Utah
Utah Valley Chamber – Principle #2: Measure twice, cut once
![Utah Valley Chamber – Principle #2: Measure twice, cut once](https://img.ksl.com/slc/2934/293447/29344774.jpeg?filter=kslv2/responsive_story_lg)
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Editor’s note: Curtis Blair is the president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He describes himself as an entrepreneur and business alchemist. Over the past couple of years, Blair interviewed many of Utah County’s C-Suite leaders about principles that helped make their organizations successful. He is sharing those principles in a series of 10 articles.
The axiom “measure twice, cut once” emphasizes the importance of careful planning and preparation before taking action. It also encourages people to think, plan, test, measure, drive accountability, and learn. This principle may ring familiar, as this concept was brought to life by Eric Ries’ book: “The Lean Startup.”
In his book, Ries introduces a methodology for building and growing successful startups through an iterative process and validated learning. The book highlights the value of a build-measure-learn feedback loop, where entrepreneurs build a product, measure its performance and customer response, and then learn from the results to inform the next iteration.
By adhering to the philosophy of “measure twice, cut once,” organizations can maximize their chances of success by diligently gathering data, analyzing feedback, and making informed decisions during each iteration of their journey.
An exemplary application of this principle can be seen in Apple’s approach to the development of the iPhone. Steve Jobs famously stated, “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology.”
Apple invested significant time and effort into meticulously measuring the market, analyzing consumer needs, and carefully planning the features and capabilities of its product. The company conducted thorough market research and identified the shortcomings of existing smartphones, such as complicated user interfaces and limited functionality. The result of Apple’s measured approach was a highly successful product launch.
Conversely, failing to measure or conduct comprehensive due diligence before executing can have disastrous consequences. An illustrative example is HP’s attempt to merge with Compaq in 2001. While HP conducted initial measurements, including financial analysis and market research, the process was not robust enough to uncover potential risks and challenges.
HP subsequently faced difficulties in integrating the two organizations and their cultures, resulting in internal conflicts, leadership clashes, and market share losses. This demonstrates the importance of investing time and resources in extensive measurements and due diligence upfront, even if it prolongs the decision-making process.
Jim Evans, former vice president of Xactware and current executive director of America’s Freedom Festival in Provo, emphasizes the significance of measuring and planning for success while introducing the idea of accountability. He believes that accountability increases the chances of successful outcomes and should begin at the earliest opportunity.
Evans shares several ideas that align directly with the principle of measuring twice and cutting once:
- Hire good people; and if possible, hire individuals who surpass your own skill set and talents.
- Ensure that your employees understand their roles and the desired direction.
- Set specific outcomes that can be measured.
- Establish agreed-upon accountability checkpoints along the project path.
- Have individuals set their completion date, which can be agreed upon. Get them to commit to its feasibility or renegotiate a valid date.
- Trust in your employees’ abilities, allow them to work without unnecessary interference, and stay out of their way!
Evans adds, “Don’t give an assignment without an idea of what success looks like and how to measure it. Praise them in public for a job well done and provide the feedback for improvement in private, in a teaching, coaching fashion.”
In summary, when key stakeholders in an organization are empowered to continually test assumptions, gather data, and learn from customer feedback, they can build products, develop their people, and establish businesses that are more likely to succeed and thrive in the marketplace.
Join us and roll up your sleeves with other members of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the work that has been accomplished and engage in the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the quality of life in Utah County for future generations.
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Utah
Utah Made: Multi-generational ladder company still going strong
![Utah Made: Multi-generational ladder company still going strong](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3580e15/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x672+0+24/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx-default-stgec.uplynk.com%2Fause%2Fslices%2F566%2Fef205c0e5ea14d77944cbd6904335118%2F5665d67a422b4bcd8d819beb96c163fc%2Fposter_90693891642a4b1292d2fdbcbc19dcc2.jpg)
SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Art Wing still fondly remembers when his late dad Hal Wing, the founder of Little Giant Ladders, said: “If you concentrate on building the company and not the person, you will fail. If you concentrate on building the person, the company will take care of itself.”
That motto is still at Little Giant’s core today.
In the early 1970s, Hal was a salesman living in Germany, forging a friendship with an inventor who created a ladder that Hal thought was a technological marvel. He took the idea back to the United States, perfecting it and pattening it before heading out on the road.
“He bought a pinto station wagon and he loaded it with ladders, and he went on the road upwards of 250 days a year just selling them out of that thing,” Art recalled.
Art says the roadshow worked, and people quickly took note of their sturdy ladders and all they could do.
In 2002, Little Giant Ladders climbed to new heights by hitting television screens all over the country with an infomercial that often ran late at night and on weekend afternoons. It was a catchy ad that ran for 16 years and racked up sales of over a billion dollars in ladders sold.
Today, the Little Giant brand continues where it started, calling Utah home.
Company president and CEO Ryan Moss says the Beehive State is headquarters for good reason.
“We have great people here in the state of Utah. Honestly, that is one of the best blessings about Little Giant, is the wonderful people that we get to work with every single day,” Moss said. “They’re hardworking, they’re smart, they’re creative.”
While Utah is the Little Giant premier factory, the company has facilities and warehouses all over the world, working to keep their standards and safety high. Globally, Little Giant employs several thousand people, together taking a small idea to a huge enterprise and stepping up the ladder of success with no end in sight
Utah
Warning issued after harmful algal bloom found at Utah Lake marina
![Warning issued after harmful algal bloom found at Utah Lake marina](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f1fffb1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x672+0+24/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx-default-stgec.uplynk.com%2Fause%2Fslices%2F71b%2Fef205c0e5ea14d77944cbd6904335118%2F71b9743029874a4791e2572423f450bd%2Fposter_b3595cf7870f40839053b6c929f55523.png)
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — A Warning Advisory has been issued for an area along Utah Lake after a harmful algal bloom was detected Tuesday.
The City of Saratoga Springs said the bloom was found present at the Saratoga Springs, and could be producing dangerous toxins that would be harmful to humans and animals.
The Utah County Health Department issued the warning, advising people to do the following when in the vicinity of the marina:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard guts
- Keep animals away
- Don’t drink the water
Algal blooms can cause skin, nerve and liver damage,
Utah
2025 three-star defensive back Manny Fuller commits to Utah
![2025 three-star defensive back Manny Fuller commits to Utah](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_568,h_319,x_35,y_0/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/all_utes/01j1t82fj85me10xzz1a.png)
Utah’s football program, led by coach Kyle Whittingham, continues its impressive recruitment streak with the commitment of Shelton “Manny” Fuller, a three-star safety from El Paso, Texas. Fuller, the 11th commitment to wrap up June, and the 13th for the 2025 class, which adds significant value to the team’s defensive lineup.
Fuller, who visited Salt Lake City earlier this month, had also considered Houston, BYU, and Oregon State before deciding on Utah. He was Initially planning to commit in August, but announced his decision early via Instagram.
Fuller was ranked as the No. 44 athlete in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. At 6-feet and 170 pounds, he’s known for his versatility and physicality on the field. Without question his combination of strong ball skills with an aggressive playing style, particularly excelling in run defense. As he continues to develop physically, his tackling power is expected to improve, enhancing his already notable defensive capabilities.
Utah hits three of the biggest lists for EA Sports College Football 25
Fuller’s commitment marks the ninth defensive player for Utah in 2025, joining a robust group of recruits including quarterback Wyatt Becker, tight end Drew Clemens, and several defensive standouts like Nela Tupou and Max Fonoimoana. With this strong early recruitment drive, Utah is building significant momentum and positioning itself for a successful future.
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