January 15th, 2026
MWCN Business Forum
Better Data. Better Decisions. Bigger Growth
Matt Wardle has more than 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. After assuming ownership of JD Machine in 1992, he grew the company from a team of six to more than 200 employees. JD Machine is an advanced manufacturing firm serving the Aerospace, Space, Medical Device, Energy, and Defense industries.
Mr. Wardle is actively involved in both the community and the manufacturing industry, serving on various boards and committees. He is deeply passionate about workforce development and is committed to helping young people explore education and career opportunities.
At the MWCN Business Forum, Matt will share how JD Machine uses data to drive strategic decision-making and fuel growth. He will discuss their unique approach to leveraging data and how it has led to improvements across most key performance indicator (KPI) metrics as the company continues to scale.
Mr. Wardle graduated from Weber State University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He and his wife, Teal, reside in Eden, Utah, and have three children.
Hosted by MWCN Strategic Sponsor MWCN Strategic Sponsor KeyBank.
Location:
36 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Date & Time:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
11:30am MST – Registration & Networking
12:00pm MST – 1:00pm MST – Lunch & Program
Price:
MWCN Members: $20.00
MWCN Guests: $40.00
February 12th, 2026
MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year Event
Each year, MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) recognizes a Utah business executive who has built a successful Utah-based company, inspiring others to participate in the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. The MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year Award is unique because it celebrates those that give back to the state.
This year, MWCN is excited to announce Entrepreneur, Author, Podcaster & Speaker, Mary Crafts as the recipient of the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Location:
Little America – Grand Ballroom
500 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT
Date & Time:
Thursday, February 12, 2026
11:00 am MST – 12 pm MST – Registration & Networking
12:00 pm MST – 1:30 pm MST – Lunch & Program
Price:
MWCN Members: $125.00
Non-MWCN Members: $150.00
May 21st, 2026
MWCN Deal Flow Event
The Deal Flow Report marks its 31st year as Utah’s only comprehensive publication tracking financial deals statewide. It recognizes the companies that raised capital, the financing sources that supported them, and the professionals who helped make those deals happen.
Join us on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Zions Bank Founders Room for an afternoon of networking and celebration with Utah’s deal community. Enjoy great food and drinks, connect with industry peers, and see highlights from the latest Deal Flow Report featured throughout the venue.
Location:
Zions Bank Founders Room
One South Main Street, 18th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Date & Time:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Price:
MWCN Members: $75.00
Non-MWCN Members: $95.00
July 9th, 2026
MWCN Golf Tournament
The tournament provides participants with an opportunity to join more than 170 key business decision makers for a day of golf and networking!
October 2026
MWCN Utah 100 Award Event
Applications open May 1 through June 30. Event date and details TBD.