Brian Samson - Podcast Details

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The Nearshore Cafe🚀 $50M Series A Tech Startup Scales Fast with Nearshore Talent | Brian Samson | Plugg.tech🎙️ The Nearshore Cafe Podcast | Hosted by Brian SamsonIn this episode, Brian Samson — founder of Plugg Technologies and host of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast — shares a powerful success story from a booming Series A tech startup based in Atlanta. With over $50 million raised, this company had the resources to hire from anywhere in the world. But instead of battling the fierce 2022 Silicon Valley talent wars, they chose a smarter path: senior full-stack developers from Latin America.💡 Hear how Plugg.tech connected their VP of Engineering with top-tier developers from Brazil and A...2025-07-0202 min

The Nearshore CafeCan a Business Analyst in Mexico really support a U.S. tech team just as well—or better—than someone in Silicon Valley? 🌎In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson (founder of Plugg Technologies) dives deep with Fernando Soto, a senior Business Analyst working remotely from Guadalajara, Mexico. From humble roots in Tijuana to leading global tech projects, Fernando reveals the real story of life as a nearshore tech professional.📉 Laid off after 16 years at HP.🚀 Reinvented his career through remote work.🌐 Now shaping product success for U.S. companies from Mexico.🎯 What You’ll Learn:• The...2025-06-1825 min

The Nearshore CafeHow a San Francisco Startup Cut Dev Costs 60% with LATAM Engineers | Nearshoring SuccessWhat happens when a Series B startup in San Francisco realizes they’re paying over $200K per year for a remote engineer—and getting no extra value from being in the Bay Area?They go nearshore. And they win. Big.In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson (Founder of Plugg Technologies) shares the true story of how one founder turned to LATAM developers to scale faster, cut costs, and build better—without sacrificing time zone alignment, communication, or talent quality.Here’s what yo...2025-06-1202 min

The Nearshore CafeNearshoring in 2025: Top 7 FAQs About Hiring LATAM Talent Answered by Brian Samson Thinking about nearshoring? Wondering how it compares to outsourcing, offshoring, or onshoring? In this value-packed episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson — CEO of Plugg Technologies — answers the 7 most frequently asked questions about nearshoring in 2025.From cost savings of 40–70%, to real-time collaboration with Latin American developers, Brian explains how nearshoring can help U.S. companies scale tech teams quickly and affordably without sacrificing quality or culture fit.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between nearshoring, offshoring, outsourcing, and onsho...2025-06-1214 min

The Nearshore CafeBuilding a $6M Remote Sales Operation in Colombia 🎙 The Nearshore Cafe PodcastIn this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, chats with Amir Reiter, CEO of CloudTask, about how Medellín, Colombia has become a hidden gem for building high-performing global sales teams.From building his first team in an Airbnb to scaling a $6M+ revenue operation with over 265 contractors, Amir shares how CloudTask evolved from a service agency into a full-blown B2B marketplace for GTM (go-to-market) talent and software.They dive deep into:Why Medellín...2025-05-2825 min

The Nearshore CafeBuild-Operate-Transfer Explained: The Secret Strategy for Scaling Tech Teams in LATAMIn this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, sits down with Jared Andreassen, executive at Blue Coding, to break down the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model—an emerging strategy reshaping how mid-market and enterprise tech companies scale teams across Latin America.From setting up entire operations in Mexico City and Bogotá to navigating employee severance laws in LATAM, Jared shares tactical insights, real-world stories (including a wild rafting trip in the Dominican Republic), and a sharp perspective on the evolving nature of global tech hir...2025-05-2123 min

Can We Have a Word?Episode 5 - How To Lead Meaningful Workplace Wellbeing Change In Complex Organisations – with Brian Samson from ESBIn today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Samson, Head of Health Promotion at ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company. Host Tobba Vigfusdottir sits down with Brian to explore his unique journey from IT into the field of workplace health and wellbeing, and how he’s helping to create open, supportive environments across a complex and diverse organisation. Brian shares his experience developing proactive health and wellbeing programmes for a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees. The conversation covers approaches to addressing both mental and physical health at work, the challenges of supporting varied roles across multiple sites, and th...2025-05-1933 min

The Nearshore CafeHow Nearshoring Boosts Tech M&A Valuations | The Nearshore Cafe PodcastIn this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, sits down with Ron Noden, SVP of Tech M&A at Quorum Group, to unpack the real value of nearshoring, how international staffing impacts valuations, and why 60% of tech M&A deals involve two or more countries.From building massive teams in Costa Rica to closing high-growth tech deals across Latin America, Ron shares his journey from retail to running multimillion-dollar software exits. If you're a tech founder, operator...2025-05-1428 min

The Nearshore Cafe🌎 Where Should You Outsource in 2025?Not all regions are created equal when it comes to building high-performing remote teams.In this new Nearshore Cafe Podcast short, I spoke with global BPO executive Stewart Wolfenson, who broke down how cultural and operational strengths vary across:✅ Philippines – Service-first mindset. Perfect for support and customer care.✅ Dominican Republic – Fast-paced, energetic, and ideal for outbound sales roles.✅ Eastern Europe – Highly technical, adaptive, and excellent for problem-solving and dev-heavy work.🔍 The takeaway?Outsourcing isn...2025-05-0722 min

The Nearshore CafeTop 7 Nearshoring FAQs Answered: Costs, Benefits, and What to Expect in 2025In this solo episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, tackles the 7 most frequently asked questions about Nearshoring. With over a decade of hands-on experience connecting U.S. companies with top-tier talent in Latin America, Brian offers a direct, insightful breakdown of what businesses need to know in 2025.From understanding the real difference between Nearshoring and Outsourcing, to quantifying cost savings and uncovering overlooked cultural advantages, this episode is packed with valuable guidance for scaling remote teams the right way.Ideal for founders...2025-04-2916 min

The Nearshore CafeHow to Build High-Performing Nearshore Tech Teams with Latin American DevelopersIn this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Seb Wichmann talks with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, about scaling remote tech teams by hiring elite Latin American software engineers.Brian shares authentic hiring strategies, from using video job descriptions to running pop-up coding challenges, helping U.S. companies attract and retain top-tier nearshore talent.If you’re a founder, HR leader, or tech recruiter looking to build or grow your nearshore development te...2025-04-2232 min

The Nearshore CafeFrom Google Sheets to Scalable SaaS: How PayTrack Transformed Travel & Expense Management in LATAM🎙️ Featuring Pedro Góes, CEO of PayTrack | The Nearshore Cafe PodcastIn this episode, host Brian Samson speaks with Pedro Góes, CEO of PayTrack, a Brazil-based fintech that evolved from startup hustle to enterprise-level execution—growing from 20 to nearly 400 employees, largely without outside investment.Pedro reveals how PayTrack built an all-in-one travel and expense management platform for medium and enterprise companies, combining travel booking, expense tracking, and corporate cards into a single integrated SaaS solution. The company didn’t just survive the...2025-04-1530 min

SOVRYNThe Real Story of Samson [SOVRYN Q&A]Dr. Brian Sovryn is back to answering your questions every week! It's your weekly SOVRYN Q&A, and this one - like last week - is as epic as they come...make sure you listen to the very end!SPECIAL GUEST–N/AQUESTIONS:–"What laptop should I buy in our AI landscape?"–"While we're at it, how about headphones?"–"Physical fitness and Kabbalah?"DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE COMMENTS & QUESTIONS ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUB...2025-04-151h 41

The Nearshore CafeIs Nearshoring the Smartest Way to Build a Remote Team in 2025? | Josh Allan Dykstra🌍 With global talent more accessible than ever, many companies are asking: Is nearshoring the key to building scalable, high-performing remote teams in 2025?In this episode of The Nearshore Café Podcast, host Brian Samson sits down with Josh Allan Dykstra, CEO of Work Revolution, to explore the pros and pitfalls of nearshoring—based on real-life experience hiring across Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Israel, Brazil, and the U.S.Josh shares what worked, what didn’t, and what every founder, startup leader, and hiring manager should know before in...2025-04-0829 min

Team Lally Real EstateProfessional Cleaning Solutions for Oahu with Brian SamsonThis week on the Team Lally Real Estate Radio Show, we interview Brian Samson of Cleanscape Hawaii. Adrienne and Attilio share positive client feedback on the outstanding service provided by Cleanscape. Brian talks about what sets their cleaning services apart from others on Oahu, the types of clients they commonly work with, whether they’re hiring, and the range of services they offer—including windows, lanais, jalousies, and more. They also offer recurring cleaning options like monthly and bi-weekly services. Bonus: Team Lally listeners can enjoy 20% off their services!2025-04-0753 min

The Nearshore CafeCrossing Borders: A World Traveler's Guide to Latin American TalentIn this episode of The Nearshore Café Podcast, host Brian Samson sits down with Evan Greenberg, Director of Client Solutions at Plug Technologies (PLUGG.tech), to explore what traveling to 47 countries taught him about global culture—and how that experience shapes his approach to building remote tech teams in Latin America.🚀 Whether you're passionate about world travel, hiring international talent, or scaling your engineering team with cost-effective solutions, this episode is packed with value.🎙️ What you’ll hear:Unfiltered travel stories from Venezuela, Peru, Italy...2025-04-0329 min

Disruptive CEO NationEpisode 286: The Value of LATAM Human Capital with Brian Samson Founder and CEO, Nearshore (LATAM); Oahu, HI, USAAs the complexity and demands of technology continue to rise in our business lives, CEOs need to explore all available avenues of how to identify and attract top talent. This is where nearshoring comes in. Nearshoring is a valuable vehicle to augment existing teams, support rapid scaling, or bring new knowledge into an organization quickly. To learn more about nearshoring we turned to Brian Samson, an entrepreneur who has lived and established multiple companies in Latin America. Because of this he holds unparalleled insight into leveraging untapped talent pools of highly educated individuals in Central a...2025-03-2626 min

DoGood Insider - Raw Journeys From Start-Up Founders To Scale-Up CEOsScaling Teams and Building Culture: Lessons in Hiring with Brian SamsonIn this engaging conversation, Seb Wichmann speaks with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, about the intricacies of hiring and recruitment, particularly focusing on the Latin American market. They explore the evolution of Plugg, the importance of understanding company culture in hiring, and innovative strategies such as video job descriptions and experiential recruitment methods. Brian shares valuable lessons learned from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the need for companies to know their identity and to try new approaches in their hiring processes.For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and...2025-03-2540 min

The Nearshore CafeCosta Rica's Silicon Valley: Building a Data & AI Company for US Life SciencesIn this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Brian Samson sits down with Arturo Garcia, CEO & Co-Founder of DNAMIC | Databricks Data Solutions, to discuss how Costa Rica has emerged as Latin America’s Silicon Valley for AI & Data Solutions.Arturo shares his journey from medical school to building DNAMIC, a company that grew from a small startup to a million-dollar enterprise in just one year. Learn how the company’s “Work from Happiness” culture promotes productivity and empl...2025-03-2523 min

The Nearshore CafeNearshoring in Argentina and Mexico: Managing Inflation and Talent ShortagesAre you considering nearshoring to Argentina or Mexico? This episode of The Nearshore Cafe dives into the key challenges and opportunities, including how to navigate inflation and find top tech talent in these dynamic markets. We discuss practical strategies for managing remote teams, cultural considerations, and tips for success. Jonathan Roitman shares his insights from years of experience working with nearshore teams in Latin America.Learn how to:* Understand the impact of inflation on nearshore operations and mitigate risks.* Develop effective talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top developers.* Manage remote teams across d...2025-03-2031 min

The Nearshore CafeBuilding a Thriving Tech Hub in Guatemala – Digital Geko’s JourneyMiguel Munoz from Digital Geko shares insights about Guatemala's growing position in the nearshore tech ecosystem and why it remains Central America's "best-kept secret" for software development partnerships. As the most populated country in Central America with economic stability and a strong talent pool, Guatemala offers compelling advantages for companies seeking quality development services at competitive rates.• Guatemala has the largest population in Central America creating a substantial talent pool• The country maintains economic stability with consistent exchange rates and banking systems • Guatemalans have a "we have to do everything" mentality that creates flexibility and innovat...2025-03-1827 min

The Nearshore CafeNearshore Hiring Cut Costs & Hire Smarter | Brian Samson on ‘What It Takes’ PodcastWe dive deep with Brian Sampson, founder of Plug Technologies, exploring how businesses can tap into top-tier Latin American talent to scale effectively while navigating today's changing hiring landscape.• Brian relocated to Argentina to build a tech company from scratch, scaling to 80 employees• Nearshore hiring (same time zone regions) offers 40-60% cost savings compared to US hiring• Latin American talent brings unique advantages beyond cost savings - adaptability, direct feedback, and comfort with ambiguity• Cultural differences between regions significantly impact work quality - Asia excels with precise instructions while Latin America thrives with ambiguity• La...2025-03-1824 min

The Nearshore CafeMelei’s Impact to Argentina’s Talent MarketHow did Matt Steinberg, a seasoned technical recruiter, find himself at the forefront of a nearshoring revolution in Latin America? Join us as he recounts his unexpected journey into recruiting, which began in Argentina in 2005 when the concept of nearshoring was just gaining traction. Matt shares invaluable insights about the pivotal role communication skills played in his career and reveals his secret to achieving fluency in English through sheer determination and self-study.Unravel the fascinating impact of Argentina's evolving political landscape on its economy with the rise of Melei, an economist-turned-politician who has shaken up the nation's...2025-02-2532 min

The Nearshore CafeElevating Quality Over Cost in Tech OutsourcingStep into the future of global talent strategy with Brian Samson on the Global Leadership Innovation & Tech Podcast. This episode unpacks the rise of nearshoring—a game-changing approach that’s redefining efficiency, collaboration, and cost-effectiveness in international business with host Tosin Sho.Brian breaks down the differences between nearshoring and traditional offshoring, revealing how companies can leverage regional talent pools without compromising quality. From the U.S. tapping into Latin American expertise to Australia’s strong ties with the Philippines, he provides a fresh perspective on how geography can work for businesses, not against them.Beyond...2025-02-1844 min

The Nearshore CafeCultural Diversity in Tech: Lessons from Latin AmericaDiscover the secrets of building powerful, global tech communities with Mariana Lemus, a community expert hailing from Latin America. Mariana shares her fascinating journey, transitioning from finance to marketing at MuleSoft, where she played a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant community of developers. Her story is a testament to the importance of understanding diverse cultures and the dedication required to cultivate successful tech ecosystems. Mariana paints a vivid picture of the early days of MuleSoft in Argentina, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in nearshoring and community building.Join us as we explore the world of...2025-02-1130 min

The Nearshore CafeTrump’s Policies and AI: Shaping Latin America’s Economic FutureWhat if the political shifts from Trump's inauguration could reshape Latin America’s economic landscape?Join me, Brian Samson, as I sit down with Luis Lozano, an expert on the region, to unravel these potential impacts. We dissect how Trump's policies might pressure Latin American countries, yet create opportunities for nations like Argentina. Mexico's unique position in the wake of tariffs and U.S. trade policies is analyzed, alongside the rise of nearshoring that could boost demand for diverse talents across the region.Shifting gears, we spotlight the transformative wave of AI technology with a fo...2025-02-0433 min

The Nearshore CafeGlobal Engineering: Harnessing Talent Across BordersWhat if accessing top-tier engineering talent from around the globe could transform your business? Join us as we unlock the secrets to building exceptional nearshore teams with Kevin Haggard, the VP of Engineering at Zenzions. Kevin takes us on a journey through his career, from early days at Deloitte and Weight Watchers to his current role at a cutting-edge startup focused on data conversion using machine learning. He provides an insider's perspective on how global collaboration has shaped his approach to technology, infrastructure, and software delivery.In our conversation, Kevin shares rich stories from his experiences working...2025-01-2846 min

The Nearshore CafeTullio Siragusa Shares Insights on Nearshore InnovationHow has Tullio Siragusa transformed nearshoring over the past 25 years?Join us as Tullio, an industry pioneer, shares his journey from introducing nearshore services to the U.S. with SoftTech to navigating its evolution across Latin America. Discover how Mexico became a nearshore leader, Colombia's rise, and the unique contributions of talent from Monterrey and Guadalajara.We also explore the role of AI in nearshoring, the growing interest in regions like Europe, and Tullio's insights on leveraging global talent. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, Tullio highlights how empathy and design thinking shape business success. Plus...2025-01-2146 min

The Nearshore CafeBuilding a Salesforce team in El SalvadorDiscover the art of building resilient remote teams as we sit down with Paul Karaffa, the CEO of AdminNow, Hawaii's leading Salesforce consulting firm. Paul takes us through his inspiring journey from being laid off to establishing a formidable remote workforce, navigating the unique challenges of Hawaii's geographical isolation. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into his strategic approach to international hiring and the lessons learned from aligning with the continental U.S. to manage a growing team effectively. This episode shines a light on the untapped talent pools in Central America, particularly El Salvador, and offers a front-row...2025-01-1431 min