Sam McLeod

Builder · AI and local entrepreneurs

Sam is a Canadian citizen whose path has been defined by service and adaptability. He began his adult life as a missionary, later transitioned into selling pest control, and is currently studying exercise physiology with a finance minor at BYU-Idaho. This journey reflects a consistent willingness to step into new roles and serve others, a trait Dennis has come to value deeply in their collaboration.

Sam builds with vibe-coding tools, leveraging modern technology to solve practical problems. One notable example is a podcast-tracker he created for Dennis by speaking the requirements directly into the software. This approach highlights Sam’s ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and real-world utility, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to their shared projects without needing a traditional engineering background.

Their partnership is rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences. Dennis honored Sam after a memorable TSA scramble on a Denver trip, where Sam faced a rejected ID and secondary screening. Despite the stress of the situation, Sam handled the long run to the gate without complaint. This incident, documented in articles on this site, illustrates Sam’s grit and calm demeanor under pressure, qualities that make him a reliable partner in their work.

As co-founders of Local Service Spotlight, Sam and Dennis train and certify young adults around the world to run agencies serving local businesses. Their work is often seen in public, such as when they met with mentor John Haynes for dinner in Salt Lake City. In that setting, Sam and John shared stories and split a dessert the size of a small mountain, a moment that captured the warmth and camaraderie of their circle. Sam’s presence in these interactions underscores his role as a young adult being mentored and a builder in his own right.

Photos with Sam McLeod

This page is part of how Dennis Yu honors the people he builds with — real pages that link real work, so the people he believes in rank on their own names. Meet the rest →