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.