We’re hanging out with the cool kids — 10 Utah Valley powerhouses who are too hip to be square.
Todd Pedersen
Age: 45
Company: Vivint, Provo
Perhaps the coolest thing about Todd Pedersen is that he’s only getting started. Sure, Blackstone acquired Vivint for $2 billion — marking the largest tech deal in Utah history. Sure, he employs 2,750 people and provides every one of them with free lunch daily. Sure, his 22-year-old company did nearly $400 million in revenue in 2012. Sure, he bought a golf course in Orem to build his new house. Those are baby steps, people. Pedersen prides himself on never relenting. Whether it’s his business, his charity projects, his hat uniform, his car adventures, or most importantly his family, he never stops improving. When BusinessQ photographer Kenneth Linge told Pedersen to put his chin down so he wouldn’t look arrogant, he replied, “It’s OK. I’m actually a bit arrogant.” It’s cool, Pedersen. Chin up.
COOLEST Entrepreneurial Moment
It hasn’t happened yet.
COOLEST Company Moment
Every time an employee says they love working at Vivint.
COOLEST Bootstrapping Moment
When the company first started in a single-wide trailer on a horse ranch.
COOLEST Business Risk
Transitioning from a home security company to a technology services company.
COOLEST Life Adventure
Racing in the Baja 1000.
COOLEST Meal Ever Eaten
Captain Cook restaurant in the Dominican Republic.
COOLEST Quirk
I cut my own hair. And I only shower once a week.
COOLEST Childhood Memory
Camping on West Yellowstone Lake with my dad.
COOLEST Compliment
When people say they can tell I try to be the best husband and father I can.
Glad to see John on this list – he definitely is one of the coolest!
So proud of our daughter and her spunk. She was like that when she was little and has continued to have it as an adult. It has taken her far. Congratulations Susan we love you.