A Force for Good … and Good Smiles

While running the Best of SLC each year, we’re fortunate enough to speak with hundreds of businesspeople and analyze thousands of businesses. It’s uncanny how often our proprietary formula for picking winners is validated by the exceptional and amazing people winning the awards. It’s no accident — they are the “best” for a reason!

If there are two things we consistently see with Best of SLC finalists, it’s charity and innovation.

Giving Back in a BIG Way

Dr. David Stubbs is no exception, because he has never forgotten those who have had a rough go in life. For example, his dental practice donates the proceeds of new-patient exams to a deserving local organization or individual every month, for causes like medical bills, food, scholarships, or the cost of a life flight that saves someone’s life.

All-on-4® Innovation

My late grandfather wore dentures for 20 years before he passed. I still recall him chasing me around the house with his dentures sticking halfway out when I was a young boy. His teeth, or lack thereof, were something he was ashamed of. Eating was more challenging, sure, but what he struggled with most was the loss of his music.

Grandpa Glenn and my grandmother led the family band for decades (my mom was the drummer). With dentures, it was much harder to sing; the happiest man I ever knew didn’t like to show his teeth when he smiled because he was embarrassed.

Those who are fortunate enough to have great teeth don’t often realize how life-changing dentistry can be. The All-on-4® is a procedure offered by Stubbs Dental and designed to replace your upper or lower set of teeth. As a great alternative to dentures, you don’t need to replace each lost tooth individually. Your entire set of teeth is anchored with only four implants, in just one day with one surgery and a fast recovery. This procedure is a game-changer and not one that a lot of practices are capable of offering.

Dr. Stubbs often gets patients who were told by another dentist that they weren’t a good candidate for the All-on-4® — but they’ve been able to help a great many of those patients restore their smiles anyway.

While my grandfather passed before having a chance with All-on-4®, I know that if he could have had it, it would have added a lot of value to the rest of his life.
Charity + Innovation = Awesomeness

Since 2018, Stubbs Dental has given away $315,000 of free All-on-4® procedures to patients who had great need and couldn’t pay for treatment. The goodwill is proving contagious, as well! Wanting to get involved, others have taken up sponsorships to cover the material costs. So how about it? Want to help change someone’s life?

 

 

I love small, unassuming, locally owned restaurants. There’s nothing like the thrill of finding a great unknown place. When you first find one, you’re rolling the dice when you go in and order, but after one heavenly bite, you know you’ve hit the jackpot.

What’s great about “hidden gem” restaurants is that they represent a meritocracy of the food world. It’s not ad spending, lavish decorations, or neon lights that draw people in. What matters most is simply how good the food is.

Penny Ann’s Cafe was one of those unknown local gems. It was like a big secret that was (almost) too good to share. They have very competitive prices; it’s almost like you’re losing money if you don’t eat there. Their service is fast and flawless. And, of course, their food is incredible.

But in the internet age, it’s hard to keep a place this good a secret. I see you all out there, leaving a zillion five-star reviews and telling everybody!

Well, if it’s out, it’s out. And if you’re on a strict meal plan, maybe don’t go looking at the images in their Google profile. Mmmmm … hot cakes.

Home of the Heavenly Hot Cakes

When you walk into Penny Ann’s Cafe, it’s like going into their home, or perhaps your grandma’s house. Penny Ann herself and her sister Cindy can be seen caring for or chatting with customers, many of whom are regulars. Penny’s brother Warren is the executive chef, and brother Paul is handling daily operations. You’ll find many nieces and nephews helping prepare food, cook, and bus tables.

When their first cafe opened here in 2011, it was an instant hit. The little restaurant was churning out breakfast and lunch home runs, one after the other! How do they make all that great food in that little kitchen, and so fast too? I don’t know for sure, but I haven’t ruled out that Warren is a wizard.

Demand for Penny Ann’s cooking has led to a second restaurant in the area, then a third, and now, drumroll please, franchising opportunities! The family has taken great care to ensure that the quality always remains, that the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and that their famous hot cakes stay heavenly.

I said it; the secret is out! Families everywhere can look forward to the day they can operate their own Penny Ann’s Cafe, heavenly hot cakes and all, as the business is prepared for expansion with franchising.

Whether you’re hungry for hot cakes or a profitable business, you’re not gambling when you put all your chips in on Penny Ann’s Cafe.

In my family, dogs are more than companions. They’re our vigilant protectors, hunting buddies, and sometimes even our teachers. A playful dog can be a constant source of entertainment and create lifelong memories, or buffer us against loneliness.

Sure, sometimes our dogs can be a pain in the neck. Most of us find our investment of time, attention, and money to be more than worth it for the loyalty and love our dogs give us in return. But what do we do when our canine friends can’t join us when we travel?

That can be a real dilemma for dog owners. My twin sister, Laura, is constantly seeking her next adventure as she off-roads, goes fishing, or hikes to a hidden lake somewhere. This year a trip took her on a flight to the other side of the country, and this devoted dog mom was very concerned about her boys, Bandit and Casper. How could she ensure they received great care while she was gone?

They are used to daily walks and playing at the dog park, and leaving them in a traditional kennel for two weeks was something she just couldn’t do. Truth be told, it’s as much about taking care of her anxiety for the dogs as it is about their care. For dog owners like Laura, there’s Camp Bow Wow.

Passion for Pets

The owners of Salt Lake City’s Camp Bow Wow, Juan and April Prado, are passionate about dogs. Before becoming owners, they were staff members. April was a full-time dog trainer and counselor for the camp, while Juan cared for the facility itself as a side gig. When the previous owner was ready to retire, Juan and April’s passion prompted her to offer them Camp Bow Wow.

Both are well educated and were on great career paths when they decided to make a change. April loves dogs about as much as a sane person can, but she and Juan are a team. When asked how he felt as they were making that decision together, Juan said, “I support my wife. I knew she was going to succeed no matter what.” It was a chance for them to go after something they were both passionate about.

April and Juan wear several hats while they keep Camp Bow Wow running like clockwork. April focuses on training dogs and helping new owners adjust to their new responsibilities. Juan fetches the business end of the stick, handling operations.

In his previous career, Juan guided young people through the juvenile justice system, using his expertise in criminology and counseling to get them back on track. Now, as a business owner who employs many young people, he sees Camp Bow Wow as an opportunity for him to continue helping young people grow, learn about leadership, and become problem solvers.

A Vacation That Dogs Dream Of

Instead of a cramped kennel that they can barely turn around in (basically jail), dogs staying at Camp Bow Wow have spacious cabins. They can spend most of the day playing in one of the indoor or outdoor play yards with their fellow campers, supervised by enthusiastic camp counselors. The staff handles grooming, feeding, and making sure dogs like Bandit get their daily medication.

As fantastic as this all-inclusive dog resort is, what sealed the deal for Laura was the camp’s live webcams that let her check in on Bandit and Casper anytime she pleased. For dog moms like her, Camp Bow Wow provides more than just canine care; they provide peace of mind.

With all this fun going on, I am left with just one question: Will they let me go to camp, too?

In sixth grade I had a science teacher who changed how I view not only the world, but everything. His enthusiasm encouraged me to enter a school science competition to launch a 2-liter bottle as far as possible using only mechanical and aerodynamic means.

Most kids created some kind of catapult or slingshot; mine was a heavy four-post design that could stretch some industrial rubber belts. I don’t recall exactly how far it flew, but after reaching its apex in height, it seemed to glide forever (and off of school property). And that was when I realized I love science.

I digested everything I could get my hands on, entered math and science competitions, and took my ACTs in seventh grade. Scientist Carl Sagan was my hero (think Neil Degrasse Tyson, but decades earlier). I wanted to be an astronaut, and I wanted to be on the first manned mission to Mars. (My eighth-grade astronomy teacher told me I was the right age!)

While I’m clearly not going to make it to Mars, I did make it to NASA for a brief time to teach strength training to some astronauts. But not making it to space isn’t the point. The hands-on experience of learning and seeing what science (and a little elbow grease) could do fueled lifelong learning. Most importantly, I dreamed big and looked at the world around me with wonder and awe.

That is a gift worth giving to all, adults and children alike. It’s also precisely what Clark Planetarium is designed to do.

“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” ― Carl Sagan

Strut Your Star-Stuff

Clark Planetarium’s “interactive exhibits” (they prefer not to call them “video games” even though that’s what they are) are jaw-dropping. They are meant to be touched and explored. Each floor of the learning center is aimed at certain areas of interactive education, one floor each for Earth, near Earth, and beyond!

Upon entering the Earth realm you are met with an interactive sphere. Want to see what fires or droughts the Earth is experiencing at this very moment? Say the magic word, and it will be shown. While you’re there, why don’t you design your own solar system — if you do it right (wrong?), your red dwarf can transition all the way to a big bang (game over). You can even defend your home planet from cosmic impacts in an epic video game … er … “interactive exhibit.”

As your adventure leads you into space, explore the mysteries that are near Earth. Imagine you’re Commander Neil Armstrong and attempt to pilot the lunar lander, experiencing the forces of gravity, acceleration, and inertia on the moon.

The top floor of the exhibit takes star travelers to the ends of our solar system and beyond. Start on Io, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, to program and drive your own exploratory rover. Learn about star size and density with hands-on activities, or gaze into the Vanta Black Hole, which is made from the darkest material ever created by humans.

If an enthusiastic science teacher and a homemade bottle launcher were so effective with me, imagine what possibilities exist within Clark Planetarium. At the very least, it’s educational family fun. As Carl Sagan would say, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

You never know, you could be inspiring the next great mind that turns the impossible into an incredible reality.

When Caesar led his legions into Gaul, he needed only to point his finger before his men built a 1,200-foot bridge across the Rhine, complete with guard towers and all. And when George Washington rescued Boston from British troops, 60 tons of armament were dragged across 300 miles of winter mountains and rivers to be sneakily placed atop Dorchester Heights. And when Braden and Liz Price chose a remote cabin for their wedding venue, Kelly Christensen turned their big vision into reality overnight.

If you’d seen it beforehand, you would have thought there was no way the location would work for a dream wedding. While it is a darling little cabin, it’s in the middle of nowhere (past Morgan), there’s no power or cell service, and it’s hard to access. We’re not talking about a small wedding, either; the setup covered several acres of land.

Value of Experience

Think about how much packing you’d have to do just to take your family camping there! It wasn’t even my wedding, and I’m already feeling stressed about figuring out how to get the tables, chairs, and a hundred other things out there. So many things could go wrong!

Most of us don’t have experience with this scale of logistical operation, and that’s why you don’t want your wedding day to be your first attempt at figuring it out — it’s why you hire guys like Kelly Christensen.

Liz and Braden’s wedding was not Kelly’s first rodeo. Kelly and Caley Christensen cofounded Caley’s Catering & Events 25 years ago. Catering is simply where their full-service, one-stop shop begins; they can and will take great care of nearly any aspect of your wedding (or other big event) so that you can focus on the fun parts like decorations, or simply just sit back and enjoy the big day. Seriously, they’ve got it.

We’ve Got Golf Carts, People!

Kelly’s little legion brought an entire venue to a blank slate in the middle of nowhere. The team expertly handled everything from food, tables, and chairs to lights, sound, and decorations. They even brought golf carts to help folks move across the large site in their nice clothes. I wouldn’t have even thought to ask about golf carts!

Caley’s Catering took what might have been a chaotic, stressful nightmare and turned it into a fairy tale. Braden and Liz got the wedding they envisioned, and family and guests enjoyed the event because Caley’s staff took care of nearly everything.

5-Star Customer Service

After they were named a finalist in our Best Catering category last year, we hired Caley’s Catering and Events for our Best of SLC banquets. But even the best sometimes encounter obstacles that are outside of their control. While the Price wedding went off without a hitch, Caley’s had trouble getting the liquor license for our banquet in time, no thanks to COVID.

“But wait,” you say. “I was there and remember that the booze was flowing just fine!” That’s because Kelly wanted all of you to have a great time and gave it away for free (you can’t sell it without a license, but you can give it away!). If that isn’t a reflection of Caley’s culture, I don’t know what is.

Things don’t always go perfectly. When the unexpected happens, you can always count on Kelly and Caley to see you through it. And if you’re looking for incredible food service and nearly anything else for your big event, look no further than the logistical geniuses of Caley’s Catering and Events.

We all customize our appearance and clothing. And even if your home’s exterior happens to appear identical to those around it, it’s a reflection of your family on the inside. If you take a moment to consider everything around you at this very moment, how much of it is personalized to some degree?

To keep it fair, I’ll go first: I have a high-speed customized computer with fancy lights, cables, and liquid cooling. The desk I’m working on is a Frankenstein assembly of features I added, some functional, some aesthetic. Wall decor, devices, cell phone cases, computer backgrounds, color schemes, backpacks, and furniture — all began as default products that I made mine with modifications that improved function or appealed to my liking.

Customization makes us feel unique in a sea of sameness. We are not all the same, and we don’t have the exact same needs, preferences, or desires. When people think of you, you are unique.

Why should your car be any different?

America has long had a love affair with the automobile. And as with virtually every other product in our lives, modern consumers look for the ability to customize their ride. That’s what Auto Trim Design of Utah, the 2021 Best of SLC winner for “Best Auto Customization,” has been doing since they opened in 1976.

Owner Curtis Nielson explained the ongoing trend in aftermarket vehicle upgrades: “More people are choosing to enhance the everyday car” with the benefits and features that make it better for them.

Ways to Enhance the Everyday Car
Custom Leather Interiors — Leather is a game changer. It’s easy to clean, and custom leather makes you feel like a total badass in your car. The more refined auto driver can even add seat coolers or heaters to enhance comfort.

Paint Protection — ClearMask is a durable, clear film that is self-healing and very resilient against rock chips and scratches. You may not be able to see the ClearMask, but you know it’s protecting your ride.

Window Tint — Window tinting is one of the most popular aftermarket add-ons for cars, as it not only keeps people from seeing inside your vehicle but also protects passengers from harmful UV rays and heat.
“Every Job Is Different”
Curtis explained that when you work in custom auto, it’s fun because “every job is different.” He loves the way people react when they leave with their new custom upgrades. It gives him a reason to keep improving; it’s his purpose when he starts the day.

To many, a car is not just four wheels and an engine. If you can park it and walk away without turning to look back at it one more time, then your car hasn’t been to Auto Trim Design of Utah.