How to Prepare Your Business for the Future

In this BGS conversation, Governor Gary Herbert of Utah sits down with Weave founder Brandon Rodman to discuss everything from work/life balance to Utah’s economic success. Governor Herbert took office in 2009 and served three terms as the head of Utah’s executive branch. During his time in office, Utah developed a reputation as a hotbed of economic growth both nationally and internationally. Before taking office, Governor Herbert started multiple successful businesses and was involved in real estate. He credits his parents with instilling a strong work ethic in him. His father, who began his career as a milkman and ended up owning his own construction company, taught him the 8 W’s: “Work will win when wishy-washy wishing won’t.” Family is a primary source of motivation for Governor Herbert. He and his wife have been married for over 50 years, and they have six children and 17 grandchildren. The whole family gets together each Sunday to have dinner, a tradition they’ve kept running for 25 years. From the moment of his inauguration, Governor Herbert set about trying to free up local business by lowering taxes and reducing government regulations. His efforts to cut inefficiencies helped Utah achieve low unemployment, a growing GDP, and a burgeoning private sector. The diversity of Utah’s economy and its rapidly-growing population also contributed to the economic success of Herbert’s administration. Governor Herbert acknowledges the difficult decisions that are an inherent part of being in political office. To assist him in communicating his decision-making process, Herbert surrounded himself with a team willing to challenge him and push back on his plans, which sharpened his approach to governing. His team-oriented outlook goes back to his time playing quarterback. That’s when he first realized the importance of the acronym TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. Over the course of his life, Governor Herbert has witnessed massive transformations in the realm of technology. He remembers waiting in line for half an hour just to make a call to his wife from a pay phone while he was serving in the military. Little did he know that years later he would preside over a state with a flourishing tech industry. Herbert believes the developments he’s witnessed in communication and medical technology have made life better for his family and the citizens of Utah. Thanks to the economic growth Utah’s seen over the past decade, it’s again a favorite to host the Winter Olympics next time they’re held in the United States. There’s still plenty of work to be done in the near future, though, including improving Utah’s air quality, managing its growing population, and nurturing its prosperous economy. Whatever the future brings, Governor Herbert believes small business will be the backbone of any growth and success.