Sharing her philosophy to do what you love and feel good doing it, McKenzie Bauer, co-founder of Thread, will be the guest speaker in the next installment of Utah Tech University’s Elkington Speaker Series.
Bauer will present at noon on Oct. 28 in the Zion Room, located on the fifth floor of the Holland Centennial Commons on the Utah Tech campus. Prior to Bauer’s keynote, a networking opportunity will begin at 11:30 a.m., offering attendees time to connect with peers and professionals before the featured presentation. The community is encouraged to attend.
“Events like this bring real-world experience into the classroom,” Linda Yu, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Business, said. “Hearing directly from successful entrepreneurs like McKenzie Bauer helps students connect theory with practice and gain the confidence to pursue their own innovative ideas.”
In 2015, Bauer and her husband, Colby, founded Thread, a Provo-based lifestyle brand known for its minimalist wallets and accessories. The company has grown into a nationally recognized business that sells its products online and in thousands of retail locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan and Latin America.
Since the early days, Bauer has gravitated toward the marketing aspects of the business and was the chief marketing officer until the spring of 2021, when she stepped back to pursue personal projects and focus on their family. In the years that she was CMO, Thread was ranked one of the fastest growing companies in Utah and appeared twice on the INC. 500. Additionally, Bauer is a Forbes 30 under 30 alumni and was recently recognized as one of Utah Businesses Leaders of the Year.
The Elkington Speaker Series brings distinguished professionals and entrepreneurs to Utah Tech University each semester, providing students with insights into career paths, leadership and innovation. Area business entity Plantsin is the gold sponsor of this semester’s address with additional support from Tech Ridge, St. George Chamber of Commerce, Thread and Utah Tech.
“I truly enjoy working with Utah Tech to bring this series to campus,” Wendy Elkington Stabler, co-founder of the series, said. “It’s inspiring to see students connect with these accomplished speakers, and I’m proud that the series continues to spark innovation, leadership and ambition among the next generation of trailblazers.”
For more information about the Elkington Speaker Series, visit innovation.utahtech.edu/elkington.