The Midnight Founders Podcast

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 powerhouseLeadership lessons from Mayor Kaufusi; how her upbringing shaped a culture of empathy, empowerment, and forward-thinking innovation as Provo’s first woman mayorThe four pillars of Mayor Kaufusi’s administration and her commitment to building a welcoming, safe, economically vibrant, and future-ready city — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 payrollsHow Shawn overcame losing $1.5 million, missed payroll, and rebuilt his business through partnerships and relationshipsThe 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. — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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. — 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 generationsSmart strategies for family wealth preservation and avoiding the pitfalls of consumerismHow behavioral finance can help you make smarter, more intentional money decisions — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 teamsThe impact of Fractional Leadership—how startups access C-level expertise without the full-time costThe vital role of advocacy in advancing women’s entrepreneurship—and why lifting up diverse voices drives real change -- The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 degreesHow the right mentor can help you avoid guesswork and common trapsHow to get clear answers to your "what’s next?" questions and set yourself up for wins — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 accountabilityWhy less is more when it comes to meetings and how leadership style impacts team dynamicsHow 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 — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 foundersHow on-the-spot pitches highlight a founder’s communication and problem-solving skillsThe Anti-Pitch: presenting why investors shouldn’t invest in your companyHow Shit Pitch is gaining traction across the U.S. and beyondTips for founders to connect with investors in a fresh, authentic way — 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. — 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 programHow Tim is helping founders get to revenue faster without sacrificing long-term growthWhy Utah’s give-first culture sets it apart from other startup ecosystemsThe importance of founders reinvesting in the community that helped them succeed — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 officeThe strategic decision that led Little Giant to partner exclusively with a single retail partnerHow the company’s 2003 infomercial catapulted 600% growth in a single yearRyan’s leadership philosophy and his commitment to both employee and customer feedback — The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 acquisitionThe unique challenges of selling untested legal tech and securing early adoptersNathan's approach to raising capital and what he looks for in investorsThe creative ways Nathan funded BriefPoint, including taking a job as an entry-level salesperson at a competitor company to keep the business afloat -- The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.

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 partner CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank   Contact us: aj.rounds@revroad.com jake.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 partner CB Vault - The entrepreneur arm of Central Bank   Contact us: aj.rounds@revroad.com jake.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 partner CB 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. -- 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. -- 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

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.  -- 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. — 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