Salt Lake City-based business networking organization MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) has announced it has selected Robert Redford, actor, filmmaker and founder of Sundance Resort, Sundance Institute and Sundance Catalog to receive its 35th annual Entrepreneur of the Year award. Each year, MWCN recognizes entrepreneurs who “create industry-shaping businesses in Utah, inspire others with their entrepreneurial vision and give back to the community.”
MWCN said that Redford, among the most celebrated and successful actors in the history of film, has been an industry-defining and award-winning leader both in front of audiences and behind the scenes for more than seven decades. In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute at his Sundance Resort property in Provo Canyon, providing labs, grants and mentorships for artists working in film and episodic storytelling.
Now, the Sundance Institute has over 180 full-time employees across offices in Park City, Los Angeles and New York City. Redford also developed the Sundance Resort into one of the most popular skiing destinations that showcases Utah’s famous snow. In 1989, Redford created the Sundance Catalog, a mail-order catalog business based in Salt Lake City, that features the work of artisans whose work reflects the lifestyle of the American West.
“My history with the state of Utah goes back over 50 years. I chose to sink deep roots here because of its unique and scenic landscapes, which have been a source of inspiration for much of my work — along with its people, who are known for their generosity of spirit and strong work ethic,” said Redford. “These elements have provided Sundance with a strong foundation and continues to be the backdrop for our work. I thank the MountainWest Capital Network for this honor, which also serves as a tribute to the countless Sundance Catalog, institute and resort team members who have dedicated their time and talents.”
Redford is also the creative force behind the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States and a major contributor to Utah’s tourism economy. In 2020 alone — a year impacted by the COVID pandemic — the Sundance Film Festival was estimated to have brought $167.5 million in Utah gross domestic product and 2,730 jobs for Utah residents.
“For the 35th year of our Entrepreneur of the Year award, we really wanted to acknowledge a global icon who creates communities and helped put Utah on the map,” said Ryan Dent, president of MWCN. “Mr. Redford’s vision of Sundance and the many opportunities it has generated in the Beehive State and beyond has inspired and enabled many others to likewise pursue their dreams.”
Redford was honored at the MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year luncheon on April 21.