Full Breakdown
Utah Companies Innovate AI Deployment for Business Efficiency
3/24/2026, 5:06:51 PM
Transforming Healthcare and Hospitality with AI
In Utah, two companies are pioneering the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business operations in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. MyAdvice, led by Shawn Miele, has developed an AI system named Maya, which is tailored to the specific needs of healthcare providers. Unlike generic AI models, Maya is a custom small language model designed for each client, ensuring accurate responses based on verified information about their practice. This approach significantly reduces the risk of AI hallucinations—instances where AI generates incorrect information—thus fostering trust among clients and their patients.
The impact of Maya has been substantial; practices that have integrated this AI system have seen conversion rates triple and response times to patient reviews drop from an average of over 20 days to under 24 hours. Miele emphasizes that this efficiency allows healthcare providers to focus on higher-value activities, such as seeing more patients.
In the hospitality sector, Scott Van Hartesvelt's GCommerce is addressing the challenges posed by AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which often redirect travelers to third-party booking sites such as Expedia and Booking.com. This trend threatens to sever direct relationships between hotels and their customers, leading to significant commission costs for hotels. Van Hartesvelt likens this situation to the post-9/11 crisis when online travel agencies gained dominance over hotel bookings.
Innovative Solutions to Rebuild Direct Connections
GCommerce is actively working on a solution that involves integrating hotel inventory directly into AI systems. This initiative aims to ensure that when travelers use AI to inquire about accommodations, they receive information directly from hotels rather than third-party sites. This strategy seeks to restore the direct connection that has been lost in the digital age.
Both Miele and Van Hartesvelt acknowledge the complexities surrounding AI adoption, including trust issues from clients and concerns from staff about job security. However, they assert that businesses that successfully implement AI in a transparent and supportive manner will gain a competitive edge.
Official Statements & Responses
Miele stated, "We viewed AI as either the biggest opportunity of our lifetimes or an existential threat. It's probably both." He believes that Utah is poised to become a leader in AI technology, paralleling Silicon Valley's advancements. Van Hartesvelt echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency for hotels to adapt to the AI landscape to maintain customer relationships.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding AI deployment, there are concerns regarding the readiness of clients to trust AI systems. Additionally, staff members may fear the implications of AI on their roles, raising questions about job security and the ethical use of AI in customer interactions.
What's Next
As Utah's legislators continue to discuss regulatory frameworks for AI, Miele and Van Hartesvelt's initiatives demonstrate that AI is already transforming business practices on the ground. The ongoing development of tailored AI solutions in Utah's healthcare and hospitality sectors may set a precedent for broader applications across various industries.
