Category: FAB 40 2024

101K people follow @healwithmelissa on Instagram. Melissa Taylor is a two-time cancer survivor and is helping her followers heal and thrive with natural health — with a little dancey-dance on the side, thank you very much. Melissa is an international presenter and trauma-informed healing facilitator, and holds a degree from the University of Utah in sociology and psychology. She authored her first book, “Heal With Me,” to help others healing from cancer. She also launched an online cancer healing course with the same name. Melissa’s online healing community is called The Thrive Hive – where she helps others learn how to not only survive, but to thrive. As if that wasn’t enough, she also started “Seasons,” a group life-coaching program to facilitate self awareness and discovery of individual purpose through astrology. Hashtag – she does it all!

Plot Twist When I was given aggressive chemotherapy at age 24, I was told I would most likely not be able to have my own children. I took a risk by not freezing any eggs or embryos and hoped that if I survived cancer, I would somehow be able to have children if it was meant for me. Two boys and one girl later, I am blessed to be the mother to three miracle children!

Hero’s Journey By the time I was 33, I had lived through cancer twice and divorce at a young age. These three experiences have radically changed my life and shaped who I am today. I have never been more alive than when I was facing death. It woke me up and taught me how to live.

New Chapter The second time I was diagnosed with cancer is when I woke up. I realized that if I didn’t change the way I lived, I would continue on a path of illness. So, I set out on a quest to find everything I could about healing and supporting the body. I was led to books, podcasts, videos, courses and people who shared their knowledge and insight with me. I made a promise to God that if I lived a second time through cancer, I would learn all I could and share all I learned with whomever it would benefit. That’s why I do what I do now. I have become the woman that I needed.

Tired Trope When my kids take my phone charger and lose it.

Life Genre I’m in my freedom era! Being in your 40s is so liberating! You release so many of the expectations of others, the masks you felt you had to put on to be accepted, and you really begin to accept yourself.

The Utah Valley Parade of Homes is our favorite summer pastime, and we have Amber Hutchings to thank for that. Amber is the director of the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, a tour of some of the most grandiose and beautiful homes in Utah Valley. An unexpected prequel? Before Amber was involved in the UVPOH, she was a dancer for the Utah Jazz. Amber’s professional life then led her to an executive assistant role that she had for 10 years, and during that time she co-owned a construction business while managing several subsidiary businesses within the construction industry. Then Amber joined the Utah Valley Home Builders Association, and 10 years after that, she became the UVHBA Director of Events, which includes the Utah Valley Parade of Homes. From dancer to demolition, Amber has seen it all.

Fully Booked I wake up before 5 every morning. Morning is my favorite time of day. I carpool kids to school, work in the office, carpool kids to/from sports, walk my Yorkie, Penny, and squeeze in a workout, when I can.

Plot Twist One of the biggest surprises of my life for me was my daughter moving to London to dance! I had never been to London when she was offered a spot at the London Contemporary Dance School. I never imagined having a child live 4,800 miles away from me. While I miss her immensely, I am beyond proud of her.

New Chapter Becoming a mother was the greatest turning point in my life. Every priority in my life changed.

Vital Title At a young age I was introduced to “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey. It opened my eyes to understanding our inner potential, and that we are far greater than we give ourselves credit for. If you learn to focus your mind and stop overthinking, you will gain self-confidence, which in turn can unleash your true potential.

Character Backstory I have profound hearing loss and recently underwent cochlear implant surgery. Hearing sounds, conversations and music I normally wouldn’t for the past 40+ years has been nothing short of amazing! I am grateful for incredible doctors and technology that have helped so many hear and understand speech.

Life Genre Adventure. Every phase of life has been a new adventure. I never want to rush through each chapter, but look forward to where each adventure takes me.

In January 2022, Joe Tuia’ana was busy living his best single-dad-to-three-daughters life and driving to basketball practice when he noticed a man on an overpass ledge having a mental health crisis. He pulled over and, while his daughter called emergency services, Joe approached the man. Not knowing what to do, he opened his arms and repeated the words, “I love you, bro.” Eventually, he was able to grab the belt and hood of the man and pull him to safety. After some local and national attention — including a letter from Senator Mike Lee — he started the “i love you, bro PROJECT.” The project addresses ongoing mental health concerns of adult men in our area. The group offers weekly support groups in Provo and West Jordan called “Courage to Bro” where men “leave their masks at the door” and build emotional connections with other men. Way to go, bro!

Hero’s Journey My father died two weeks before I entered the MTC as a 19-year-old. My ongoing grief is constantly recycling into more and more compassion and empathy for others. Also, my divorce taught me how valuable family is and how lucky and blessed I am to be a dad. I’ve also learned how to be the best ex-husband I possibly can. I also suffered from alcohol addiction (now almost three years sober). I’ve learned that temptation will never go away, so strengthening myself and my family can never stop. 

New Chapter 1) My divorce, making it so I had my kids full-time. 2) The overpass suicide prevention event. Those two events have shaped my present and have brought me the most joy in my life. 

Vital Title “The Book of Mormon.” It’s a powerful resource to learn about faith, hope and true love — God’s never-ending, never-ceasing love for all of us — and how I can apply that kind of love into to my everyday life.

Tired Trope People who “hear” but don’t listen, “look” but don’t see, and “care about” but don’t love.

Character Backstory I recently wrote a young adult book that is currently being illustrated by the amazing Adam Munoa (“Fab 40” from 2023). The book should be completed this year.

The Sequel Working full-time for the i love you, bro PROJECT, managing and operating our future headquarters, giving every man in the community a safe space to help themselves through connection, learning, and service to others.

Kim Mayberry is putting the ball in your court. She is incredibly passionate about BM Sports USA, the youth sports training business she owns with her husband, Lavel. As a team, they work hard to instill the physical and mental training needed for young athletes to reach their full potential. When she’s not working with youth, she has a laptop in hand, and is writing her own story. Well, stories, that is! Kim is a published children’s book author. Her first book, “Charlie the Champion,” was published last year. And the next chapter? There are two more books in the works.

Fully Booked I wake up every day at 4 a.m. to start my morning ritual of reading, journaling and meditating. After that, I work out for the day and then wake up my children at 6:30 a.m. to get them ready for school. Being self-employed, I have the freedom to tailor my routine to my liking. I enjoy spending time being creative by working on exciting projects. When my children come back from school, I’m either busy training clients, cooking dinner or preparing for the next day. Having routine and structure in my day helps me stay focused and productive.

Hero’s Journey I have faced countless hurdles in my life, too numerous to tally. But the most valuable lesson I have learned from them all is that I hold the power within me to create a fresh start or endure a current predicament, even when I once thought that ability was lost or given away to someone or something else.

Daily Underscore I love Jaheim, Chris Brown, Beyonce.

Vital Title “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch. It gives you a new perspective on how to view and live a life that is unique to you.

Tired Trope A pet peeve is when someone pets my arm softly.

Just My Type Joe’s Cafe in Orem and I order Anna’s Omelet with no mushrooms.

Life Genre Comedy because I always try and find the humor in life and usually do.

Audiobook or Physical Physical books, hands down.

The Sequel I see myself as a best-selling author in different genres, having time and money freedom to enjoy whatever life brings and teaching others how to be the best authentic versions of themselves.

Pull out your FranklinCovey planner and take some notes about a woman of impact in Utah Valley — Jessica Farnsworth. This inspiring and selfless wonder woman has held professional roles at FranklinCovey, Primary Intelligence, Qualtrics and is currently with EZRA Coaching. But even when she is clocked out, she’s still serving. Jessica’s passion project 100 Women Who Care Utah Valley is a local charitable giving and education organization. Four times a year, the group meets to hear from three local charities (including Provo Girls Summit, Bridle Up Hope and Utah Refugee Connection), then select one to receive an impact award — a culmination of donations from the organization’s members. Thanks to Jessica’s dedication at the helm, these women who care have donated over $150,000 to Happy Valley charities. Jessica cares!

Fully Booked Day starts at 6:30 a.m. to get our 15-year-old out the door to school. Begin the work day from my home office with a rockstar team of partners all over the world, or I may be on the road, meeting with colleagues and customers. Intentional time with family, and I try to weave in self-care that might include reading, podcasts, walking, biking and breath work. I pray, incorporate guided meditation, yoga and stretching. 

New Chapter There was a two-year period I spent as a single parent. Transitioning into working full-time, juggling childcare, self-care and creating intentional time with my little ones was difficult and a season I will never forget. Time is the only real currency we have — make every effort to ensure it is well-spent!

Storybook World “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. We have so many choices to make, it can be overwhelming. We make decisions at both little and big moments, at times, they take us to exactly where we thought we’d go, and other times do not. The most important thing is to always keep going. 

Character Backstory Growing up, I played competitive tennis, loved to drive a boat fast and water ski all summer long!

The Sequel I see myself continuing to pursue philanthropic and entrepreneurial passions and projects, with family, friends and community by my side. I’d like to see 100 Women Who Care Utah Valley with 200+ members (like our wonderful sister chapter in Salt Lake City has today!). I’d like to create an aligned organization — 100 Businesses Who Care Utah Valley.

Paul Shin has likely eaten lunch at 90 percent of the restaurants around the valley (don’t quote us on that stat) with new friends and colleagues. He’s known for being the best lunch pal and for his role as founder of Tacos Together — a group that’s all about giving back, fostering real connections and always eating tacos. Paul is the designated Happy Valley bestie, meeting up for lunch with hundreds of professionals around the valley to talk life, charity and business. Paul and the Tacos Together team have broken two world records (one being the largest rugby scrum on the Real Salt Lake field, all to raise donations for a Make-A-Wish friend) and served over 1,000 Utah families with Operation: Santa’s Stash this past Christmas. Paul loves big and gives freely.

Fully Booked Wake up at 6 a.m. Cold shower and lift (it’s not a lot, but just to get the blood flowing). Morning is family time. Quick meditation before my first set of calls. Calls, meetings and tacos throughout the day. I try to help make dinner. No phones or emails from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Mini date night — something as simple as watching a show together.

Hero’s Journey I almost took my life a few years ago. A startup I was working with failed, and I lost my identity. It helped me learn a lot. I learned that we all matter. I learned that I had value to offer this world that wasn’t tied to a job or a title. I learned to love myself and to be more comfortable in my own skin.

Character Backstory I have a wife and four kids. I love longboarding. I recently found out I like brussel sprouts. I have wrestled a tiger. 

Daily Underscore I’m convinced the best music is from high school/early college. For me, that’s punk: Yellowcard, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory.

Vital Title “Leadership and Self-Deception” by The Arbinger Institute comes up a lot for me. This book helps me remember that it’s not about my ego, it’s about winning as a team.

Storybook World Is there one that’s pretty much our world, but less inflation? The problem with most of these worlds is that there’s a bad guy. If I lived in the world of “The Hobbit,” somehow an Orc army would end up in my backyard — I just know it.

Sequel My co-founder and I are investing in growing connectd.ai, an app that uses AI and personality profiles to match attendees, sponsors and events. The ultimate goal is to make human connection easier for all.

When Covid forced people away from public spaces, including classrooms, BYU professor Jared Halverson found a new way to teach – and his influence quickly expanded much further than the walls of BYU. He started filming his lectures, which opened him up to eventually hosting a podcast — “Unshaken Saints” — that helps people in their study of the scriptures. His episodes are not for the faint of heart, with some hitting more than four hours. But, folks around the world are more than happy to study their scriptures with this self-described pragmatist whose goal ultimately is to help people find solutions to their problems and help them live better lives. That’s a pretty Fab way to live!

Fully Booked Every day is different, though most include lots of scripture study and lesson prep, teaching classes, working on the podcast (filming lessons or doing post-production), working with people in faith crisis (in person, via Zoom or answering emails), researching and writing, hanging out with family, which often includes watching or playing sports, or watching old episodes of The Office, Psych, the Mentalist, White Collar, Survivor or another favorite.

Plot Twist I was surprised to discover that people are willing and eager to spend our to five hours studying the scriptures with me in a podcast episode.

Hero’s Journey Chronic physical and mental health challenges among those I’m closest to have been challenging, and never enough time to help all the people who reach out in times of need. I’ve learned that people are resilient and that God’s grace is sufficient. 

New Chapter Covid forced me to take my classes online, which effectively knocked the walls off of the classroom. The world really is our campus!

Daily Underscore If I’m in the car with my daughters, then it’s Taylor Swift. If it’s just me, it’s often ‘80s rock, though I do love a good Gregorian chant now and then.

Vital Title Whichever book of scripture I’m teaching at the time. The scriptures are an endless treasure trove of wisdom and relevance.

Character Backstory I’m an introvert and have to push through social anxiety when I speak to a large group.

Storybook World Narnia. Just to hang out with Aslan.

Just My Type R&R BBQ. Fifteen years in Texas and Tennessee left me with a deep love of BBQ.

Life Genre Comedy because we’re always laughing, and despite challenges, we know there’s a happy ending.

Derek Miner is good-vibes personified. And he’s a Utah Valley guy, through and through. In fact, he still lives a stone’s throw from his childhood home in the hills of east Provo. And this hometown hero gets results from his good vibes. He’s a serial successful entrepreneur, whose latest endeavor — Lemonade Stand — is a full-service digital marketing agency giving a portion of every dollar to programs that support the success of the next generation. It’s the “Build Then Bless” mantra that is at the heart of Derek’s mentoring mindset. The company’s podcast — Lemonade Stand Stories — is built around motivating the next generation of “go-getters” looking to build their own business. And, after all, businesses are all lemonade stands at heart.

Fully Booked Over time I hope my daily life has begun to look like this quote well-articulated by James Michener: “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion… He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he’s always doing both.”

Hero’s Journey Challenges are stretchy and an inevitable part of growth. More importantly, it’s what you do next that matters the most. It takes courage to make a change when you realize you’re in the wrong place and need to regroup and start over. I’ve learned that when I’m surrounded by extraordinary humans, I can get through just about any challenge.

New Chapter Twenty years ago I sat around my first management table the day before we announced our company’s acquisition, and the CEO said, “I feel really bad for you young guys; this is not how most businesses work. You will spend the rest of your life trying to recreate what we have built here.” And he was right — because I was fortunate to have this experience, I have spent my life building incredible company cultures. 

Daily Underscore Rush, one of the greatest trios of all time.

Character Backstory Once upon a time, I played the drums in a band that was picked up by a record label. We recently got the band back together to perform at a wedding, and by the end of the night, we were trying to figure out how to get the band back together and tour again.

Heathre Hone is the founder of Utah Valley Animal Rescue, and she’s the most paw-fect person for the job. Evidence we have to back up our point? She brought a live dog for her photo. Need we say more?  Heathre was a single mother working full time in the legal field and getting her college degree in business management when her daughter was born in 1990. After getting married to her now husband, Blaine, she went back for a second bachelor’s degree in accounting from UVU in 2006. Now, she uses both degrees to help all of our furry friends in need. She knows more than anyone that life can be “ruff.” The most important thing to Heathre and Utah Valley Animal Rescue is healing the injured, saving the abandoned, and serving the homeless animals of Utah County. Like many successful and famous businesses, Utah Valley Animal Rescue was started in Heathre’s garage! Just call her Steve Jobs with a dog. 

Plot Twist One of the biggest surprises in my life was meeting my biological family.

New Chapter Marrying my husband, Blaine, 20 years ago. He and I have built two businesses together, Blaine Hone Excavating and Utah Valley Animal Rescue, doing business as All Paws Count. We have a ranch with horses, cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese. We also have a few cats and dogs. (Try a lot of cats and dogs.)

Daily Underscore Gary Allen — my favorite of all time.

Vital Title I love so many books. I can’t choose! But, my current favorite author is Fredrik Backman.

Dream Storybook World Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs — a picture book by Jacky Davis and David Soman about a pet-adoption fair.

Tired Trope Being interrupted while I’m talking.

Just My Type The prime rib sandwich at Ruby River.

Audiobooks or Physical Physical all the way! 

Life Genre I try for humor and I avoid drama.

The Sequel I want to have a huge animal rescue facility in Utah County that provides reduced cost spay/neuter services, training services and adoptions. I want to help people keep their pets, reduce pet overpopulation and eliminate abuse. I want to educate people on proper animal care and I want every animal to feel loved.

In a valley that’s passionate about the BYU Cougars, the real big cats deserve an advocate as well — and Denise Peterson is one of those voices. As the founder and director Utah Mountain Lion Conservation, Denise is working to preserve the tracks of these beloved big cats. She became fascinated with the animals in Michigan, her native state, and decided to study wildlife biology, natural resources management and geographic information systems. Denise has worked on a wild felid study in the Amazon rainforest and partners in the Central Region Cougar Study. She is working on educational documentary films and, alongside The Katie Adamson Conservation Fund, a children’s book about mountain lions! One of her most crucial roles is bringing awareness to details of bill HB 469, which opens mountain lions to trapping and allows anyone with a general hunting license to kill a mountain lion anytime of year without limit. Denise is on a mission to save the cougars. Go Cougs, Go Denise!

Fully Booked A day in the field consists of scouting for lion activity, checking and setting cameras, or trying to see a lion in the wild. At the office, I work with other wildlife groups on issues that pertain specifically to mountain lions in Utah. Right now, we are working on a documentary about HB 469.

Plot Twist One of the best surprises of my life was the first time I saw a mountain lion in the wild. We knew a family of three was in the area, so when I saw the first, I was hoping we’d get eyes on all of them. While we only saw mom and one of the youngsters, it was one of the best days of my life. I was able to watch as she slowly meandered up the hill, over the ridge, and out of sight.

Tired Trope In the spring of 2023, HB 469 was signed into law. With unlimited, year-round hunting and trapping of mountain lions, this not only affects everyone who cares about mountain lions, but will likely have negative impacts on the overall health and resiliency of the ecosystems here that they help maintain. This new law is in no way supported by science or research and limits our ability to properly manage mountain lions.

Vital Title “The Cougar Conundrum” by Mark Elbroch. It’s an incredibly informative book that anyone who is even slightly interested in mountain lions should read.

The Sequel I’ve learned not to try to predict the future. But I think it’s safe to say that in the next 5 to 10 years, I’ll still be out there tracking and filming mountain lions.