Winthrop Jeanfreau

Executive Director

Winthrop Jeanfreau, Executive Director of iMpact Utah, has over 30 years of experience in starting, guiding, and developing emerging and rapid growth companies. Throughout his professional career, Jeanfreau has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to identify opportunity, marshal appropriate resources, and successfully grow new companies to maximum profit. Now he brings his considerable expertise to the clients of iMpact Utah, helping them find solutions to their most pressing issues as a training partner in operational excellence.

"At iMpact Utah, we don’t waste your time because we have been where you are, and we respect the journey. You need essential information and applicable tools that deliver real results, and that’s what we deliver."

As an entrepreneur who started twelve companies (and sold eight), Jeanfreau knows the perils of starting and running a business; the financial pressure, the operational nightmares, and the ruthless competitors. Rather than parroting disingenuous platitudes, Jeanfreau is driven to provide essential information and applicable tools that get to the heart of the complicated issues manufacturers face—and he has the experience and the vision to back it up.

Before iMpact Utah, Jeanfreau was the Director of Executive Education and Director of the Business Resource Center (BRC) at the Orem and Wasatch Campuses of Utah Valley University (UVU). While there, Jeanfreau provided executive management training on revenue growth, operational excellence, leadership development, and capital acquisition. Under his leadership, the incubator companies housed at the BRC achieved record investment, specifically, eleven and a half times more investment capital than was achieved in the previous two reporting periods combined.

Prior to his appointment to the BRC, Jeanfreau was the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In his second year as Director, the Orem SBDC achieved all its annual metrics for client revenue growth, capital acquisition, and job creation by mid-year. As Director of the BRC and SBDC, Winthrop was responsible for strengthening Utah’s economic fabric and quality of life by facilitating the success and prosperity of all business endeavors in the Utah valley.

Before his time at the BRC, Jeanfreau was CEO and founder of Aperion Audio, a manufacturer of audiophile quality home theater speaker systems. Jeanfreau pulled together a world-class team of acoustic engineers, manufacturing, marketing, and technology specialists to ensure Aperion Audio’s success. Jeanfreau was also the co-owner of the Oregon franchise of Shred-it International, a mobile, on-site, shredding and recycling company. Under his management, the Oregon operation set the record for all 100 offices worldwide for growth and profitability. 

Additionally, Jeanfreau was a co-founder, officer, and director of WRLD Enterprises, an Oregon holding company with holdings in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He also co-founded and served as an officer and director of Kameleon International, a regional vending system franchiser. Through Kameleon, Winthrop established a network of successful vending operators throughout a 10-state region. As founder and president of InCon Enterprise, Winthrop traveled to Almaty and Kazakhstan where he acquired the marketing rights to the by-products of Utah International’s mining activities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and developed a marketing organization to sell these by-products. 

Jeanfreau holds a Bachelor’s in Communication and a minor in Management from the University of Utah, as well as an MBA from the University of Oregon. Additionally, Jeanfreau sits on the board of directors for the Professional Educators Association, a national association for Directors of University Professional and Executive Education programs worldwide.

Jeanfreau is an avid reader and lifelong learner. He is rejuvenated by time with family, lazy days on any body of water, hiking, playing tennis, scuba diving, flying small planes, and riding motorcycles. 

Brian Anderson

Regional Director of Client Solutions

Brian Anderson, Regional Director of Client Solutions, specializes in helping manufacturers identify and find sustainable solutions to their problems. Anderson brings to iMpact Utah over 20 years of experience in public relations, sales, and helping companies achieve excellence. Serving mid-Utah, from South Salt Lake to Vernal, Anderson is committed to reaching as many companies as he can so that manufacturers in Utah can thrive. 

"We meet with everyone from the presidents of huge companies to smaller mom-and-pop shops. Seeing them succeed and getting to know them on a personal level is the best part of the job."

Anderson believes in putting his clients first. Making sure they get what they need to overcome their obstacles is what drives him in his work. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a company transform from where they were and really thrive.” The person-to-person interactions are Anderson’s specialty, as he prides himself on his ability to listen to people from all walks of life, hear what they need, and identify opportunities for improvement. 

During Anderson’s 20+ year-long career, he’s gained diverse experience related to helping individuals, teams, and entire companies fine-tune their processes, respond to crises, and increase their profits. Before iMpact Utah, Anderson was the Regional Sales Director for First Data, one of the largest merchant services companies nationally. He was also the personal public relations (PR) coordinator for the owner of Domo and was the press handler for the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Other PR positions included his time at Net Marketing, where he successfully oversaw crisis management. 

Anderson holds a Bachelor’s in Communication from Southern Utah University (SUU) and is a devoted father. He spends much of his free time supporting his four daughters and going on trips with his family. 

Bryant Vasquez

Senior Solutions Advisor, Cybersecurity

Bryant Vásquez, Senior Solutions Advisor of iMpact Utah, is a cybersecurity specialist with over 10 years of experience in his field. As the official cybersecurity representative of the NIST MEP National Network in Utah and a CMMC-AB registered practitioner, Vásquez is a proven expert in performing cybersecurity gap analyses, training clients in cybersecurity best practices, and helping manufacturers respond to cyber threats. 

"At iMpact Utah, we customize our service to the manufacturer. When it comes to cybersecurity, we come in and understand their needs, their network, their technology, and we become their personalized cybersecurity advisor." 

Vásquez is dedicated to continually staying up to date on the latest advancements in information security and cybersecurity solutions. He is driven to apply his expertise to solving cybersecurity problems to make a real difference for iMpact’s clients. With so much of our business being conducted virtually, the skills and experience Vásquez brings to iMpact Utah are integral to the premier consultation and training services iMpact Utah offers our clients. 

Throughout his career, Vásquez has earned valuable experience in endpoint protection, network threat protection, and cloud gateway engineering. Before iMpact Utah, Vásquez worked at the University of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center (UUMEP) where he developed and led the Utah NIST MEP information security program. During his time at UUMEP, Vásquez trained numerous businesses throughout the state on improving their cybersecurity and maintaining revenues, and assisted companies with DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC compliance. Vásquez also worked at Broadcom as a web security engineer and for Equinox as an IT security engineer. Additionally, Vásquez was employed at Symantec, where he worked as a web security service NOC engineer, a network threat protection engineer, and an endpoint protection engineer. 

Vásquez holds a Master’s of Science in Information Systems & Cybersecurity from the University of Utah. Additionally, Vásquez is a CMMC-AB Registered Practitioner and has earned certifications in Social Media Security DRM, CUI, NIST 800-171, and NIST 800-53 to name a few. 

Vásquez loves a new frontier to explore, whether it be through traveling or acquiring new knowledge. He enjoys several outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and playing soccer. When he’s not at work, you’re most likely to find him spending time with his kids or getting in some exercise. Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Vásquez started an initiative he calls “Empowering Through Education” in which he organizes and coordinates funding to help disadvantaged children in his home country receive an education.

Chris Hayes

Managing Director & COO

As COO of iMpact Utah, Chris Hayes provides vision and strategic direction ensuring the customer's voice is always the loudest. She is a proven business performance improvement leader, an international speaker in 8 countries outside the U.S., and author of over 50 global publications. With practical experience from the shop floor to the boardroom, Hayes is dedicated to cultivating a culture that produces results for both iMpact Utah and every one of our clients.

"Our first objective is to add value to the companies we work with. Helping them meet their objective is our objective. We find solutions that attack the root cause of the problem instead of the symptoms—and we lead with results." 

Because she is passionate about sustainable culture change over mere point solutions, Hayes takes a holistic view when approaching problems. Looking at the whole of a company, Hayes utilizes organizational excellence best practices to emphasize the development of systems to engage the workforce, drive behaviors, meet objectives, and sustain results. She has built her career around the practice that good leaders plan for the right culture.

Over her 30-year career, Hayes has worked in diverse industries and partnered with hundreds of organizations to help them “improve the way they improve”. Hayes has partnered with companies such as Danone, ITT, Pepperidge Farms, Lifetime Products, and Thermo Fisher. She has served in various top management positions throughout her career including CEO of Impact Performance Solutions, VP of Quality for Purple, Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager at Chromalox, and Sr. Project Manager with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership under NIST. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Utah Valley University and the University of Tulsa.

In addition to her comprehensive experience, Hayes has sat on the Board of Directors for prominent organizations including ASQ, a 70-million-member global organization, and Airline Ambassadors' International, a NPO that provides humanitarian support across the world. Chris has received the honor of ASQ Fellow, and is currently the chair of the ASQ Quality 4.0 Conference Committee and Conference and Networking Chair for the Lean Enterprise Division. Because of her extensive experience helping companies achieve organizational excellence, Hayes is one of only 36 in the world to be accepted as a Licensed Shingo Affiliate.

Hayes holds an MBA in Business Management from the University of Dakota and a BSBA in Project Management from Colorado Technical University. Her certifications include Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Project Management Professional, Human Resource Professional, Quality Manager & OrgEx, Lead Auditor, Quality Engineer, and Supply Chain Professional. 

Hayes grew up in Michigan, just outside of Detroit. She enjoys hiking, biking, spending time in the mountains, hanging out with her grandkids, and building furniture with her husband.

David King

Regional Director of Client Solutions

David King, Regional Director of Client Solutions, is a specialist in manufacturing and production engineering with over 8 years of industry experience. Having acquired experience with premiere manufacturers like John Deere, King understands how to achieve operational excellence on large and small scales. King is eager to share with Utah manufacturers how iMpact Utah can be a real resource to growing their business. Whether addressing cybersecurity needs, developing professional training courses, or helping workers earn certifications, King is dedicated to helping his clients excel and thrive.

"The work we get to do at iMpact Utah has a calling. . .to share knowledge with Utah manufacturers and help them get things done."

While working at John Deere, King retells how they were making 50 tractors a day, five days a week, and notes how figuring out where to park that many tractors was a challenge he learned to tackle. "The scale and immensity of that was never lost me,” King says. “I’ve seen how far manufacturing can go, so I can go into a small or medium-sized manufacturer and say, there’s so much runway for you. I bring that vision because I know where some of the world’s best manufacturers are operating at."

King holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and brings to iMpact Utah extensive experience in manufacturing and production engineering. Prior to iMpact Utah, King was a process engineer for 3form, a manufacturer of architectural resin and glass. He also worked as a process engineer for Ore Designs, a manufacturer of landscape architectural elements. He served as the staff engineer of operational excellence at the University of Utah’s MEP center for 2 years and worked as a manufacturing engineer at John Deere for three years.  

Born and raised in Utah, King enjoys “all things Wasatch.” In his spare time, King likes hiking and biking. But most of all? He lives for multi-day, river rafting excursions. Some of his favorite destinations for his adventures are southern Utah and the Gates of Lodore. 

Forrest Fackrell

Senior Director of Client Solutions

As Senior Director of Client Solutions, Forrest Fackrell brings to iMpact Utah 35 years' worth of dynamic experience in project management throughout several industries and across the globe. Fackrell has consistently helped companies implement and maintain continuous advancement strategies in the automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries. Underlying his career success is his ability to build relationships of trust with a vast network of manufacturing professionals. As part of iMpact Utah's team, he is now sharing his considerable knowledge and experience with the manufacturers of Utah.

"First and foremost, what clients are going to get from us is a solution to their problem. They'll get honest and candid communication. I’ve spent many late nights and early mornings to ensure that our service delivery to the client ends up being a great experience for them." 

Fackrell’s genuine care for the success of the companies he works with is due to his passion for improving the lives of people through strategic business development. With such an outlook, Fackrell feels right at home at iMpact Utah, describing the team as “great people with great values” who are united in their goal to share knowledge. He appreciates the chance to listen to clients, understand their problems, and find ways to be helpful. Fackrell's’ approachable attitude and business acumen have been invaluable to the companies he’s worked with, as evidenced by his extensive and successful career.

Fackrell’s career has spanned multiple decades, continents, and industries, beginning with aerospace where he worked as a design and proposal engineer for Thiokol (now Northrop Grumman.) Following that, Fackrell worked in the automotive industry as part of Autoliv, which included managing relationships with BMW and Porshe. He served as program manager for their European facilities and was quality manager of one of their largest facilities comprised of 1,100 people where he successfully implemented ISO 9001. Additionally, Fackrell spent time in Japan, training and learning directly from Toyota. He says of this period, “I loved my time in the automotive industry because what I learned there is really helpful now as I talk to clients about the importance of continuous improvement.” He would go on to work with many more facilities, particularly in Mexico, where he would help plants implement lean methodology.

Eventually, Fackrell returned to the aerospace industry where he filled executive management roles at the Space Dynamics Lab out of Utah State University—a small agency that did 60 million a year. Following that, Fackrell applied his business experience to the administration of skilled nursing facilities as part of Cambridge Healthcare Services.

Fackrell holds an MBA in Business from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. He is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and has earned a certificate of Director Professionalism from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

Outside of work, Fackrell’s focus is spending time with his family and doing projects around the house. Along with his wife, he founded the Cache Valley Fun Park, a family entertainment center that is in its 25th year.

Jared Nielson

Regional Director of Client Solutions

Jared Nielson, Regional Director of Client Solutions, is a specialist in relationship management with over 15 years of experience. Nielson works directly with clients, linking them to supportive resources and helping them develop programs to meet their specific needs. As part of iMpact Utah’s team, Nielson helps our clients create sustainable jobs, retain and develop sales, address their financing needs, and save on costs. Nielson’s strong command of relationship management and network development has helped iMpact Utah create a strong presence in Utah’s rural areas with manufacturers and local resource providers.

"I view iMpact Utah as a hub of knowledge and connection for Utah manufacturers. Clients can come to us and be connected to the resources they need to add measurable value to their companies."  

True to his experience in relationship management, Nielson’s favorite part of the job is interacting with clients; seeing their work in action, learning about their needs, and gathering or developing assistive resources. He enjoys the challenge of problem-solving, recognizing that every company will require unique solutions specific to their unique concerns. He looks forward to reaching even more manufacturers in Utah and working with everyone from CEOs to frontline employees.

Before his 8+ years at iMpact Utah, Nielson worked for 10 years in the commercial banking industry. During that time, he was a business consultant for JSN Consulting and served as VP commercial officer at Rock Canyon Bank, American West Bank, and Far West Bank. His extensive experience in commercial banking honed his skill set in building and maintaining relationships with businesses while helping them maximize their profits. 

Nielson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University (BYU). When he’s not at work, you will most likely find him coaching youth sports, completing home improvement projects, gardening, hiking, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family. Nielson stays active in his community and enjoys taking in new geographies while traveling the states. 

Jennifer Newby

Sales Support Coordinator

Jennifer Newby is the Sales Support Coordinator at iMpact Utah and is an experienced specialist in social media marketing, customer relations, and project management. In addition to coordinating iMpact Utah’s events, training sessions, and workshops, Newby tracks the measurable impact of our offerings, ensuring that iMpact Utah’s clients continue to receive first-class service. 

"Connecting with people and helping manufacturers be more efficient is what iMpact Utah is all about. I’m excited to be part our mission to improve lives by sharing knowledge." 

With experience in marketing, sales, and customer service, Newby is skilled at connecting with customers and anticipating their needs. Her perspective enables iMpact Utah to put together quality workshops and events while continuously monitoring the success of our offerings. As part of iMpact Utah’s team of experts, Newby helps companies accelerate revenue growth, make sustainable performance solutions, and achieve operational excellence. 

Prior to iMpact Utah, Newby interned at the publishing service department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she would go on to manage social media for several high-ranking church leaders. Newby also worked in sales for 4 years where she gained skills in customer service, negotiating, and providing a top-tier experience for customers. After her time in sales, Newby worked as a social media manager for Vivint, a smart home company listed among the world’s top 50 most innovative companies in 2017. 

Newby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Utah Valley University (UVU). When she’s not at work, she loves to cook with her husband, be outside, go for runs, enjoy some music, and spend time with family.

Martha Syme

Regional Director of Client Solutions

Martha Syme, Regional Director of Client Solutions, specializes in helping businesses achieve their goals and accelerate their success. Syme brings 15 years of experience in financial planning and workforce development which she now applies to iMpact Utah clients, helping them improve their performance and realize new opportunities for growth. With experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work, Syme is also committed to further expanding iMpact Utah’s ability to assist and support underrepresented minorities in their business and manufacturing ventures. 

"A lot of entrepreneurs and small businesses start with just an idea, but they may not know how to market or how to keep their business going. I am passionate about helping these companies succeed and grow."

Syme considers it her mission in life to give back to others by helping them find success. Having immigrated to America in 2005 in search of a better life for herself and her son, Syme knows what it is to overcome obstacles and work for your dreams. Since then, she has gone on to build a successful career, helping numerous companies find their own stories of success and opportunity. In her home county of Weber where she serves as iMpact’s Regional Director, she has established solid relations in the public and private sectors and understands the relevant needs of her community. She is committed to continuing to serve the Weber region as part of iMpact Utah’s team. 

Syme built her experience in customer service, operations management, and business consulting during her 8 years at Zions Bank. Starting out as a teller, Syme was soon promoted to customer service and operations management for two different Zions Bank branches. From there, she moved into the commercial side of the business where she became an integral part of Zions’ diversity, equity, and inclusion department. She mentored small businesses in the northern Utah region through the process of acquiring commercial loans, SBA lending, and other financial products for small businesses looking to succeed. 

In 2015, Syme joined Ogden-Weber Technical College (OTECH) as their Diversity and Outreach Coordinator, serving as a community liaison with community agencies, organizations, and high schools. During her next 7 years at OTECH, Syme successfully coordinated efforts to facilitate equal access and services while promoting higher education opportunities to underserved communities. In 2016, Syme took on the role of custom fit manager as part of a legislative program in which she supported Weber County employers by distributing estate funding support for training and workforce development. 

Syme holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Politécnico Grancolombiano, a private university in Colombia. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Syme is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English. She has been recognized for her commitment to supporting minorities and other under-represented communities in her volunteer work with the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

When she’s not at work, Syme enjoys spending time with family—one of their favorite past times is four wheeling together. Syme also enjoys traveling, walking her dog, listening to music, and getting together with friends. 

Rick Papworth

Managing Director & CFO

Rick Papworth brings over 25 years of experience as a senior finance executive. Papworth has had a rich career in driving strategy and execution for fast-growing companies in several industries including manufacturing, distribution, homebuilding, and financial services. Currently, as Managing Director and CFO of iMpact Utah, he is serving the Utah business community as a transformation and growth partner.

"Our team at iMpact Utah brings a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge to the table. In sharing that knowledge with companies, we can really help them improve. . .There’s really no limit, globally, in what we can do as consultants."  

Papworth believes that the success of a company depends on the success of its team members, and to that end, he is driven to help people reach their potential and achieve organizational success. From the time he was very young, developing strength in finance and leadership was Papworth’s ambition. His early career as a CPA and tax consultant at Deloitte ensured an early understanding of merger and acquisition activity. Additionally, his experience as Treasurer at Taylor Morrison Homes, Treasurer at Maintenance Warehouse (now HD Supply), CFO at Wilshire Financial Service Group, and CFO at Meritage Homes Phoenix, underlies his development of a broad-based set of leadership skills. 

Prior to iMpact Utah, Papworth was Senior Vice President and CFO of Prime-Line Products where he helped the $90M hardware manufacturer sustain growth through a difficult time; he brought top talent to the finance function, rewrote the company capital structure, and significantly improved inventory costing and margin analysis. Previous to his leadership at Prime-Line, Papworth developed a Business and Executive Coaching program with ActionCOACH that became the premier business coaching practice in the Phoenix metro area. 

An honors graduate of Brigham Young University, Papworth holds a Masters of Accountancy with an emphasis in taxation as well as a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting, with minors in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, and Spanish. He has received many certifications for leadership from organizations such as Partners in Leadership, the Gazelles Growth Institute, and The John Maxwell Company. 

Born and raised in San Diego, Papworth has also lived in Chile, Oregon, and Arizona before settling in Utah. In his spare time, Mr. Papworth enjoys cycling, spoiling his grandchildren, playing classical guitar, reading, and hanging out with friends. Before he was an avid cyclist, Papworth was an accomplished long-distance runner who competed for BYU in road races where he consistently placed in the top five. 

Ryan Mecham

Managing Director

Ryan Mecham, Managing Director of iMpact Utah, helps manufacturers improve outcomes. He applies principles of lean and six sigma to improve throughput, quality, employee satisfaction, and more. He helps transform people from problem finders to problem solvers. As Managing Director, Mecham guides the iMpact team in delivering continuous improvement content and services designed to propel our clients into increased productivity, quality, and profitability. 

"We're the premier organization to help small to medium-size manufacturing companies increase their productivity, lower their costs, increase their quality, and increase their on-time delivery."

Based on his experience working in COO, Mecham understands that success begins with the frontline employee. “For me, it’s about job improvement and higher satisfaction at work. I want engaged employees who are making not only something for their customers but making their own lives better because they continuously improve their work.” Ultimately, iMpact’s mission is to “keep Americans making things” in order to support our people, families, and communities.

Before iMpact Utah, Mecham served as the Director for Continuous Improvement at the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA), and before that, as the Director of Lean Consortia of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). In industry, he was the COO of Powerblanket, a manufacturer of industrial electric blankets for freeze protection and process temperature control. While overseeing the operations at Powerblanket, Mecham helped triple the size of the company and dramatically reduce production time for their products while increasing quality. The company received the Manufacturing Excellence Award from the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and the Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA).

Mecham is a Utah native who likes to spend time with family. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and camping. He serves on the board of directors of the Wallace Toronto Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to humanitarian service in the Czech and Slovak Republics. He is also one of seven city council members of Sandy City, a community of 100,000 residents. He holds a MPA from the University of Utah.

Tyler Wandry

Marketing Technologist

Tyler Wandry is a Marketing Technologist with a strong background in data analytics, software development, and information technology. Wandry provides vital operational support for iMpact Utah and assists in cybersecurity implementation for our clients. With his combined skills, Wandry empowers manufacturers through cybersecurity consultation and training so they can achieve regulatory compliance and stay competitive in today’s market.    

"I've always wanted to work at a place where it feels like we’re coming together to make a difference in the world, and it really feels that way at iMpact Utah. Our team has a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience to share."

Understanding the critical nature of cybersecurity in today's professional landscape, Wandry is committed to staying up to date on the latest cybersecurity innovations. He is proud to be a part of iMpact Utah’s mission to improve lives by sharing knowledge. With his valuable skillset, Wandry helps Utah manufacturers protect their companies and secure government contracts by implementing required cybersecurity models (DFARs or FAR nst sp 800-171).

Wandry is an experienced data analyst with an accomplished background in the education management industry where he honed his skills in web and software development, information technology, and data analytics. Prior to working at iMpact Utah, Wandry was a technology & data analyst for Brigham Young University (BYU) within their career services department. He is skilled in multiple languages including Python, React, C#, C++, and SQL.

Wandry holds a Bachelor's of Information Systems from BYU and is originally from Colorado. When he's not at work, you’ll most likely find him climbing, skiing, or using a slackline.

Matt Jones

Executive Director

Matt Jones, Marketing Director of iMpact Utah, is an award-winning creative leader who has built, advertised, and maintained the brands of internationally recognized organizations. He specializes in graphic design, art direction, creative direction, typography, brand strategy, advertising, and marketing. Jones has a proven record of being an accomplished team leader and mentor for multi-disciplinary marketing teams and excels at corporate communications and digital asset optimization. As part of iMpact Utah’s team, Jones develops and executes strategic marketing campaigns to grow iMpact’s brand and increase market awareness so that iMpact can help Utah manufacturers grow and thrive.

"iMpact Utah truly adheres to its values and fosters a culture of innovation, respect, creativity, and development. Our team is genuinely dedicated to client success, and we have the data to back it up."

As a marketer, Jones strives to synthesize design and advertising to help companies create a better experience for their customers and clients. Jones uses his considerable creative talents to solve visual communication problems and is driven to find new and innovative ways to communicate with Utah manufacturers.

Prior to iMpact Utah, Jones was the marketing director for the Community Outreach and Economic Development team at Utah Valley University (UVU). His career accomplishments include creating Adhesive Design, a successful marketing firm offering graphic design, branding, and marketing communication solutions. He brings to iMpact Utah the philosophy and methodologies he acquired while working as a creative art director with established advertising agencies such as 8fish, Onsite Creative Solutions, Publicis, and R&R Partners. He served 6 years as a designer and art director for R&R Partners, a branding, advertising, and media agency in Las Vegas that originated the line "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

Jones holds a BFA from the University of Utah with an emphasis in graphic design. He has been a board member of several organizations dedicated to design excellence, including the American Institue of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Art Institute of Las Vegas, and the Type Directors Club. He is also a long-standing marketing sponsor of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

When he’s not at work, Jones enjoys outdoor activities and is a pinball enthusiast. He is always down for a culinary adventure—whether it's a "suspect taco stand" or a craft brewery, he's all in.

Eric Burton

Executive Director

Eric Burton, Senior Solutions Advisor at iMpact Utah, is an experienced professional in lean manufacturing who specializes in helping clients develop high-performance worksites. As a Certified Six Sigma Black belt with over 15 years of industry experience, Burton brings a no-nonsense approach to process improvement. Through training and workshops tailored to the specific needs of his clients, Burton helps Utah manufacturers execute strategic plans to achieve their goals, increase profits, and boost team morale.

"When we improve the actual work, we also make the business more profitable. Employees are happier because the company is a better place to work, and the owners and shareholders see better performance for their investments. It’s a win-win."

Burton learned lean manufacturing as a “blue-collar guy on the shop floor.” That experience has given him the ability to connect with team members that may be skeptical about the value of lean implementation. He understands that the best way to motivate employees and reduce turnover is to empower them with the ability to find solutions to their work problems. As part of iMpact Utah’s commitment to delivering real results, he is fearless about telling clients what they need to hear to increase employee satisfaction and profits.

Prior to iMpact Utah, Burton was a lean manufacturing consultant for the University of Utah MEP center. His career experience includes work as a director of manufacturing and continuous improvement manager for MITY Inc., and a director of global continuous improvement for Morinda. For over 10 years he worked as a continuous improvement trainer and production supervisor for US Synthetic, a maker of synthetic diamonds used in drill bits for the energy industry. Within that time, Burton’s work as a continuous improvement manager helped US Synthetic secure the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence in 2011. Burton takes the same principles that helped US Synthetic experience a dramatic spike in sales and applies them to the clients he mentors in lean manufacturing and leadership.

Burton holds an Associate of Applied Science from Utah Valley University (UVU) and is a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Acquiring new knowledge is Burton’s primary hobby—though he admits this may sound “nerdy,” researching operation principles and looking for identifiable patterns of success is one of his favorite past-times. He also enjoys woodturning, hiking, rock tumbling, and playing the bagpipes. Burton serves as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Brittany Evans

Digital Media Designer

Brittany Evans, Digital Media Designer at iMpact Utah, specializes in creating dynamic visual assets that consistently promote iMpact’s brand and reach manufacturers across the state with compelling visual communication. Evans sees her projects through every step—from conceptualizing, shooting footage, editing, and delivering the final product. Her graphic design expertise includes the creation of graphics, motion graphics, images, animation, and video. With her creative prowess and can-do attitude, Evans makes iMpact Utah’s image reflect the credibility of our team.

"We have an obligation to help manufacturers build the infrastructure of our country and create jobs close to home. I’m proud to put my design skills towards supporting such a vital part of our communities."

For Evans, a blank screen is a canvas through which she can bring a company and their message to life. She particularly enjoys the process of producing videos that showcase the journey to success of manufacturers who have collaborated with iMpact Utah. In this way, she aims to encourage more manufacturers to begin their own journey towards continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Evans brings to the iMpact team vital experience in the digital design field where she has been honing her craft for several years. Previous to iMpact, Evans was a graphic designer and video editor for Utah Valley University (UVU). While at UVU, she successfully helped the continuing education department grow its brand presence and increase enrollment numbers. Before UVU, Evans gained further experience as a graphic designer at Halosight, a technology company that offers AI data analysis for Salesforce users.

Evans graduated with a bachelor's in graphic design from Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Outside of work, Evans also works as a fitness instructor and loves the opportunity to help her clients achieve their physical goals. She enjoys staying active whether through hiking, skiing, swimming, biking, or dancing. Scenic canyon drives and country music are the way to her heart.

Stacy Ungricht

Executive Director

Stacy Ungricht, Office Manager of iMpact Utah, specializes in helping individuals and teams achieve their best through her administrative expertise. Her diverse professional experience includes management in quality assurance, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, operations management, employee relations, marketing events, corporate training, project management, and compliance auditing. Ungricht’s passion for quality combined with her strong work ethic enables iMpact to provide best-in-class support to Utah’s manufacturers and businesses.

"With iMpact Utah's wide range of knowledge, we are able to anticipate our client's needs, create clear goals, and assist them in completing their objectives. Our values as a company help us cultivate healthy working relationships that improve the lives and businesses we serve."

Ungricht enjoys seeing iMpact’s clients grow and thrive through the power of education and knowledge. She states, “At the end of the day, I can go home and be proud of what we do.” She brings to iMpact excellent organization and planning skills, as well as the ability to see projects through from start to finish. Her strong interpersonal and communication skills make her a key component to iMpact Utah’s success, and the success of our clients.

Prior to iMpact Utah, Ungricht was the bookstore manager of Mountainland Technical College (MTech), overseeing 4 campus locations, the printing center, and a portion of the MTech marketing department. During her 8+ years at MTech, Ungricht successfully streamlined processes, grew the team, and collaborated closely with internal and external partners. Additionally, she created and managed a quality assurance department while working in close collaboration with stakeholders. Ungricht also worked as a project manager assistant at Novell for 9+ years, where she helped conduct local corporate training and development workshops such as BrainShare. She organized all events by interfacing with vendors, setting up and preparing materials, executing the event, and tracking and reporting on results. During her time at Novell, Ungricht developed her understanding of sales and process follow-through. Her other professional experiences include work as a co-founder of RidingLife, a branch office manager for Cambridge Financial, and a quality assurance manager for Security Metrics.

Ungricht’s early career was in nursing where she worked for over 10 years in a variety of healthcare fields, including her specialty, hospice care. She earned her associate degree from Utah Valley University (UVU) and her nursing degree from the Excelsior College Nursing Program. Ungricht is also certified in PCI compliance.

Along with her 2 children, Ungricht is a self-proclaimed “outdoor junkie.” Having grown up exploring the mountains of Utah with family, she looks forward to anytime she can spend on kayaks, boards, or hiking.