Business Elevated Podcast (Season 7 Episode 20)
This podcast series features business and government leaders discussing what it’s like to live and work in the great state of Utah.
The Business Elevated podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Audio
Summary
In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Natalie Kaddas, president and CEO of Kaddas Enterprises.
Kaddas discusses her journey from hospitality to leading a second-generation family business. She highlights the company’s evolution from making aviation components to its innovative BirdguarD™ product, which prevents animal-caused power outages and mitigates wildfires. Kaddas emphasizes the importance of domestic sourcing, the company’s global reach in 15 countries, and its strategic use of automation, which streamlined operations and elevated workforce skills.
Kaddas also shares her perspective as a woman CEO in manufacturing, noting the increasing presence of women in the industry and the unique perspectives they bring to leadership. She discusses the company’s commitment to employee well-being, including a four-day work week and financial literacy classes that significantly reduce turnover and increase retirement program participation. Kaddas praises Utah’s supportive business environment, highlighting partnerships with the governor’s office for workforce training and the community’s collaborative spirit.