MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) has named 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, the organization said in a recent release.
“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. Traeger employs more than 100 people in its Utah operation. 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, MWCN said.
“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.
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.