The Nearshore Cafe

In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast , host Brian Samson , founder of Plugg Technologies , sits down with Jared Andreassen , executive at Blue Coding , to break down the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model—an emerging strategy reshaping how mid-market and enterprise tech companies scale teams across Latin America. From setting up entire operations in Mexico City and Bogotá to navigating em...

In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast , host Brian Samson , founder of Plugg Technologies, sits down with Ron Noden , SVP of Tech M&A at Quorum Group, to unpack the real value of nearshoring , how international staffing impacts valuations, and why 60% of tech M&A deals involve two or more countries . From building massive teams in Costa Rica to closing high-growth tech deals across...

Not all regions are created equal when it comes to building high-performing remote teams. In this new Nearshore Cafe Podcast short, I spoke with global BPO executive Stewart Wolfenson , who broke down how cultural and operational strengths vary across: ✅ Philippines – Service-first mindset. Perfect for support and customer care. ✅ Dominican Republic – Fast-paced, energetic, and ideal for outboun...

In this solo episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast , host Brian Samson , founder of Plugg Technologies , tackles the 7 most frequently asked questions about Nearshoring . With over a decade of hands-on experience connecting U.S. companies with top-tier talent in Latin America, Brian offers a direct, insightful breakdown of what businesses need to know in 2025. From understanding the real differenc...

In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast , host Seb Wichmann talks with Brian Samson , founder of Plugg Technologies , about scaling remote tech teams by hiring elite Latin American software engineers . Brian shares authentic hiring strategies , from using video job descriptions to running pop-up coding challenges , helping U.S. companies attract and retain top-tier nearshore talent . If you’...

🎙️ Featuring Pedro Góes, CEO of PayTrack | The Nearshore Cafe Podcast In this episode, host Brian Samson speaks with Pedro Góes , CEO of PayTrack , a Brazil-based fintech that evolved from startup hustle to enterprise-level execution—growing from 20 to nearly 400 employees, largely without outside investment. Pedro reveals how PayTrack built an all-in-one travel and expense management platform for...

🌍 With global talent more accessible than ever, many companies are asking:   Is nearshoring the key to building scalable, high-performing remote teams in 2025? In this episode of The Nearshore Café Podcast , host Brian Samson sits down with Josh Allan Dykstra , CEO of Work Revolution , to explore the pros and pitfalls of nearshoring—based on real-life experience hiring across Ecuador, Mexico, Ven...

In this episode of The Nearshore Café Podcast , host Brian Samson sits down with Evan Greenberg , Director of Client Solutions at Plug Technologies (PLUGG.tech) , to explore what traveling to 47 countries taught him about global culture—and how that experience shapes his approach to building remote tech teams in Latin America . 🚀 Whether you're passionate about world travel, hiring internati...

In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast , host Brian Samson sits down with Arturo Garcia , CEO & Co-Founder of DNAMIC | Databricks Data Solutions , to discuss how Costa Rica has emerged as Latin America’s Silicon Valley for AI & Data Solutions . Arturo shares his journey from medical school to building DNAMIC , a company that grew from a small startup to a million-dollar enterprise i...

Are you considering nearshoring to Argentina or Mexico? This episode of The Nearshore Cafe dives into the key challenges and opportunities, including how to navigate inflation and find top tech talent in these dynamic markets. We discuss practical strategies for managing remote teams, cultural considerations, and tips for success.  Jonathan Roitman shares his insights from years of experience work...

Miguel Munoz from Digital Geko shares insights about Guatemala's growing position in the nearshore tech ecosystem and why it remains Central America's "best-kept secret" for software development partnerships. As the most populated country in Central America with economic stability and a strong talent pool, Guatemala offers compelling advantages for companies seeking quality dev...

We dive deep with Brian Sampson, founder of Plug Technologies, exploring how businesses can tap into top-tier Latin American talent to scale effectively while navigating today's changing hiring landscape. • Brian relocated to Argentina to build a tech company from scratch, scaling to 80 employees • Nearshore hiring (same time zone regions) offers 40-60% cost savings compared to US hiring • La...

How did Matt Steinberg, a seasoned technical recruiter, find himself at the forefront of a nearshoring revolution in Latin America? Join us as he recounts his unexpected journey into recruiting, which began in Argentina in 2005 when the concept of nearshoring was just gaining traction. Matt shares invaluable insights about the pivotal role communication skills played in his career and reveals his...

Step into the future of global talent strategy with Brian Samson on the Global Leadership Innovation & Tech Podcast . This episode unpacks the rise of nearshoring—a game-changing approach that’s redefining efficiency, collaboration, and cost-effectiveness in international business with host Tosin Sho. Brian breaks down the differences between nearshoring and traditional offshoring, revealing h...

Discover the secrets of building powerful, global tech communities with Mariana Lemus, a community expert hailing from Latin America. Mariana shares her fascinating journey, transitioning from finance to marketing at MuleSoft, where she played a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant community of developers. Her story is a testament to the importance of understanding diverse cultures and the dedicati...

What if the political shifts from Trump's inauguration could reshape Latin America’s economic landscape? Join me, Brian Samson, as I sit down with Luis Lozano, an expert on the region, to unravel these potential impacts. We dissect how Trump's policies might pressure Latin American countries, yet create opportunities for nations like Argentina. Mexico's unique position in the wake o...

What if accessing top-tier engineering talent from around the globe could transform your business? Join us as we unlock the secrets to building exceptional nearshore teams with Kevin Haggard, the VP of Engineering at Zenzions. Kevin takes us on a journey through his career, from early days at Deloitte and Weight Watchers to his current role at a cutting-edge startup focused on data conversion usin...

How has Tullio Siragusa transformed nearshoring over the past 25 years? Join us as Tullio, an industry pioneer, shares his journey from introducing nearshore services to the U.S. with SoftTech to navigating its evolution across Latin America. Discover how Mexico became a nearshore leader, Colombia's rise, and the unique contributions of talent from Monterrey and Guadalajara. We also explore t...

Discover the art of building resilient remote teams as we sit down with Paul Karaffa, the CEO of AdminNow, Hawaii's leading Salesforce consulting firm. Paul takes us through his inspiring journey from being laid off to establishing a formidable remote workforce, navigating the unique challenges of Hawaii's geographical isolation. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into his str...

What if traditional banking as we know it is on the verge of a massive transformation? Join us on the Nearshore Cafe podcast as we promise an eye-opening look into the fintech revolution in Latin America with our guest, Javier Borkenztain. Discover how this mechanical engineer from Montevideo turned fintech entrepreneur is challenging banking norms with his company, Fiter. As a leading implementer...

Trading the bustling streets of New York City and the tech-driven energy of the San Francisco Bay for the serene beaches of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, CEO of Honeit Software, Nick Livingston, shares his family's audacious leap into a remote work lifestyle. Unravel the captivating tale of how subletting their California home led to a vibrant new chapter amidst Costa Rica's waves and welcoming...

Discover the transformative journey of Mati Barbero, a trailblazer in Latin American venture capital, as he joins me, Brian Samson, on the Nearshore Cafe podcast. Mati's experiences from Argentina to Miami, coupled with his work at Impacta, 500 Startups, and Pigma, reveal a dynamic interplay of travel, work, and networking that shapes the regional startup ecosystem. As we explore the evolutio...

Unlock the secrets of nearshore software development with our special guest, Ruben Santana, president of Plugg Technologies. Discover why Latin America, and Mexico in particular, is becoming the go-to destination for companies seeking software solutions. We promise insights into the dynamics of this regional shift, from the perspective of businesses transitioning from traditional offshoring hotspo...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the tech industry as we approach 2025, with insights from Evan Meyers, the Director of Sales at Plugg Technologies. Immerse yourself in the world of AI startups and the rise of nearshoring in Latin America, as Evan shares his optimism about AI's revolutionary impact on industries like construction. Discover why Austin, or "Silicon Hills," is becomin...

Mexico City isn't just another stop on the map; it's a vibrant metropolis that's defying expectations at every turn. Have you ever thought of a city blending the vastness of Los Angeles with the dynamism of New York? Well, that's exactly what Mexico City delivers, and more. Join me, Brian Samson, as I navigate through its expansive financial district, historic corners, and live...