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, and grew stronger with time, eventually leading him to pursue a degree in marine biology from the University of California - Santa Barbara. Andersen returned to Utah, and started The Living Planet Inc. as a 501©3 nonprofit organization. He began by creating the Aqua Van in 1999, bringing small aquatic animals to schools throughout the state and delivering educational programming. The popularity and 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. 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 5 million visitors.