When Vivint Smart Home CEO and 2018 Orem Summerfest grand marshal Todd Pedersen was selecting a city to live and establish his business, Orem was an obvious choice for him.

“We love living in Orem,” Pederson said. “Everything is centrally located so we’re close to all the schools, shopping and I’m just two minutes from work. It’s nice to live in a community that is so family friendly and where people watch out for each other. It’s a great place to grow a business because of the highly educated, hard-working workforce with strong ethics and values.”

Pedersen has lived in Orem for the past 15 years and first founded his company there in 1999. Since then, Pedersen has been a figure in the community with its innovative technology and products as well as generous donations and sponsorships.

“When selecting a grand marshal, we look for someone that has given back to Orem in a grand way,” Summerfest Chairperson Kena Mathews said. “Vivint has done so much for Orem and throughout Utah County. As a thank you, we wanted to recognize Todd all he has done.”

Pedersen has been named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Utah’s Entrepreneur of the Year by Mountain West Capital Network and has been inducted into the David Eccles School of Business Hall of Fame. Also, under Pedersen’s leadership Vivint was selected as one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2017.

“I thought [being grand marshal] was a great opportunity to represent the community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” Pedersen said. “My family really loves Summerfest – it’s always been something that brings the community together.”

Pedersen and his family attend Summerfest every year and has to make sure to eat a funnel cake and a corn dog during the week-long celebration.

“My kids love the carnival and the rides,” Pedersen said. “We always go at least twice – once during the day and again later at night. We love the music, including listening to all the different bands.”

Of all the duties and recognition that comes with being grand marshal of Summerfest, Pedersen says he is most excited to lead the parade on Saturday night and be with his family and friends.

”We’re lucky to live in such a great community,” Pedersen said. “Summerfest is a fun and relaxing time for the city to come together.”