October 17, 2025
Utah has grown into a hotspot for entrepreneurship thanks to its thriving business environment, supportive policies, and culture of innovation. These companies showcase the state’s dynamic startup community.
Tired of marketing agencies that “overcharge and scam” small local businesses, founder Charlie Jensen sought to create a service that offered upfront, affordable pricing — giving business owners all the tools they needed to succeed.
“I’ve always wanted to start something of my own, and this venture came from a genuine desire to help the underdog,” Jensen said. “I’ve built a system that has worked time and time again, and is scalable enough for us to help more local businesses at a lower cost.”
Completely self-funded, Jensen was able to craft the product from the skills he gained from owning a local business and building out a system tried and tested by local companies. “I did the cold calling grind for months to find clients, until we finally had enough to start running ads.”
Jensen also credits his entrepreneurial family for his success, gleaning insights from conversations about their troubles with marketing agencies.
His message to others, “There is enough business to go around. Be open and transparent, share your secrets — those who do will be seen as leaders and will help other business owners grow.”
Launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Timpanogos Hiking Co. began with a simple realization from its founder, Joseph Vogel: “We had to go back — not to some imaginary ‘Golden Era,’ but to the things that make us human. We need to disconnect to reconnect and escape the noise.”
That idea was the seed for the business, which has grown to serve as a hub for hikers of all ages and abilities. “Hiking, for me, proved to be a remarkably great antidote,” Vogel said. “Almost like a detox, it allows you to slow down, pay attention, and feel things.”
Initially funded through bootstrapping and Shopify loans, Vogel turned to organizations like RevRoad and Silicon Slopes to expand his network and brand reach.
“I left my career as a tenured professor to move back to Utah and launch this business,” Vogel said. “Our goal isn’t just to sell a product, but to build a movement and community.”
Now with a storefront and over a million in revenue, the company continues to promote physical, often challenging activities as an antidote to “cheap dopamine addictions” brought on by the digital age.
When it comes to building a business, Vogel stresses that “You have to be relentless, be creative, tell a good story, and do the right thing.”
Thank you to Sunpeak and Timpanogos Hiking Co. for being a part of Utah’s startup community. Do you own a small business in Utah? Share your story with us for the chance to have your company featured, or learn how to start your business here.
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.