‘Speaking on Business’ Honors Top Businesses of 2018
20 Utah and Idaho Companies Recognized for Innovation and Impact
After 22 years and more than 7,000 businesses showcased on Zions Bank’s “Speaking on Business” radio program, it’s a testament to the vibrant economic landscapes of Idaho and Utah that host Chris Redgrave still finds no shortage of dynamic and thriving companies to profile across the airwaves.
On any given weekday, listeners might hear about a gourmet food shop, an international ski supplier or even a beekeeper. The challenge comes in trying to select Idaho’s and Utah’s top businesses from the 360 featured annually on “Speaking on Business.”

Twenty such companies were honored at the eighth annual “Speaking on Business” Top Business Awards luncheon, hosted by Zions Bank on Feb. 8 in Idaho and on Feb. 15 in Utah. Honorees were selected for their economic and cultural impact, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership.
“Businesses like these not only form the backbone of our economy, they are elevating life for all of us through their problem-solving, ingenuity and insightfulness in many different arenas,” says Redgrave, program host and senior vice president of Community Relations, speaking of this year’s award recipients.
At the Utah luncheon, internationally known bookseller Ken Sanders of Ken Sanders Rare Books spoke to award winners about the importance of letting passion, rather than income, drive business endeavors. “Independent businesses are the heart and soul of any city,” he says.
In Idaho, the keynote address was delivered by Mike Burrell, founder of Crayster, which manufactures and ships a patented crawfishing trap across the world. He discussed the importance of perseverance and building a team that shares your common vision. His son provided inspiration for the trap and is now a student in a competitive robotics program.
Since 1997, “Speaking on Business” has showcased everything from startup enterprises to fourth-generation establishments. The program airs on KSL NewsRadio and 20 other stations throughout Utah and Idaho. Following are the winning companies.




















