March 26, 2025
Utah has become a growing hotspot for entrepreneurship thanks to its thriving business environment, supportive policies, and culture of innovation. These Utah companies showcase the state’s dynamic entrepreneurial community.
Like many entrepreneurs, Jake Baadsgaard saw an inefficiency in the marketplace and knew he could solve it. He noticed that many large companies didn’t have great data tied to digital marketing or didn’t know how to use it. Concluding that small- and medium-sized businesses likely wouldn’t either, Baadsgaard created Disruptive Advertising to bring great data-driven marketing to businesses.
Baadsgaard has always been an entrepreneur at heart, from side hustles to multiple businesses in his early career. Through a short-lived but profitable software reselling venture, he gained enough capital and clientele to grow his consulting business into an actual agency. Initially, he decided to forgo a salary while investing in building his team and growing his company.
Although he always wanted to run his own business, Baadsgaard often felt doubt. Luckily, a few influential people among his supportive mentors and coaches helped him believe in entrepreneurship. In addition, his wife’s discernment and support has been critical.
While growing his business hasn’t always been easy, he notes that sometimes, having the stars align and a nudge from the universe can be the push to go for it.
“Everything will take three times as long as you think it will, you’ll probably make a third as much as you thought you would, AND it will all be worth it,” Baadsgaard says. “Enjoy the ride, including all the highs and lows.”
James Thelin always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and his opportunity came by pursuing better health. He turned to sourdough bread to help his gut and multiple sclerosis and found that it could benefit others. This endeavor led to the creation of MegaLoaf Sourdough, a subscription service in Cedar City that provides tasty and nutritious sourdough bread using traditional fermentation methods.
MegaLoaf has grown through southern Utah with the support of its community, mentors, and support systems. Thelin says, “Focus on what you’re passionate about, and find the people who want to help you become better.” He’s also found there’s much to learn from those who aren’t immediate customers. “Talk to people who don’t buy from you to understand how they can be a part of your business. People who like you won’t always tell you their problems.”
Thelin also relied on many startup resources in the state, including the Small Business Development Center, Southern Utah Entrepreneurship Hub, SCORE, Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, and others, to help identify pitfalls and assist with the paperwork needed for an SBA loan.
“You have so many resources in the state to help you get to the next level,” Thelin says. “There’s a lot of support and people who will be honest about how to grow your company. Utah is the greatest place to start a business.
Thank you to these companies for being a part of Utah’s startup community. Share your story with us for the chance to have your company featured.
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.