About Brent

Brent Andersen's curiosity for marine life was sparked by a book given to him as a child by his grandmother. Curiosity quickly grew into a passionate pursuit of learning that never waned, leading him to pursue a degree in marine biology from the University of California - Santa Barbara. After starting a successful career in biotech, Andersen decided to return to Utah and start The Living Planet Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He introduced the Aqua Van in 1999, bringing educational programming and small aquatic animals to schools throughout the state. The demand for these programs grew, attracting sponsors and donors who were instrumental in helping him secure a 10,000 square-foot space at the Gateway Mall in 2004 to create a preview of the aquarium he envisioned for the Salt Lake City community.

As popularity grew, so did the need for a larger, more complex facility that would offer a richer experience, more diverse array of wildlife, and accommodate more visitors. In just two years, the Aquarium relocated to a 43,000 square-foot location in Sandy. The expanded location experienced increased demand year after year. Then in 2014, the world-class facility that Brent had always envisioned opened in its current location in Draper. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is one of the nation’s largest aquariums, and since its opening has attracted more than 3.5 million visitors. Andersen keeps the book his grandmother gave him in his office as a reminder to never stop pursuing his dreams. He enjoys walking through the Aquarium daily, blending in with guests taking in their excitement, listening and thinking of ways to expand and enrich their experience. 

Lecture