Entrepreneur of the Year Mountain West Winner Brett Hopkins CEO of Ken Garff Automotive

What happens when getting rejected from medical school completely changes the course of your career?

In this episode, Brett Hopkins shares the unexpected journey that took him from aspiring anesthesiologist to CFO of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee, and ultimately to CEO of Ken Garff Automotive. Brett opens up about learning to recognize your natural strengths, taking risks, and finding success by pursuing the path that fits you—not necessarily the one you originally planned.

He also reflects on working alongside Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, what he learned from their leadership, and how the experience shaped his approach to business. Brett discusses his transition into the automotive industry, why he wanted to make the dealership experience “un-car-like,” the future of the car business, electric vehicles and hybrids, and why Utah has become home to some of the most successful automotive groups in the country.

Brett also shares his experience being named Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year, and the personal reflection that came with the recognition. He explains why he believes entrepreneurship isn't limited to business owners—and why, in one way or another, we're all entrepreneurs.In this conversation:

• Turning rejection into a career pivot

• Lessons from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics

• Leadership lessons from Mitt Romney and Fraser Bullock

• Building and scaling Ken Garff Automotive

• Why Brett wanted to be “un-car-like”

• The future of dealerships and mobility

• Electric vehicles vs. hybrids

• Utah’s unique entrepreneurial culture