"It's important for me to have people learn whether they really are entrepreneurs, and, if they have what it takes, what it will take to make them successful. And I think it's incumbent on me to teach people that."

Others have noticed what's cooking in Ogden. During a recent panel discussion about Utah's technology future, Jeff Edwards, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Development Corp. of Utah, heaped praise on Hall's activities.

"Grow Utah Ventures is one of the most innovative, interesting, progressive things that has happened in this state in forever," Edwards said. "I just really applaud Alan, and there are others out there like him that want to put their gain that they've gotten in this world and put it back into good use."

Hall would be happy to see that happen, now and in the future. He hopes those benefiting from Grow Utah in some way give back to their community. He recalls being a Peace Corps volunteer with his wife in Brazil, earning 11 cents per hour but still finding time to teach folks there leadership skills.

"I teach these entrepreneurs that it's not about having $100 million in the bank. It's about having the spirit to help. Giving and being charitable can happen at anybody's stage in life," he said.

He also hopes the state's budding business executives do what they can, whenever they're able, to lend their own helping hands to other would-be entrepreneurs while perhaps foregoing their own yachting activities.

"I tell all of them, 'Replicate what I do here. It's a really good thing to do. If you guys and gals take your businesses to a level where you add some wealth, what I want you to do is repeat it. You go find entrepreneurs and take money and help your community and let's keep this thing going,' Hall said.

"That's what makes a community grow."

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com