The Midnight Founders Podcast

Mayor Michelle Kaufusi & Keith Morley - Provo City

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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Shawn Finnegan - Tax Hive

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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Brian Brown - Partner Philosophy

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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Bruce Miller - PROFi, The Professional Financial Company

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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Kortney Osborne - Amplēo

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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Corbin Church - iHub

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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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault. 

Whitney Finlinson — Visionary Talent

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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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault. 

Kent Richeson - Shit Pitch

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 O'brien - Lone Tree Companies

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 - Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity

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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The Midnight Founders Podcast is powered by RevRoad and CB Vault.