about the competition.
Affiliates
Mike Glauser
Executive Director of The Center for Entrepreneurship at Utah State University, Huntsman school of business | Invest Nest judge.
Mike has extensive experience as a successful entrepreneur, business consultant, and university professor. He is the founder and former chairman of Golden Swirl Management Company and a founder of Northern Lights. Both companies were sold to CoolBrands International, a world leader in the frozen dessert industry. Mike has consulted with numerous corporations in the areas of business strategy, market research, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development. His clients have included Associated Food Stores, The Boeing Company, Clinical Innovations, Department of Workforce Services, Esso of Inter-America, Harmon Music Group, Saudi Consolidated Services, and USANA Health Sciences.
Mike has held faculty positions at the University of North Carolina, the University of Petroleum & Minerals, and Westminster College. He has designed and taught courses in business strategy, entrepreneurship, management, organizational behavior, and small business consulting. Mike has published numerous articles in professional journals and magazines and published three books on entrepreneurship: Glorious Accidents, The Business of Heart, and Main Street Entrepreneur, which chronicles his 4,000 bicycle ride across America to interview remarkable entrepreneurs who have successfully merged livelihood and lifestyle in places they want to live. He has appeared on Great Day America, First Business from Washington, The G. Gordon Liddy Show, Voice of America, Kansas City Live, Good Morning Chicago, Associated Press Radio, and many other radio and TV programs.
Affiliates
Utah State University
Affiliate
Inspired by John M. Huntsman’s values of ethical leadership, analytical rigor, global vision, and entrepreneurial spirit, the Huntsman School of Business prepares the next generation of students to become the best and brightest business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Covey Leadership Center, inspired by Stephen R. Covey’s timeless principles, empowers individuals with transformative leadership skills. Simultaneously, the Entrepreneurship Center nurtures start-ups across Utah State University, providing them with resources, opportunities, and mentorship to bring their ideas to life and to bring value to the broader community. In partnership with Invest Nest, these centers create a collaborative and supportive environment that fuels innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight.
These centers, alongside the Huntsman School, are passionate about creating a vision of a better future, while actively working to make it a reality.
Join our affiliates in building a better future.
Join our sponsor team today to help build the future of Utah.
We have roles that can work for everyone, whether you’d like to donate or mentor, reach out to your local district representatives for up to date details on what you can do to help.