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 below. Registration is required.
How to Schedule a Meeting
Here are the steps for scheduling a one-on-one meeting with an expert:
- Find an expert from the list below
- Schedule an appointment
- Receive meeting confirmation via email
- Add meeting to your calendar
- Show up to meeting (at location provided)
Entrepreneurship
Chuck Sharp
CEO Coach, Sharp Analytics
I’ve founded and sold three businesses and currently starting my forth. As Dynata Managing director, I lead a large, global team of market research professionals. As Sharpr founder/CEO, I led the inception to purchase. As Sharp Analytics founder/CEO, I led the inception to purchase. As ValueMags cofounder, I led the inception to exit. I have three crazy/fun kids, an amazing wife, and a love of backcountry skiing and trail running.
Areas of expertise: software, product development, fund raising, marketing, innovation
[APPOINTMENTS COMING SOON]
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
[APPOINTMENTS COMING SOON]
Legal & Business Formation
Plymouth D. Nelson
Partner, Michael Best, Intellectual Property
Plymouth’s practice includes the preparation of invalidity, non-infringement, and clearance opinions, as well as patentability analysis, and the drafting of license, confidentiality, and other agreements. In addition, 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
Finances & Funding
[EXPERTS COMING SOON]
Sales & Marketing
Josh Webber
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 believe 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
[APPOINTMENTS COMING SOON]
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
Industry & Product Development
Clayton Dickerson
Business Development, Honeywell; Product Management/Product Development Engineer, 3form; Mechanical Engineer, Lutron Electronics
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
[APPOINTMENTS COMING SOON]
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