Lighting Up Lehi | Mike Willes on Community, Resilience & the Magic of Holiday Traditions | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast

What inspires someone to turn their home into a beacon of joy for an entire community? In this episode of Roots and Branches of Lehi, host Ryan Harding sits down with Mike Willes, a lifelong Lehi resident whose incredible holiday light displays have become a beloved local tradition.

Mike reflects on his 40-year career with Layton Construction, the changes he’s seen in Lehi over the decades, and the passion that drives his Christmas and Halloween displays—shows that draw families from all over the city. He opens up about facing prostate cancer, navigating back surgeries, and the unwavering support of his wife and family that keeps his festive spirit glowing.

From off-road adventures to years of community involvement and even foster care, Mike’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted love for Lehi. His lights may brighten the holidays, but it’s his dedication to connection and kindness that truly illuminates the community.

📌 Inspired by stories of resilience and community? Subscribe for more episodes celebrating Lehi’s people, traditions, and heart.

🏡 Brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage — helping families go from renting to rooted.

⸻

⏱ Key Moments in This Episode

• 00:00 – Introduction to Roots and Branches of Lehi

• 00:41 – Meet Mike Willes: A Lifelong Resident of Lehi

• 00:59 – Mike’s Career in Construction

• 01:23 – The Evolution of Lehi Through Mike’s Eyes

• 03:22 – A Passion for Holiday Displays

• 04:50 – Family Support & Community Involvement

• 06:06 – The Impact of Mike’s Displays on the Community

• 13:44 – Reflecting on the Journey

• 14:22 – The Impact of Cancer

• 14:30 – Off-Road Adventures

• 15:00 – Christmas Decorations & Community Involvement

• 20:27 – Family & Foster Care

• 23:34 – Legacy & Community Influence

• 26:31 – Conclusion & Final Thoughts

⸻

👣 Related Topics: Lehi Holiday Lights • Community Traditions • Local Heroes • Christmas Displays • Halloween Decor • Layton Construction • Utah Community Stories • Resilience & Healing • Roots and Branches of Lehi • Family & Foster Care • Neighborhood Traditions

🎧 Listen to More Roots & Branches of Lehi:

Apple: https://apple.co/40J53Ln

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BC8a3YpULFYMSRgtfqF7v

YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlz4rzd_rsGZcR4Kscsck4ez_bWSLCuwM

🏠 Ready to go from renting to rooted?

✔️ Want to know your home’s value? → https://workharding.hifello.com/lp/6888f21970143a6397c98ea4

✔️ Curious how much home you can afford? → https://workharding.com/affordability-calculator.php

✔️ Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz → https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/survey/aAl6tzfvetiS329QNypM

#RootsAndBranches #LehiUtah #CommunityStories #WorkHardMortgage #FromRentsToRoots #HolidayLights #ChristmasInLehi #LocalLegends #CommunityTraditions #ResilienceAndHope