From early volunteer to life-changing leader, shaping a culture of connection
When Utah’s business startup scene was still finding its footing in the 1990s, Kevin Jessop was one of the first to see what it could become. He then joined a small group of business leaders who wanted to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors in a more meaningful way. These beginning thoughts and passions created a spark. That spark turned into what we now know as the MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN).
Nearly three decades later, Kevin is the organization’s current president and is considered an honorary group founder. He has witnessed MWCN’s growth from late-night volunteer meetings to a statewide network celebrating Utah’s fastest-growing companies. For Kevin, his mission has always been simple: connection and service.
“MountainWest has always been about… connection and service. About helping others, helping the next generation of entrepreneurs, the next generation of professionals that are growing their careers…”
Building a Community from the Ground Up
In the early days, Utah lacked a common ground for investors and founders to connect. Kevin recalls meeting in the early mornings and sometimes after hours to get work done. “Just about everything was done by passionate volunteers,” he said. “We didn’t have paid staff, didn’t have any sophisticated systems… Back then, it was just a small group of individuals.” Kevin knew that these volunteer hours were necessary in shaping the vision he shared with his team.
That belief shaped MWCN’s legacy. What began as a handful of leaders representing firms like PwC LLP and Par Brown grew into a statewide institution that now hosts hundreds at its annual events. From the Utah 100 to Deal Flow, Kevin has seen every stage of the organization’s evolution.
Milestones That Mattered
Among MWCN’s defining moments, Kevin highlights the creation of the Utah 100, the launch of the Deal Flow Report, and the continued renewal of leadership through generations.
The first Utah 100, he recalls, started with small and simple means. “Well, it began as a small awards luncheon and grew into a premier event honoring all of Utah’s entrepreneurs,” he says. It has now become a place where startups can meet alongside billion-dollar corporations. But it couldn’t have happened without the validation and work from everyone involved from the get-go.
The Deal Flow Report soon followed, growing from a faxed pamphlet of transactions into a 300-page annual publication chronicling billions in Utah business activity. Kevin recalls with every detail he can remember how that process grew from hand-typed documents to a well-established database.
The Power of Connection and Trust
With more than 20 years in sales and marketing for large public companies, including IMA Financial Group, Kevin has learned that leadership is built on trust and consistency.
“If I had to distill all that experience from the companies I’ve worked with to one lesson, it’s all about relationships, and they’re built on consistency,” He says. “ They’re not built on transactions, and it’s that consistency over time that is so very critical… It teaches you how much trust really matters.”
Kevin believes Utah’s business community thrives because of its “high-trust” environment. It’s a culture where people thrive on collaboration instead of competition. “I think we really do try to help everyone succeed.”
Lessons in Leadership
Kevin’s leadership style is quiet but intentional. He values consistency over volume, listening over talking, and service over spotlight. He says, “Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, or the one with all the answers, but the one that’s willing to listen. To empower people to do their jobs and kind of sit back and let ‘em do it, knowing that as long as those values stay grounded, that they’re going to do well. They’re going to succeed.”
Cheri and Jason, MWCN hosts and colleagues, call him a steady influence. He is someone who leads by example and reminds others that showing up, even when no one’s watching, is where the real progress happens.
Balancing Legacy and Innovation
As MWCN continues to evolve, Kevin has to handle both tradition and change. “We pay a lot of attention to our history, our roots, and we spend a lot of time talking about making sure that things are done the Mountain West way,” he says. No matter what common fads or trends may rise in business, Kevin believes in staying true to the way that MWCN has always done things.
That spirit of innovation extends to the next generation. He encourages young professionals to get involved early, share ideas, and stay curious.
“Just be involved. Raise your hand.”
Kevin believes that showing up is 90% of the job. Being willing to stay consistent in your appearance will help young entrepreneurs continue to thrive and grow in the business world. He says, “If you consistently show up, consistently be authentic and trustworthy and incredible, you’re going to do well.”
Giving Back: Service as a Core Value
For Kevin, giving back isn’t optional—it’s essential. Through IMA Financial Group, he helps support arts education and youth programs, while MWCN continues to raise the profile of Utah’s business community through knowledge sharing and events. Working in both spheres allows Kevin to accomplish his goals of giving back in every way.
When it comes down to it, Kevin shares that service is accompanied only through gratitude. He shares:
“It comes down to gratitude and legacy. Being grateful for where you are, for what you have… I’ve seen firsthand how generous and collaborative so many people have been… and it’s just so very cool. The spirit of Mountain West is really one of service over self.”
That philosophy has shaped MWCN’s culture of volunteerism and mentorship, ensuring every success story contributes to the next.
Enjoying the Journey
If there’s one piece of advice Kevin returns to, it’s this: enjoy the journey. Reflecting on his journey with MWCN, he shares how focusing on the destination can inhibit your ability to thrive in the present and reach even greater milestones. He says, “Whether it’s high growth or a big transaction… enjoying the journey and looking at the long term is really the goal and the best advice I could give.”
As MWCN looks ahead, Kevin envisions continued growth grounded in the same principles that started it all: connection, collaboration, and community.
Kevin concludes by stating, “When I think of MountainWest and its future, I see an organization that continues to evolve and grow in reach, in relevance. One that stays true to its founding principles, its founding purpose, but also evolves to meet the next generation of entrepreneurs and Utah businesses.”
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
- Show up: consistency builds credibility.
- Relationships come before transactions.
- Be willing to serve before you lead.
- Embrace change, but stay true to your values.
- Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Want the full story behind Kevin Jessop’s journey?
Listen to the complete MountainWest Capital Network Podcast episode, where Kevin shares the history, heart, and hope behind Utah’s thriving business community.
[Listen to Kevin’s full story here →]
Connect with Kevin Jessop
About the MountainWest Capital Network Podcast: Your gateway to the Winners’ Circle, featuring stories and strategies from Utah’s fastest-growing companies. For 30 years, MountainWest Capital Network has celebrated entrepreneurial excellence through the Utah 100, recognizing the state’s most dynamic businesses and their founders.