🌱 Growing Leaders Through Agriculture | FFA, Education & Community Connection | Highlight Reel

What happens when education is rooted in real-world skills and strong community values? In this highlight from Roots & Branches of Lehi, the host reflects on the power of shared experiences and the lasting impact of agricultural education on youth, families, and communities.

Through insights from a conversation with a seasoned agriculture teacher, we explore how programs like FFA (Future Farmers of America) help students develop confidence, leadership, and a strong work ethic. From hands-on learning to public speaking and team-building, agricultural education offers more than technical skills—it prepares young people for life.

This conversation also looks ahead, touching on the challenges educators face today and how advancements like AI and new technologies are reshaping classrooms. Even as education evolves, the episode reinforces a timeless truth: agriculture plays a critical role in personal growth, responsibility, and community strength.

It’s a reminder that when students are given meaningful opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute, entire communities grow stronger.

📌 Love stories about education, leadership, and the people shaping the next generation? Subscribe for more highlights and full episodes of Roots & Branches of Lehi, brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage.

🏡 At Work Hard Mortgage, we believe in that same principle: stronger communities are built when people invest in each other and put down roots where they live.

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⏱ Key Moments in This Highlight Reel

• 00:00 – Introduction & Purpose of the Podcast • 00:18 – The Influence of Doug Webb • 00:26 – The Role of Agriculture Teachers • 00:55 – FFA: Opportunities & Student Growth • 02:56 – Challenges & Reflections in Education • 04:23 – AI, Technology & the Future of Learning • 05:15 – Why Agriculture Matters for Youth

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👣 Related Topics:

Agricultural Education • FFA Programs • Youth Leadership Development • Hands-On Learning • Education & Technology • AI in Education • Community-Based Learning • Teacher Impact Stories • Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast • Lehi Utah • Career & Technical Education • Building Confident Leaders • Community Strength Through Education

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📲 Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz — link in bio 🎧 Full conversation also in bio

#RootsAndBranchesOfLehi #WorkHardMortgage #BuyAHomeBuildACommunity #LocalLeadership #LehiUtah #RealStoriesRealPeople

🌿 Life Lessons From a Small Town | Autism, Community, & the Heart of Lehi | Highlight Reel

How does growing up in a tight-knit town shape the way we see each other? In this highlight from Roots & Branches of Lehi, we hear a touching reflection on the power of community—from childhood memories to a career built on compassion.

The speaker shares how the streets and traditions of Lehi helped form lifelong bonds “beyond blood,” and how those early experiences inspired a meaningful path in special education. Through stories of working with children with autism, we glimpse the joy, patience, and deep purpose that come from serving others.

This reel also explores the events, heritage, and shared history that make Lehi feel like home, along with heartfelt thoughts on retirement and the legacy we leave behind. It’s a celebration of small-town spirit—and the people who quietly strengthen it every day.

📌 Love stories that celebrate community and connection? Subscribe for more highlight reels and full episodes of Roots and Branches of Lehi. Brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage — helping families go from renting to rooted.

🏡 At Work Hard Mortgage, we believe in that same principle: stronger communities are built when people invest in each other and put down roots where they live.

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⏱ Key Moments in This Highlight Reel

• 00:00 – Small Town Connections: Beyond Blood
• 00:08 – Lehi’s Unique Traditions & Memories
• 00:50 – A Journey Into Special Education
• 02:23 – Teaching Philosophy & Passion
• 04:12 – Community, Adversity & Resilience
• 05:03 – Preserving Lehi’s Local History
• 05:41 – Reflections on Retirement & Community

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👣 Related Topics:

Special Education • Autism Support & Advocacy • Lehi Utah • Small-Town Community Life • Teaching & Lifelong Service • Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast • Childhood Memories & Local Traditions • Community Resilience • Local History Preservation • Educators Who Inspire • Retirement Reflections • Utah Community Stories • Compassionate Careers • Family & Community Bonds • Serving Through Education

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📲 Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz — link in bio
🎧 Full conversation also in bio

#RootsAndBranchesOfLehi #WorkHardMortgage #BuyAHomeBuildACommunity #LocalLeadership #LehiUtah #RealStoriesRealPeople

🔧 From Small Shop to Family Legacy | Community, Craft & Connection | Highlight Reel How does a simple small-town garage grow into a multigenerational legacy?

In this highlight from Roots & Branches of Lehi, we explore the heartfelt story behind Rogers Automotive — a family business built on hard work, trust, and the kind of personal relationships that define Lehi’s spirit. This story begins with a father whose passion for automotive work shaped not only his career, but the future of his children. From long days in a tiny shop to the moment one son stepped in to carry the business forward, this conversation captures the resilience and dedication behind every repair, every handshake, and every loyal customer. As automotive technology evolves, so do the challenges — but the values remain the same: honesty, craftsmanship, and treating customers like neighbors. Through family memories, lessons passed down through generations, and reflections on community support, this highlight celebrates how a local business can become a cornerstone of a growing town.

📌 Love stories about family legacy, small-town grit, and the people who keep communities running? Subscribe for more highlights and episodes of Roots & Branches of Lehi, brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage.

🏡 At Work Hard Mortgage, we believe in that same principle: stronger communities are built when people invest in each other and put down roots where they live.

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⏱ Key Moments in This Highlight Reel • 00:00 – Small Town Beginnings & Family Connections • 01:12 – Starting a Business: Challenges & Triumphs • 02:22 – Adapting to Modern Automotive Technology • 03:23 – Community Engagement & Customer Relationships • 05:04 – Family Legacy & Diverse Career Paths

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👣 Related Topics: Family-Owned Businesses • Automotive Legacy • Small-Town Entrepreneurship • Lehi Utah • Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast • Community Relationships • Local Business Stories • Technology in Automotive Repair • Generational Traditions • Customer Trust & Loyalty • Utah Small Businesses

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📲 Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz — link in bio

🎧 Full conversation also in bio

#RootsAndBranchesOfLehi #WorkHardMortgage #BuyAHomeBuildACommunity #LocalLeadership #LehiUtah #RealStoriesRealPeople

Built to Last | Gary Rogers on Automotive Craft, Family Legacy & Community Trust | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast

What does it take to build a business that lasts for generations? In this episode of Roots and Branches of Lehi, host Ryan Harding sits down with Gary Rogers, lifelong Lehi resident and founder of Rogers Automotive, to explore a story shaped by family influence, hard work, and deep community roots. From growing up around the automotive world in Salt Lake City to establishing a trusted local shop in Lehi, Gary shares the experiences that shaped both his career and his values.

Gary reflects on the early challenges of starting a business, the lessons learned through decades of ownership, and how working alongside family has strengthened both his shop and his legacy. He discusses how the automotive industry has evolved—from tools and technology to customer expectations—and why adaptability and integrity remain at the heart of long-term success.

This conversation also looks ahead. Gary talks about opportunities for young people entering the trades, the responsibility that comes with community trust, and his hopes for Lehi’s future. Grounded, thoughtful, and honest, his story is a reminder that craftsmanship, relationships, and consistency are what truly keep a community moving forward.

📌 Enjoy stories about local businesses and the people behind them? Subscribe for more Roots and Branches of Lehi episodes celebrating community, heritage, and heart.

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

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⏱ Key Moments in This Episode

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

• 00:38 – Meet Gary Rogers: Early Life & Family Background

• 01:42 – Gary’s Automotive Journey: From High School to Career

• 07:48 – Starting Rogers Automotive: Challenges & Successes

• 09:12 – Family Involvement in the Business

• 12:28 – Navigating Change in the Automotive Industry

• 23:08 – How the Industry Continues to Evolve

• 23:44 – Career Opportunities in Automotive Trades

• 26:21 – Working with Family Day-to-Day

• 27:16 – Lessons from 30 Years of Business Ownership

• 29:47 – Community Impact & Personal Stories

• 31:13 – Future Plans & Long-Term Legacy

• 38:01 – Practical Tips for Car Owners

• 40:46 – Engaging Youth & the Next Generation

• 43:42 – Reflections & Final Thoughts

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👣 Related Topics: Local Business • Automotive Repair • Family-Owned Businesses • Skilled Trades • Lehi Utah • Community Trust • Automotive Careers • Entrepreneurship • Roots and Branches of Lehi

🎧 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 the value of your home? → 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 #FamilyBusiness #AutomotiveCareers #LocalBusiness #TradeSkills #CommunityLegacy

✨ Small-Town Lights & Lifelong Traditions | Community, Resilience & Holiday Joy | Highlight Reel

How do holiday lights become the heartbeat of a community? In this highlight from Roots & Branches of Lehi, we follow the touching story of a lifelong resident, Mike Willes, whose festive displays have turned simple traditions into cherished memories for an entire town.

From growing up in a Lehi with only a couple of stop signs to creating holiday decorations that draw crowds, spark proposals, and brighten school bus routes, this story captures the magic of shared celebration. Even while facing prostate cancer and multiple back surgeries, the narrator’s unwavering commitment to spreading holiday joy shows how small acts of creativity can bring a community together.

Whether recalling childhood Christmases, reflecting on the joy of seeing neighbors become friends, or sharing the meaning behind each holiday tradition, this conversation celebrates the connections that make Lehi feel like home.

📌 Love stories about community spirit, resilience, and the traditions that bring people together? Subscribe for more highlights and full episodes of Roots & Branches of Lehi, brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage.

🏡 At Work Hard Mortgage, we believe in that same principle: stronger communities are built when people invest in each other and put down roots where they live.

⸻

⏱ Key Moments in This Highlight Reel

• 00:00 – Small Town Beginnings

• 00:25 – A Passion for Holiday Displays

• 00:43 – Health Challenges & Adaptations

• 01:36 – Community Engagement & Joy

• 02:45 – Traditions & Marriage Proposals

• 03:28 – Reflections on Life & Community

• 04:13 – Final Thoughts on Connection

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👣 Related Topics: Lehi Holiday Traditions • Christmas Light Displays • Community Spirit • Small-Town Stories • Festive Events • Local History • Lehi Utah • Volunteer Creativity • Neighborhood Connections • Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast • Community Resilience • Holiday Magic

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📲 Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz — link in bio

🎧 Full conversation also in bio

#RootsAndBranchesOfLehi #WorkHardMortgage #BuyAHomeBuildACommunity #LocalLeadership #LehiUtah #RealStoriesRealPeople

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.

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⏱ 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

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👣 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