YESCO
Jeff Young
Executive Vice President of Young Electric Sign Company, working alongside third- and fourth-generation family members at the company his grandfather founded in 1920.
The Premier Recognition Award Program
The Standard
of Excellence.
Recognizing the artisans, innovators, and pillars of our state who define the contemporary landscape of achievement.
About Best of State
Recognizing the best of Utah.
The Best of State Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in Utah. By celebrating excellence in our community and sharing examples of success and triumph across so many worthy endeavors, we hope all will be inspired to reach a little higher, try a little harder, and work a little smarter for their dreams and goals.
Judging Criteria
50%
Achievement
Demonstrated excellence in their field — superior products, growth, peer recognition, and awards won.
30%
Innovation
Creativity in approaches, techniques, methods, or processes that set them apart from others in their field.
20%
Contribution
Service, charitable giving, employment, environmental stewardship, and other ways winners make Utah better.
When applications close, more than 100 judges review the nominations individually, away from outside influence. Scores are collected and triple-checked by the independent CPA firm Gilbert & Stewart, P.C. Medal winners are announced each spring; the top scorer in each of ten divisions receives the BOSS (Best of State Statue) at the Awards Gala in Salt Lake City.
Leadership
The Legacy Council
A volunteer advisory board of Utah business leaders who guide the program, champion its standards, and uphold the integrity of every award.
KUTV
Kent Crawford
General Manager at KUTV Ch. 2 with more than 20 years in broadcast and internet sales leadership, focused on helping clients meet their marketing goals through television and the web.
WEBB Production
Melanie Robinson
A Utah native and Stanford GSB MBA who leads teams of technologists, creatives, producers, and builders delivering world-class experiences in event and AV.
PC Laptops
Dan Young
Founder and CEO of PC Laptops, builder of custom-configured computers backed by a lifetime service guarantee, and a serial entrepreneur in gaming and cloud security.
Skylark Productions
Michael Tobian
Entrepreneur and professional musician honored as one of Utah Business Magazine's '40 Under 40,' with ventures that have garnered more than 60 Best of State awards.
City Creek Mortgage
Mike Roberts
Co-founded City Creek Mortgage in 1998, pioneering salaried loan officers and proprietary technology that lets consumers see real rates and fees instantly.
Osmond Designs
Heather Osmond
Owner of an eight-time Best of State winning interior design firm and host of the KSL Real Estate Show, recognized by Forbes, Elle Decor, and Architectural Digest.
Blue Iguana
Kris Cappaert-Primosic
Owner-operator of the heritage Mexican restaurant Blue Iguana, with eleven Best of State awards in the coveted 'Most Authentic Mexican' category.
Ivory Homes
Kristin Schmidt
VP of Operations at Ivory Commercial overseeing 18 premier apartment communities, with 25+ years in Utah and California multifamily property management.
USANA Health Sciences
Kevin Guest
CEO of USANA Health Sciences and a board member of the Direct Selling Association, overseeing record company growth and worldwide event productions.
Utah Athletic Commission
Tammy Leavitt
Public relations executive and 2002 Winter Olympic Games PIO, currently serving as Commissioner for the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission.
Mary Crafts Inc.
Mary Crafts
Founder of Culinary Crafts — Utah's largest off-premise caterer and recipient of 19 Best of State awards — now devoted to scholarships, mentoring, and keynotes.
Les Olson Company
Troy Olson
President of Les Olson Company with a 38-year tenure, serving on the Sharp Dealer Advisory Council and the company's board of directors.
For 2026 Medalists
Order additional medallions.
Winners may purchase extra Best of State medallions for team members, partners, or display. Each medal is $125 and ships directly to the address you provide.
Order total
$125.00
1 medallion × $125.00
Frequently Asked
Questions, answered.
Everything nominators, judges, and curious applicants ask most often about how Best of State works.