The Midnight Founders Podcast

In this episode of the Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Mirgen Hoxha, founder of Motomtech, to explore the intersection of international trade and tech entrepreneurship. Mirgen brings a wealth of experience in navigating global markets and shares key lessons he’s learned while building and scaling a tech company across borders. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, his insights on thinking globally, managing cross-border logistics, and entering international markets are invaluable. What you’ll learn: * How to approach international trade as a startup * Strategies for scaling a tech product beyond domestic borders * Why global thinking is essential from day one Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration from a founder who’s turning bold ideas into global solutions.

What happens when you trust your gut, embrace the unconventional, and let MC Hammer pitch your product on Oprah? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Pedersen, founder of ZAGG—the company behind the iconic invisibleSHIELD. Robert shares the scrappy beginnings of a now-global brand, diving deep into what it takes to innovate in crowded markets and stand out with bold, sometimes wild, marketing moves. From startup struggles to striking gold with protective tech for electronics, this is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and fearless branding. If you're a founder looking to zig where others zag, this one's for you.

On this episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we’re joined by Whitney Rigby, the visionary CEO and founder of Magnetic Hair Design. With no background as a hairstylist, Whitney entered the beauty industry with a bold idea—to build a magnetic brand that redefines what it means to feel confident and beautiful. She shares how she identified a gap in the market, scaled her business from the ground up, and built a strong community around innovation, aesthetics, and leadership. This is a conversation about trusting your gut, leading with intention, and creating something magnetic—without following the traditional path.

In this episode, we’re joined by Cory Ivins, Aaron Shields, and Vanessa Perez — the visionary leaders behind MakeUtah, a groundbreaking hub that's building the future of hard-tech innovation. From concept to commercialization, MakeUtah is redefining what it means to be a maker by equipping entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools, strategic industry partnerships, and mentorship that fuels real economic impact. We dive into how MakeUtah is transforming big ideas into market-ready solutions and creating a space where creators, engineers, and founders collaborate to drive serious innovation and growth.

In this powerful episode of The Midnight Founders Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Vega, CEO of Promise2Live—a life-saving nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Brandy shares her deeply personal story of how a crisis in her own home sparked a mission to help others facing similar battles. Through Promise2Live, she’s created a movement encouraging individuals to make a simple yet powerful commitment: to promise to live and to reach out when in need. We talk about: * The heartbreaking story that inspired the foundation * How Promise2Live is using digital campaigns and real-world outreach to make a difference * Why vulnerability and connection are the antidotes to silent suffering * The challenges of founding a nonprofit rooted in pain—and the healing that can follow This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, social impact, or finding purpose through adversity. 👉 Learn more and take the pledge at Promise2Live.org [https://promise2live.org] Warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide and mental health that may be triggering to some listeners.