You may have seen him in one of his memorable commercials. On television, he fits the profile of the shameless used car salesman, but in person, Nick Markosian is much more subdued. Tanned and handsome, he is neatly dressed and speaks confidently without any of the fanfare he exhibits in his commercials. It isn’t from nowhere that Markosian’s comfort in front of the camera … [Read more...]
Lassonde Studios Helping University of Utah Students Make their Business Dreams a Reality
The future is today at Lassonde Studios on the University of Utah campus. The student lounge has the normal dorm stuff such as a pool table, video games and comfy chairs. But that is where similarities end. How many other dorms have a fully-equipped tool room and access to patent attorneys? Lassonde is more than just a dorm housing 400 residents. It is a center for student … [Read more...]
Electric Porsche in Salt Lake: Current Exchange Converts Classic Roadsters to Electric Collectibles
The Porsche 911. A driver eases behind the wheel of this classic 1980s sports car. While shifting gears, the engine roars its approval. At the Current Exchange in Salt Lake City, it is the same clean-lined Porsche, but with an electric engine that will purr its approval. Martin Prouty and Kyle Palmer started The Current Exchange to convert Porsche roadsters into electric … [Read more...]
From France to Salt Lake City: HEXEH Studio’s Fine Fragrances
As a fragrance fanatic, I love incense and have diffusers dispensing beautiful fragrances strewn throughout our house. My pillow mister helps me sleep contentedly at night, with scents of lavender and cedarwood. So naturally, I was drawn to learning all about Dimitri Allouch and his unique company, HEXEH Studio, which is all about fragrance. HEXEH is a Salt Lake City-based … [Read more...]
Red Emeralds: Rare Gem is Found Only in Utah
Gem collectors from all over the world are drawn to Park City Jewelers to see first hand their collection of red emerald jewelry. Red emeralds may seem like a misnomer as most people picture all emeralds as green, but traditional emeralds and red emeralds are both in the beryl family of gem minerals. The wide variety of beryl gems get their distinct coloring from different … [Read more...]
How Gastronomy Inc. Changed the Face of SLC Dining
One of the first restaurants I ever ate at in Utah was a Gastronomy Inc. eatery. It was 1992 and I was being hosted by a headhunter who was, among other things, trying to “sell” me on Salt Lake City and convince me to relocate from New York City. She chose Baci Trattoria as the venue for our dinner and it was a very good choice, indeed. At the time, this was one of … [Read more...]
Hive Campers: Not Another Typical Camper
Mauricio Narvarte, owner of Hive Campers, has come a long way since he built his first teardrop trailer with three tools. He built several before he was satisfied with it and then he started a business building teardrop trailers. As time went on he found the teardrop trailers were not very functional and it didn’t hold much cargo. That’s when he made the prototype … [Read more...]
Western Timber Frame
The family gathers at the table, resting in the shade of their new pergola. The sunset and the evening lights illuminate the pathway to this new gathering place. The ceiling fan suspended from the wood rafter pushes the hot summer air away, as laughter and good food brings the family together, forging lasting memories. Hyrum Thompson, a cabinet maker, and his son Brad, … [Read more...]
Coleman Knitting Mills – Memorable Letterman Jackets since 1947
William Coleman of Logan made bomber jackets for World War II and when the war ended, and the need dried up in 1947, he transitioned his factory into a family business making letterman jackets for local high schools and universities. The company is still going strong today under the guidance of Abe Dalebout, who purchased the company about 5 years ago when none of the … [Read more...]
Virus Virtuosity: Utah Businesses Thriving During COVID
The coronavirus has been devastating for small businesses. But during this upheaval, some local Utah businesses are not only surviving, but thriving, thanks to changes in consumer behavior. Businesses suited to our new stay-at-home lifestyles, such as those in the outdoor recreation, crafting and home improvement realms, have been overwhelmed with demand. Eric Flynn, owner … [Read more...]