UVU alumnus and Spylt founder, Josh Mendenhall shares insights on startup branding, creative risk-taking, and smart innovation during the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series.
Josh, a Utah native, graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Visual Communications. He described a career largely rooted in startup environments, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership and responsibility at every stage of the process. His background in design, and his genuine passion for branding, allowed him to save hundreds of thousands of dollars by creating his company’s visuals, branding assets, and marketing materials himself.
The idea for Josh’s company began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple moment involving chocolate milk and an energy drink. That curiosity led him to reach out to dairy experts with the hope of combining the two into a single product. Before ever meeting with them, Josh leveraged his design expertise to build a compelling pitch, complete with can designs, a website, and detailed product specifications. When he presented the idea, it resonated immediately.
As momentum quickly built, Josh and his wife began producing the product themselves. Shortly after, Josh started creating commercials and visual content to support the brand. The company’s growth accelerated further when he connected with Nick Greer, founder of Built, who became a partner. Early sales exceeded expectations, prompting Josh to slow the pace to refine operations—an experience that led to the motto he lives by: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”
Branding remained central to Josh’s message. He emphasized building a brand that helps people reconnect with a more carefree version of themselves, reminding consumers that falling, failing, and getting back up are essential parts of growth. For Josh, Spylt’s goal is not centered on nutritional macros, but on helping people feel young again—those benefits are simply a byproduct of a much deeper mission.
Josh encouraged students to think beyond the financial side of entrepreneurship and focus instead on what they genuinely enjoy. He urged students to think big, ask “what if,” and take meaningful risks, noting that even attempting something bold can be life-changing if it works. His wife added a final reminder that resonated strongly with students: be fearless, but not reckless.
The Woodbury School of Business thanks Josh Mendenhall for sharing his journey and perspective. His message reinforced the value of creativity, intentional branding, and the courage to pursue ideas that feel both meaningful and fun.
Want to catch every insight from this year’s Halladay Lecture Series?
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL SPRING 2026 HALLADAY LECTURE SERIES SPEAKERS HERE.
Watch Josh Mendenhall's full lecture below.
