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.