Professional Advice for Your Idea
Hours with Experts is open to all University of Utah students to get expert advice in many fields. We have lawyers, accountants, marketers, project managers, experienced entrepreneurs, and more. Through this program, students sign up for one-on-one sessions to meet privately with an expert to discuss a project. The private appointments are first-come, first-served, and the experts available vary by date and time. Browse upcoming one-on-one sessions and register below. Do you want to join our community as an expert mentor? We are always looking for new people and those with unique or useful skills to advise student entrepreneurs. Complete this form to become an expert mentor.
Schedule a Meeting
Browse available experts and appointments below, then schedule a meeting. You should receive an appointment confirmation via email. Meeting locations, including virtual meeting links, are provided after registration.
Entrepreneurship
Chuck Sharp
CEO, Shoreline
Chuck Sharp is a seasoned entrepreneur who’s dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. With a career spanning over two decades and three successful exits, Chuck has a knack for turning ideas into thriving businesses. Chuck serves as the founder and CEO of Shoreline Health, a company committed to improving the lives of patients and their families through a novel approach to patient education software. One of Chuck’s earlier ventures, Sharpr, simplified data and insights for major brands and earned recognition as a leader in the market and competitive intelligence sector. Chuck has a master’s degree in integrated marketing from Northwestern University and a bachelors degree in organizational communications from the University of Utah.
Areas of expertise: software, product development, fund raising, marketing, innovation
Tara Spalding
Advisor, B: Side Capital; Entrepreneur Spoke Leader, Bolder Way Forward; CMO, Critical Mineral Resources Network
Seasoned business strategist Tara Spalding (30+ years) helps startups achieve funding and scalable growth through strategic technology adoption and innovative go-to-market strategies. She serves as a board advisor for B:Side Capital and leads entrepreneur spoke at a Bolder Way Forward. Tara specializes in AI implementation to create significant competitive advantages for businesses. She recently took on the role of chief marketing officer at Critical Mineral Resources Network in March 2025.
Areas of expertise: fundraising, company formation, go-to-market strategy, revenue models, product market fit, international business, marketing, sales
Legal & Business Formation
Plymouth D. Nelson
Partner, Michael Best
Plymouth’s practice includes the preparation of invalidity, non-infringement, and clearance opinions. He also specializes in patentability analysis, license drafting, confidentiality, and other agreements. Additionally, he counsels clients on the acquisition and enforcement of patent rights and the avoidance of competitor patents. Plymouth worked as an attorney at an intellectual property firm in Washington, D.C., after serving in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the U.S Army.
Areas of expertise: intellectual property law, entity formation, and other legal services
Todd Reece
Partner, Holland & Hart
Todd advises emerging and established privately held companies on mergers and acquisitions, financings, and corporate governance issues. Todd advises businesses on mergers, acquisitions, financings (venture capital and private equity), joint ventures, restructuring, and other strategic combinations. He works with clients in an array of industries, including healthcare, technology, food and beverage, retail, manufacturing, fitness and outdoor recreation, and professional services. With years of internal audit experience at a multinational accounting firm, Todd brings sharp business insight to help clients manage risk and make strategic decisions.
Areas of expertise: Mergers and acquisitions, emerging companies, corporate, and other legal services
Finances & Funding
Kim Tolman
Business Services Advisor, Cyprus Federal Credit Union
Growing up with entrepreneurial parents in the eastern US, Kim came to Utah to pursue a college degree. She never expected that the love of her life would insist on staying here forever! With a heart for small businesses, Kim is excited to serve the members of Cyprus Credit Union. Having worked more years in small business than she is willing to admit, she understands the struggles associated with a changing economic environment. By listening to our business members’ stories and plans for growth, she is able to guide them to tools to help them reach their goals. She can help with everything from accepting a credit card to payroll/HR solutions to funding opportunities.
Areas of expertise: lending, cash management, loans, business development
Marketing & Sales
Josh Webber
Co-founder, CEO, Big Red Jelly
As the co-founder and CEO of the marketing agency Big Red Jelly and a graduate of the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, Josh lives by this quote: “Be the best at everything that requires no talent.” Showing up, being proactive, and exceeding expectations is how he follows this principle. He believes that effort is a universal currency that should be lived, taught, and valued. His effort in starting and growing Big Red Jelly comes from my deep passion for creating and building. His company is his hobby and he finds joy in cultivating its culture, growth, and success. He is a continual learner, whether it be listening to new podcasts, learning to cook, or traveling to new places, I appreciate new experiences.
Areas of expertise: brand strategy, brand development, business strategy, marketing, digital marketing
Operations & Leadership
Kathy Hajeb
Professor (Lecturer), David Eccles School of Business; Faculty Director, Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
Kathy Hajeb, professor (lecturer) at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of business, teaches courses in innovation and entrepreneurship. She is also the faculty director for the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and manages a professional staff responsible for student programming, institute marketing, finance, and operations. The Lassonde Studios, a student residence and innovation prototyping and workshop space, is home to these programs. Kathy, in partnership with campus housing partners, manages the recruiting, onboarding and residential experience for over 400 student residents. Prior to joining the University of Utah in 2003, she held a variety of strategic planning, marketing, acquisition, regulatory and financial roles in the natural resource industry. Kathy received both bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Utah.
Areas of expertise: strategic planning, operations & logistics, project management, financial management, entrepreneurial mindset, business planning
Product Development & Industry
Clayton Dickerson
Business Development, Honeywell
Clayton is pursuing his MBA, bringing over 9 years of experience in product management and material and mechanical engineering. He has developed successful recycled products, like Flek for 3form and smart home window shades for Lutron. He specializes in turning creative ideas into scalable, responsible solutions. He mentors students in product development, prototyping, design for manufacturing, and sustainability.
Areas of expertise: product development, manufacturing, prototyping, sustainability
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