The Midnight Founders Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Midnight Founders
The Midnight Founders Podcast is focused on telling the behind-the-scenes stories for what makes a successful entrepreneur.
In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Brady Jensen, Founder and CEO of Summit Construction. Brady shares his journey from getting started in construction to building a company that has completed more than 200 home projects across Utah County.
We talk about entrepreneurship, navigating the ups and downs of the construction industry, building a reputation around integrity and transparency, and what it takes to create a business that lasts. Brady also shares lessons he’s learned from over 18 years in the industry and the importance of putting relationships at the center of business.
If you’re building a company, leading a team, or looking to learn from an experienced entrepreneur, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Jennifer Yeo has built more than a real estate company—she's built a brand rooted in leadership, resilience, and raising the standard. As the founder and CEO of Presidio Real Estate, she has grown one of Utah's largest brokerages while navigating market crashes, entrepreneurship, and even the spotlight of reality television.
In this episode of Midnight Founders, Jennifer shares the story behind building Presidio from the ground up, the leadership principles that helped her scale a company with hundreds of agents, and why integrity has remained at the center of every decision. We also dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, taking calculated risks, building a lasting culture, and what it really takes to lead when the pressure is on.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone looking to build something meaningful, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom on growth, resilience, and creating a legacy that lasts.
What happens when decades of experience in the emergency room shape the future of preventative wellness?
This week on Midnight Founders, we sit down with Dr. David K. Anderson, Chief Medical Officer at SALT. Hydration & Wellness. After more than 30 years as an emergency physician, Dr. Anderson has seen healthcare at its most critical—and now he's helping shift the conversation from treating illness to proactively improving health through accessible, patient-centered wellness.
In this conversation, we dive into the evolution of modern healthcare, the science behind IV therapy and preventative wellness, what it takes to build trust in a rapidly growing industry, and how medical leadership and entrepreneurship can work together to improve lives. Dr. Anderson also shares lessons from decades in emergency medicine, the importance of rigorous medical standards, and why the future of healthcare is moving beyond the walls of the hospital.
Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, or living a healthier life, this episode is packed with practical insights from a physician who has spent his career on the front lines of medicine.
In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Jason Christensen, co-founder of Blue Unicorn, to explore what it really takes to build a product people can't stop talking about.
Jason shares his journey from building and exiting a successful business to launching Blue Unicorn alongside Dr. Luke Tolley and creating a protein bar that challenges everything consumers expect from healthy food. We dive into the realities of bringing a physical product to market, earning shelf space, building a brand from the ground up, and balancing growth with purpose. Blue Unicorn's plant-based, allergen-friendly protein bars are manufactured in Utah and have quickly gained traction by focusing on taste just as much as nutrition.
Whether you're launching your first startup, building a consumer brand, or looking for practical lessons from someone who's been through multiple entrepreneurial journeys, this conversation is packed with insights on persistence, product-market fit, leadership, and creating something people genuinely love.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and building the "unicorn" product everyone says can't exist.
What happens when personal pain becomes the driving force behind a company that's changing lives?
In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Thomas Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Cove, a company pioneering non-invasive technology designed to help people improve focus, reduce stress, and support mental wellness. Thomas shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his mission—from losing his brother to addiction to overcoming his own struggles with anxiety—and how those moments inspired him to build a business focused on restoring hope through innovation.
We dive into what it takes to build a mission-driven startup, the challenges of bringing breakthrough technology to market, balancing purpose with growth, and why the best companies solve problems their founders have lived firsthand. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or searching for purpose in your work, this conversation is packed with powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and creating meaningful impact.
What separates companies that survive from those that become category leaders?
In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Stephen Smith and Thomas Wilkinson, the leaders behind Ollin Ventures, a Utah-based venture capital firm investing in the next generation of AI-native startups. As founders, operators, and investors, Steve and Thomas bring a unique perspective on what it takes to build enduring companies in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
We discuss how Ollin evaluates founders, why they believe the future belongs to AI-native businesses, the biggest mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make, and what separates fundable ideas from scalable companies. They also share lessons from working with dozens of startups, raising capital, navigating uncertainty, and building businesses that create lasting value.
Whether you're launching your first venture, raising capital, or simply fascinated by the startup world, this conversation offers an inside look at how successful founders think, execute, and grow.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, venture capital, AI, and the mindset required to build something that lasts.
In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Devon Millington, CEO of QVR and a leader dedicated to transforming how disability care is delivered. With a background in behavior analysis and years of experience building organizations that serve vulnerable populations, Devon shares what it takes to scale mission-driven companies while staying focused on people.
We dive into the challenges of leading through uncertainty, building systems that create real impact, and the lessons he's learned as an entrepreneur navigating rapid growth. Devon also opens up about the connection between leadership, personal development, and creating organizations that prioritize both accountability and human connection.
Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or looking to make a meaningful difference through your work, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting impact.
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Shurian, an entrepreneur whose journey has been defined by resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. As an 8-time founder, 4-time business exit entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, and leadership coach, Chris has spent nearly four decades building companies across construction, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and more.
Chris shares the lessons he's learned from building and scaling businesses, navigating setbacks, leading through adversity, and helping other founders make better decisions when the pressure is highest. From entrepreneurial wins to hard-earned battle scars, this conversation dives into what it really takes to build a meaningful business and a fulfilling life.
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or leader looking for clarity in your next season of growth, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, powerful stories, and insights you won't want to miss.
Albert Foster from Express Evaluations joins the Midnight Founders Podcast to share how he built a business around trust, relationships, and helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. In this episode, Albert talks about the world of appraisals and evaluations, what most people misunderstand about the real estate industry, and the lessons he’s learned while growing a company in a competitive market.
The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, building credibility, and why consistency matters more than hype when creating a long-term business. Whether you’re in real estate, business, or simply trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with practical insights and founder-focused wisdom.
Tyler Jennings joins the Midnight Founders Podcast to talk about building Utah into one of the strongest startup and business ecosystems in the country. As part of the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, Tyler is helping connect founders, investors, and innovators while creating opportunities for the next generation of builders across the state.
In this episode, we dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, economic growth, and what it takes to build lasting communities around innovation. Tyler shares lessons from working with startups, scaling founder networks across Utah, and why he believes the future of business is being built right here in Utah. If you care about startups, leadership, and the people shaping the future of the state, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.
In this episode of the Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Doug Edwards from NRV Utah to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to build businesses that strengthen communities. With decades of experience helping companies grow and transform, Doug shares lessons on scaling organizations, navigating change, and creating long-term impact through purpose-driven leadership.
We also dive into the vision behind NRV Utah and why storytelling, local connection, and highlighting good people still matter in today’s fast-moving digital world. Doug opens up about the importance of relationships in business, building trust over time, and how entrepreneurs can stay grounded while pursuing ambitious goals.
If you’re a founder, creator, or someone trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, growth, and building a life centered on contribution instead of just success.
In this episode, we sit down with Alec Abdul-Rahim, who works in vertical solutions at Column Bank, to break down how banking is evolving for modern businesses.
Alec shares how companies can better leverage financial infrastructure, what most founders misunderstand about banking, and how tailored solutions are changing the way businesses scale.
We get into the intersection of finance and operations, why traditional banking models fall short for high-growth companies, and what founders should actually be paying attention to when managing money.
If you’re building or scaling a company, this is a conversation that will change how you think about your financial systems.
In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Butler, founder of Relevant and Marketing Director at BYU. Shawn is a seasoned marketing strategist, educator, and storyteller with deep experience in branding, communication, and helping organizations clarify their message and connect more effectively with their audiences.
We dive into his journey through business and education, the principles behind powerful messaging, and how authenticity and clarity can completely transform the way ideas spread. Shawn also shares insights from his work leading marketing initiatives at BYU and building Relevant, along with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone looking to sharpen their voice in today’s digital world.
Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or just trying to communicate better, this conversation will challenge the way you think about storytelling, strategy, and impact.
Steven Heumann, CEO and Founder of Super Heumann Creative, joins the podcast to break down what it really takes to build a creative brand that stands out in a crowded market.
In this episode, Steven shares how he turned creativity into a business, the mindset shifts required to go from creator to CEO, and what most brands get wrong when it comes to storytelling and content. We dive into the balance between art and strategy, how to create work that actually converts, and why authenticity is the only real long-term advantage.
Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or someone trying to grow a brand online, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at building something meaningful—and making it work at scale.
Brent Bingham, founder of Eclipse Marketing, joins the podcast to share what it really takes to build a marketing company that drives results. From early challenges to scaling a business in a competitive industry, Brent breaks down the mindset, systems, and strategies that separate average agencies from great ones.
This conversation dives into what’s actually working in marketing today, how to create campaigns that convert, and why most businesses struggle to turn attention into revenue.
In this episode, we sit down with Silvano Sbarra, a management consultant at JES America Inc., to dive into what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain successful organizations in today’s fast-moving world. With years of experience advising companies across industries, Silvano shares powerful insights on leadership, operational efficiency, and the strategies that separate thriving businesses from those that struggle to keep up.
We explore how effective management goes beyond systems and processes—it’s about people, vision, and execution. Silvano breaks down practical ways leaders can improve decision-making, develop stronger teams, and create long-term value inside their organizations.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone looking to grow in your career, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom you can apply immediately.
Amy Kendall, founder of Hello Story, joins the podcast for a conversation about the power of storytelling and the role it plays in shaping brands, businesses, and personal missions. Through her work with Hello Story, Amy helps individuals and organizations uncover the deeper “why” behind what they do and communicate it in a way that truly connects with people.
In this episode, Amy shares insights from her experience helping leaders and companies clarify their message, build authentic brands, and use storytelling as a tool for impact. We talk about the difference between simply marketing something and telling a story that resonates, how businesses can communicate with purpose, and why the most powerful brands are built on authenticity.
If you’re interested in branding, communication, and the deeper purpose behind the work we do, this conversation with Amy offers thoughtful perspective and practical insight.
In this episode, we sit down with Danato Callahan, CEO of Bright Investor, to talk about entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and what it takes to build a business in today’s market.
Danato shares the story behind Bright Investor and how the company is helping real estate investors find better deals through powerful data and market insights. We dive into the mindset required to succeed in business, lessons learned from building a company, and how technology is changing the way people invest in real estate.
Whether you’re an experienced investor, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to get started in real estate, this episode offers valuable insights on identifying opportunities, thinking long term, and building something meaningful.
In this episode, we sit down with Brian Case, founder of Direct Wealth Care, to talk about what it really means to take ownership of your financial future.
Brian shares why he built Direct Wealth Care around a different model — one that puts people first, removes hidden incentives, and challenges the traditional wealth management industry. We dive into entrepreneurship, stewardship, long-term thinking, and how clarity creates confidence when it comes to money.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a family, or trying to create lasting impact, this conversation will reshape how you think about wealth — not just as numbers, but as responsibility and opportunity.
If you care about freedom, intentional living, and making wise decisions with what you’ve been given, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Mumford, owner of GrindTime Stump Grinding, to talk about what it really takes to build a service-based business from the ground up.
Tyler shares how he got started in the stump grinding industry, the lessons he’s learned running a blue-collar business, and what separates companies that survive from the ones that scale. From customer service and branding to grit, consistency, and showing up every day — this conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs at any stage.
Whether you’re building a home service company, thinking about starting your own business, or just love hearing stories of people who bet on themselves — this episode delivers real, unfiltered perspective on growth, work ethic, and doing things the right way.
Tune in for a conversation about ownership, momentum, and what it means to truly “grind” for your goals.
On today’s episode we’re joined by Byron Belka, the visionary behind The Well Collective, a community focused on helping people experience life at a deeper level—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Byron opens up about his own transformation, the power of authentic connection, and how The Well is creating spaces where people can belong, grow, and thrive. We explore faith in everyday life, leading with heart, and why building collective impact starts with showing up for others. Tune in for wisdom, vulnerability, and a powerful call to live with intention.
In this episode, we sit down with Wade Millward, a leader at Rikor, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a brand in today’s competitive landscape.
Wade shares his journey, lessons learned along the way, and how Riko has focused on innovation, execution, and culture to grow. We dive into leadership, business strategy, and the mindset required to build something that lasts.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone looking to grow in business and leadership, this episode is packed with real insight and practical takeaways.
In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Rowe, CEO and Founder of SEBO Marketing, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a successful marketing agency. Bruce shares his journey from getting started in the digital marketing world to leading a results-driven team that helps brands grow through strategy, execution, and consistency.
We dive into lessons learned as a founder, common mistakes businesses make with marketing, how to stand out in a crowded digital space, and what separates agencies that last from those that burn out. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or business owner, this episode is packed with real-world insights you can apply immediately.
In this episode, we sit down with Daren Smith, founder of Craftsman Films, to talk about storytelling, filmmaking, and building a creative business with intention. Daren shares his journey into film, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to create meaningful, high-quality work in a fast-paced digital world.
We dive into the mindset behind craftsmanship in film, balancing creativity with business, and how staying true to your vision can set your work apart. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates great stories, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways from someone living the craft every day.
In this episode, we sit down with Gage Cummings, founder of Bosso Lighting, to talk about what it really takes to build a standout service business in a competitive market. Gage shares how Bosso Lighting grew by focusing on quality, consistency, and customer experience—and why lighting is more than just an install, it’s a transformation.
We dive into entrepreneurship, leadership lessons learned in the field, scaling a hands-on business, and the mindset required to turn hard work into long-term success. Whether you’re a business owner, creative, or someone looking to build something meaningful from the ground up, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.
In this episode, we sit down with Dan Fairbanks, CEO and Co-Founder of Vibework, to break down what it really takes to build culture, systems, and momentum inside a growing company. Dan shares the story behind Vibework, the problems they set out to solve, and how intentional leadership and people-first strategy can transform the way teams operate.
We dive into entrepreneurship, scaling challenges, leadership lessons, and how technology can support—not replace—human connection at work. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or someone passionate about building meaningful teams, this conversation offers practical insight and real-world wisdom you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with Kenzie Bates, founder of Kenzie’s Events, to uncover what really goes into creating moments people remember for a lifetime. From stunning event design to the behind-the-scenes systems that keep everything running seamlessly, Kenzie shares her journey of turning a passion for creativity into a thriving business.
We dive into:
- How Kenzie launched and grew Kenzie’s Events
- The challenges of scaling a service-based business
- The art of designing events that feel personal, intentional, and elevated
- Her favorite client stories and what they taught her
- What it really takes to build a brand centered on experience
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone who loves a good transformation story, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and inspiration. Tune in and learn what makes an event truly unforgettable.
In this episode, we sit down with Jon Cheney, founder of GenAIPI, to unpack where artificial intelligence is really headed—and what that means for your life, career, and future. Jon breaks down the rapid evolution of AI in a way that’s practical, grounded, and surprisingly human.
We dive into the opportunities most people are missing, the biggest misconceptions around AI “taking over,” and how to integrate these tools into your daily workflow without losing creativity, purpose, or control. Jon also shares actionable strategies for staying ahead of the curve as AI transforms industries across the world.
Whether you’re curious about what’s next or you’re trying to understand how to use AI without being consumed by it, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and confidence for the future.
Tune in—you won’t want to miss this one.
In this episode, we sit down with Hunter and Taylor Ballam — the visionary co-founders behind Moto Studios, a creative agency redefining what it means to bring stories to life. From their early days of filming passion projects to scaling a full-blown production studio, the Ballam brothers share their journey of grit, creativity, and the lessons learned along the way.
In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa DeHart, the Founder and Executive Director of the Utah Advocacy Coalition, to discuss what it really takes to create change at the community level. Alyssa shares her journey of founding the Coalition, the challenges of advocating for those whose voices often go unheard, and the impact her team is making across Utah.
We dive into the importance of grassroots advocacy, policy reform, and how individuals can get involved to make a real difference. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, community building, or simply want to understand how advocacy shapes the world around us, this episode will leave you inspired to take action.
Tune in to hear Alyssa’s story, her insights on leadership through service, and the vision driving the Utah Advocacy Coalition forward.
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Janeway, the CEO and Founder of MediPro Direct, a nationwide leader in medical testing and specimen collection services. Ryan shares his incredible journey of building MediPro from the ground up — transforming it from a small startup into a trusted partner for insurance companies, healthcare organizations, and corporations across the U.S.
We dive into his entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges of scaling a service-based business, and how innovation and leadership have shaped MediPro’s success. Ryan also opens up about what it takes to lead with integrity, adapt in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, and build a company that puts people first.
If you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or anyone passionate about growth and impact, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with Parker Vassau — the powerhouse behind Pointe Marketing, who’s absolutely dominating in both the door-to-door (D2D) and real estate industries. Parker breaks down what it takes to succeed in two of the most competitive spaces out there, sharing raw insights on sales, mindset, and leadership. From building teams to closing deals, this conversation is packed with real talk and valuable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their game.
🎙️ Tune in to hear how Parker built his success from the ground up and what it really takes to thrive in business today.
In this episode, we welcome Michael Allen, the founder of the Heare Brotherhood Foundation—a movement focused on creating connection, accountability, and purpose for men striving to become their best selves. Michael opens up about the story that sparked the foundation, the mission behind it, and the powerful role brotherhood plays in mental health, resilience, and personal growth.
We talk about the importance of showing up for each other, building real community, and living with intention. Michael’s insights offer both inspiration and practical steps for anyone looking to grow, strengthen relationships, and find deeper meaning in life.
In this episode, we sit down with Logan James, co-founder of ThriftJam, the innovative brand bringing thrifting to the streets with their one-of-a-kind Thrift Bus. Logan shares how a simple idea turned into a mobile thrifting experience, making sustainable fashion more fun, accessible, and community-driven.
We talk about the early days of building ThriftJam, what it’s like running a business out of a bus, and how they’re redefining secondhand shopping for a new generation. Logan also dives into the entrepreneurial lessons learned along the way—from creativity and risk-taking to scaling an unconventional idea into a movement.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a fashion lover, or just curious about how unique ideas take off, this episode will inspire you to think differently.
In this episode, we sit down with Landon Ainge, founder of Tribe Angels, an investment group that’s redefining how capital and community come together. Landon shares his journey of building Tribe Angels, the mission behind creating a strong network of investors, and how founders can better align themselves with the right partners. We dive into the world of angel investing, what Tribe looks for in startups, and the unique opportunities available when you bring people and purpose together.
Whether you’re a founder seeking funding or an investor looking to be part of something bigger, Landon’s insights will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to invest in both companies and communities.
In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nigri, Chief Experience Officer at Senya, a fast-growing SaaS platform transforming how schools connect with substitute teachers. Rachel shares her journey of joining Senya in its early days and wearing multiple hats to help scale the company from filling just a handful of sub positions a week to hundreds per day.
We dive into the challenges of building trust between schools and subs, the importance of creating great user experiences in edtech, and how Rachel continues to grow as a leader while pursuing her MBA. Her story is one of adaptability, innovation, and a passion for making education systems run more smoothly.
Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, edtech innovation, or leadership development, Rachel’s insights will inspire you to rethink what it means to build solutions that truly make an impact.
In this episode, we sit down with Seth Jensen, Managing Director of the Baugh Entrepreneurial Institute at UVU, to dive into the world of innovation, student founders, and what it takes to launch a successful startup. Seth has a front-row seat to some of the most inspiring young entrepreneurs—many already building profitable businesses while still in school.
He shares practical advice for startups, the importance of building genuine connections, and how the Institute is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Utah. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or already scaling your venture, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
This week we sit down with Eric Beckman of Aptly, who’s making waves in the property management world. Eric has a proven track record of spotting opportunities in industries people assume are “tapped out” and finding ways to innovate where others have stopped trying. From his deep experience in property management to his vision for where the industry is headed, Eric brings sharp insights, fresh ideas, and a no-nonsense approach to growth. Whether you’re in real estate, property management, or just looking to learn how to disrupt a “boring” industry, this conversation will get you thinking differently.
In this episode, we sit down with Levi Lindsay, VP of Marketing at Hona, to dive into the world of creative marketing, brand storytelling, and what it takes to stand out in a noisy digital space. Levi shares his journey into marketing leadership, the strategies that fuel Hona’s growth, and the lessons he’s learned about connecting with audiences in authentic ways. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone passionate about creativity, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with Nate Allen, CTO of Pollen Sense, to talk about the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the power of data collection. Nate shares how Pollen Sense is transforming the way we understand environmental data, the challenges of building tech-driven solutions, and the lessons he’s learned from leading in a fast-paced startup environment. Whether you’re a founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about turning big ideas into reality, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to think differently about innovation.
In this episode, AJ and Jake sit down with Nathan Byrd, the founder of Acquisition IQ — a company that's reshaping the way businesses approach acquisitions. With a passion that's contagious, Nathan shares how he helps companies navigate the complex world of buying and selling with confidence. From both sides of the deal table, he’s seen it all — and now he's breaking it down through powerful, game-changing workshops that are making waves in the industry. Whether you’re building to sell or looking to acquire, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration.
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Cory Ivins and Aaron Shields, the dynamic duo behind Mountainside, a business-to-business company that's redefining how organizations think about culture. Cory and Aaron share how they help companies create intentional, high-performance cultures that fuel real growth—not just feel-good buzzwords. From leadership development to organizational alignment, they break down practical ways to build the kind of culture your business will actually thrive in. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling a team, this conversation will challenge the way you think about what makes companies succeed.
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Mel Torrie, the visionary founder and CEO of Autonomous Solutions. Mel shares his journey from startup beginnings to leading a cutting-edge tech company that's redefining innovation and automation. He offers powerful insights on scaling a business, staying ahead in the tech world, and making bold decisions that drive real growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Mel’s practical advice and forward-thinking mindset will leave you inspired to level up your game.
A look back at some of the best moments and lessons learned over the last year on The Midnight Founders Podcast!
In this episode of the Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Scott Hughes, the founder of Saniderm and a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and sold multiple companies. Scott shares his journey of identifying unique needs in niche markets and turning those insights into thriving businesses. From developing products that serve both individuals and large-scale enterprises to scaling operations and eventually exiting, Scott offers invaluable advice on product-market fit, brand building, and seizing opportunities others overlook. If you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for strategic insight into niche domination, this one’s for you.
In this episode of the Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Mirgen Hoxha, founder of Motomtech, to explore the intersection of international trade and tech entrepreneurship.
Mirgen brings a wealth of experience in navigating global markets and shares key lessons he’s learned while building and scaling a tech company across borders. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, his insights on thinking globally, managing cross-border logistics, and entering international markets are invaluable.
What you’ll learn:
- How to approach international trade as a startup
- Strategies for scaling a tech product beyond domestic borders
- Why global thinking is essential from day one
Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration from a founder who’s turning bold ideas into global solutions.
What happens when you trust your gut, embrace the unconventional, and let MC Hammer pitch your product on Oprah? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Pedersen, founder of ZAGG—the company behind the iconic invisibleSHIELD. Robert shares the scrappy beginnings of a now-global brand, diving deep into what it takes to innovate in crowded markets and stand out with bold, sometimes wild, marketing moves. From startup struggles to striking gold with protective tech for electronics, this is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and fearless branding. If you're a founder looking to zig where others zag, this one's for you.
On this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we’re joined by Whitney Rigby, the visionary CEO and founder of Magnetic Hair Design. With no background as a hairstylist, Whitney entered the beauty industry with a bold idea—to build a magnetic brand that redefines what it means to feel confident and beautiful. She shares how she identified a gap in the market, scaled her business from the ground up, and built a strong community around innovation, aesthetics, and leadership. This is a conversation about trusting your gut, leading with intention, and creating something magnetic—without following the traditional path.
In this episode, we’re joined by Cory Ivins, Aaron Shields, and Vanessa Perez — the visionary leaders behind MakeUtah, a groundbreaking hub that's building the future of hard-tech innovation. From concept to commercialization, MakeUtah is redefining what it means to be a maker by equipping entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools, strategic industry partnerships, and mentorship that fuels real economic impact.
We dive into how MakeUtah is transforming big ideas into market-ready solutions and creating a space where creators, engineers, and founders collaborate to drive serious innovation and growth.
In this powerful episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Vega, CEO of Promise2Live—a life-saving nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Brandy shares her deeply personal story of how a crisis in her own home sparked a mission to help others facing similar battles. Through Promise2Live, she’s created a movement encouraging individuals to make a simple yet powerful commitment: to promise to live and to reach out when in need.
We talk about:
- The heartbreaking story that inspired the foundation
- How Promise2Live is using digital campaigns and real-world outreach to make a difference
- Why vulnerability and connection are the antidotes to silent suffering
- The challenges of founding a nonprofit rooted in pain—and the healing that can follow
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, social impact, or finding purpose through adversity.
👉 Learn more and take the pledge at Promise2Live.org
Warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide and mental health that may be triggering to some listeners.
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we're diving deep into the future of global hiring with Landon Pitcher and Sam Hendrickson, the visionary founders behind Kiin — the offshore hiring service that’s changing the game by making sure talented workers around the world get paid fairly.
Landon, a returning guest and seasoned entrepreneur, brings powerful insights on how to scale companies ethically and intentionally. Sam adds his fresh perspective as they unpack the challenges and breakthroughs of building Kiin. Together, they share how they’re not just outsourcing work — they’re building a movement that empowers people across borders.
If you're thinking about scaling your team, hiring globally, or just want to build a business that actually makes the world better, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we sit down with Trina Limpert, founder of RizeNext, whose extensive experience in the tech industry includes leadership roles at Oracle, eBay, and other major players. Trina shares her entrepreneurial journey and dives into powerful insights on how to navigate and adapt your business in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. From building inclusive innovation to staying ahead in digital transformation, Trina brings real-world advice for founders looking to thrive in the new age of technology.
Trevor Schultz, founder of JJ Coffee Co., has built a standout coffee brand in a market where coffee culture isn’t the norm. He shares his journey of overcoming local stigmas, building a loyal customer base, and maintaining top-tier quality. Now preparing to launch his second location, Trevor offers valuable lessons on scaling a business while staying authentic to your original vision. His practical advice and real-world experience make this a must-listen for any entrepreneur navigating growth in a challenging market.
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Blood — serial entrepreneur and founder of KaJae, a trailblazing offshore staff augmentation company that’s changing the game for startups and scaling businesses. With years of experience helping companies grow efficiently and sustainably, Garrett shares his journey of launching KaJae, lessons learned from scaling multiple ventures, and what founders need to know when building lean, effective teams in today’s global economy.
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with one of Utah’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, Jeff Flamm—founder of Infinite Mind and a key partner behind Koloa Landing, one of the premier resorts in Kauai.
Jeff shares the incredible journey of building businesses that leave a lasting legacy, from partnering with industry giants to creating experiences that inspire. But beyond the business success, Jeff opens up about something even more powerful—how to stay grounded and happy through life’s hardest moments.
Whether you're chasing your first big idea or navigating challenges on your entrepreneurial path, this episode is full of real, unfiltered wisdom on business, mindset, and living with purpose.
In this electrifying episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Kreg Peeler, the visionary founder of EVject—a game-changing company making massive waves in the EV industry. Kreg has worked alongside industry giants, from Elon Musk to every major car company you can name, bringing innovation to the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.
We dive into his incredible journey—how he built a powerhouse brand, pioneered cutting-edge technology, and navigated the high-stakes world of automotive innovation. Kreg shares insights on what it takes to disrupt a trillion-dollar industry, build real relationships with top-tier players, and stay ahead of the curve.
If you’re into startups, tech, or just want to know what it's like to collaborate with the world’s most powerful innovators, this one’s for you.
Join us as we chat with Heather Groom, former campaign manager turned top Utah realtor. She shares how political strategy shaped her business mindset, the keys to success in real estate, and the habits every entrepreneur needs to thrive. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on leadership, negotiation, and building a winning career!
On this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Eric Engebretson, founder of Bloom—a company dedicated to making a social impact through offshore staff augmentation. Eric shares how Bloom is transforming businesses while changing lives, providing opportunities for talented individuals in less fortunate circumstances. We dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a purpose-driven company, and how social impact and business growth go hand in hand. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about using business as a force for good!
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we chat with Jill Schulman—Marine veteran, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker—on overcoming fear and embracing bravery. She shares lessons from the military, business, and life to help you push past limitations and take bold action. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on courage and resilience!
In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Travis Stringham, the mastermind behind Origin Branch Merch. With a reputation for crafting high-quality merchandise, Travis has worked with some of the biggest names in the game—including professional sports teams like the Lakers and the Jazz. We dive into his journey of building a top-tier merch company, the secrets behind creating products that fans love, and how he’s scaled his business to work with elite brands. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or just a fan of great merch, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!
Your personal brand matters more than ever. Connor Dehlin, co-founder of WTF Media Network (Worth the Follow), helps leaders refine their message, create standout content, and build influence. In this episode, he shares the secrets to communicating with confidence—on stage, online, and in business. In this episode, we discuss:
- The blurred line between business and personal branding—why authenticity wins and how to make it work for you.
- Why most founders struggle to explain what they do—and the simple formula to refine your pitch in 60 seconds.
- The mindset shift that helps business leaders show up online with confidence, plus the "HDMI" storytelling framework for stronger messaging.
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Most executives focus on managing the business, but great leaders inspire and align people. Michael Simpson, CEO and co-founder of Pairin, shares what it really takes to lead effectively and drive long-term success.
- Most companies are over-managed and under-led. Here’s how to shift focus from operations to inspiration.
- The five essential leadership skills that bring clarity, alignment, and execution at the highest levels.
- Why setting too many goals kills progress—and the simple framework to focus on the right ones.
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Most founders dream of selling their company—but what happens when you sell and still have to run the business? Justin Haskell, CEO and founder of Maximum Senior Benefits, shares his journey from struggling entrepreneur to building a nationwide business and selling a majority stake. Tune in to hear:
- How Justin went from seeing sales as a necessary evil to realizing it’s the foundation of every successful business.
- Why knowing how your customers actually want to engage with you is the key to building trust and lasting relationships.
- Why selling a business doesn’t mean instant freedom and why staying on as CEO and reporting to a parent company was a bigger adjustment than expected.
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Starting a company always takes longer, costs more, and throws challenges you never saw coming. But what do you do when you lose 95% of your revenue overnight? Noah Eyre, co-founder of Alegra Learning and Joy School English, shares the highs and lows of building an EdTech company from scratch. Tune in for a conversation on:
- The hidden costs of entrepreneurship: Noah was prepared for challenges, but the time and money it took to build a company still caught him off guard.
- Working with family—without ruining relationships: How to successfully co-found a business with family, plus why fostering a culture where disagreement is encouraged leads to better decisions.
- Rebuilding after a 95% revenue loss: When COVID wiped out nearly all of their international business overnight, Noah and his team had to pivot fast. Here’s how they survived.
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The difference between a thriving business and a failing one often comes down to fixing small problems before they snowball. Mike Hawker, Managing Partner at CoDev, knows this firsthand. From scaling companies to running dozens of ultramarathons, he’s learned that success—whether in business or endurance sports—comes down to preparation, resilience, and pacing yourself. In this episode, he shares:
- The ‘hot spot’ rule: Minor inefficiencies in your business are like blisters in a race—ignore them, and they’ll take you out later. How to spot and fix small issues before they become major failures.
- The right mentor can change everything. Mike shares how a simple ask turned into a years-long mentorship that shaped his career.
- Remote work isn’t always the answer. Why companies should rethink their approach to global teams and how to support employees beyond just a paycheck.
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How do you know if your startup is worth fighting for—or if you're just throwing money into a sinking ship? Joe Grover, Managing Partner at Ampleō, Fractional CMO, and Venture Investor, has seen both sides—leading high-growth ventures and watching businesses collapse under their own weight. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on the toughest lessons founders learn the hard way.
- Grit vs. knowing when to quit: Why “never quit” can be bad advice, and how to tell if your business model is actually broken.
- Marketing that actually works: Joe shares hard-won lessons on building brand trust, cutting through the noise, and why 10-20% of your marketing budget should always be reserved for experimentation.
- The hyper-optimism trap: Why founders overestimate demand, underestimate costs, and how bad assumptions kill startups.
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What does it take to transform a red wagon of baked goods into Utah’s largest catering company? Mary Crafts proves that success has no age limit, and fear is just another mountain to climb. In this episode, Mary shares:
- How she turned her passion for food and service into the award-winning business, Culinary Crafts.
- The mindset shifts that helped her overcome fear and imposter syndrome.
- The unexpected opportunities that shaped her entrepreneurial journey—and how saying “yes” changed everything.
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Carrie Hill, Chief Architect of CHill Consulting Agency, takes us on her journey to entrepreneurship—from discovering her innate talent for storytelling to building a boutique PR firm. As a publicist, brand manager, and content creator, Carrie shares how she uses her expertise to elevate her clients' brands through authentic and impactful narratives.
Tune in for a conversation around:
- How PR stands apart from marketing and sales by creating genuine human connections through the “why” behind the “what.”
- The power of earned media versus paid media, and how authentic storytelling builds trust and long-term engagement.
- The story behind Empowered, an eight-week program Carrie co-founded to help single mothers transition from welfare to sustainable careers.
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Disrupting an industry isn’t just about groundbreaking tech—it’s about understanding the people and systems that drive it. In this episode, we talk with Ubair Javaid and Sebastian Schepis, the visionaries behind Nomyx, who are redefining how traditional finance embraces distributed ledger technology. Tune in as we explore:
- How Nomyx bridges the gap between tradition and innovation with seamless compliance solutions
- Why tokenizing real-world assets is revolutionizing liquidity and financial operations
- What it takes to drive adoption in cautious industries—and how persistence pays off
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Entrepreneurship often involves solving problems no one else dares to tackle. In this episode, Glen Mella, Chief Revenue Officer of OliverIQ and former COO of the smart home pioneer Control4, shares how he’s creating the next evolution of smart living. From scaling startups to IPOs, Glen reflects on his experiences building businesses that transform everyday lives. Tune in for a conversation around:
- Why the smart home is AI's most critical interface—and how Glen's team is making "one app to rule them all";
- Why founders are always in fundraising mode, whether they realize it or not;
- The key elements that make or break a founding team, including complementary skills, trust, and honest forecasting.
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The path of entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward. In this episode, Shideler Bennett, Co-founder of Initiator and a franchisee of Crumbl, pulls back the curtain on his journey from zero to nine franchise locations in just 18 months. Shideler dives into building a business while navigating massive debt, personal sacrifices, and unexpected market opportunities. Tune in for a conversation around:
- The psychological challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship, including working without pay and putting family financial stability on the line while maintaining hope and vision;
- Strategic approaches to franchise expansion, including how to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging market opportunities;
- The power of partnership, creative financing, and maintaining relationships through business challenges.
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Balancing a family, building a career, and leading a city as dynamic as Provo is no small feat—but Mayor Michelle Kaufusi makes it look effortless. In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Kaufusi and Keith Morey, Provo’s Economic Development Director, to uncover the vision, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset driving Provo to national recognition. Tune in to explore:
- How Provo’s innovative projects and startup-friendly ecosystem are transforming it into an entrepreneurial powerhouse
- Leadership lessons from Mayor Kaufusi; how her upbringing shaped a culture of empathy, empowerment, and forward-thinking innovation as Provo’s first woman mayor
- The four pillars of Mayor Kaufusi’s administration and her commitment to building a welcoming, safe, economically vibrant, and future-ready city
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This week, we’re joined by Shawn Finnegan, co-founder of Tax Hive and partner with Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank, to explore how his journey from startup struggles to building a thriving business shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn:
- Tax-saving strategies every entrepreneur should know, like the "Augusta Rule" and leveraging family payrolls
- How Shawn overcame losing $1.5 million, missed payroll, and rebuilt his business through partnerships and relationships
- The importance of aligning the right investors with your mission—and how to know when to take the leap or continue bootstrapping
Check out Tax Hive's FREE business blueprint here.
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Building a successful business isn't just about products or profit—it's about people. In this episode, Brian Brown, Founder of Partner Philosophy, shares his unique approach to business development, blending creativity, community, and a touch of fun to foster authentic relationships that drive revenue. In this episode, we explore:
- Why automated sales funnels and follow-ups aren’t meeting quotas—and how face-to-face connections close the deals that matter most.
- The story behind “Burning Questions,” a networking event featuring hot wings and spicy conversations that break down barriers and build lasting relationships.
- How cold plunging turned into a flourishing business franchise, creating an unexpected space for networking and human connection.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.
Wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the impact you leave behind and the principles that guide your life. In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Miller, founder and CEO of PROFi - The Professional Financial Company, to explore how his journey from IT professional to financial entrepreneur shaped his approach to helping families and business owners live lives of significance. Tune in to learn:
- The broader meaning of wealth, including spiritual and intellectual legacy that transcends generations
- Smart strategies for family wealth preservation and avoiding the pitfalls of consumerism
- How behavioral finance can help you make smarter, more intentional money decisions
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Being a successful entrepreneur isn’t just about knowing how to lead—it’s about knowing how to chill, too. In this episode, we talk with Kortney Osborne, Amplēo’s Fractional CMO and self-titled “Chief Chill Officer,” who’s reshaping what effective leadership looks like. Tune in as we explore:
- Why calm, focused leadership can be a startup’s secret weapon for building resilient, motivated teams
- The impact of Fractional Leadership—how startups access C-level expertise without the full-time cost
- The vital role of advocacy in advancing women’s entrepreneurship—and why lifting up diverse voices drives real change
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Today, we’re joined by Corbin Church, founder of iHub and BYU entrepreneurship professor, who has set his sights on transforming his local community into a powerhouse of gritty, real-world entrepreneurial growth. Corbin has guided hundreds of founders through the startup maze, emphasizing the value of building businesses on hard-earned lessons. Tune in as Corbin gets real about what it takes to launch—and why your next big step might just start with a misstep.
- How the best founders fail forward, turning mistakes into learning degrees
- How the right mentor can help you avoid guesswork and common traps
- How to get clear answers to your "what’s next?" questions and set yourself up for wins
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While remote work has its benefits, it also comes with challenges like blurring the lines between work and home life and the struggles of constant availability. In this episode, Whitney Finlinson, President of Visionary Talent, a leading recruiting firm, shares her approach to navigating these challenges. As a leader managing a fully remote team, Whitney offers candid insights on balancing personal and professional responsibilities while keeping her team engaged and productive. We discuss:
- Creative ways to keep remote teams connected, and the value of occasional in-person meetups for fostering stronger team connections and accountability
- Why less is more when it comes to meetings and how leadership style impacts team dynamics
- How Whitney sets boundaries to be fully present at work and with her family, creating a healthy balance that avoids burnout and promotes mental well-being
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Pitching isn't just about the product; it's about the founder behind it. In this episode, we sit down with Kent Richardson, the mastermind behind Shit Pitch, a unique pitch event where founders face the task of pitching absurd, on-the-spot ideas they haven't prepared for. Kent shares how his unconventional format helps showcase adaptability and quick thinking. Tune in as we explore:
- The creation of Shit Pitch and why bad ideas reveal great founders
- How on-the-spot pitches highlight a founder’s communication and problem-solving skills
- The Anti-Pitch: presenting why investors shouldn’t invest in your company
- How Shit Pitch is gaining traction across the U.S. and beyond
- Tips for founders to connect with investors in a fresh, authentic way
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.
Jamis has spent over 20 years tackling one of the nation’s biggest challenges: affordable housing. With a background in corporate housing and land acquisition, Jamis is now on a mission to make homeownership a reality for more Americans. In this episode, we’ll dive into:
- Why most developers avoid affordable housing, and why Lone Tree is stepping up to solve the problem.
- The importance of aligning cities, contractors, and investors to make projects successful.
- How investors are making homeownership harder, and Lone Tree’s approach to balancing investor interests with homebuyer opportunities.
- The power of vertical integration to scale affordable housing with low margins and high volume.
- Key financial advice for first-time homebuyers, including how to save and avoid common pitfalls.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.
Tim Cooley, the Director of Entrepreneurship for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, shares how he’s helping to elevate Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Startup State initiative. If you’re curious about the resources available for entrepreneurs in Utah—or how to get your startup off the ground, stick around. We'll cover:
- The four key initiatives driving the Startup State program
- How Tim is helping founders get to revenue faster without sacrificing long-term growth
- Why Utah’s give-first culture sets it apart from other startup ecosystems
- The importance of founders reinvesting in the community that helped them succeed
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Scaling a company is hard enough, but scaling your way up the ladder at the same company for 40 years while preventing injuries and saving lives? That’s a different ladder to climb. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Moss, CEO of Little Giant Ladder System, to uncover the milestones, challenges, and innovation strategies that helped the company grow from a small Utah business to a global brand. Tune in to explore:
- How Ryan transitioned from $4.50 an hour in manufacturing to the CEO's office
- The strategic decision that led Little Giant to partner exclusively with a single retail partner
- How the company’s 2003 infomercial catapulted 600% growth in a single year
- Ryan’s leadership philosophy and his commitment to both employee and customer feedback
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Running a legal tech startup takes more than just knowing the law—it requires a deep understanding of technology, sales, and a persistent drive to solve industry pain points. In this episode, Nathan Walter, Founder and CEO of BriefPoint, shares his journey from practicing law to learning coding and building an innovative platform that automates discovery responses for litigation attorneys using advanced AI.
We’ll explore:
- How he automated his entire sales funnel, from lead generation to client acquisition
- The unique challenges of selling untested legal tech and securing early adopters
- Nathan's approach to raising capital and what he looks for in investors
- The creative ways Nathan funded BriefPoint, including taking a job as an entry-level salesperson at a competitor company to keep the business afloat
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This week’s guest is Dan Clark, a world-renowned public speaker who has delivered over 6,000 speeches in 76 countries, authored 37 books, and even ventured into space. Dan Clark suffered a severe injury during a college football practice, where he had a violent head-on collision with another player. This life-altering event eventually led him to his path as a motivational speaker. Tune in as Dan shares powerful lessons on resilience, the importance of having a "why" that's bigger than your "why not," and the critical difference between living a life of success or a life of significance. This episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you rethink your approach to leadership, storytelling, and personal growth. --The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:RevRoad - Your sweat equity partnerCB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank Contact us:aj.rounds@revroad.comjake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Kurt Francom is the founder of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing training resources to ecclesiastical leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. What once began as a simple blog has evolved into a global podcast and full-time venture.
In this episode, Kurt emphasizes the importance of finding a "niche of a niche" to build a dedicated audience and believes that every business, regardless of industry, can use podcasting as a tool for networking and client education.
Tune in to learn about Kurt’s transition from corporate life to self-employment, the challenges of scaling a nonprofit, and his plans to broaden his reach by launching a Spanish version of the podcast.
Whether you're interested in podcasting, nonprofit leadership, or entrepreneurial growth, this episode offers valuable insights for you.
--The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:RevRoad - Your sweat equity partnerCB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank Contact us:aj.rounds@revroad.comjake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Jeff Griffin, once a collegiate football player, experienced a life-altering fall from a 40-foot scaffold that left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Now a world-renowned speaker and author, Jeff is known for his incredible resilience and transformative messages. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey of turning that tragic event into a powerful message of hope, focusing on overcoming mental barriers like doubt and fear.
Entrepreneurs alike can learn practical strategies from Jeff’s “Daily Dime” technique to maintain a positive mindset and achieve their goals. Jeff also highlights the importance of building strong relationships in driving business success, sharing real-world examples of companies that experienced significant growth under his guidance. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring lessons to apply to your growing startup.
--The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:RevRoad - Your sweat equity partnerCB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank Contact us:aj.rounds@revroad.com jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
After facing personal frustration with accreditation laws and exclusion, Jesse Randall, founder and CEO of Sweater, started a revolutionary venture capital fund accessible to everyone. For more than two years Jesse engaged with the SEC until he found a compliant way to allow non-accredited investors to participate with just $500, ushering in the Cashmere Fund. Learn about the innovative legal structures, such as the interval fund, that made Sweater's vision possible, and gain valuable advice on navigating the modern fundraising landscape. Jesse also shares his insights on the value of building relationships rather than relying on cold outreach and the practicalities of balancing entrepreneurial dreams with personal responsibilities. Listen now! -- The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by: RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank Contact us: aj.rounds@revroad.com jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Romrell, co-founder of Literal, to explore his journey in the EdTech industry. Michael shares how Literal improves student engagement by making books as addictive as social media, leading to a 70% increase in reading time. He discusses the challenges of selling to risk-averse school districts, and the importance of managing co-founder relationships.
Michael also reveals how he nurtures entrepreneurship in his children, encouraging them to start their own businesses. Tune in for a deep dive into innovative strategies and inspiring stories from the frontlines of EdTech.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Case Lawrence is the founder of CircusTrix (now SkyZone), the world's largest owner, operator, and franchisor of trampoline parks with over 300 facilities, 5,000 employees, and 50 million annual guests. In this episode, Case discusses his experience campaigning for the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah's 3rd District, drawing parallels between running for office and starting a business. His wife, Kerri, shares her perspective on involving the family in both the trampoline park business and the political campaign. Case highlights the sacred relationship between investors and entrepreneurs, the importance of remaining true to your values in the face of adversity, and the benefits of involving children in the business journey. Case and Kerri's story will inspire you to take the leap into entrepreneurship during both times of famine and prosperity.
Nate Tew started KeyRenter with the goal of changing lives one property at a time. He joins us for an insightful episode to discuss the journey of building a franchise model business. Nate firmly believes in the power of small businesses and the potential of franchises to empower entrepreneurs through mentorship, access to success tools, and a strong community culture. Today, KeyRenter has 56 franchise owners operating in 70 locations across the United States.
Nate also opens up about the challenges of balancing family life with business growth, and the importance of seeking counseling to navigate tough times with his co-founder.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
In this follow-up episode, we reconnect with Logan Nicholson of Talsey AI, formerly known as LocalEyes, to explore the exciting transformations his company has undergone over the past year. Join us as Logan shares his experiences:
- Pivoting from a local food recommendation service to a smart guest engagement system, finding product-market fit despite never being his own customer.
- Involving customers for feedback and even inviting them to sit on the board.
- Securing a large enterprise deal that's in the works.
- The story and behind the rebrand to Talsey AI.
Plus, hear an inspiring success story of how their hospitality chatbot helped a client boost reviews, increase occupancy, and sell their property for several hundred thousand dollars more.
Tune in for an episode packed with valuable takeaways on adapting, growing, and succeeding in the dynamic world of startups.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
The founders of Awsm stood outside the Delta Center with picketing signs when Utah’s first NHL team was announced. But they weren't opposing Utah's first NHL team—they were advocating for fan ownership.
Meet Jordan Volz and Dave Oldham. Together, they are building Awsm, a SaaS platform that enables companies to share ownership on a performance basis. Research shows that when people have an ownership stake—whether it’s a consumer or an employee—their behavior changes dramatically.
Jordan and Dave advise other entrepreneurs to focus less on their competition and more on meeting the needs of customers. It's not a foot race. They also caution against the trap of thinking you can buy speed—hiring more engineers to accelerate product development is a myth. From this episode, you can gain insights into the true drivers of efficient and effective product launches.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Learn how to turn a sweet tooth into a national sensation with Taz Murray, the co-founder of Trü Frü, as he shares his journey from accountant to confectionery connoisseur. Contrary to what was taught in business school, Taz proved that you don't need a $500M marketing budget to become a national brand. Instead, he leveraged the power of social media and influencer collaborations to place Trü Frü products in major retailers and tickle taste buds across the country. In this episode, you'll get an inside scoop on the candy trade, the perils of scaling too quickly, and the secrets of working with retail brokers. Plus, hear the incredible story of how a Costco buyer was so impressed, they drafted a purchase order within 22 minutes of their first call.
Kristi Holt, a natural-born entrepreneur, turned $10,000 into half a million by the age of 26. Now, she's on a mission to revolutionize mental and emotional wellness with Vibeonix, an AI-driven platform that deciphers emotional intelligence and emotions through voice analysis.
Kristi joins us to share her insights on building a product before knowing who the customer was and navigating the complex relationship entrepreneurs have with money. Many founders use money as a band-aid to cover up underlying issues. Kristi views money as a tool for convenience but emphasizes that it's people who solve problems—not money.
Tune in to hear Kristi’s advice on rejecting negativity and embracing a more positive narrative, a mindset that has fueled her achievements and can inspire your own journey.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
In this episode, we dive deep into the unsung heroes of the business world: intrapreneurs. These innovative minds work within companies to enhance processes, making organizations stronger and more resilient. Woody Klemetson, founder of AskElephant, discusses how intrapreneurs protect businesses and their people, and highlights the importance of "minding your wake"—being aware of the impact you have on your team and environment.
We'll also explore creating spaces where founders' ideas can be constructively challenged and the importance of being honest about product-market fit. Tune in for a value-packed episode that will help you build a better, more innovative company.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Meet Scott Johnson, the ultimate customer-focused founder and CEO of WOJE Money. When a customer missed a payment, Scott called them on the phone and learned that their wife had lost her job. With six clicks of a mouse, Scott put that customer on a new financing plan that better suited their current financial situation.
Scott has revolutionized financing for small businesses and individuals with flexible terms and dynamic pricing tiers tailored to their needs. In this episode, Scott shares how his journey was shaped by mentors who pushed him to start his own company and the advice he received along the way. He pays it forward by mentoring others, giving more to those who receive and take action.
Tune in to learn how Scott's innovative fintech solutions and unwavering commitment to customer success are setting new industry standards.
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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
In this episode, Ryan Keisel discusses launching a business aimed at easing the burdens of homeownership through a service called "homescription," connecting homeowners with contractors for hassle-free repairs. However, a candid conversation with his wife revealed Ryan wasn't fully embodying the company's mission in his personal life—to eliminate homeowner stress and prioritize meaningful moments at home. Join us for a conversation about the importance of authenticity, aligning personal values with professional pursuits, and navigating career pivots.
In this episode, Ryan Keisel discusses launching a business aimed at easing the burdens of homeownership through a service called "homescription," connecting homeowners with contractors for hassle-free repairs. However, a candid conversation with his wife revealed Ryan wasn't fully embodying the company's mission in his personal life—to eliminate homeowner stress and prioritize meaningful moments at home. Join us for a conversation about the importance of authenticity, aligning personal values with professional pursuits, and navigating career pivots.
Military veteran Jason Van Camp, discovered a new meaning in entrepreneurship after returning home from service. Recognizing that other veterans also felt lost after retiring from the line of duty, he founded Warrior Rising, a "business bootcamp" to empower fellow veterans to build viable businesses.
In this episode, Jason discusses how military decision-making translates into business strategies and introduces the concept of a "business shower." Despite challenges, Jason emphasizes the resilience of entrepreneurs and their optimism in facing the odds. Join us as we delve into the intersection of military experience and entrepreneurship.
For Chari, success as an entrepreneur means achieving financial freedom and being beholden to no one. After dedicating 15 years to being a stay-at-home mom, Chari sought a better way to print scrapbook photos for her kids and decided to take matters into her own hands. Through this journey, she quickly learned the importance of thoughtful partnerships, a lesson she gained after rushing into collaborations too quickly.
Utilizing scrappy strategies, she propelled Persnickety Prints to $1 million in just three years without spending a dime on marketing. Now, with one successful exit under her belt and deeply immersed in her second venture—Persnickety Box—Chari discusses her frugality and decision to prioritize remaining debt-free despite societal pressures.
Dragons are real! Samson Madsen from Dragon Federation joins us to discuss his journey of bringing dragons to life through AR and VR experiences.
We explore how market validation played a vital role in product development, ensuring each iteration aligned with his audience's desires. Samson shares insights on how they navigated through self-funding and early investments from friends and family, and the importance of staying focused on their target market amidst tempting opportunities.
Strap in for a journey that's sure to ignite your imagination!
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Dragon Federation is currently raising a SAFE round. If you are interested in participating, contact harold.alverez@revroad.com.
Wearing too many hats can lead to burnout and hinder the growth of your business. Jen Martin, the entrepreneur behind Reset Your Nest, shares her experience growing a team and delegating operational tasks so that she could focus her time on being a strong leader.
Along the way, Jen found a better balance between running a successful company and caring for her employees while also establishing clear boundaries between her personal and work life. Tune in to discover how her mission extends beyond improving homes to uplifting the individuals within her company.
Chad Ingram walked out of the room 30 minutes into his LSAT practice exam, knowing that this calling in life was entrepreneurship—not litigation.
Now with three exits under his belt, Chad councils founders to focus on solving a problem and building a good product, rather than building a business with the sole intention to sell it.
He shares his experiences with the emotional toll that can come with selling a business and the need to separate your identity from your entrepreneurial ventures. He also talks about his journey with debt financing, cold calling, and following instincts.
Explore the world of consumer brands with Eric Child from Spark Innovations. In this episode, Eric discusses the distinction between inventors and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of finding the right people to execute ideas. Learn the ins and outs of working with retailers, including realistic timeframes for doing so.
Eric encourages entrepreneurs to validate their products before spending their life savings on inventory and to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that could redefine your approach to building a product-based business.
If you are interested in real estate entrepreneurship, this is the episode for you! Special guest Jimmy Rex talks about how he went from selling 3 houses in 6 months to 60 houses every month! Over the course of his career, he's learned how to implement systems and hire top talent to sell over 5,000 homes and build a portfolio of 60 properties himself. He also talks about the phenomenal networking capabilities of podcasting and building the Jimmy Rex Show in a way that focuses his passion and motivates him to release episodes regularly. He has released over 550 episodes with millions of downloads. His biggest passion right now is advocating for men's mental health through his "We Are The They" organization. Jimmy finishes by teasing the release of his new book, Be One: How to Be a Healthy Man in Toxic Times, releasing on Amazon next week! Enjoy a packed episode of tips and advice from the one and only Jimmy Rex.
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, whether it's in business or in our personal lives. In this episode, we dive into the importance of trust in business and how to build it with guest James Clarke from Clarke Capital Partners. As an experienced entrepreneur and investor, James shares his insights on the challenges of building trust, the value of work ethic, and the importance of being all-in as an entrepreneur. Join us as we explore the journey of building successful businesses and the lessons learned along the way. James is a pillar in the community, known for his dedication to giving back and building cherished relationships through service. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for good old-fashioned hard work.
Nate McBride is an amazing investor in our ecosystem and is now running curated ventures. He has listened to thousands of pitches and shared great advice for founders on how to raise money. Can you explain your company in one sentence? If you want to pitch to curated you need to be able to. Nate breaks down companies into three different shapes, tune in to figure out what shape your company is. The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by: Rev Road- your sweat equity partner and CBVault - the entrepreneur arm of Central Bank. Contact us at Aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
Matt Lloyd, a dynamic individual who wears many hats – Founder, CEO, and Weekend Golfer. With over a decade of experience, Matt has played a pivotal role in the growth of renowned companies like Adobe, Boostability, and Orange Soda, showcasing his prowess as a sales and operational leader.
Driven by a passion for problem-solving, relationship-building, and creating lasting solutions, Matt embodies a CEO who is both people and product-focused. His commitment to customer-focused design and continuous improvement of the customer and employee experience defines his approach. As the CEO of Stagebase, Matt aims to decrease friction for teams, fostering an environment conducive to real innovation where customer outcomes take center stage.
The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by:
RevRoad - Your sweat equity partner
CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank
Contact us:
aj.rounds@revroad.com
jake.mchargue@cbutah.com
What an incredible intro to the future of architecture with Charles Ochello from Vitruvius. They are building a tech company with software that engages with virtual reality to help their customers walk through future builds of their custom homes. this helps them make adjustments early in the process saving money and time with large custom-built homes. It was incredible to see the innovation they are bringing to this industry. Charles started his career out as a board-certified E.R. doctor and talked about the transition he made back to real estate and the value he drew from his experience in the E.R. how that informs the company he is building and the relationships he is fostering with customers today. This was an incredible conversation packed with tons of lessons for entrepreneurs.
We had a great conversation with Jared about his experience building union capital partners. He has been entrepreneurial his whole life and has always wanted to be his own boss and was willing to take the risks associated with entrepreneurship. He discussed the importance of partnering and how good partners have helped him with accountability. He talked about the balance of working 24/7 while also raising a family. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Jared
We had a great conversation with Landon Pitcher about what they are building with Listo Global. They are helping simplify the process for companies to hire employees from all over the world. Landon has always been interested in the global economy and has worked for large companies working on global expansion and learned about all of the issues that arise from hiring workers in different countries. They decided to help companies solve this problem. Landon had great advice for entrepreneurs about making decisions on when and how to raise money. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Landon.
This was a fun conversation with Brad about his background that has led to him starting red wolf technology. brad has built a really cool company getting to play with 3D printers. He knew early on from having really terrible day jobs that he wanted to be his own boss. He put himself through school building multiple side hustles. He believes that communication has been one of his keys to success. He shared great advice about entrepreneurs seeking for product market fit and the mistakes he sees early entrepreneurs make when it comes to looking for that validation. We hope you enjoy this episode.
Tristen Persons is an entrepreneur and the visionary founder and CEO of Ikaika, a renowned lifestyle jewelry brand that has become synonymous with innovation, and superior customer experience. In 2017, he launched his initial collection of spoon rings, which he had been crafting for years. The collection sold out instantly, leading to the creation of his highly successful ring business. Since then, Tristen's unyielding commitment excellence and his innovative marketing approach have propelled his brand to new heights, with every subsequent collection selling out within minutes of release. He has cultivated a loyal and passionate community of customers, who are captivated by the meticulous attention to detail and superior quality of his jewelry, as well as the brand's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Tristen's innovative brand-building strategies have been recognized by numerous media outlets, including Shark Tank, Forbes, and Celebrities. He takes great pride in seeing his jewelry adorn individuals who share his passion for life, and is dedicated to inspiring others to pursue their dreams and live a fulfilling life.
We had a great conversation with Jess about her journey building Mixhers. She has built an incredible team and talked a lot about the danger of working so hard as an entrepreneur that you get overwhelmed and hit burnout. Jess shared how her team has been a rock for her and leaning on them has been a catalyst for her continued success. Mixhers has been on a wild ride and they have a rockstar leading them. We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.
We had a fascinating conversation with Nate about how his path has lead him to his current mission with Torus. Nate is a great leader and has a proven track record. He shared incredible advice for other entrepreneurs and also brought us up to speed on what’s going on with the market of renewable energy storage and how torus is helping to solve the problems in the market. Hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
We had a great conversation with Jenny about how she built her company BookSmarts. She was a pioneer in doing remote work! She had great advice for entrepreneurs about living lean to get out of debt quick. And also about how important it is to delegate as an entrepreneur. She had built an incredible female led and run team of accounting professionals that want to balance the needs of being stay at home moms that also wanting to have the benefits of working. We were super impressed with Jenny and the company she has built. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!
Welcome back, we are kicking off 2024 with an awesome episode with Casey Baugh who is a an incredible entrepreneur and is now investing in other entrepreneurs as a cofounder of Sandlot Partners. He talked alot about his mentors along the way and the impact that they had on him. He just launched a new podcast called Case Studies and has a bunch of great guests lined up. He talked about the confidence he gained from building a skill and knowing that he had something that the market would pay him for. He has approached his career from that mindset of gaining skills. This was a great conversation that was packed with a ton of great advice for entrepreneurs. We hope you enjoy the first episode of 2024
We had a great conversation with Scott about what he is building at Tradewise. He has always been entrepreneurial but didn't expect to be involved in the trades or find himself in a partnership but he is loving the journey with both and had some great advice for other founders about ways to grow their business and how to navigate the complicated dynamics of a partnership in business. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Scott.
We had a great conversation with Lucien and Jake who are trying to change the world of health care one cash paid procedure at a time. They have built a really cool company that is on track to disrupt the healthcare market. both of them have cool entrepreneurial journeys that have led them to this point and had tons of great advice for other entrepreneurs. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Savvos Health.
We had a great conversation with Vicki Jacobson about her journey with Stonehenge fence. Vickie’s husband Nate passed away in 2020 and she shared her experience rebuilding her company back stronger than its ever been. Vickie may have fallen into entrepreneurship, but she has a knack for it and had some great advice for other entrepreneurs.
McKenzie led us on a culinary journey this week as she talked about going from being a dietician to deciding to start her own meal prep company. Citrus Pear is trying to answer that dreaded nightly question of "what's for dinner?". McKenzie is helping families eat healthier by making it convenient and affordable. She had great advice for all those moms out there to not discount the experience they have gained as CEO's of their homes, she mentioned that running a business uses a lot of those same skills. We hope you enjoy our conversation with McKenzie!
We had an amazing conversation with Adrian about the difference that EOS can make for a business. He shared incredible advice from beginning to end. We talked about his background as an M&A attorney in New York and the transition to being an entrepreneur and his path that has led him to becoming an EOS implementer helping companies run more efficiently and stop having bad meetings! We hope you enjoy our conversation with Adrian.
We had a great conversation with Jaron about his path to creating Sales Dojo. He is focused on helping people land jobs in tech sales positions. If you are interested in getting a sales position you should listen to this episode and check out sales dojo to help get your foot in the door. Jaron had great tips for the entrepreneurs that are still wearing the sales hat in their organizations. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Jaron.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Robbie Law. Robbie has spent his career on stage and had some great advice for founders on how to improve at public speaking and engaging with an audience. We talked about how important it is for founders to develop the skill of speaking with a group and how uncomfortable that setting is for most people. Robbie is working with some friends to host an event that is focused on helping founders next month at Kiln in lehi go to www.sellwithhumor.com for more information about this upcoming event. we hope you enjoy our conversation with Robbie.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Scott Porter who is the founder and CEO of San Diablo Churros. Scott shared some amazing stories about how to do more for your customers than just provide a product. He is all about creating the best customer experience and brand experience. He shared great insights about how to empower employees to help build the brand for your company. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Scott.
Bubba took us on a deep dive of how his VC firm is focused on helping companies learn how to work with influencers. It was a fascinating conversation and bubba shared so many great insights for startups. We hope you enjoy our conversation with bubba
We had a great conversation with Mark Sullivan from ERC Specialists. They built ERC specialists quickly to respond to a big gap in the market and have helped 65,000 businesses around the country get access to federal tax credits. Mark explained that there are 7,000,000 businesses around the country that potentially qualify for these credits and only around 1,000,000 have currently applied. He also gave us a sneak peak of what the next phase of the company looks like as the ERC credits wind down. Mark had great advice for founders, we hope you enjoy this episode!!!!
we had a great conversation with Wade Millward who is the founder and CEO of Rikor. We talked about his transition from Intrapreneurship to Entrepreneurship. He shared advice from tough lessons learned along the way and had some great advice for becoming a better leader.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Nate Sanders who is the founder of Artifact. they are using AI to help retail and SAAS companies get a better understanding of what their customers are saying. we talked about the importance of picking good co-founders, and also how critical it is to have mentors when building a company. Nate shared a little about the current trends in AI and what is on the horizon for the industry. This was a fun one, we hope you enjoy it.
This week's episode is a conversation with Amy Rees Anderson. She shared her incredible journey from being a single mom trying to make ends meet to selling her company for over 370 million. This episode is jam packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, we hope you enjoy our conversation with Amy.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Amy Rees Anderson. She shared her incredible journey from being a single mom trying to make ends meet to selling her company for over 370 million. This episode is jam packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, we hope you enjoy our conversation with Amy.
This week's episode is a conversation with Dan Roberts. He was working for a corporate law firm and saw a need for a software platform to help automate some of the standard transactions for startups. he looked around and couldnt find a solution that he liked so he decided to build it. It was fun to hear their founder story and the lessons they have learned along the way. We are excited to see their progress continue with this next phase as they rollout Paper OS. we hope you enjoy our conversation with Dan.
We had a great conversation with Dave about the company they are building. His cofounder was fortunate to survive a mountain biking accident, after a miraculous recovery he had the idea to use biometric data to help seniors be more proactive about their health. Dave talked about balancing joining the startup while keeping his full time job and the crucial decision on when to jump over and commit to proactive health full time. He had great advice for founders that are in that position and trying to make those tough decisions right now. We hope you enjoy this weeks episode with Dave Bullock.
Nicole was such a great guest. She talked about the importance of picking the right partners and not jumping into partnerships too early. She talked about not forcing decisions if it doesn’t feel right, they waited to franchise after spending a lot of money to set it up and had to walk away from that big investment because they were not ready to take that step. She had a lot of great advice for entrepreneurs, we hope you enjoy our conversation with Nicole.
This weeks episode is a great conversation with Dan Davis from Stiry. He has some really fun stories about his work with Imagine Dragons and how his work with another client literally saved his life. He had advice for other entrepreneurs, shared war stories from his time in the trenches and talked about his support system that has been there to help when times are tough. This was a great episode and we hope you enjoy it.
We had a great conversation with Amelia Wilcox who is the founder and CEO of Nivati. Amelia talked about how her previous business model of in office massage was destroyed by COVID and she talked about the process of completely pivoting her business to what it is today offering a host of services all centered around employee wellness. Amelia talked about the dangers of burnout and her personal experience with the health implications that can cause. She had great advice for founders on how to avoid level 12 burnout, we hope you enjoy our conversation with Amelia.
We had a great conversation with Kylie about running an international travel company when Covid hit and it completely destroyed her business. She talks about the pivot that she made to glamping with Wander Camp and the journey she has had building that business. She loves travel and focuses on helping people experience these places she loves and has built a really cool company around that focus. Kylie is a great entrepreneur and shared some really great insights from her experience building Wander Camp.
We had a great conversation with Scott Schwab from Mett Naturals. Mett Naturals takes a unique approach to providing CBD products. they control every step of the process so they can ensure a high quality product. it was fascinating to learn about their approach to the market. He talked about the importance of doing research and really validating whether your product really solves your customers problem or not. He had some great advice for entrepreneurs and is a champion for entrepreneurship in Utah. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Scott.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Tanner Crandall who is the CEO of Mothers without Borders. We loved chatting with Tanner about his path to finding his calling in life and how passionate he is about the work they are doing. Mothers without Borders is accomplishing some great things, and tanner shared some small examples of the successes they have been able to achieve during his time there. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Tanner.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Clint Berry who is the founder and CEO of Kolla. He shares some amazing lessons from being involved with the early stages of Weave and the ups and downs of trying to raise funding for a startup. He talks about the sacrifices that he made and how he is trying to do things a little different the second time around with Kolla. We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.
this weeks conversation is with Joon Beh. Joon is the founder and CEO of Hallo, he is an amazing example of being willing to sacrifice to find success as an entrepreneur. He shared lessons about product market fit, pivoting, and also nailing your model before you try to land investors, so many great insights. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Joon.
We had a great conversation with Matt Moody. He got his start in entrepreneurship with the support of his uncle that saw something special in him and was willing to help fund his first venture. Matt has proven over his career to be a master networker and has been in sales positions across multiple industries and has found success in caring enough about customers to truly understand how to solve their problems. He spends a lot of his energy and time in community building. this was a great conversation and we hope you enjoy it as well.
We had a great conversation with Dale Majors from Venture Anyway. Venture Anyway is focused on championing entrepreneurs and helping them come away from his events being more deliberate and intentional on their entrepreneurial journey. He talked about building a multimillion dollar business that started by selling some free stickers he collected from a convention. He is a bike touring aficionado and is willing to share all of the lessons he has learned from his thousands of miles of bike touring. He shared some awesome lessons learned along the way, hope you enjoy our conversation with Dale.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Cydni Rogers Tetro who among 50 other things, is currently serving as the CEO of Brandless. She holds the record for the largest fundraise led by a women in silicon slopes, but her goal as founder and president of the Women Tech Council is to help other women crush that record. She prides herself on developing customer experience strategies, go to market programs, and fueling venture backed startups. She was recently recognized as CEO of the Year and Women of the Year. She is a trailblazer and is focused on championing others around her. She shared some incredible advice for founders and how to build confidence in the boardroom and she introduced a new principle to us of doing "One More Thing". It was a pleasure to sit down with this growth leader, technologist, STEM advocate, and Author. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Cyd.
This week's episode is with John Sperry from Halosight. John exited his prior startup InMoment in 2019. He has some great advice for entrepreneurs. He looks back over his career and wishes that he would have started his entrepreneurial journey sooner. If you are thinking about starting a company, this conversation with John may be the nudge you need to make the jump.
This week’s episode is a conversation with Chris Yadon who is the managing director of Saprea. Chris is using his experience running multiple startups to manage Saprea. He shared great lessons learned throughout his career and drew many parallels between the for profit and non profit companies he has managed. We hope you enjoy this episode!
This week's episode is a conversation with Paul Brown who is a co-director of the Masters of Business Creation Program at the University of Utah. We talked about his experience going from a philosophy degree to become a venture capitalist. He shared amazing insights from his experience as an angel investor, venture capitalist, board member, and now a professor and the hundreds of companies he has been involved with over the years. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Paul.
In this week's episode, we had a great conversation with Jordan Erskine and Gavin Collier who are the cofounders of Dynamic Blending. They are friends that worked together early on in their careers and then came back together years later to start their business. They talked about the decision they made to double down on themselves instead of taking outside funding, they wanted to maintain the control and ownership of their company and that risk has paid off big for them as their company has grown.
This week's episode is a conversation with Jordan Oborn from GYVR Hub. He is creating a business hub for small businesses that includes fractional warehouse and office space. He has spent most of his career involved in entrepreneurship in some regard. He is an entrepreneur because of the flexibility it provides. he embodies the midnight founder mentality and isn't afraid of the hard work it requires to be a successful entrepreneur. he had some great words of advice for taking the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. we hope you enjoy this weeks episode.
This week's episode is a great conversation with Brenda Anderson the Founder and CEO of Jipe. She is revolutionizing the job search industry for entry level jobs. She talked about how a sudden brain tumor altered the course of her life and helped her recognize her inner strength, and gave her the courage to take the steps she needed to take to start Jipe.
This week's episode is a conversation with a husband wife duo Kason and Claire. Kason was headed to med school when Claire let him know she thought he would be an amazing entrepreneur, that was all the motivation he needed to make the jump. We all should surround ourselves with people like Claire that are willing to share candid feedback and also give us the motivation to take the next step in the entrepreneurial journey. They are both hustling and it was fun to hear about how they are saving people time one errand at a time. Us the code "MIDNIGHT" for a discount on your first errand at goerrand.com
We had a great conversation this week with Zack Oates who is the Founder and CEO of Ovation. He shared some great stories from his entrepreneurial journey. He had some great advice for founders about really focusing in on your target customer and making sure that you get really good at being the solution for that one customer. we hope you enjoy getting to know Zack and learning more about his company Ovation.
We had a great conversation with the founders of Primo Golf Apparel.
Matty, Jason, and Jordan are cousins who all loved the game of golf and decided that they wanted to start a company around the game they love. They hit the market at a great time and had a really fun story about the explosive growth the company has seen over the past two years. We hope you enjoy our discussion with Matty, Jason, and Jordan.
This week's episode is a conversation with Scott Peterson who is a serial entrepreneur and is currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer at Rev Road. He talked about the impact his background in sales had on his career as an entrepreneur. Scott talked about how important the leadership team is to an early stage company. He talked about how important Grit is to an entrepreneurial journey because of the challenges that every entrepreneur faces. Scott has a fascinating journey with multiple exits, we hope you enjoy our discussion.
This week's episode is a conversation with Breanna Hale who is the director of the Entrepreneurship Institute at Utah Valley University. We talked about her entrepreneurial journey as well as the process of being an intrapreneur in her role at the university. She had a lot of great advice for entrepreneurs and a lot of fun stories of student entrepreneurs. Breanna is doing incredible things to assist emerging student entrepreneurs at UVU. We hope you enjoy our discussion with Breanna.
This week's episode is a conversation with Johnny Hanna who is the CEO and Co-Founder at Homie. We talked about the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to Homie even though he knew up front the challenges he knew he would face on the journey. He had some great advice for entrepreneurs about taking care of yourself and your mental health. This was another great episode and we hope you enjoy our discussion with Johnny.
This week's episode is a conversation with Stephen Colvin the CEO and founder of Bobelo. Stephen has been entrepreneurial since he was a kid. He spent some time in his career working in the beverage industry and was frustrated by the global problems that exist because of all of the wasted bottles and cans. He has been dedicated to solving that problem while still providing the people with what they want... BUBBLES!!!! we hope you enjoy our discussion with Stephen.
This week's episode is a conversation with Colby Bauer the Founder and CEO of Thread. He shared his entrepreneurial journey that started as a neighborhood circus act, doing backflips for the neighbors for tips. He shared about the beginning of Thread while he was in college at BYU Hawaii, he lost his wallet in the ocean while learning how to surf and decided that the world needed a better solution than the giant wallets that existed at the time. He had some great stories and awesome advice for entrepreneurs, we hope you enjoy our discussion with Colby.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Jib Hunt the CEO of Kemper Snowboards. Jib was on the ski team In the late 80’s, when he was introduced to this new sport called snowboarding. He was hooked day one and has never looked back. We had a great conversation about his career as a professional rider and his latest adventure bringing Kemper and the 80’s snowboarding vibe back. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Jib.
This weeks episode is a conversation with the founder of Savology Spencer Barclay. We talked about the issue of financial literacy that he is working to solve. He had some great insights for individuals as well small businesses. We hope you enjoy our discussion with Spencer.
This weeks episode is a conversation with Derek and Dano Doel from Analytics Odyssey. We had a great discussion about home life work balance with the husband wife duo. Derek knew early on he wanted to be involved with data analytics and decided to make the entrepreneurial leap to start Analytics Odyssey. We hope you enjoy our discussion with Derek and Dano.
This week’s episode is a conversation with Jeremy and Jenn Brockbank who are the founders of Volcanic retail which is a platform that is connecting retail buyers with brands in a more efficient way. Jeremy and Jenn have spent the last ten years balancing life between babies at home and as they described it “business babies”. They have started and run multiple companies, they shared some great insights and had some really fun stories including Jeremy’s first gig out of college as a sales rep for a cardboard toilet company. We hope you enjoy our discussion with Jeremy and Jenn.
This week’s episode is a discussion with Tyler and John Richards who are a father son duo that are both serial entrepreneurs and are currently running the startup ignition which is a startup bootcamp for entrepreneurs.
They had a lot of great advice for entrepreneurs and some fun stories from both of their entrepreneurial journeys. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Tyler and John!
This week’s episode is a discussion with Tanner Beckstrand and Caleb Wagner from Baywatch Technologies. Caleb and Tanner have been best friends since they were kids and they talked about the dynamic of being best friends running a business together. They shared some insights about market validation and how important it is to figure that out early with a startup. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy our conversation with Baywatch!
We are excited for this week’s episode with Aleksa Porter from Wander. She talked about the challenges of starting a business as a side hustle while her and her co founders were balancing full time jobs. Aleksa also talked about how important it is for her to leave a personal legacy as well as the mark she wants Wander as a company to leave on the world. Get ready for another great episode!
On this week’s episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we interview Wade Rasmussen, COO and co-founder of Dirty Dough, the breakout cookie startup currently being sued by Crumbl. Many of our listeners are already familiar with Dirty Dough as a major player in the trending #UtahCookieWars. Billboards standing alongside Utah’s freeways share their side of the lawsuit from a lighthearted, comical perspective, demonstrating the company’s appetite for growth in spite of attempts to shut them down. In fact, the lawsuit has had the opposite effect, helping triple Dirty Dough’s revenues in the past few weeks alone.Wade’s most important priorities today include hiring the right people and creating operational efficiencies, each being essential to the explosive growth they’ve experienced in their franchise model. Even still, Dirty Dough’s mission goes far beyond just delicious cookies. During our discussion, Wade makes the profound point that “what’s on the inside matters most”—a concept applicable to cookies and people alike. And this is the motivation behind their newest mission, to support those with mental disorders and other similar challenges.Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy our chat with Wade Rasmussen!
The Midnight Founders Podcast is focused on telling the behind-the-scenes stories for what makes a successful entrepreneur. Just like Donavan Mitchell spends countless hours practicing step back jumpers to become a master at his craft. You are in the trenches spending countless hours to become a master at your business. We are inspired by this, we believe that is what it takes to be a midnight founder, and we want to share your story. Our podcast is casual, every conversation is different, so we like to take the conversation wherever it leads. As such, we don’t really follow a script, but we really want to know who you are as a founder, and what makes you tick? We also want to know what keeps you up at night, what are the problems you are currently trying to solve? As entrepreneurs we know that there are challenging times where you don’t have anyone to fall back on to meet the deadline or finish the task, all the weight is on your shoulders. One question we ask every guest that we want you to think about is: What is the gnarliest experience you have had as an entrepreneur? Stories about you and your business are engaging and pull the listeners in.
Hosts:
AJ Rounds: A.J. Rounds currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of RevRoad. In addition, he is a co-founder and investor. A.J.’s passion is helping other entrepreneurs like himself. This position allows A.J. to do that. A.J. has an 18-year track record in Marketing communications, consumer retail and direct sales channels, global business development, human resources, editorial, business writing, and building effective management teams.
Jacob McHargue: Jake is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the CB Vault which is the new entrepreneurship division of Central Bank. He is focused on helping startups and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Jake grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has been enthusiastic about entrepreneurship since a young age. He has spent much of his career building teams and helping organizations grow.
We are excited for this week’s episode with Carlton van Putten who is the CEO of Payrent. Carlton waited until later in his career to begin his entrepreneurial journey, he talked about how he is utilizing all of the lessons he learned throughout his career to help make Payrent the success it is today. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!
We are excited for this weeks episode with Keith Huang who is the Founder & CEO of Sentient Academy. We had a great conversation about embracing your inner artist and letting your creativity out. He had some great advice for founders about staying in touch with your company by “walking the floor” which is something he learned during his time working in the casino industry. Hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
We are excited for this weeks episode with Emily Applegarth who is the co-founder and CRO for Gamify. Emily talked about her entrepreneurial journey and how sitting next to the sales leaderboard with a previous company helped her create the idea for Gamify. Get ready for another amazing episode.
We had a great conversation today with Jeff Erickson. He's currently working with a company called Forecaster. He's really involved in the entrepreneurial community here in Utah and really well connected. He had a lot of fun stories about businesses that he and his wife have run, as well as ventures that he's done on his own. You will learn a little bit more about him and also some tips on how to become a LinkedIn influencer. He just surpassed 15,000 followers.
The Midnight Founders Podcast is focused on telling the behind-the-scenes stories for what makes a successful entrepreneur. Just like Donavan Mitchell spends countless hours practicing step back jumpers to become a master at his craft. Entrepreneurs are in the trenches spending countless hours to become a master at their businesses. We are inspired by this, we believe that is what it takes to be a midnight founder, and we are excited to share their stories.
Hosts:
AJ Rounds:
A.J. Rounds currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of RevRoad. In addition, he is a co-founder and investor. A.J.’s passion is helping other entrepreneurs like himself. This position allows A.J. to do that. A.J. has an 18-year track record in Marketing communications, consumer retail and direct sales channels, global business development, human resources, editorial, business writing, and building effective management teams.
Jacob McHargue:
Jake is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the CB Vault which is the new entrepreneurship division of Central Bank. He is focused on helping startups and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Jake grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has been enthusiastic about entrepreneurship since a young age. He has spent much of his career building teams and helping organizations grow.
We're super excited for this week's episode with Jake Hawksworth and John Miller from HyperCraft. We are so excited to learn about their journey in helping to electrify the world, they talked about making a pivot that has really helping their business grow quickly. they also talked about the process of relocating their headquarters from Arizona to Utah. They had some really cool stories in store for you, we are excited to introduce you to HyperCraft.
The Midnight Founders Podcast is focused on telling the behind-the-scenes stories for what makes a successful entrepreneur. Just like Donavan Mitchell spends countless hours practicing step back jumpers to become a master at his craft. Entrepreneurs are in the trenches spending countless hours to become a master at their businesses. We are inspired by this, we believe that is what it takes to be a midnight founder, and we are excited to share their stories.
Hosts:
AJ Rounds:
A.J. Rounds currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of RevRoad. In addition, he is a co-founder and investor. A.J.’s passion is helping other entrepreneurs like himself. This position allows A.J. to do that. A.J. has an 18-year track record in Marketing communications, consumer retail and direct sales channels, global business development, human resources, editorial, business writing, and building effective management teams.
Jacob McHargue:
Jake is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the CB Vault which is the new entrepreneurship division of Central Bank. He is focused on helping startups and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Jake grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has been enthusiastic about entrepreneurship since a young age. He has spent much of his career building teams and helping organizations grow.
We are excited for this week's Midnight Founders podcast episode with Rachel Quarnberg, who is the founder and owner of Audrey and Bear. I love how she told us about how her business is built on a mission to help families with babies in the NICU. From the humble beginnings in Eagle Alaska, the business has continued to grow each year. Rachel talked about the challenges of growing a business with just herself and her husband helping behind the scenes. Get ready for another awesome episode.
The Midnight Founders Podcast is focused on telling the behind-the-scenes stories for what makes a successful entrepreneur. Just like Donavan Mitchell spends countless hours practicing step back jumpers to become a master at his craft. Entrepreneurs are in the trenches spending countless hours to become a master at their businesses. We are inspired by this, we believe that is what it takes to be a midnight founder, and we are excited to share their stories.
Hosts:
AJ Rounds:
A.J. Rounds currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of RevRoad. In addition, he is a co-founder and investor. A.J.’s passion is helping other entrepreneurs like himself. This position allows A.J. to do that. A.J. has an 18-year track record in Marketing communications, consumer retail and direct sales channels, global business development, human resources, editorial, business writing, and building effective management teams.
Jacob McHargue:
Jake is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the CB Vault which is the new entrepreneurship division of Central Bank. He is focused on helping startups and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Jake grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has been enthusiastic about entrepreneurship since a young age. He has spent much of his career building teams and helping organizations grow.