The Midnight Founders Podcast

Thomas Wilkinson & Stephen Smith - Ollin Ventures

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 build enduring companies in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
We discuss how Ollin evaluates founders, why they believe the future belongs to AI-native businesses, the biggest mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make, and what separates fundable ideas from scalable companies. They also share lessons from working with dozens of startups, raising capital, navigating uncertainty, and building businesses that create lasting value.
Whether you're launching your first venture, raising capital, or simply fascinated by the startup world, this conversation offers an inside look at how successful founders think, execute, and grow.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, venture capital, AI, and the mindset required to build something that lasts.

Devon Millington - QVR

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 of leading through uncertainty, building systems that create real impact, and the lessons he's learned as an entrepreneur navigating rapid growth. Devon also opens up about the connection between leadership, personal development, and creating organizations that prioritize both accountability and human connection.
Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or looking to make a meaningful difference through your work, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting impact.

Chris Shurian - Bootstraps and Battle Scars

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 the lessons he's learned from building and scaling businesses, navigating setbacks, leading through adversity, and helping other founders make better decisions when the pressure is highest. From entrepreneurial wins to hard-earned battle scars, this conversation dives into what it really takes to build a meaningful business and a fulfilling life.
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or leader looking for clarity in your next season of growth, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, powerful stories, and insights you won't want to miss.

Albert Foster - Express Evaluations

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 growing a company in a competitive market.
The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, building credibility, and why consistency matters more than hype when creating a long-term business. Whether you’re in real estate, business, or simply trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with practical insights and founder-focused wisdom.

Tyler Jennings - GOEO

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 entrepreneurship, leadership, economic growth, and what it takes to build lasting communities around innovation. Tyler shares lessons from working with startups, scaling founder networks across Utah, and why he believes the future of business is being built right here in Utah. If you care about startups, leadership, and the people shaping the future of the state, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Doug Edwards - NRV

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 leadership.
We also dive into the vision behind NRV Utah and why storytelling, local connection, and highlighting good people still matter in today’s fast-moving digital world. Doug opens up about the importance of relationships in business, building trust over time, and how entrepreneurs can stay grounded while pursuing ambitious goals.
If you’re a founder, creator, or someone trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, growth, and building a life centered on contribution instead of just success.

Alec Abdul-Rahim - Column

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 operations, why traditional banking models fall short for high-growth companies, and what founders should actually be paying attention to when managing money.
If you’re building or scaling a company, this is a conversation that will change how you think about your financial systems.

Shawn Butler - Relevant

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 powerful messaging, and how authenticity and clarity can completely transform the way ideas spread. Shawn also shares insights from his work leading marketing initiatives at BYU and building Relevant, along with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone looking to sharpen their voice in today’s digital world.
Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or just trying to communicate better, this conversation will challenge the way you think about storytelling, strategy, and impact.

Steven Heumann - Super Heumann Creative

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 balance between art and strategy, how to create work that actually converts, and why authenticity is the only real long-term advantage.
Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or someone trying to grow a brand online, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at building something meaningful—and making it work at scale.

Brent Bingham - Eclipse Marketing

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 create campaigns that convert, and why most businesses struggle to turn attention into revenue.