La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) Speaker Summaries 2022

LSDM Speakers

# of Speakers: 50

January 2022

Rob Isbetts, Co-Founder of Sungarden Investment Publishing, creator of YARP dividend investing method and the Isbitts Ratio, Contributor to Forbes and US News, speaks to La Sociéte Deux Magots (LSDM) 06 January 2022.
But it is the case that you could have owned an equally weighted portfolio of the 25 stocks on the left and suffered a 13% loss during the past 7 months. So much for “blue chip” during that period, eh?

John Wells, Jr. Founder, Energy Hawk, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 11 January 2022, via Zoom.
Our mission is to accelerate the growth of distributed energy solutions.

Steve Clyde, Clyde Snow Law Firm, speaks to LSDM, 18 January 2022 - Via Zoom.
Today's big issues. In 20th year of mega drought. Compact started with an assumed 15-million-acre feet flow. Now, 11-to-13-million-acre feet flow appears to be the reliable supply. Contingency plans necessary. Likely that California and Arizona will have to curtail usage. Even upper state compact users may have to curtail usage.

Todd Stepsis, Head football Coach for Drake University, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 20 Jan 2022.
Your head and your heart ought to be where you ass is!

Casimir A. Yost, Senior Fellow, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 26 January 2022. Topic: "Whither China?" via Zoom.
But today, until we get our own house in order, all is up in the air. We lack national consensus about the enormity of the challenges we face.

February 2022

Barbara Keady, Director of Marketing, Ceres Partners, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 03 February 2022, via Zoom
Warren Buffet once referred to farmland as "gold with a dividend."

Geoff Shepard, White House lawyer, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 09 February 2022.
The opening presentation is focused on "Three Surprising Revelations" which challenge conventional wisdom regarding the nation's foremost political scandal: Trial Judge John Sirica's secret meetings with prosecutors, John Dean's disappearing prison sentence, and the false allegations secretly made by prosecutors against President Nixon.

Shawn Farris, Travel Blogger, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) via Zoom. 14 February 2022. Topic: My February 2022 Trip to Ukraine.
"We've been preparing for a fight since 2014. We can defend ourselves. We are not going to lay down."

David Buttolph, Managing Director, Brookside Capital Partners (BCP), mezzanine fund, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 23 February 2022, via Zoom.
We look for businesses that are recession resistant... people will always need wheelchairs, for example.

Dennis Lockhart, President Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (retired), speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 25 February 2022 - Via Zoom.
Policy direction for rate increase lift off is March. Rates will likely be increased at consecutive meetings for a while. If the economy performs OK during this period i.e. if inflation abates and unemployment is at 4% or lower, the Fed will make further adjustments to achieve the neutral rate, 2% to 2.5%.

March 2022

Mark Johnston, Blogger, Banker, Manager, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Investor, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), 01 March 2022. Via Zoom.
Most people coming out of college today are profoundly ignorant. We are richer in things and poorer in spirit. I love America. We have been very lucky. I want the same for the next generation, but a lot of what we had we are losing. I blame us. We are caught up in having a good time and not paying attention to the dark side.

John Curtis, US Congressman, Utah (3) speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 10 March 2022 via Zoom.
Republicans can be good stewards of the environment and still have conservative values. The best energy policy is what is best for the economy AND the environment. I have confidence in the US. Our fabric has been stretched but it is not ripped.

Jeremy Rubell, Park City Councilman, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 14 March 2022, via Zoom.
I think the resorts should have the responsibility for facilitating skier access, including parking and shuttling, to the ski resort. The Council's focus should be to make sure that there is not a negative impact of tourism to our citizens.

McGehee Porter, Founder Burrows Outdoor, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) Wasatch Bagel, 16 March 2022. McGehee is scion of LSDM stalwarts, Lee and Michelle Porter.
I believed I could make a better whistle.

David Forsberg, Managing Partner, Ascent Energy Ventures, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 17 March 2022, Via Zoom.
I have never in my investment career seen a larger gap in understanding and knowledge than what I see in energy today.

Roger Armstrong, Summit County Councilman, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), 22 March 2022. Via Zoom.
Well, that's an impressive rant! I will say that it is somewhat unprecedented for a county or municipality to have its land use management accountability taken over by the State. HB 462 is a big issue for the county. Stay tuned. Legislation drafted under the cover of darkness brings problems. Making referendum requirements more burdensome may raise a constitutional issue. There is a huge challenge to planning that our region has never seen before. The State taking planning accountability from our county renders that planning function even more difficult.

Meeche White, Founder National Ability Center (NAC), speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 25 March 2022. Via Zoom.
So many times I have heard from a special needs veteran, "your program saved my life!"

April 2022

McKeel Hagerty, CEO Hagerty, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 12 April 2022, via Zoom.
Is driving going away? Data: "Sky is not falling." The next generation is more interested in cars than commonly perceived.

Marlo M. Oaks, Treasurer, State of Utah, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), 19 April 2022 - Via Zoom.
ESG uses economic force to drive a political agenda. It bypasses democratic institutions to solve social questions. ESG investing is a threat to our American systems of free markets and constitutional government.

Jon Colston, Ethical Hacker, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 26 April 2022, via Zoom.
Major life lesson: Hard work and creativity can make the unfeasible possible.

May 2022

Andrew Badger, candidate for US Congress, Utah 1, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 10 May 2022. Via Zoom.
These are not normal times. We are fighting for our way of life. There is a much greater sense of urgency than ever before when it comes to reversing the freefall decline of a free market United States. Our greatest threat is weak Republicans who won't fight back. Elect conservatives to create "right" red wave!

Deno Himonas, Judge Utah State Supreme Court (retired) speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 18 May 2022, via Zoom.
World Justice Project: Civil court system in US is "not bad," but the US is dead last among the wealth nations in terms of access and affordability of its civil justice system. Roughly 80% of US population's civil legal needs unmet.

Music Periodic Table by today's speaker to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), Robert Ainsworth. 24 May 2022 - Via Zoom.
Musicians sense music like people sense warm and cold. Music theory is a way to articulate those senses verbally.

Chris Herrod, candidate (R) for US Congress, Utah - District 3, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 26 May 2022, via Zoom.
I believe holding back on oil production from Utah public lands is a national security issue. The fastest way to stop this war is to neuter Putin's income from oil and gas by starting drilling in the US, including Utah. Green energy is not ready for prime time. We cannot risk our national security by curtailing oil production.

June 2022

Jeffery B. Jones, Summit County Utah Economic Development Director, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) -9 June 2022. Via Zoom.
In recent months, labor force participation increased — it's now a half-percentage point lower than prepandemic. And 18% to 52% of that remaining shortfall could be from those struggling with substance abuse, says Karen Kopecky, an economist at the Atlanta Fed and co-author a paper released by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Robert Zanetti, Fire Chief, Park City Fire District, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 23 June 2022, via Zoom.
Thanks for opportunity to talk to LSDM. 70% of our calls are EMS related. I want to assure residents dependent on PCFD services that this is a very safe place to be.

Angela Moschetta, Co-Principal, Future Park City, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 30 June 2022 via Zoom from Portugal.
Regarding the “future of Park City,” there is no road forward if we don't make some big changes and get bold as the community asked in our 2020 Visioning process. The time worn recommendations thrown out year over year won't work. Gondolas? Won't work. There is insufficient satellite parking and no rapid transit to handle the crowds. The resorts need to be directly part of the solution. The City Council needs to up its game.

July 2022

Stephanie Harmon, Chairman, Utah Honor Flights, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 07 July 2022, Via Zoom.
I was a guardian. I'm not sure but what the biggest beneficiary of this program isn't the guardian. My experience was wonderful. We were met in DC by a fife and drum corps. Motorcycle riding vets gave us an escort into DC. On arrival at BWI, people stopped to let us walk by showing the vets great respect. It was moving... a time to tear up. We visited all the monuments including the blue outhouses on the mall, which the vets named the "Jane Fonda Memorial." This experience changed me.

Janet S. McCabe, Docent George Spangler Farm and Field Hospital, Gettysburg, PA, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 12 July 2022, via Zoom.
For three hot summers, Rufus Weaver toiled to retrieve remains from battlefield graves. His efforts to get paid for it proved to be nearly as difficult.

Ari M. Herbert, Special Counsel, Office of Texas Attorney General, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) on 20 July 2022, via Zoom (from Austin, Texas).
There is a philosophical split on the Supreme Court. Kagan, Sotomayor, and likely Kanji-Brown form an alliance that seems to favor increased government regulatory power. Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch form a group more willing to counter court precedent. Kavanaugh, Roberts and Comey-Barrett seem to be originalists, but, less inclined to challenge precedent.

Ronnie Daniel, Development Head, Who-Lives Foundation, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 21 July 2022, via Zoom.
I participated in drilling for new water wells in three different villages. I'll never forget the expression of appreciation and hope on the faces of the mothers and children as they tasted the fresh, clean water available only feet away from their homes.

August 2022

Austin Hindman and Maddie Lavin, Triathlon Olympic Team hopefuls, speak to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM). 04 August 2022 - Via Zoom.
In the individual events, athletes cover a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run.

Rory Measelle, scion of LSDM All Star, El Contador, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) from Spain, 10 August 2022.
“The US and the UK have been important allies. Trump's rhetoric is similar to the BREXIT language. Direct. To the point. Goal focused. The language of Brexit and Trump appealed to the disenfranchised. Both initiatives figured out how to win their respective elections.”

September 2022

Holly McClure, candidate for Summit County Utah County Council, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 20 September 2022 - Via Zoom.
“Chris Robinson has been in office for 14 years. You have to respect that commitment to public service. I don't believe in trashing campaign opponents. I do disagree with Chris when he says that climate change is the number one county priority. There are many more important issues for the county than climate change. Growing energy costs loom to be a big issue for our citizens. Managing development is an important issue... both of which issues are more important than climate change.”

Dr. Michael Farrell, IV, Geriatric Physician, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 27 September 2022, via Zoom.
We need a cognitive care specialty clinic in our area. We need to martial state and local resources for assistance. Capital is required. Startup costs are high. A location must be found. Trained specialists need to be hired. I am looking for partners to assist in building such a clinic.

Angel Kast, Philanthropy Officer, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), speaks to La Société Deux Magots, 28 September 2022, via Zoom.
The University of Chicago was the top-ranked school in the College Free Speech Rankings for the second time in three years. Columbia University had, by far, the lowest score in the 2022 College Free Speech Rankings, with a Speech Climate rating of “Abysmal.” The University of Pennsylvania, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Georgetown University, and Skidmore College are also ranked in the bottom five.

October 2022

Canice Harte, candidate for Summit County (UT Council, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) via Zoom.
Summit County's immediate challenge is coming massive growth.

John (Jack) Murphy, Candidate for Summit County Council, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM). 11 October 2022. Via Zoom.
It is my hope to be the change that restores balance, especially when it comes to addressing taxation, development, conservation, resource management and serving our citizens.

Melanie Monestere, candidate for Utah State School Board (SSB), speaks to La Sociéte Deux Magots (LSDM) 12 October 2022, via zoom.
I have young children in school, and I am on the front lines, with teachers and parents. These are not detached or abstract issues for me. The future of our communities is being formed today in our schools.

Maurice (Moe) Mickie (he/him), Executive Director Voices for Utah Children, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM), 18 October 2022, via Zoom. Assisted by Andrea Barnes and Kristen Schulz of PC Tots.
70% of Summit County women are in the work force. Utah County: 70% both parents in the workforce. That's a remarkable increase from a generation ago.

Chris Robinson, Summit County Councilman, speaks to LSDM, 19 October 2022, via Zoom.
People want to be here, perhaps to first visit and subsequently to live. The ‘people magnet’ that we’ve created is challenging our roads, transit, workforce, housing affordability, trails, parks, natural environment, water, open spaces, and overall quality of life. Managing these growth pressures is Summit County's greatest challenge.

Kris Campbell, Candidate (D) for Utah House, District Four, speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM), 20 October 2022, via Zoom.
I will work on bringing people together to find common ground and common-sense solutions to work for as many people as possible. I will support local decision-making, legislate with moderation, manage growth responsibly, and steward our water resources.

Eric Moxham, Founding Member, Friends for Responsible Development for Greater Park City (FRD) speaks to La Societe Deux Magots (LSDM) 26 October 2022, via Zoom.
Too many development projects are conceived in a vacuum. There needs to be more master planning in greater Park City. FRD is not against growth. We are for responsible growth. We must better understand the impacts of new development projects on the totality of the community.

November 2022

Howard Stephenson, Education Consultant, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 09 December 2022, Via Zoom. This is Howard Stephenson's third appearance at LSDM.
There are over 10 million unfilled jobs here in the US. We don’t have an immigration policy to bring in qualified workers. There is a simple free-market solution in the form of a bonding agency.

Cory Sullivan, former member of US Army Special Forces Delta Force Unit and Board member of Tip of the Spear Foundation, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 15 November 2022 - Via Zoom
Tip of the Spear Foundation (TOTSF) is an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting our Nation’s Elite Operators and their families during times of need.

Brent Anderson, Founder/Operator Loveland Living Plant Aquarium, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), 16 November 2022, via Zoom.
Today the 136,000 sq ft Aquarium is at last built and nearly one million guests per year explore, discover and learn about earths diverse ecosystems here at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Mason Barrett, President HurtVet Subcontracting, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 23 November 2022 via Zoom.
With capable young operators with military backgrounds, great educations and relevant work experience plus a huge amount of “skin in the game” in the form of a personal guarantee on the Small Business Administration loan it is a worthy investment. I work it backwards so the investors can expect a 35% internal rate of return based on pretty reasonable operations of the underlying business.

December 2022

Michele Wiles, Artistic Director, BalletNEXT, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 06 December 2022. Via Zoom.
You have to have a passion... a love for what you are doing to do well. You have to have discipline. To be sure, DNA factors in. You have to have a "ballet body." You have to have confidence. You have to have a belief in yourself.

Students, Telos Classical Academy, Park City, UT. Board member Marc Bathgate speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM) 13 December 2022. Via Zoom.
Education should do more than prepare a child to be ready for college or have a good career. A great education should guide a child toward wisdom and virtue so they can become a good human being.

Blake Christian, CPA, speaks to La Société Deux Magots (LSDM), 28 December 2022 - Via Zoom
Now building our first project, a portable office for Utah Railways. There is $5MM of business in the pipeline to be completed before year end 2023, including a project in Jackson Hole.