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SALT LAKE CITY — When David Utrilla emigrated from his native Peru in 1994, he hoped one day to parlay his appreciation of education and cultural enrichment into a viable business opportunity in his newly adopted home of Ogden.
Nearly 20 years later, the company he co-founded is not only expanding, but it has become a leader in providing translation services to hundreds of clients around the world.
The Weber State alumnus is now the sole owner of U.S. Translation Company, which provides translation, interpretation and communication services in more than 100 languages, as well as offering one of the largest inventories of simultaneous interpretation equipment (i.e., headsets and transmission devices) in the state.
Strategically, its going to be better to be in Salt Lake City (because) it's a more central location with proximity to the Salt Palace and EnergySolutions Arena where we provide a lot of our interpreting services.
–David Utrilla
In July, the company provided translators, interpreters, transmission equipment and headsets for participants of the first-ever U.S. and China Trade, Culture and Education Conference in Salt Lake City.
U.S. Translation Company also is contracted to provide intensive immersion language training for the military. Besides training, the company provides translation services for companies or individuals on technical documents in various fields, such as legal or medical.
Started in 1995, the company now services clients across the country and internationally, employing 13 full- time managers and administrators along with approximately 2,000 translators and interpreters who work as on-call independent contractors. While Utrilla was able to increase the company's reach in Ogden's growing global outdoor recreation industry, he felt a move south to Salt Lake City would work to the long-term advantage of the company.
U.S. Translation is moving its corporate operations to a four-story building located at 320 West and 200 South in downtown Salt Lake City. The decades-old property is undergoing an extensive renovation, he explained.
Upon completion in October, he hopes to have the building placed on the city's historic registry. He said the relocation to the state's capital and business hub is a significant milestone in the company's growth and should provide numerous opportunities in the years to come.
"Strategically, its going to be better to be in Salt Lake City (because) it's a more central location with proximity to the Salt Palace and EnergySolutions Arena where we provide a lot of our interpreting services," he explained. The company plans to add up to 15 new full-time employees in the next year or two, he added.
I did it because … (upon moving to America) I was struggling with language and communicating. So I thought there must be other people like me.
–Utrilla
"In the last three years, our company has experienced rapid growth," Utrilla said.
Last year, U.S. Translation Company was recognized on Inc. 500|5000’s list of fastest growing companies in America. Among language services providers, the company ranked fourth nationwide and No. 1 in Utah. In addition, the company has received Utah’s Best of State Award in Language Services for three years running.
Utrilla said the Internet has been one of the greatest sources of growth of late, with many clients contacting the firm from locations around the globe.
Reflecting on his recent success, he credited his wife Krista with encouraging him to pursue his passions of business and education.
"I did it because … (upon moving to America) I was struggling with language and communicating," he said. "So I thought there must be other people like me."
Utrilla, who also serves as honorary consul of Peru in Utah, said learning to master English was the first "equivalent" of success in his life.
"It's very important that when customers use our services, they see it as an investment," Utrilla said. "If other companies where to do the same thing (and learn to) communicate correctly and accurately with their customers, they will have success."
Email: jlee@ksl.com
