The Midnight Founders Podcast

Rachel Nigri - Senya

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nigri, Chief Experience Officer at Senya, a fast-growing SaaS platform transforming how schools connect with substitute teachers. Rachel shares her journey of joining Senya in its early days and wearing multiple hats to help scale the company from filling just a handful of sub positions a week to hundreds per day.
We dive into the challenges of building trust between schools and subs, the importance of creating great user experiences in edtech, and how Rachel continues to grow as a leader while pursuing her MBA. Her story is one of adaptability, innovation, and a passion for making education systems run more smoothly.
Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, edtech innovation, or leadership development, Rachel’s insights will inspire you to rethink what it means to build solutions that truly make an impact.

Seth Jenson - Baugh Entrepreneurial Institute

In this episode, we sit down with Seth Jensen, Managing Director of the Baugh Entrepreneurial Institute at UVU, to dive into the world of innovation, student founders, and what it takes to launch a successful startup. Seth has a front-row seat to some of the most inspiring young entrepreneurs—many already building profitable businesses while still in school.
He shares practical advice for startups, the importance of building genuine connections, and how the Institute is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Utah. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or already scaling your venture, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Eric Beckman - Aptly

This week we sit down with Eric Beckman of Aptly, who’s making waves in the property management world. Eric has a proven track record of spotting opportunities in industries people assume are “tapped out” and finding ways to innovate where others have stopped trying. From his deep experience in property management to his vision for where the industry is headed, Eric brings sharp insights, fresh ideas, and a no-nonsense approach to growth. Whether you’re in real estate, property management, or just looking to learn how to disrupt a “boring” industry, this conversation will get you thinking differently.

Levi Lindsay - Hona

In this episode, we sit down with Levi Lindsay, VP of Marketing at Hona, to dive into the world of creative marketing, brand storytelling, and what it takes to stand out in a noisy digital space. Levi shares his journey into marketing leadership, the strategies that fuel Hona’s growth, and the lessons he’s learned about connecting with audiences in authentic ways. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone passionate about creativity, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
 

Nate Allen - Pollen Sense

In this episode, we sit down with Nate Allen, CTO of Pollen Sense, to talk about the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the power of data collection. Nate shares how Pollen Sense is transforming the way we understand environmental data, the challenges of building tech-driven solutions, and the lessons he’s learned from leading in a fast-paced startup environment. Whether you’re a founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about turning big ideas into reality, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to think differently about innovation.

Nathan Byrd - Acquisition IQ

In this episode, AJ and Jake sit down with Nathan Byrd, the founder of Acquisition IQ — a company that's reshaping the way businesses approach acquisitions. With a passion that's contagious, Nathan shares how he helps companies navigate the complex world of buying and selling with confidence. From both sides of the deal table, he’s seen it all — and now he's breaking it down through powerful, game-changing workshops that are making waves in the industry. Whether you’re building to sell or looking to acquire, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration.

Aaron Shields & Cory Ivins - Mountainside

In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Cory Ivins and Aaron Shields, the dynamic duo behind Mountainside, a business-to-business company that's redefining how organizations think about culture. Cory and Aaron share how they help companies create intentional, high-performance cultures that fuel real growth—not just feel-good buzzwords. From leadership development to organizational alignment, they break down practical ways to build the kind of culture your business will actually thrive in. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling a team, this conversation will challenge the way you think about what makes companies succeed.

Mel Torrie - Autonomous Solutions

In this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Mel Torrie, the visionary founder and CEO of Autonomous Solutions. Mel shares his journey from startup beginnings to leading a cutting-edge tech company that's redefining innovation and automation. He offers powerful insights on scaling a business, staying ahead in the tech world, and making bold decisions that drive real growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Mel’s practical advice and forward-thinking mindset will leave you inspired to level up your game.

Season 3 Recap

 A look back at some of the best moments and lessons learned over the last year on The Midnight Founders Podcast!

Scott Hughes - Saniderm

In this episode of the Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Scott Hughes, the founder of Saniderm and a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and sold multiple companies. Scott shares his journey of identifying unique needs in niche markets and turning those insights into thriving businesses. From developing products that serve both individuals and large-scale enterprises to scaling operations and eventually exiting, Scott offers invaluable advice on product-market fit, brand building, and seizing opportunities others overlook. If you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for strategic insight into niche domination, this one’s for you.