Community Building
Explore all episodes, stories, people, and quotes related to community building.
Episodes (51)

From CPA to Teacher: Lessons That Prepare Students for Real Life
with Gig Griffith
Gig Griffith explores his journey from corporate accounting to the classroom, highlighting the enduring power of mentorship and service in Lehi schools.

From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
with Brent Knudson
Artisan baker Brent Knudson discusses his midlife career pivot and the rediscovery of his deep ancestral roots in Lehi, Utah, through the founding of a family-run focaccia bakery.

From EMT to Battalion Chief: Decades of Service in Lehi
with Rick Howard
A profound reflection on a lifetime of service in Lehi, tracing Rick Howard's journey from a grieving young father to a pioneer in the city’s professionalized emergency medical services.

How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
with Becky White
Lifelong Lehi educator Becky White reflects on thirty years of building community through classrooms, mascots, and the enduring power of student-led service.

Inside Lehi’s Community Theater: How Local Arts Come to Life
with Kurt Elison
Kurt Elison shares the profound impact of community arts in Lehi, tracing his journey from a 'theater rat' to preserving the city's creative spirit.

From Rodeo Concessions to Youth Sports: How Service Shapes a City
with Dave Nerdin, Rhonda Nerdin
Dave and Rhonda Nerdin recount forty years of community-building in Lehi, exploring how rodeo concessions and youth sports serve as the glue that binds a rapidly growing city together.

How One Family’s Farming Legacy Continues to Shape Lehi
with Nathan Bushman
Nathan Bushman explores the evolution of Lehi from a rural farming settlement to a booming tech hub, tracing his family's deep agricultural roots to his career in education and administration.

Building a Family Legacy: The Story of Rogers Automotive
with Gary Rogers
The story of Gary Rogers and Rogers Automotive, a 30-year fixture on State Street that embodies the evolution of craftsmanship and the enduring strength of a multi-generational family trade.

How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story
with Mike Willes
A portrait of Mike Willes, a lifelong Lehi resident who transformed personal health struggles into a luminous community legacy through elaborate holiday displays.

How FFA Changes Lives: Real Stories from 40+ Years in Ag Education
with Buddy Deimler
A profound exploration of how agricultural education serves as a crucible for character, work ethic, and technological innovation in the heart of Lehi.

The Hidden Work Behind Lehi’s Biggest Events: Pageants, Parades & Roundup Week with Kate Daly
with Kate Daly
A lifelong resident's reflection on the invisible labor and ancestral threads that weave Lehi's community traditions together amidst rapid urban growth.

Donna Barnes: A Lifetime of Dedication to Lehi | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast
with Donna Barnes
Lifelong resident Donna Barnes traces Lehi's evolution from a small farming village of 4,500 to a modern educational hub, offering a masterclass in community stewardship.

How Lehi Brings People Together | City Events Manager Melanie Busath
with Melanie Busath
City Events Manager Melanie Busath explores how community events serve as the connective tissue of Lehi, fostering a sense of belonging amidst rapid urban growth and modernization.

Costco, City Growth & Community Leadership | Ken Greenwood’s Lehi Legacy
with Ken Greenwood
Former Mayor Ken Greenwood reflects on Lehi’s transformation from a ghost-town Main Street and agrarian roots to a burgeoning city, exploring the resilience required to build a community.

Kay Christofferson Interview | From Civil Engineering to the Utah Legislature
with Kay Christofferson
A lifelong Lehi resident and descendant of the city's founder shares a narrative of stewardship, from paving the roads of Utah Valley to drafting the laws that govern its growth.

Drumming with Legends: Jay Lawrence Performing with Cher, Sammy Davis Jr. & Liberace
with Jay Lawrence
Professional drummer and educator Jay Lawrence reflects on a fifty-year career performing alongside global icons while maintaining a life of deep faith and community in Lehi.

Why Local Journalism Still Matters | Roots and Branches of Lehi with Sally Francom
with Sally Francom
Sally Francom explores the enduring legacy of the Lehi Free Press, the evolution of local news, and the vital role of truth-telling in a growing town.

Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson
with Jared Peterson
A seventh-generation Lehi resident explores the delicate balance between honoring ancestral legacies and steering a rapidly growing city toward a sustainable future.

Connecting Lehi: A Conversation with Chris Condie | Roots and Branches of Lehi
with Chris Condie
City Council Member Chris Condie reflects on his journey from Michigan to Lehi, sharing a vision of local government as a neighborhood service and the importance of civic foresight.

Preserving Lehi’s Story: Heather Newall & the Historical Marker Pins
with Heather Newall
Heather Newall discusses the delicate balance of managing Lehi's rapid urbanization while fostering community identity through innovative historical preservation.

🏫 Rooted in Learning: Skyridge’s John Wallwork on Schools, Students & Success
with John Wallwork
A reflection on the evolution of leadership and community connection through the eyes of John Wallwork, highlighting the shifts in modern education and the power of empathy.

Protecting and Connecting: Chief Darren Paul on Policing in Lehi
with Chief Darren Paul
Chief Darren Paul reflects on three decades of growth in Lehi, tracing the evolution from a twelve-officer department to a modern force rooted in community kinship.

Generations of Elegance: The Legacy of Lehi's Bridal Center with Julie Rafiner
with Julie Rafiner
A deep exploration of Lehi's longest-running bridal shop, detailing a family legacy of craftsmanship, community connection, and the evolving tapestry of Main Street life.

From General Store to History: The Broadbent Tale
with Rebecca Broadbent, Betty Broadbent
A poignant reflection on 135 years of the Broadbent Store, tracing a family's journey from a Mormon pioneer dugout to a community cornerstone in Lehi.

Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey
with Charlene Freestone
Charlene Freestone reflects on the proactive creation of community in Lehi and her evolution from a lonely new resident to a guardian of child safety.

Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack
with Steven Mack Boyack
Steven Mack Boyack discusses the evolution of Lehi’s digital town square and the vital importance of neighborly connection in times of crisis.

Ephraim Hanks' Descendant: Phil Hanks Shares His Journey
with Phil Hanks
Phil Hanks, grandson of pioneer scout Ephraim Hanks, reflects on ninety-two years of global service, the resilience of the Depression era, and the spiritual threads that bind generations in Lehi.

Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage
with Lara Bangeter
Lara Bangerter shares how preserving the quiet, everyday stories of Lehi's residents fosters a sense of belonging and resilience in a rapidly growing city.

From Military Brat to City Leader: Paige Albrecht's Story
with Paige Albrecht
A lifelong wanderer finds a permanent home in Lehi, transforming initial civic frustration into a decade-long commitment to public service and community preservation.

Inside Lehi's Evolution: Mayor Mark Johnson's Insights
with Mayor Mark Johnson
Mayor Mark Johnson reflects on Lehi’s metamorphosis from a rural crossroads into Utah’s economic heart, emphasizing the delicate balance between rapid progress and the preservation of community character.

"Sell With Jenelle"
with Jenelle Mccolm
Realtor Jenelle Mccolm shares her journey from social media marketing to real estate, emphasizing the power of personal branding and long-term wealth building.

The Biggest Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make! Interview with Jeff Demke
with Jeff Demke
Real estate professional Jeff Demke discusses the psychological hurdles of first-time buying and how new construction is reshaping the path to homeownership.

Achieving The American Dream with Loreana Pachano
with Loreana Pachano
Loreana Pachano shares her dual mission of navigating legal immigration and real estate to help newcomers establish roots and build generational wealth.

Dan Dixon Remax Realtor/Broker
with Dan Dixon
Veteran broker Dan Dixon shares his 20-year journey through lending, appraisal, and real estate, offering deep insights into Utah's shifting market dynamics.

Land Developing and Home Building In Utah
with Andrew Tuttle, Scot Hazard
Seasoned experts Andrew Tuttle and Scot Hazard explore the complexities of Utah's housing shortage and the shifting reality of the modern homebuilding journey.

Whats UP With This Housing Market?
with Terry Bailey
Terry Bailey explores the path to financial freedom through real estate, offering clarity on market myths and the 'Big Four' benefits of property ownership.

Selling Luxury Real Estate With Presidio's CEO Jennifer Yeo
with Jennifer Yo
Jennifer Yeo, CEO of Presidio Real Estate, discusses the strategic shift from standard transactions to the luxury market and the power of brand trust.

Grinding To Success With Jimmy Rex
with Jimmy Rex
Jimmy Rex reveals the grit behind his transformation from a meat salesman $120k in debt to Utah's top-performing real estate investor and mentor.

"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen
with Jens Neilsen
Jens Neilsen joins Ryan Harding to explain how house hacking can turn a first home into a wealth-building asset, even in a competitive Utah market.

Buying A Home, Step By Step!
with Ryan Harding
Ryan Harding demystifies the mortgage process, offering a comprehensive roadmap for renters to achieve financial transformation through homeownership.

Tony Acosta Interview
with Tony Acosta
Utah real estate veteran Tony Acosta explores how mentorship and educational content serve as the foundation for navigating a competitive housing market.

What is Title? With Mark Schroeppel
with Mark Schroeppel
Mark Schroeppel of Utah First Title demystifies title insurance, explaining how it protects homeowners from the hidden 'ghosts' of a property's past.

Why You Should Use A Realtor...Especially In This Market!
with Joe Willis
Realtor Joe Willis and his team discuss navigating the 2022 housing frenzy and why professional guidance is vital for first-time buyers and investors.

From Paintbrushes to Pioneer Parades: Keith & Suzanne Pulham
with Keith Pulham, Suzanne Pulham
A lifelong partnership forged in the heart of Lehi, Keith and Suzanne Pulham reflect on the enduring power of family labor, community traditions, and the sacred art of showing up.

A Life of Learning: The Educational Journey of Principal Tim Brantley
with Tim Brantley
Tim Brantley reflects on a forty-year career in education, tracing the shift from rigid systems to a student-centered approach rooted in character and community connection.

Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and the Future of Film with Jordan Harmon
with Jordan Harmon
Jordan Harmon discusses the journey of Angel Studios, from its legal battles with Disney to a community-powered movement that redefined values-based entertainment.

Behind the Coach's Whistle: Andy Hadfield's Story as Lehi HS Football Head Coach
with Andy Hadfield
Coach Andy Hadfield reflects on his journey from assistant to head coach, exploring how the gridiron serves as a crucible for building character and community in Lehi.

Preserving Lehi's History: Using FamilySearch to Connect Stories to Real People
with Lee Anderson
Community archivist Lee Anderson explores the transformative power of storytelling in Lehi, Utah, revealing how personal ancestry provides the resilience needed to face modern trials.

Mayor Paul Binns on Service, Growth, and Community Involvement
with Paul Binns
Mayor Paul Binns reflects on the transition from business owner to public servant, emphasizing the quiet power of municipal service and the necessity of human connection in local governance.

Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch
with Jean Hatch
Lifelong resident Jean Hatch shares intimate memories of Lehi’s transformation from a dusty farming town to a vibrant hub of arts and community pageantry.

Brent Everett on Environmental Cleanup, Civic Duty, and Teaching
with Brent Everett
Brent Everett reflects on a life of stewardship, from his career in environmental remediation to his decade of service on the Lehi Planning Commission.
Stories (11)

Relationships Over Transactions: The Brownie and Cinco de Mayo Strategy
Terry shares his philosophy on client retention, emphasizing that 'relationships trump transactions.' He details how his team sends birthday cards and brownies and hosts large-scale events like Cinco de Mayo celebrations for the Latin community. These are not just business moves but ways to treat clients as human beings and build a long-term community.
Life Lesson
Success in any business is about how you make people feel, not just the service you provide.
Community Significance
Demonstrates how the real estate industry can support and celebrate diversity within the local Latin community.
From Episode
Whats UP With This Housing Market?
with Terry Bailey

The Evolution of Digital Connection
Jens discusses his shift from traditional real estate posting (showing 'Under Contract' or 'Just Sold' signs) to providing genuine value and community engagement on social media. He explains that the 'old way' of bragging about sales no longer resonates. Instead, he focuses on being a 'good human'—engaging with others' content, sharing friends' businesses, and providing instructional value. This shift has led to higher engagement and more authentic business leads.
Life Lesson
Consistency and value are more important than any single 'viral' post or self-congratulatory update.
Community Significance
Emphasizes a 'neighbor-first' approach even in a digital space.
From Episode
"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen
with Jens Neilsen

A Vision for a 'Cooler' Main Street
Despite seeing success at farmers' markets, Brent and his wife took the financial and personal risk of opening a brick-and-mortar shop on Lehi Main Street. Brent describes a sense of civic duty, stating that as a resident, he wanted Main Street to be 'cooler' and more vibrant. Rather than waiting for someone else to improve the community, he decided to be the change himself, viewing the bakery as a way to enhance the local culture and social fabric of the historic downtown area.
Life Lesson
If you want your community to be better, you must be willing to contribute your own talents and resources to it.
Community Significance
The bakery acts as a social hub that attracts people to the historic district, benefiting neighboring businesses.
From Episode
From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
with Brent Knudson

The Griswold of Lehi: Creating a 'Christmas Street' Legacy
When new developers built across the street, Mike was initially concerned about how they would react to his massive displays. He even put up a sign: 'New neighbors be aware, Griswold lives here.' Instead of complaining, the new neighbors embraced the spirit, many of them inspired to start their own displays. Mike's home has turned a standard residential road into a 'Christmas Street,' influencing the neighborhood's identity.
Life Lesson
Lead by example; your passion is more likely to inspire others than to annoy them if it is rooted in joy.
Community Significance
This story highlights the social 'gravity' of long-term residents and their ability to welcome and shape new arrivals.
From Episode
How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story
with Mike Willes

The Concert Shift: Bringing the Community to the New Lehi
Jared discusses the controversial decision to move the annual Roundup concert from its traditional home at Wines Park to the new Family Park. While some 'old-timers' were upset, Jared observed that the new location attracted a completely different crowd—people from newer developments who had never felt connected to the downtown core. By moving the event, the city literally 'took the culture to the people,' bridging the gap between the seventh-generation residents and the 'move-ins.'
Life Lesson
To unite a divided community, you must be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and go to where the other side lives.
Community Significance
This act helps prevent the social fragmentation of a city that is geographically expanding.
From Episode
Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson
with Jared Peterson

The Digital Fence Post: The Founding of Lehi Link
Upon moving back to Lehi from California, Steven Boyack found that the community lacked a central, reliable way to share information. Local news was sparse, and the 'default' method for announcements was physical banners on fences. Recognizing the potential of social media as a community tool, Steven and his wife launched the 'Lehi Link' Facebook group. Originally setting a 'stretch goal' of 500 members, the platform blossomed alongside Lehi's rapid growth, eventually reaching nearly 19,000 residents, transforming the way the city communicates internally.
Life Lesson
If you identify a gap in your community's foundation, you have the agency to build the bridge that fills it.
Community Significance
It created a 'Town Marketplace' where ideas, tickets, and assistance are exchanged daily, reinforcing the social fabric of Lehi.
From Episode
Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack
with Steven Mack Boyack

Making Your Own Community: The Mother's Mandate
After moving to a house in Lehi and having children, Charlene felt isolated and lonely. When she complained to her mother, she received a blunt but life-altering piece of advice: 'You need to make your own community; it's not going to find you.' Taking this to heart, Charlene utilized Facebook to organize mom groups, eventually founding a non-profit chapter for baby-wearing education and a lending library for the community.
Life Lesson
Belonging is a verb; it is something you create through effort, not something you wait to receive.
Community Significance
It highlights how informal social networks (Facebook groups/playgroups) are the backbone of modern Lehi.
From Episode
Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey
with Charlene Freestone

The Extraordinary Nature of 'Normal' Lives
Lara discusses Lehi Heritage Day, where the society honors long-time residents. Most honorees are surprised, claiming they 'never did anything special.' However, when their lives are documented, it is revealed they spent 50 years volunteering at the rodeo, serving in the PTA, or starting youth programs like Little League or the Halloween parade. These 'normal' lives are actually the bedrock of the city's traditions and infrastructure. The cumulative effect of decades of small service acts is what makes the community function.
Life Lesson
Consistency in small things is the only way to build a great community.
Community Significance
It validates the contributions of the elderly and connects their past service to the modern comforts of the city.
From Episode
Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage
with Lara Bangeter
People (1)
Quotes (4)

"I grew up in a home where my dad always said you get back. And so that was our mantra... Communities operate because people are willing to give back."
Paul Binns
1:07
Why It Matters
It establishes service as a foundational value passed down through generations, rather than a political ambition.
Community Relevance
Reflects the volunteer-driven spirit that historically built and continues to maintain Lehi's community structure.

"Connections go beyond blood; they're built through shared experiences, friendships, and the moments we celebrate together."
Ryan Harding
0:16
Why It Matters
Sets the foundational philosophy of the podcast, emphasizing that community is a choice and a practice, not just a biological coincidence.
Community Relevance
Reflects the shifting nature of Lehi as it grows from a small town to a larger community where intentional connection is vital.

"People would ask me, 'How do you know him?' I said, 'I don't. I just called. I just had the courage to call.'"
Becky White
17:44
Why It Matters
A lesson in initiative and the power of simple, direct action to create large-scale community events.
Community Relevance
Encourages residents to take active roles in building community programs through bold outreach.
Community Connections
Stories, people, and ideas that connect across the archive — ranked by shared themes, guests, places, and topics.
Related Episodes
(4)From CPA to Teacher: Lessons That Prepare Students for Real Life
Gig Griffith
From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
Brent Knudson
From EMT to Battalion Chief: Decades of Service in Lehi
Rick Howard
How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
Becky White