The Midnight Founders Podcast

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 bu...

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...

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 th...

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 growi...

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 entrepren...

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 leade...

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 operation...

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 powerf...

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 balanc...

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 cre...

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...

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...

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 busi...

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 thin...

  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 t...

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,...

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...

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 mista...

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...

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...

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,...

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 E...

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...

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...