Taco ’bout Real Estate: Relationships Over Returns

Join us for a fireside-style Taco ’bout Real Estate featuring Shane Smoot, founder of NovaSource, and Dallin Aston, a core member of the NovaSource team and host of the Deal Forge podcast.

Together, they’ll explore the principles that lead to lasting success in real estate—putting people before profit, creating value through trust, and leading with integrity. Drawing from Shane’s decades of experience and Dallin’s fresh perspective, this conversation dives into what it takes to build both great projects and lasting relationships.

It’s a candid discussion about leadership, reputation, and the kind of success that endures long after the deal is done.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 21
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: SLCC, 9690 South 300 West, Building 5, Room 333, Sandy, UT

Event Sponsor
A special thanks to Landmark Excavating and Tiago Alencar, who have been steadfast supporters of Taco ’bout Real Estate Tuesday from the very beginning. Landmark has sponsored more events than any other partner, and their ongoing commitment continues to make these gatherings possible.

RSVP
Seats fill up fast — RSVP today to secure your spot for this month’s Taco ’bout Real Estate!

Speaker Bio — Shane Smoot

Shane Smoot is the founder and managing principal of NovaSource, a multidisciplinary real estate development firm specializing in retail, commercial, hospitality, and residential projects throughout the Western United States.

Since its founding in 1999, NovaSource has completed more than 250 development projects across a wide range of asset classes and markets. The firm is known for helping retail chains and franchise brands expand strategically through acquisitions, development, and long-term growth planning. NovaSource’s expertise spans site valuation, deal structuring, entitlements, and construction management—executing every stage of the process with a focus on quality, efficiency, and lasting value.

Before founding NovaSource, Shane earned his Juris Doctor from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and became a member of both the Utah and Colorado State Bars. He began his legal career at Q Lube, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quaker State Oil, where he practiced real estate, acquisitions, and franchising law before advancing to Executive Vice President and board member. His time there provided the foundation for his deep understanding of growth, brand development, and scaling operations.

Driven by a desire to deepen his business expertise, Shane earned a Master’s Degree in Management Sciences from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1999. He has since combined legal, operational, and strategic insight to guide NovaSource’s evolution into one of the region’s most respected development firms.

Shane is passionate about building relationships and believes that integrity and fairness are the foundation of lasting success. His leadership has helped NovaSource become a trusted partner for developers, retailers, and investors across the West.

A Centerville, Utah native, Shane and his wife, Stacey, have six children and fifteen grandchildren. From 2017 to 2020, they presided over the Japan Kobe Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a service experience that deeply influenced his personal and professional outlook.

Speaker Bio — Dallin Aston

Dallin Aston is a Utah-based real estate developer and a core member of the NovaSource team, where he manages projects from acquisition and entitlements through vertical construction and sale. He is passionate about transforming raw land into thriving, income-producing properties that strengthen communities and create long-term value.

Dallin’s path into real estate began unconventionally—with the launch of a guitar company in 2019. That entrepreneurial venture opened the door to private capital raising and his first short-term rental developments in Moab, Utah. Those early experiences sparked his deep interest in real estate, leading him to join NovaSource and immerse himself in full-scale development.

At NovaSource, Dallin works closely with city officials, investors, and design teams to bring complex projects to life. His day-to-day work blends creativity and structure—balancing the art of vision with the discipline of execution. Known for his thoughtful approach and relationship-building skills, Dallin exemplifies the next generation of developers who lead with integrity and collaboration.

In addition to his work at NovaSource, Dallin is the creator and host of the Deal Forge Podcast, where he interviews developers, investors, and industry leaders about innovation, strategy, and leadership in real estate. He is also pursuing a Master of Real Estate Development at the University of Utah, combining formal education with practical experience to refine his craft.

Dallin’s work is guided by a simple philosophy: strong relationships build strong projects. He believes success in real estate is measured not just in completed developments, but in the trust and value created along the way.

Event Sponsor — Landmark Excavating

A special thanks to Landmark Excavating and Tiago Alencar for their ongoing support of Taco ’bout Real Estate Tuesday. Landmark has been one of our most consistent and generous sponsors since the beginning, helping make these events possible month after month.

Founded in 2003, Landmark Excavating has grown from a small operation with a single skid-steer and dump truck into one of Utah’s most respected general contractors. The company partners with developers, municipalities, and state agencies to deliver a wide range of heavy civil projects—always with a commitment to quality, safety, and on-time delivery.

Their dedication to excellence, reliability, and community aligns perfectly with the spirit of Taco ’bout Real Estate. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and the integral role they’ve played in supporting Utah’s real estate and development community.

Contact Information
Contact: Tiago Alencar
Mobile: (760) 716-5813
Email: dGFsZW5jYXIgfCBsYW5kbWFya2V4YyAhIGNvbQ==
Website: https://www.landmarkexc.com/

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