QUALTRICS AND BRIAND STUCKI

Qualtrics, now a leader in experience management, began humbly in a Provo basement in 2002. Founded by Ryan Smith, his father Scott and brother Jared, the company was built around a straightforward yet ambitious idea: to help organizations better understand and improve customer experiences. From its small, family-driven beginnings, Qualtrics rapidly expanded, becoming a globally recognized name in the tech world. 

The timing of Qualtrics’ ascent aligned with Utah’s rise as a thriving center for technology. With a young, highly educated workforce and a strong entrepreneurial culture, the state was ready for ambitious companies. By 2012, Qualtrics had secured $70 million in venture funding from Sequoia and Accel, one of their largest joint investments. The company’s continued momentum included its acquisition by SAP for $8 billion in 2019, and most recently, by Silver Lake in 2023.

Despite its global reach, Qualtrics maintains deep ties to Utah. Now co-headquartered in Provo and Seattle, the company employs more than 5,500 people worldwide, with Provo remaining central to its identity and operations. The journey from a Provo basement to a global enterprise illustrates Qualtrics’ resilience and Utah’s promise as a leading destination for technology and innovation.

Brian Stucki Story: A journey to, away from, then back to Utah

For Brian Stucki, Qualtrics’ President and COO, Utah has been both a personal and professional destination. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Stucki first arrived in Utah to attend Brigham Young University. After graduation, his career took him to the East Coast, where he spent years building his experience across Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. Yet when Qualtrics came calling in 2015, he found himself drawn back to the Beehive State, not just for the company’s potential, but for the dynamic growth he saw in Utah’s tech landscape.

Since his return, Stucki has witnessed a transformation in Utah’s business environment as tech companies and skilled professionals continue to make the state their home. He describes Utah as “a hidden gem,” noting that “a lot of people come in from Seattle, the Bay Area, and see there’s a great quality of life here.” The region offers a unique combination of career opportunities and lifestyle benefits, making it an appealing place for industry leaders and innovators alike.

Qualtrics’ Impact and Vision for Utah

As Qualtrics has grown from a Utah-based startup to a global enterprise, its impact on the state’s economy and tech ecosystem has only intensified. With more than 5,500 employees, and offices across the globe, Qualtrics brings both local investment and international recognition to Utah’s tech scene. 

“The influx of talent is transforming Utah’s tech culture,” Stucki said. “We’re seeing a lot of our senior executive team relocate to Utah, which reflects the growing appeal of the state as a serious tech destination.”

Through acquisitions and sustained growth, the company has contributed significantly to the state’s economic development, helping make Utah a more attractive place for tech companies and talented industry professionals.

Beyond the tech sector, Qualtrics’ solutions play a pivotal role in industries like healthcare and the public sector, where digital transformation is crucial to advancing patient care and public services.

Despite its international reach, Qualtrics remains firmly anchored in Utah. The company’s headquarters in Provo serves as a testament to its commitment to the region, with much of the executive team continuing to live and work in the state. 

“Qualtrics continues to invest significantly in what we’re building here in Utah,” says Stucki. “The majority of our executive team is here, and that’s not going to change.”

Qualtrics’ dedication extends beyond its growth — it’s part of a broader vision to support Utah’s emerging role as a national tech hub. As Stucki reflects, “If we’ve been even a small part of building that wave [of tech growth] in Utah, then great, we love that.” 

By fostering an environment of innovation and opportunity, Qualtrics exemplifies what’s possible when a company grows alongside its community. Looking ahead, Stucki sees endless potential for Utah as a tech powerhouse.

“Utah is primed for even more innovation, and as we grow with the state, we’re excited to be part of shaping that future,” he said.

Brian’s Life in Utah: Balancing Work and Nature

While Stucki’s role at Qualtrics keeps him busy, his life in Utah goes beyond the boardroom. One of the things that drew him back to the state was its unique blend of work and lifestyle opportunities. An avid fly fisherman, skier, and golfer, Stucki finds Utah to be the perfect backdrop for both career growth and outdoor recreation. 

“For me, it’s getting out in the river and going to battle with the trout … that’s how I recharge,” he said, describing his regular fishing trips to the Provo and Green Rivers, and excursions to Idaho, where he first learned to fish.

Beyond fly fishing, skiing in Utah’s renowned mountains and golfing in scenic landscapes offer Stucki an ideal way to unwind. In a state known for its natural beauty and access to outdoor activities, he has found both personal and professional fulfillment. His life in Utah reflects a broader appeal: the chance to balance a meaningful career with a high quality of life, making the state a compelling destination for professionals who value both work and recreation.

Building Community and Fostering Innovation

Qualtrics’ influence in Utah goes beyond its business operations — it extends into shaping the state’s tech culture and supporting local innovation. Under the leadership of co-founder Ryan Smith, Qualtrics has championed several community initiatives, helping attract diverse talent and supporting Utah’s growth as a hub for sports, entertainment and enterprise. One of Smith’s major projects is a tech-focused incubator known as The River District in Provo. This 26-acre live-work community aims to nurture emerging entrepreneurs by providing space and resources to build their startups. With residential units and collaborative office spaces, it’s a place designed for people to live, work, and innovate, supporting Provo’s long-standing entrepreneurial spirit and enhancing Utah’s appeal to tech talent from across the globe.

Looking Forward

As Utah’s tech landscape continues to expand, Qualtrics remains committed to playing a central role in that growth. The company’s success story is now part of Utah’s narrative, helping to position the state as a powerhouse for technology and innovation. 

For Stucki and the Qualtrics team, the future holds even more promise, with plans to deepen their roots in Utah while expanding on a global scale. 

“Our roots are our roots, and we’re proud of them … we’ll keep investing in that,” he said. “You don’t really leave your roots, and for us, that’s Utah. We’ll continue to invest here because the state has been great to us, and we’re proud to be part of its tech wave.”

Qualtrics’ commitment to Utah is more than symbolic. As the company grows, it’s dedicated to supporting Utah’s development into a national tech hub. Stucki’s vision reflects this as he looks to “ride the wave” of Utah’s tech boom while strengthening the company’s foundation in Provo. 

With deep ties to the state and an eye toward the future, Qualtrics is poised to remain a cornerstone of Utah’s tech success, illustrating what’s possible when a company grows alongside its community.