MountainWest Capital Network Names Traeger Grills CEO Jeremy Andrus as 2017 Utah Entrepreneur of the Year

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) today recognized Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Grills, as its 2017 Utah Entrepreneur of the Year. Each year, MWCN recognizes a Utah entrepreneur who has accomplished outstanding achievement in building an industry-leading Utah-based company, inspires others to participate in the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship in Utah, and gives back to the community.

"Following his remarkable success at Skullcandy, Jeremy continues to add to his track record of building incredible businesses in Utah with Traeger," said Todd A. Reece, president of MWCN. "His ability to focus on the vision, team, and culture has enabled Traeger to offer an incredible cooking product to consumers and become one of Utah's finest companies. There is no better candidate than Jeremy to be the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year."

Andrus joined Traeger Grills in January 2014 and acquired the business alongside private equity fund Trilantic Capital Partners. Founded in 1990, Traeger invented the wood-pellet grill and currently manufactures a line of about 20 different grilling units. Under Andrus' guidance, the company has become the No. 1 selling pellet grill in the U.S., grown by over 30 percent since January 2014 and relocated its global headquarters from Portland, Oregon to Salt Lake City, Utah.

"I'm humbled to receive this distinction from MountainWest Capital Network," said Andrus. "Building and leading Traeger has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I'm so proud to work with such an outstanding, entrepreneurial team. The key to our success has been creating an environment where our team is motivated and inspired to delight our customers and do great work."

Prior to Traeger, Andrus was an Entrepreneur in Residence at investment firm Solamere Capital. Previously, he spent eight years at Skullcandy, a headphone designer, marketer and distributor, most recently as president and CEO, where he was able to increase annual sales from less than $1 million to nearly $300 million and establish the company as a preeminent lifestyle brand.

Aside from being a mentor for young entrepreneurs, Andrus volunteers on the loan committee for microfinance agency International Rescue Committee and on the advisory board for Utah refugee youth soccer club Break Through Soccer. He currently sits on the boards of directors for Wilson Electronics, PurePredictive and TrueGreece, as well as investment committees for Kickstart Seed Fund, and University Venture Fund.

Since its beginning in 1983, MWCN has continually recognized those committed to entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneur of the Year is one of many events MWCN conducts each year to foster business relationships and recognize outstanding members of Utah's business community.

Andrus joins an exclusive club of successful entrepreneurs recognized by MWCN as Entrepreneur of the Year since 1983. Past honorees include Peter and Nicole Mouskondis, Tom Dickson, Todd Pedersen, Josh James, Peter Metcalf, Larry H. and Karen Gail Miller, Alan E. Hall, Amy Rees Anderson, Kirk Benson, Dr. Ted Stanley, Ken Wooley, Dr. Hunter Jackson, David Evans, Ray Noorda, Dale Ballard, Dr. Dinesh Patel, Gary Stevenson, Scott Watterson, David Bailey, Hyrum Smith, Jerry Atkin, Sid Green, Steve Aldous, Spencer Kirk, Dave Spafford, Aaron Skonnard, and others.

About MountainWest Capital Network

MountainWest Capital Network is Utah's first and largest business networking organization devoted to supporting entrepreneurial success, and dedicated to the flow of financial, entrepreneurial and intellectual capital. LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @MWCN and LinkedIn. www.mwcn.org

About Traeger Grills

Traeger Grills, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for over 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Traeger pellet grills use 100 percent all natural hardwood fuel to infuse food with healthy and flavorful smoke, this makes food taste delicious and memorable. As the inventor of the original and world's top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger utilizes wood-fired convection air to provide 6-in-1 versatility; grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ meals to perfection every time. For an innovative cooking solution, visit http://www.traegergrills.com for more information.

Contacts:
Jacob Moon
Method Communications
801-461-9797
[email protected]

Cheri Waldron
MountainWest Capital Network
801-966-1430
[email protected]

SOURCE MountainWest Capital Network

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