193. Adam Torkildson — Mentoring Utah's Entrepreneurs Through SCORE

Season 6 Episode 36: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Adam Torkildson, entrepreneur and SCORE Mentors volunteer.  Torkildson shares his life and career journey in Utah, emphasizing his roots in agriculture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to mentoring. He reflects on his early years working on farms, his Scandinavian heritage, and the discipline he developed through a rural upbringing and homeschool experience. He volunteers with SCORE Mentors, a nationwide nonprofit that provides free mentoring for small businesses in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offering his SEO and startup management expertise to Utah's entrepreneurs.  Torkildson highlights SCORE's mission to support entrepreneurs through resources and guidance. The discussion delves into SCORE's blend of virtual and in-person coaching, with a recent push to increase physical events in Utah, including partnerships with organizations like the SBA to reach a broader audience. They discuss SCORE's popular "Startup Roadmap," a 12-step guide simplifying the business launch process. Torkildson emphasizes the importance of accurate online content, especially with the rise of AI, and how SCORE's mentoring services empower business owners to manage their own SEO and digital presence.