Rooted and Reaching

From Factory Floor to 120 Murals: Alex Ann Allen on Building a Creative Career in South Bend

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Muralist and curator Alex Ann Allen shares the story of quitting his factory job to pursue art full-time, growing from zero murals to over 120 across Indiana. In this conversation, Alex opens up about the discipline of creative entrepreneurship, the business of pricing murals, founding the Mural Mania festival, and why inspiring the next generation of artists matters most.

Key Takeaways:

● You don't need permission to start. Alex had never painted a mural before his first commission, but he walked into it with guts and figured it out on the wall.

● Planning makes the leap possible. Before going full-time, Alex journaled budgets and saved six months of expenses to create a financial runway for his creative career.

● Preparation is the real work. Up to 70% of a mural project happens before the artist ever touches the wall, a reality most people never see.

● Versatility keeps the work alive. Shifting between geometric, floral, portrait, and other styles prevents burnout and serves a wider range of client needs.

● Community accelerates growth. A group text with 15 fellow muralists, supportive clients, and mentors who appeared along the way have been essential to Alex's development as both an artist and a business owner.

● Pricing evolves with your portfolio. Alex charges by square footage with a minimum rate, a practice that protects his time and attracts the right clients.

● Showing the process builds the brand. Sharing behind-the-scenes reels of mural creation draws more engagement than posting finished work alone.

● The starving artist myth needs to end. Alex is proof that a creative career is financially viable with discipline, planning, and business sense.

Chapters:

● 00:00 - Meet Alex Ann Allen: Full-Time Muralist and Curator

● 01:05 - From Factory Work to Following a Passion

● 03:31 - The First Mural and Falling in Love with Large-Scale Art

● 06:15 - Artistic Evolution: Geometrics, Florals, and Beyond

● 09:20 - The Business of Murals: Pricing, Clients, and Discipline

● 14:06 - Sacrifice, Preparation, and the 70% Nobody Sees

● 17:10 - The South Bend Museum of Art and the Transitory Nature of Murals

● 22:37 - Mural Mania: Building a Festival from Scratch

● 31:13 - Advice for Aspiring Creatives and Inspiring the Next Generation

Guest Info:

Alex Ann Allen

● Full-time muralist, curator, and creative entrepreneur

● Based in South Bend, Indiana

● Founder and curator of Mural Mania, an annual mural festival in South Bend (entering its 5th year)

● Over 120 indoor and outdoor murals completed across Indiana

● Currently co-project managing a new mini mural festival in La Porte, Indiana with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Resources Mentioned:

● Mural Mania Festival: July 29 through August 2 (Year 5, South Bend)

● Lubeznik Center for the Arts, La Porte, Indiana: www.lubeznikcenter.org

● Indy Arts Council: www.indyarts.org

● South Bend Museum of Art: www.southbendart.org

● DTSB (Downtown South Bend): www.dtsb.com

● Splice (video editing app for reels): www.spliceapp.com

● Cameron Moberg, curator from Rensselaer who inspired the Mural Mania concept

● J2 Marketing, South Bend (Alex's first mural commission)

Connect:

● Rooted & Reaching Podcast: www.southbendelkhart.org

● Host: Marty Mechtenberg

#RootedAndReaching #SouthBend #Elkhart #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #SmallBusiness #MuralMania #PublicArt #Murals #CreativeEntrepreneur #SouthBendArt #SupportLocalArtists #CommunityArt

From Baby Food to Bold Flavors: Aiye Akhigbe’s Sticky Spoons Journey

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty speaks with Aiye Akhigbe, founder and owner of Sticky Spoons LLC. What began as a personal mission to create healthier, homemade food for her children, rather than relying on commercial baby food, Aiye's idea quickly evolved into something much bigger.

In this episode, Aiye talks about her journey from making small batches of baby food to developing a full line of handcrafted jams made with simple, real ingredients, fruit, sugar, and time-honored recipes, without fillers or preservatives.

Marty and Aiye, talk about the power of community, the importance of staying true to your values, and the resilience it takes to grow a brand.

RESOURCES

Sticky Spoons Jam: https://stickyspoonsjam.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Jumping Out of Your Comfort Zone with NutriPop Founder Ujaswin Jain

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty speaks with Ujaswin Jain, founder of NutriPop, to discuss Jain’s entrepreneurial journey of bringing a beloved Indian snack, popped water lily seeds, to health-conscious snackers in America. Ujaswin opens up about how his own fitness and nutrition journey sparked the idea to create a snack that hits all the cravings without the guilt. He shares what it was like leaving his corporate data analyst job, stepping out of his comfort zone, and chasing a dream that seemed impossible at times.

They also dive into what makes NutriPop special, its nutrient-packed profile, the fun of introducing something totally new, and the clever marketing moves that help it stand out in a crowded snack world.

RESOURCES

NutriPop: https://snacknutripop.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Building Momentum: Kris Priemer on Community, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty speaks with Kris Priemer, a visionary entrepreneur whose passion for building community has helped shape South Bend’s entrepreneurial scene. Kris shares the story of his career journey and how it led to the creation of Momentum, a dynamic space designed to bring innovators and creators together. They talk about the challenges he faced along the way, the wins that made it worthwhile, and why collaboration and community are at the heart of every successful venture.

Kris shares why creating inspiring spaces matters and how nurturing talent can spark long-term innovation across an entire region.

RESOURCES

Momentum: https://momentumsb.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Pressing Forward: Ryan Blake on Building Purely Press Organic

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty speaks with Ryan Blake, co-founder of Purely Press Organic, a local juicery that has grown dramatically since its early days. Marty and Ryan discuss the power of adaptability and innovation, especially in responding to shifting market trends and consumer needs. They explore what drew Ryan and his wife into the organic food industry, the role of community in their growth, and the strategic choices behind their recent expansion.

Listen as Ryan shares key lessons from both triumphs and setbacks, underscoring the importance of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship.

RESOURCES

Purely Pressed: https://www.purelypressedorganic.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Building with Intention: Craft, Code, and Community with John Nunemaker

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty speaks with serial entrepreneur John Nunemaker, Partner at Fireside.fm, to explore the winding path of building meaningful work. John shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and the role he’s played in shaping the startup ecosystem across the South Bend and Elkhart communities.

Their conversation touches on the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and choosing passion over pure profit. John reflects on how a strong work ethic, grounded in purpose, can sustain entrepreneurs through changing seasons of business. Marty and John discuss the power of collaboration, community, and mentorship, while reminding us that even in a tech-driven world, traditional craftsmanship and human connection still matter.

RESOURCES

Fireside.fm: https://fireside.fm/?ref=johnnunemaker.com

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Building Workforce Pathways Through Lifelong Learning and Collaboration with Allie Shook

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted & Reaching, Marty sits down with Allie Shook, Executive Director of the Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network, for a thoughtful conversation about learning, work, and opportunity in rural Indiana. Allie shares her personal journey and the realities of strengthening educational pathways that serve both young people and adults as they build skills for today’s workforce.

Together, they explore the evolving role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and how it has become a powerful tool for aligning education with local industry needs and opening doors to meaningful careers. Listen as Marty and Allie invite listeners to reflect on lifelong learning and entrepreneurship as deeply rooted drivers of community growth, economic resilience, and positive change in rural regions.

RESOURCES

Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network: https://www.marshallcountylln.org/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Rooted in Community, Reaching with Innovation: Sunjay Agtey on Family, Fintech & Nimbello

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we sit down with Sunjay Agtey, Vice President of Revenue and Alliances at Nimbello, to explore the evolving landscape of modern business. We dive into the story behind Nimbello, a fintech startup rooted in South Bend, Indiana, and hear how Sunjay teamed up with his father to bring innovative solutions to life.

Sunjay shares his insights on accounts payable automation and how technology is transforming financial operations across industries like manufacturing and higher education. Along the way, we discuss the unique dynamics of family business, the power of community connections, and how embracing technology can enhance efficiency without losing a personal touch.

RESOURCES

Nimbello: https://www.nimbello.com/blog/author/sunjay-agtey

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

From Concept to Creation: Finding a Better Way Forward with David Sims

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted and Reaching, we sit down with David Sims, the creative mind behind Smart Drain Pro, a breakthrough device that automates the draining of hot water heaters. Our conversation explores how a simple yet powerful idea can transform the way we care for our homes.

David shares the often-overlooked truth about sediment buildup in water heaters, how it quietly affects efficiency, shortens equipment life, and impacts the quality of the water we use every day. Through his invention, he’s redefining maintenance as not just a chore, but an act of care and sustainability.

Beyond the technology, David’s path reminds us that innovation often begins with noticing the small problems and daring to create a better way forward.

RESOURCES

Smart Drain Pro: https://3eyeinc.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Bootstrapped to Breakthrough: Dr. Tod Stillson's Mission to Put a Doctor in Everyone's Pocket

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. Tod Stillson, founder of ChatRx, an AI-powered telemedicine platform designed to transform how patients receive care. ChatRx offers a “doctor in your pocket” experience, enabling patients to get fast, reliable treatment through a simple chat interface, without the hassle of scheduling appointments.

Drawing on his years as a rural family physician, Dr. Stillson shares how his firsthand understanding of healthcare access challenges inspired ChatRx’s creation. We dive into the decade-long journey of developing this innovative technology and discuss how it’s reshaping healthcare by improving efficiency, expanding access, and keeping patient-centered care at the core.

RESOURCES

ChatRx: https://www.chatrx.md/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Safer Rides, Better Lives: Chad Mastagh's Journey from First Responder to Transportation Pioneer

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Chad Mastagh, founder of Rides2U, joins us to share the story behind building a rideshare service tailored specifically for the South Bend–Elkhart region. Chad reveals how community trust and genuine relationships form the backbone of his entrepreneurial philosophy, and how these values shaped every aspect of his business.

From his beginnings as a firefighter to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur, Chad’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. Listen as we discuss the obstacles he faced, the lessons he learned, and the vision that inspired him to create a service centered on safety, reliability, and customer care.

RESOURCES

Rides2U: https://www.rides2u.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Simple and Secure: Inside the Mind of Door Blockade's Innovative Security Entrepreneurs

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Originally inspired by the urgent need to protect schools during active shooter situations, Nick Ackerman and Adam Toland developed Door Blockade, a smart secondary security device designed to enhance safety in schools, hospitals, childcare centers, homes, and more.

This week, we discuss how their mission has evolved to serve a wider range of vulnerable environments and dive into their entrepreneurial journey, exploring how they turned a simple idea into a life-saving product aimed at empowering people in high-risk scenarios.

From early challenges to breakthrough moments, this conversation sheds light on what it takes to build a socially impactful product.

RESOURCES

Door Blockade: https://doorblockade.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Emotional Intelligence as Your Entrepreneurial Superpower with Andie Hines-Lagemann

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on Rooted and Reaching, we’re diving into a conversation that hits close to home for so many entrepreneurs: stress management and burnout prevention. Joining us is Andie Hines-Lagemann, a trusted guide in emotional intelligence and a resource connector at Elevate Ventures.

Entrepreneurship comes with incredible highs, but also real challenges that can take a toll if we’re not careful. That’s where emotional intelligence comes in, not just as a buzzword, but as a real tool for building resilience, strengthening relationships, and making clear, grounded decisions. Listen as we explore how entrepreneurs can safeguard their passion, avoid burnout, and stay rooted while reaching for their goals.

RESOURCES

Andie Hines-Lagemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andiehines/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

The Culture Code: Max Yoder on Building Winning Teams

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Rooted and Reaching, we sit down with Max Yoder, co-founder of Lessonly and author of the book ‘Do Better Work.' Our conversation centers on the power of communication in teams, especially Max’s idea of “sharing before you’re ready,” a practice that encourages early feedback and deeper collaboration during the creative process.

Max reflects on his journey of growing a small startup into a thriving organization, highlighting why clear and compassionate communication becomes even more vital as teams expand. Together, we explore practical frameworks for navigating tough conversations, including the principles of nonviolent communication, which help foster empathy, understanding, and stronger connections.

RESOURCES

Milad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miladalucozai/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Innovative Futures: Bridging Neuroscience and Entrepreneurship with Milad Alucozai

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome to season three of Rooted and Reaching, where we talk with dreamers, doers, and difference makers building an innovative future right here in the South Bend-Elkhart region.

This week, we sit down with Milad Alucozai—neuroscientist, serial entrepreneur, and proud Indiana native—to explore how deep local roots can spark big innovation. Milad shares his journey from South Bend to Silicon Valley, reflecting on how his time at Purdue and early experiences in the South Bend-Elkhart region shaped his entrepreneurial path. He opens up about the power of community, the importance of mentorship, and how collaboration at the local level often drives breakthrough ideas.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

08:21 - The Journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship

12:59 - The Path to Leadership: Early Experiences and Lessons Learned

19:29 - Transition to Startup Impact

27:56 - The Legacy of Organ Preservation

RESOURCES

Milad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miladalucozai/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

The Innovation Line-Up: The Youthful Shape of Manufacturing's Future with Gage Bagwell

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We're speaking with Gage Bagwell, CEO and Automation Engineer at Innovated Manufacturing this week. Gage shares his inspiring journey of turning a simple idea into a thriving business aimed at helping those with limited mobility. Gage shares how his team developed an innovative arm-assisted rifle mount to support a quadriplegic boy earning his shooting badge at Boy Scouts, highlighting the company's commitment to giving back to the community. As Gage discusses the evolution of Innovated Manufacturing, he reveals how their focus has pivoted towards robotics and automation to sustain the business while still maintaining their core mission of helping others.

Listen as we explore the importance of collaboration, community support, and the values that drive this young entrepreneur and his team.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introducing Gage Bagwell

(05:27) Transitioning to Robotics: Innovations and Challenges

(11:14) The Challenge of Delegation

(14:44) The Values of the Organization

(23:11) The Journey of Entrepreneurship

(25:49) Navigating the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

RESOURCES

Gage Bagwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-bagwell-72102128a/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Healthly Talk: Coding Connections for Muslim Women around Feminine Health with Niles Mat

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week we speak with Niles Mat, Co-founder of the innovative health app Zahra, a platform tailored specifically for Muslim women's health needs. With features like cycle tracking, an Islamic calendar, and a community forum, Zahra aims to bridge the cultural and health education gap for women in the Middle East and beyond. Niles shares her experiences in fundraising, the importance of anonymity in discussions surrounding women's health, and the challenges and triumphs of being a young entrepreneur.

Listen as we discuss the intersection between health, culture, and technology, underscoring the potential for startups like Zahra to significantly impact women's health and empowerment globally.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:05) Introducing Niles Matand Zahra

(02:02) Exploring Zahra's App Features

(04:52) Niles' Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit

(05:02) Navigating Fundraising Challenges

(36:26) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(40:09) The Impact of Community and Support

(42:26) Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

RESOURCES

Niles Mat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilah-mataafa/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

The Buff Stuff: Tae'Lor Lake on the Hustle and Person Touch of Building a Successful Auto Detailing Business

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week we speak with Tae’Lor Lake, Founder of Trophy Details. Tae’Lor shares her journey as a young entrepreneur and the innovative approach she brings to the mobile car wash industry. With a focus on convenience, Trophy Details provides high-quality detailing services directly to clients, freeing them from the hassle of traditional car washes. Tae’Lor discusses the inspiration behind her business, which emerged from her fascination with processes and systems and her personal experiences in the car wash sector.

Listen as we explore the importance of community support and the need for local entrepreneurship programs that help entrepreneurs succeed.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:06) Meet Tae’Lor Lake

(00:36) The Convenience of Mobile Detailing

(02:27) Inspiration Behind the Business

(05:42) Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success

(11:55) Building a Community and Support Network

(31:28) Tech Innovation: Developing the Trophy Details App

(36:23) Funding and Growth Strategies

(43:12) Tae’Lor's Vision for the Future

RESOURCES

Trophy Details: https://www.trophydetails.com/s/appointments

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

574 Degrees of Connection: Cat Edmonds on the Edge of Technology, Community and Bringing People Together

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Susan Ford sits down with Cat Edmonds, Co-Founder of Connect 574, an organization aiming to boost social connections in the South Bend region. Cat discusses the origins of Connect 574, born out of a recognizably common issue for many adults: making friends and finding activities to engage with locally. The platform offers monthly events and digital tools ensuring newcomers, and locals alike, can develop social networks in South Bend.

Listen as Susan and Cat discuss how Connect 574 fosters community and combats loneliness through engaging events, leveraging technology, and partnering with corporations to enhance social engagement.

QUOTES

"If we want South Bend to be a thriving place to live, work, and play, people have to have friends.” -Cat Edmonds [01:35]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Building Community Connections in South Bend

(05:20) Building a Passion Project with an Entrepreneurial Operating System

(08:33) Creating Connections Through Structured Social Events

(16:44) Kat Edmonds' Journey From Camp Fun to Startup Moxie

(20:27) Developing Connect 574's Platform for Long-Term Engagement

(25:03) Implementing EOS Concepts for Startup Success

(32:52) Funding Strategies for Early-Stage Startups

(35:44) Corporate Partnerships and Social Engagement for Employee Retention

RESOURCES

Connect 574: https://connect574.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Harmony and Hometowns: Griffin Eaton On What South Bend - Elkhart Must Do To Keep Creative Businesses

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford sit down with Griffin Eaton, the visionary behind Juke—an innovative platform likened to a modern jukebox for live music. Griffin shares the origins of Juke, revealing how a personal need for song requests at a live music event evolved into a thriving business venture. He shares the initial challenges and opportunities in South Bend, leading to the eventual relocation to Nashville, pursuing deeper industry connections. He also discusses expanding Juke's features, including fan interactivity at live events and breaking into sports.

Listen as Marty, Susan, and Griffin talk about the supportive South Bend community and give advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

QUOTES

"I don't know anything about being a musician. So I started talking to them, and it seemed like there was a need, there was changing economics with streaming, right? I was like, well, it looks like a market, a little piece of technology sitting between the artist and the fan could solve both issues for them and issues for fans.” -Griffin Eaton [06:29]
"The worst vice is advice. I like that line. The thing I kept doing was just telling people about the idea, telling people where I was and working on it and just doing it, just taking the next step in my previous ideas I'd had of a startup and working on different things. ” -Griffin Eaton [37:11]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:01) Exploring Juke: A Modern Take on the Classic Jukebox

(07:13) From Side Hustle to Startup: Griffin Eaton's Entrepreneurial Journey

(16:45) Innovative Fan Engagement with Juke at Concerts and Sports Events

(23:49) From South Bend to Nashville: Building Music Industry Connections

(27:31) Creating a Self-Sustaining Live Music Ecosystem Through Collaboration

(29:48) Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in South Bend

(42:26) Empowering Artists and Enhancing Concert Experiences with Juke

RESOURCES

Griffin Eaton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-juke/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Return and Reinvent: How Ryan Ryker and Julian Marquez Created an App to Empower New Businesses with Returned Store Items

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Susan Ford sits down with the dynamic co-founders of rScan, Ryan Ryker and Julian Marquez. Ryan and Julian share insights about their early ventures, including a clothing line, and how they reconnected to establish rScan, a company designed to help manage returned and liquidated products online. They also share how the South Bend community played a crucial role in their initial success, providing financial support and customer feedback.

Listen this week as Susan, Ryan, and Julian, discuss the journey of entrepreneurship and why empowerment is necessary for entrepreneurs to grow their e-commerce ventures.

QUOTES

“Identify the right people on your team that fill gaps, the puzzle pieces. Because if you want to go far, have everyone go with you.” -Ryan Ryker [19:11]

“I've been working in industries that have that glass ceiling, and you see people work their life towards reaching that glass ceiling, and they never hit it and they see other people get up. It's very cutthroat once you get to the bigger picture of it in certain industries.” -Julian Marquez [09:00]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:10) From High School Entrepreneurs to Founders of RScan

(03:58) Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Community Support and Innovative Software

(10:40) The Importance of Hard Work and Mutual Respect in Leadership

(14:01) The Impact of Pitch Competitions on Entrepreneurial Growth

(17:08) Balancing Passion for Business with Personal Relationships

(23:02) Community Engagement and E-Commerce Opportunities in South Bend

RESOURCES

rScan: https://rscan.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Spic and Span: The Dirt on Starting a Cleaning Empire with Alejandro Saucedo

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford speak with Alejandro Saucedo, CEO and founder of Indiana's Elite Cleaning, a comprehensive cleaning company. As a third-generation professional cleaner, Alex shares his journey from humble beginnings as a migrant worker to creating a successful cleaning company that embodies both heart and professionalism. His employee-centric philosophy, emphasis on supplier diversity, and continuous community involvement illustrate a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.

Listen as Marty, Susan, and Alejandro discuss the power of persistence, community resources, and strategic planning.

QUOTES

"Taking something that's going to be cast away, considered unworthy, filthy, and to bring it back to life with hard work and elbow crease. That's my satisfaction.” -Alejandro Saucedo [02:40]
“You can't just win at this thing. You can't just step out, and have these big hopes and aspirations without a plan, a strategy, without executing what it is that the steps and mentors are giving you.” -Alejandro Saucedo [10:08]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:10) From Migrant Fields to CEO: Alejandro Saucedo's Journey

(05:54) Starting a Business in Indiana with $98 and Community Support

(08:30) The Journey of Building Indiana's Elite Cleaning

(15:13) Empowering Employees Through Dream Management and Financial Planning

(20:25) Persistence and Boldness in Securing Business Contracts

(22:06) The Power of Persistence and Unconventional Networking

(24:24) Reevaluating Roles and Services in a Growing Janitorial Business

(28:49) Community Advocacy to Business Leadership

RESOURCES

Indiana's Elite Cleaning

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

How A Bite With Mee Fused a Passionate Following with Great Food and Great Community

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford welcome the founders of "A Bite With Mee," Mee Sun Klingerman, and Jairo Aleman. Mee Sun and Jairo discuss the formative experiences that led them to the food industry, including Jairo's early aspirations inspired by TV chefs and Mee Sun's involvement in organic farming and cooperatives. They share how their paths converged, leading to both a personal and professional partnership.

Listen as Marty, Susan, Mee Sun, and Jairo discuss the importance of community, perseverance, and innovation in food entrepreneurship.

QUOTES

"We love to educate people through our food, teaching that vegan and vegetarian dishes can be flavorful and exciting.” -Mee Sun Klingerman [21:52]

“For me, it's always family before the business, which requires a tremendous amount of patience.” -Jairo Aleman [31:00]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) The Journey of Two Entrepreneurs in the Food Industry

(06:54) A Culinary Journey from Italian Cuisine to Korean Flavors

(12:00) From Culinary Dreams to Community Impact: A Journey in Food

(19:14) Vegan Nachos: A Happy Accident Turned Fan Favorite

(24:19) Korean-Mexican Fusion: Unique Culinary Creations in Elkhart

(29:22) Challenges of Managing a Food Business and Balancing Family Life

(30:50) Balancing Family Life and Business Challenges

(33:40) Navigating Business Growth with Expert Guidance and Funding

(35:01) The Journey to Launching a Food Truck Business

(40:59) Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

RESOURCES

A Bite with Mee

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Aunalyze This - Local Ideas with National Scale: Rich Carlton on the Future of Aunalytics

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford speak with Rich Carlton, President of Aunalytics, a company that specializes in managed IT and analytics services. Rich discusses the fascinating journey of Aunalytics, exploring how it has paved the way for innovation and technology in the South Bend-Elkhart region. He shares insights into the company's foundations, its critical role in local economic development, and the significant impact of its AI-driven analytics services in transforming regional businesses.

Listen as Marty, Susan, and Rich talk about the strides being made in the South Bend-Elkhart region, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and community-focused growth.

QUOTES

"Everybody is a technology company now in some way, shape, or form. And if you can't deliver technology, then you're not going to be competitive.” -Rich Carlton [03:23]

“We felt like from the beginning that Aunalytics could be a platform that could spearhead a lot of other growth opportunities for businesses in the region.” -Rich Carlton [13:11]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:01) Innovative IT and Analytics Strategies for Regional Business Growth

(02:23) Solving Talent and Technology Challenges in Secondary Markets

(06:32) Building a Data Center with Community and Investor Support

(08:30) Revitalizing South Bend and Elkhart Through Entrepreneurial Innovation

(14:59) AI Boom and Its Impact on Local Businesses

(18:35) Leveraging Data Insights for Proactive Customer Engagement

(21:31) Building a Competitive Tech Hub in an Unexpected Region

(27:55) Launching a Breakfast Restaurant in South Bend

(30:42) Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurial Ventures and Risk-Taking

(35:29) Balancing Family, Work, and Coaching Through Sports Lessons

(38:10) Entrepreneurial Success and Community Support in South Bend

RESOURCES

Rich Carlton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfcarlton/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Waste Not, Want Not: How Rian McDonnell took a passion for sustainability and is fixing our food production systems

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford explore the fascinating world of food analytics with Rian McDonnell, Co-Founder of FloVision Solutions. Rian shares his journey from rural Ireland to establishing a cutting-edge company in the South Bend Elkhart region, focused on optimizing the food chain, particularly within the protein industry. He shares how FloVision Solutions employs AI and sensor technologies to improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance the overall quality control of food production.

Listen as Marty, Susan, and Rian discuss the broader implications of AI in food production, touching on sustainability, and optimizing limited resources.

QUOTES

"A third of human climate impact comes from food in some way. Either food waste, food packaging, or food production.” -Rian McDonnell [07:45]

"FloVision Solutions uses AI and other sensors to measure yield, measure waste, and control quality to optimize the food chain.” -Rian McDonnell [17:04]

TIMESTAMPS

(03:42) AI-Driven Camera Systems for Food Production Efficiency

(05:23) Using Video Analysis to Reduce Food Waste in Cafeterias

(10:37) From Cafeterias to Protein Lines: A Startup's Journey

(15:30) The Evolution and Application of AI in Food Waste Management

(23:05) Navigating AI in Food Tech and Global Expansion

(31:14) Navigating Entrepreneurship with Support and Advice

RESOURCES

Rian McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianmcdonnell

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

The Audacity of Building Your Dreams: Richard Worsham and the creation of Janus Motorcycles

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford talk with Richard Worsham, Co-Founder of Janus Motorcycles. Richard shares his journey Richard Worsham transitioned from architecture to designing custom motorcycles and founding Janus Motorcycles. He discusses the importance of relationships and the role of community and local resources in his entrepreneurial journey.

Marty, Susan, and, Richard discuss the evolution of Janus, from making custom mopeds to producing DOT-certified motorcycles, and the significance of maintaining a human connection in the digital age.

QUOTES

"Motorcycles serve humanity; they give control and agency back to the rider.” -Richard Worsham [26:42]
“The most important thing you can do is develop connections with your customers.” -Richard Worsham [53:59]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:12) Richard Worsham's Entrepreneurial Journey with Janus Motorcycles

(06:35) Moped Army: From Fun Rides to Pushing Legal Boundaries

(16:03) Building Custom Mopeds and Motorcycles from Scratch

(25:43) The Unique Human Connection to Motorcycles and Mechanical Watches

(35:22) Launching a Unique Product with Organic Marketing and Local Support

(50:03) The Importance of Relationships in Business Success

(55:35) Advocating for Better Urbanism

RESOURCES

Richard Worsham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardworsham/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

The Things That Bind Us: Mike Brown's Journey to Publishing Books That Inspire Us

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford talk with Mike Brown, Founder of SOULSTIR Publishing. Mike shares his remarkable journey from personal reflection during 2020’s challenges to the establishment of his publishing company. In sharing his family’s impactful story and his deep-rooted connections with Notre Dame, Mike reveals how he found his purpose and began to inspire others through empowering stories.

Listen this week as we explore the publishing industry, creative control, and the South Bend-Elkhart community’s schools and organizations.

QUOTES

“I tried to figure out what I could do. What I learned through that process is that I'm an invigorating force. I bring a lot of energy to any room that I enter. I inspire people. I motivate people. So I decided to take what that meant, and it became something that stirs your soul.” -Mike Brown [02:18]

“Publishing, to me, still feels old-fashioned in a sense. I think it's easy to romanticize publishing. There's something about the craft of holding a book in your hands, the artwork, the design, and even the choices of the font in the book and the thickness of the pages.” -Mike Brown [19:08]

TIMESTAMPS

(00:12) Mike Brown's Journey to Founding SOULSTIR Publishing

(04:51) Honoring A Grandmother's Legacy Through Community Service And Storytelling

(16:02) The Journey of Self-Publishing and Building a Publishing Company

(31:57) Using Voices and Engagement to Enhance Children's Storytime

(34:23) Community Engagement and Collaboration in South Bend

RESOURCES

Mike Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mb7231979/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

A Clear Step Forward: How Len Morris Built Viewrail by Building an Unbeatable Team

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford talk with Len Morris, CEO of Viewrail, a modern stair company in Goshen, Indiana. Len’s background is multifaceted, having once been a pastor, he transitioned into an entrepreneur and business leader in the South Bend-Elkhart region. He shares the core values of Viewrail and the pivotal moments that have shaped his entrepreneurial outlook. Len discusses the need for entrepreneurs to constantly iterate and solve real problems for customers, how culture and mission drive every aspect of business, and why continuous forward-thinking is necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

Listen this week as we discuss the impact of culture in business and celebrate the manufacturing prowess of the South Bend Elkhart region.

QUOTES

“Life is about leading people for me, and it's about seeing more in people than they probably see in themselves.” -Len Morris [03:16]

“If it is an organized system and somebody else has already figured it out, I'm probably not interested. I think if you really are an entrepreneur, you're probably not interested in systems that are already figured out.” -Len Morris [23:38]

TIMESTAMPS

(01:31) Cultivating Excellence and Nurturing Flourishing Cultures

(07:31) Customer Communication

(15:15) Innovating Beyond Established Margins to Solve Real Problems

(20:26) Fostering Entrepreneurial Success Through Community Support

(27:55) Celebrating Midwestern Manufacturing and Secondary Market Leadership

RESOURCES

Len Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenmorris/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Plugging the Gap: How Josh Rodgers is Using a High Tech Llama to Solve the Substitute Teacher Crisis

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford sit down with Josh Rodgers from Mili Llama to dive into the entrepreneurial mindset transforming the educational landscape in the South Bend-Elkhart region of Indiana. With a focus on community-based solutions, Mili Llama aims to address the substitute teacher shortage by leveraging local talent. Josh Rodgers shares his moving story of crossing from the security of traditional employment to the unpredictable yet rewarding world of startups.

Listen this week as we discuss the essence of entrepreneurship—the risks, the passion, and the unwavering belief in one's mission, proving that a tight-knit community and local engagement are key to any startup's success story.

QUOTES

“You get comfortable with receiving no. There comes a time when you receive so many nos that the flame dims in you. But when you receive that one yes, no matter how small it is, it means so much more because you've been told no 300 times.” -Josh Rodgers [08:12]

“Sometimes there's a high demand for things, but people don't want to plug the solution in, and that's the problem that we're having. Schools recognize this demand, this problem, and they want to find a solution, but they're dealing with a thousand other things at the same time.” -Josh Rodgers [18:02]

TIMESTAMPS

(03:39) Unveiling the Reality Behind Mili Llama

(07:45) Embracing Rejection on the Entrepreneurial Journey

(10:11) Cultivating Lasting Customer Relationships in Early Business Stages

(15:31) Localizing Education: South Bend's Untapped Talent

(23:33) Building Trust and Relationships in Educational Technology

(33:35) Embracing Community Diversity and Business Growth in South Bend

RESOURCES

Josh Rodgers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-rodgers-60aaaa82/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Live session at IDEA Week - Recent Raises

Thu, 09 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on the Rooted and Reaching podcast Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford are joined by a vibrant panel of entrepreneurs and startup founders at IDEA Week, a festival hosting business, technology, and entertainment events to inspire and further innovation in communities. Ray Fraser, Cofounder of Vital View Technologies, Riley Ellingsen, Cofounder of heARsight, Joshua Rodgers, Chief Growth Officer of Mili Llama, and Lynn Greenberg, Founder, and CEO of Pivt, share their unique paths to entrepreneurship. They impart critical lessons on identifying the right time to raise capital and share how startups can utilize resources by leveraging personal and community connections.

Listen this week as we dive deep into the world of startups and fundraising with industry experts pushing the boundaries of innovation in the South Bend Elkhart region.

QUOTES

"Knowing what you don't know is one of the biggest strengths you can have as being a founder." -Lynn Greenberg

“ I think everyone on the stage has to deal with a little bit of chaos in the startup community. So I want the chaos, I want the loudness, I want the unknown.” -Josh Rodgers

TIMESTAMPS

(00:24) Panel Introduction and Backgrounds

(02:54) Learning from Startup Challenges

(04:07) Recommended Books for Startup Leaders

(07:15) Finding the Path to Startup Leadership

(12:43) Positioning for Fundraising and Closing Rounds

(18:50) Avoiding Time Wasters During Fundraising

(25:22) Current Market Challenges in Fundraising

(28:02) Advice for Individuals Starting to Raise Funds

(35:01) Metrics for Gauging Venture Funding Needs

RESOURCES

IDEA Week: https://ideaweek.com/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

Shattering the Glass Pint: Amanda Havens on Creating a Female Brewing Collective

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford talk with Amanda Havens, curator of the South Bend Elkhart region's only female-led brewery and cidery. Amanda shares her journey of working in established breweries to fostering an innovative concept focused on community engagement and the empowerment of women. With a collaborative cooperative model, the venture aims to provide a platform for local homebrewers, showcasing diverse brewing talents while offering a broad spectrum of artisanal beverages.

Listen this week as we explore the challenges and successes faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and Amanda's steadfast approach to creating an inclusive, female-driven business.

QUOTES

“At Founding Femmes, we do not want to be bank-funded. We would like to be community-funded. So we're looking to 100 women to invest $1,000 to provide us with our first hundred thousand dollars. That first hundred thousand dollars will allow us to get our licensing equipment and put rent into a space that we choose. So anyone that identifies as a female can be a Founding Femme.” -Amanda Havens [11:17]

“What does that sector of our community need? And for me, I look at it as education is the basis of making our community successful. So when I decided to go back and get my master's degree, it was based on, hey, this education sector needs help. And I wanted to be part of that help. What can we do better? I think starting with our education system and making sure that our students are set up for success at any level when they're pushed out into the community, on top of my school. And what I do, I'm involved with.” -Amanda Havens [33:29]

TIMESTAMPS

(01:00) Amanda Havens intro

(02:02) Developing the concept of a female-funded cooperative brewery

(07:15) Current cider production

(11:00) Founding Femmes

(17:21) The value of entrepreneurial influences

(20:34) The overwhelming nature of navigating available resources in the region

(26:41) Empowering underprivileged people and creating a female-driven brewery

RESOURCES

Amanda Havens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-havens-840822110/

CONTACT

Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

From Podcasting to Fatherhood, Michael Yoder on the Pursuit of Growth

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week host Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Michael Yoder, owner of Truth Work Media and Stockroom East. Michael shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and how he started his own podcast company after realizing he wanted more fulfillment in his career. Michael talks about the importance of building relationships and surrounding yourself with a strong team. He discusses the challenges and successes he has experienced in his various ventures and reflects on the impact of his family. Michael gives an in-depth look into his future plans with the team at TWM, his desire to be a good father and husband, and his plans to continue growing his businesses.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

“Bring smarter people around. I was able to grow and scale Truth Work Media because of the team. It has very little to do with me. Without my team, I’d be nothing. And I mean that. I tell them that all the time. They are the rock stars and got a good team, got a good team at the Stockroom. We're working together on this thing. And when you're able to not go guns blazing because you know your team has got you, you can start to shift focus.” -Michael Yoder [09:01]

“What I love about being an entrepreneur the most is the creation. There's a word poethesis. It's the creation out of nothing to bring something into existence that wasn't there before. And that's what I think we're all doing to some extent. That's what this place is. That's what podcasts are like. This art. This thing didn't exist. Now we're making it and then we're putting it into the world. Whether people find value in that, I don't know, but I do. -Michael Yoder [21:15]

TIMESTAMPS

|00:30] Michael's decision to quit his job and start Truth Work Media

|04:31] The development of Stockroom East and its success

|08:20] Defining success and advice for managing multiple businesses

|09:54] Building a strong team

|12:13] Saying yes to opportunities

|16:01] Being a futurist and adapting to market changes

|19:40] Family support and saying yes to opportunities

|20:49] Action and implementation as key to entrepreneurship

|21:20] Creation and the value of podcasts and art

RESOURCES

Truth Work Media: https://truthworkmedia.com/

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Building Community: Mike Keen’s Journey of Urbanism and Sustainability

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Mike Keen, Founder of Hometowne Development LLC. Mike discusses his work in the Near Northwest neighborhood of South Bend, Indiana and the upcoming opening of Ward Baking Company. He shares his journey from being a college professor to becoming a small-scale developer and the principles of urbanism and sustainability that guide his work. Mike shares how incremental development and collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors create a thriving community. He also talks about the small-scale development movement and highlights the need for multifamily housing to address the affordability crisis.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"So what we find is that to make this small-scale development work, whether it's in our neighborhood across the city, or we now do consulting with other cities, you need to bring together a set of champions that come from these different sectors and who want to collaborate" -Mike Keen [06:29]

“What I would say for anybody doing anything, and this includes small-scale development, is see if you can find yourself a mentor and begin to talk with them and find other people who have done it." -Mike Keen [08:57]

TIMESTAMPS

03:30 Renovating a flower shop

07:39 Lessons learned: Take action and start small

10:42 What Mike is most proud of in his work

13:47 The need for increased housing density

17:46 South Bend town makers group and supporting local businesses

19:08 The South Bend Elkhart Partnership

RESOURCES

South Bend Elkhart Partnership: https://southbendelkhart.org/

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Exploring Real Estate, Hospitality, and Impact in South Bend with Austin Cabello

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

This week host Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Austin Cabello from Haunt of Hounds and ZR Investments. Austin shares his experiences in real estate development, and what it's like being a co-owner, navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a business with your friends. He also discusses the unique ways he has approached the restaurant and hospitality industry, and how he and his wife hope to continue to make a positive impact on South Bend.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"The ups and the downs are very high and very low. There can be a week where it just feels like this is going to work for decades and then there can be a week where it's like, we may not be here next week. So I think understanding how you ground yourself, learning to take time for yourself, and learning how you can kind of control those emotions is important." -Austin Cabello [13:25]

“On the restaurant group side, these are all new concepts, none of them have been open for three years yet. So we know that takes time because they are startups. And so we have to continue to build that brand and continue to be efficient.“ -Austin Cabello [16:26]

TIMESTAMPS

02:17 Rebuilding in South Bend

05:39 Austin’s entrepreneurial journey

11:13 Haunt of Hounds origin story

16:05 South Bend startups

19:06 What Austin is most proud of

RESOURCES

Haunt of Hounds

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

The Power of Unity and Innovation with Phil Smoker of Smoker Craft Boats

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Phil Smoker, Vice President of Sales at Smoker Craft Boats. Phil shares the history of the family-owned business and how the company transitioned from a lumber company to building boats and eventually merged with StarCraft to create a larger and more innovative product line. He also highlights the cooperative spirit in the South Bend Elkhart region and the company's focus on innovation and technology, including the use of robotics in their manufacturing process. Phil shares his own entrepreneurial experience and emphasizes the importance of creating a thriving community for future generations.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"We found that there wasn't any magic formula or there wasn't a way that you had to do everything exactly written out for you. You had to just find a way to make it work. And I think if there's anything I learned, it was that you just went out and found a way to get it done." -Phil Smoker [09:18]

“Especially with the last two years, it's been challenging with materials and supply chain. As challenging as it is, we've had to adapt. So you never followed the exact order in which you scheduled things. You did it based on what you had materials for. So our schedule would change within the week and now production tracking allows us to know exactly what boat is running at what time and where.“ -Phil Smoker [13:02]

TIMESTAMPS

00:23 The history of Smoker Craft Boats

03:49 Cooperative spirit and competition in the South Bend Elkhart region

10:17 Innovation and problem-solving at Smoker Craft

11:14 Implementation of industry 4.0 and automation in the manufacturing process

13:45 The increase in boat sales during the pandemic

RESOURCES

Smoker Craft

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Web3 and The Crypto Space with Nate Miller of Consenus Networks

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Nate Miller, Founder of Consensus Networks, a startup that aims to simplify cryptocurrency and blockchain wallets. Nate shares his experiences in the Navy and how he transitioned into entrepreneurship through Notre Dame's ESTEEM program. He also discusses the challenges of building a startup in the crypto space, the importance of building trust in the industry, and the potential of blockchain technology beyond finance.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"Web3 is this data provenance, where you can start to own your data, you can transact digital value, you can send money to people natively, and you don't need a third party controlling it to do that." -Nate Miller [14:05]
“The federal government is going to implement most likely I think within the next five to ten years, central bank digital currency that is going to digitize the United States dollar. And so whether you like it or not, you're going to be in the world of digital currencies. Everybody will be“ -Nate Miller [18:25]

TIMESTAMPS

00:32 Nate Miller's background in the Navy |

04:27 Importance of creativity in the military and entrepreneurship

11:54 Definition of Web3 and digital ownership of the Internet

14:05 Consensus Networks launching a product for easy interaction with digital assets

19:30 Consensus Networks' website and upcoming product launch

RESOURCES

Consensus Networks

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Creating Connection Through Gifting with Entrepreneur Annie Johnson

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Annie Johnson, Founder of Take Care, South Bend, a business connecting the South Bend community with the gifting industry. Annie curates care packages, gift baskets, and subscription boxes using products from various vendors in the South Bend area. She shares her founding story, how she finds the people she works with, and the most surprising part of running her own business. Annie also talks about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and shares her vision for the future of Take Care, South Bend.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"My favorite thing to make are gifts for people who are in need of comfort." -Annie Johnson [04:37]

“I get a lot of people time in my work, but I also really appreciate my friends. I have friends who have been key in supporting the business either by purchasing or sharing online on social media, telling their friends about my business. I am really thankful for them.“ -Annie Johnson [07:36]

TIMESTAMPS

02:25 Take Care, South Bend founding story

04:44 Annie’s favorite part of running her business

06:05 South Bend’s renaissance

07:26 Finding support and community as an entrepreneur

RESOURCES

Take Care, South Bend

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Building Empathy and Community through a Bookstore: A Conversation with Kathy Burnett of Brain Lair Books

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Kathy Burnett, the owner of Brain Lair Books. Kathy shares her experiences of owning a bookstore that focuses on uplifting marginalized voices, highlighting authors and illustrators from underrepresented communities. She discusses navigating challenges during the pandemic, implementing revenue streams, and seeking advice from other entrepreneurs.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you’ve been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

"Knowing when to pull back, knowing when to push, and being on the forefront of what's happening in the book business is to know what I should be doing next basically." -Kathy Burnett [08:25]
“I feel as if the store is something that's necessary, especially in the climate that we are now. The biggest thing that I say is we wanna help people build empathy and build community. And you do that through reading about other people's studies showing that fiction helps people be empathetic toward other people.“ -Kathy Burnett [06:44]

TIMESTAMPS

01:06 Brain Lair Books

07:22 The day-to-day of owning a bookstore

11:17 Investing and Revenue Streams

16:27 Building community

18:52 Defining success

RESOURCES

Brain Lair Books

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Creating Impactful Businesses: Insights From South Bend Entrepreneurs Ramal Taylor & Joel Neidig

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

For the first live episode of the Rooted and Reaching Podcast hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Ramal Taylor, CEO of Millennia Strategies, and Joel Neidig, the Director of Research and Development at ITAMCO. Joel and Ramal share the beginnings of their entrepreneurial journeys and how they found success in business through their family and community support.

South Bend business owners and entrepreneurs, if you have been in business for five years or less reach out to us to be featured on the Rooted and Reaching Podcast!

QUOTES

“I took inventory of what was going on and made sure I kept good books and I kept the data that I needed to make decisions. I think a lot of entrepreneurs, they may not do that very well, is keeping the data and making decisions based off of the data“ -Ramal Taylor [14:15]

“Any agency that spends over a billion dollars has to be part of a percentage of their spend, has to go to small business. There's a roadshow that comes to every state. You can go meet all the people that are buying, that are saying, hey, I need this item. Can you develop it or does your product offer that? And that's great but to Nick's point, you have to go out and research where all these things are happening.” -Joel Neidig [37:45]

TIMESTAMPS

02:25 Ramal Taylor on Her Upbringing and Impactful Family Lineage

06:00 Business Growth and Leveraging

10:47 Partnerships to Develop Innovative Technologies in Manufacturing and Childcare

25:48 Entrepreneurship and Balancing Work and Family Life

32:29 Grant Writing, Bank Funding, and CDFI Model for Entrepreneurship

37:21 Exploring the World of Small Business Incubation

RESOURCES

ITAMCO: https://itamco.com/

Millenia Strategies: https://www.facebook.com/CFORamal/

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Ramal Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brightbeginningschildcare/

Joel Neidig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelneidig/

Improving Lives with Medical Tech: Ray Fraser of VitalView

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Ray Fraser, Entrepreneur in Residence at The IDEA Center at the University of Notre Dame. Ray explains how he got into medical technology and how VitalView helps visualize patients' data to prevent hospital visits. He shares his passion for the future of medical technology and talks about the importance of collaboration and working together to discover innovative technologies that focus on prevention and early diagnosis.

QUOTES

“One of the things we found was that it is about building the relationship along the way. Instead of going in and saying, hey, here's our idea, please buy it, we made sure to make them a partner in the beginning. At first, they were hands-off. But as we kept coming back, kept asking for their feedback as well, wanting their input, actively listening, we found that they were an awesome partner to pilot with.“ -Ray Fraser [03:58]

“When you look at heart failure patient care today, a lot of hospital readmissions is one of the biggest issues, and part of that reason is because of fluid buildup, and care teams simply today do not have a good way of monitoring change in fluid volume when the patient is discharged from the hospital.” -Ray Fraser [15:54]

TIMESTAMPS

00:15 Ray Fraser Intro

01:23 Building Relationships with University Partners for Entrepreneurial Ventures

05:07 The Benefits of Working in Startups and Consulting

14:45 The Impact of Contactless Sensing Platform for Heart Failure Patient Care

17:03 Medtech and Chronic Illness

RESOURCES

VitalView

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Ray Fraser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayfraser/

Using The Power of Innovation For Good with Ambrose Kamya of Kinga Safety

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Ambrose Kamya, Founder of Kinga Safety, a South Bend startup working to keep communities and campuses safer. Originally from Uganda, Ambrose discusses a project involving the entire agricultural value chain of his home country and how he was able to connect farmers to exporters with organic produce. He also shares what led to the creation of Kinga Safety and why he is passionate about creating safety for others.

QUOTES

“I was also running ideas on how to end sexual assault because that was a personal story, a personal attachment because my mom is a sexual assault victim. I was always looking out for ways of making sure that I come up with something that makes sure that doesn't happen to someone else's mother.“ -Ambrose Kamya [08:47]
“We are multilayered because we believe for sexual assault to reduce, you have to educate so that the student knows how to avoid, de-escalate, or call for help. But you also need to empower them so that when the situation happens they have an easier way of getting out.” -Ambrose Kamya [15:22]

TIMESTAMPS

01:43 The Education System in Nigeria and Ambrose’s Journey to South Bend

04:20 Transitioning from Notre Dame to the International Agricultural Value Chain

08:47 Exploring Solutions to End Sexual Assault

13:44 The Kinga Safety Widget

15:22 Empowering Students to Reduce Sexual Assault on College Campuses

RESOURCES

Kinga Safety

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Ambrose Kamya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambrosekamya/

Entrepreneurship, Giving Back, And Using AI In Coding with Alex Sejdinaj

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley talk with Alex Sejdinaj, Co-founder of Code Works, a digital product studio based in South Bend that designs and develops tech solutions for clients with digital needs. Alex talks about the importance of tech literacy and how it gave her the skills to start her own business. She shares how Code Works is offering coding classes, internships, and other resources to the community, as well as the Give Grove initiative, which matches local volunteers with nonprofits to help them reach their goals.

QUOTES

“Anyone can learn how to code. We have had students of all ages as young as three. We've had a woman in her 70s learning how to code with us. So I think that there's not one particular type of person who's going to be good at coding. A lot of times I think we think, if we aren’t good at math, then we probably can't code. That is the furthest thing from the truth because there are so many different languages out there.“ -Alex Sejdinaj [07:51]
“A lot of things can be really cumbersome if you're a small organization and part of a small team. With Give Grove, we've made it really affordable with no contracts and no hidden fees. We don't make money until you make money. So it makes it a lot easier for organizations of all sizes, to be able to just test out ideas for fundraising to benefit their works.” -Alex Sejdinaj [11:21]

TIMESTAMPS

02:55 Alex’s Journey from Pre-Med to Co-Founding South Bank Code School

07:22 Innovating During the Pandemic

09:26 Code Works, Give Grove, and the Digital Storefront Grant Program

13:18 Exploring the Benefits of Chat GPT for Small Businesses

RESOURCES

Code Works

Give Grove

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Alex Sejdinaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-sejdinaj-205aa26a/

Building a Thriving Business with Jess Koscher

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This week hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley have a conversation with Jess Koscher, Founder of Write Connections, a design, marketing, and strategic services company. After losing her job and being unemployed for 12 hours, Jess was overwhelmed with requests from her network to discuss her next move. Although concerned about paying her rent, her network supported her by offering various tasks which led to the launch of Write Connections. Jess discusses her work in the nonprofit sector, the power of community, and how her mindset has helped her build a successful business.

QUOTES

“I think coming from nonprofit to for-profit has been interesting in that for-profit is a lot looser in many ways, but the penalties, if you screw it up are scary. So that's been a continual learning curve for me. Doing the work and then creating a solid business is a fine balance.“ - Jess Koscher [05:10]

“What has been really gratifying is helping our clients do better. We have strategic clients, and the rest are marketing clients. Helping a restaurant that is just trying to keep its doors open, by having a strong branding and presence is gratifying. Helping a corporation create a strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion that works throughout all their channels, is gratifying.” - Jess Koscher [16:07]

TIMESTAMPS

01:22 Jess Koscher on Transitioning from a Nonprofit to Entrepreneurship

03:10 The Surprises of Being a Business Owner

05:09 Balancing Doing the Work and Creating a Solid Business

12:43 Paying it Forward and Helping Others Succeed

14:11 How Jess Built a Successful Marketing Firm During a Global Pandemic

RESOURCES

Write Connections

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Guacamole and the Entrepreneurial Spirit with Johan Vazquez of Guac N’ Squat

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rooted and Reaching podcast, hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley speak with Johan Vazquez, Founder of Guac N’ Squat, a food business based in Goshen, Indiana. Johan’s passion for serving people, his pride in his Mexican heritage, and his entrepreneurial spirit have driven him to create a successful business from the ground up. He talks about the valuable role community plays in the support of business owners and shares how he is educating customers about Mexican cuisine through his products.

QUOTES

“I wanted to do food and serve people. I love serving people. I love inviting people into my home. I think that is hospitality, part of my background, and part of being Mexican. I just love taking care of people.“ - Johan Vazquez [00:29]

“You can't do everything by yourself. Seek help. I like the idea of community-building relationships. Whatever I can't do, they can help me get there. Whatever my skill set allows them to do, we can trade. Connect yourself with a good community and group of friends.” - Johan Vazquez [13:16]

TIMESTAMPS

1:25 Guac, Peanut Butter, and Popsicles

2:49 Overcoming Challenges and Sourcing Quality Ingredients

6:57 Guac N’ Squat and Johan’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

12:49 Community Building, Obedience, and Perseverance

RESOURCES

Guac N’ Squat

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Wins and Losses: The Power of Perspective with Kevin Craig of Tessellated

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rooted and Reaching podcast, hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley speak with Kevin Craig, Chief Executive Officer at Tessellated, a company developing high-strength polymer films in partnership with The University of Notre Dame. Kevin shares his journey from the Air Force to working with Tessellated to create graphene. He also discusses how military veterans have the same skill set as entrepreneurs: being able to be decisive in the face of imperfect information and the ability to get punched in the face and keep moving forward.

QUOTES

“Properly tabulate wins and losses. Two examples: When I was in the military, I had all the stripes, and people would walk in and go, this person must have been a success. But what I would tell them is my win-loss record. The Air Force actually told me no then told me yes on promotion. So I had a losing record, but ultimately I was successful. ” - Kevin Craig [12:38]
“Sometimes success means more hard work. So even when you get a win, cheer a little bit and get back at it.” - Kevin Craig [13:34]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01] Kevin Craig’s Entrepreneurial Journey

[05:10] Translating Military Experience into Business Success

[06:21] Tessellated: Material Science and Graphene Technology

[10:26] Developing Graphene-Based Ballistic Materials

RESOURCES

Tessellated

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Kevin Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-craig/

Helping Startups Succeed | Paul Anthony

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rooted and Reaching podcast, hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley speak with Paul Anthony, CEO and Co-founder at OpStart, a South Bend based company managing accounting, finance, and other back-office functions for startups. Paul talks about his background in venture capital and how deviating from the traditional career path can bring value to your life and your community. He also discusses the unique ethos of South Bend and the vast opportunity it presents for successful and impactful startups.

QUOTES

“What we're really focused on is providing the best advice and execution to companies that are looking to scale quickly. Because when you are scaling really quickly, that's when things can break more easily. And you need to be laser focused on your metrics. You need to be really well informed on how you're doing financially because a small slip up can be catastrophic.” -Paul Anthony [14:43]

“I'd love South Bend to be an ecosystem where people can work on interesting things that have a social component to them and that make the world a better place. And I think that would be a really great way to match what the community's ethos is in general. This is a very passionate kind of collective community.” -Paul Anthony [23:01]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:17] Growing up in South Bend and Paul’s experiences in investment banking
[05:35] Working with a local community in the Dominican Republic
[10:44] The need for financial function as a service for startups
[15:30] OpStart's journey
[21:40] Leveraging South Bend's strengths to put it on the world map

RESOURCES

OpStart: https://www.opstart.co/

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Paul Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-anthony-8a256087/

The Journey of a Specialty Mushrooms Farm | Jared Bell

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rooted and Reaching podcast, hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley speak with Jared Bell, Founder of Myco Mushrooms, a specialty mushroom farm based in Goshen, Indiana. Jared shares how Myco Mushrooms began with a vision to bring specialty mushrooms to local restaurants, farmers markets, and wholesale distributors. He also discusses why mushrooms are more than just a delicious ingredient, and how they can be used to make packaging materials, clean up radioactive material, and even help repair neural networks in the brain.

QUOTES

“You can eat any mushroom at least once. But the thing about the specialty mushrooms is all the different uses that they have and the nutritional value that comes with some of these mushrooms. They all have their different tastes, they're different textures, and they're different smells. And it's like you take a king trumpet mushroom or a blue oyster or a lion's main mushroom, and comparing these mushrooms is kind of like comparing an apple to a head of lettuce.” - Jared Bell [02:15]
“I would definitely say there should be some more community outreach, especially youth programs for younger people so that way they can know at a younger age and possibly get started earlier than I did in life towards something more than what they are born into or what their viewpoint is on what they're destined for.” - Jared Bell [12:29]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:27] Jared Bell and the origin story of Myco Mushrooms
[03:04] The nutritional benefits of specialty mushrooms
[06:54] The business model of a vertical farm
[09:01] Running a specialty mushroom business
[12:29] The need for community outreach programs

RESOURCES

Myco Mushrooms

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Jared Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bell-ab4aa9246/

From Card Games to Connecting Communities through Video Production | Derald Gray

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rooted and Reaching podcast, hosts Nick Kuhn and Bethany Hartley speak with Derald Gray, also known as DG, Owner of DG Visionary, an Elkhart-based business offering upscale video production and mobile DJ services. DG talks about his professional journey as a photojournalist and how his entrepreneurial spirit led him back to Elkhart to start a business in a community he felt connected to. He also shares his passion for music and video and how he believes it has the ability to unify people.

QUOTES

“I called the business DG Visionaries because I'm DG and it's my vision. Yes, but it's also about the visionaries, plural. And that's the people who work with us, I don't call them contractors or just DJs, just videographers, but they're visionaries. They have their own passions and their own dreams and desires and if I can do my part to help them reach those goals, then that's what it's all about. It's more than my vision, but it's theirs and also the people that we serve.” - DJ [13:09]
“We can share the work, we can collaborate, we can come together to create new opportunities. And that's just been the most exciting thing for me is just being able to be on this podcast, to be able to be a participant in Founder Factory and Network and meet with other not only entrepreneurs but high schoolers who are getting into it, who are coming up and people who just have aspirations for it. And so just being able to just get people together, to connect, to network, to bridge the gap is what I'm most looking forward to.” - DJ [14:08]

TIMESTAMPS

[01:53] From card games to video production
[06:02] Going back to Elkhart
[09:17] Working with creative partners in the region
[13:02] Bridging the gap between communities with entrepreneurship
[15:34] Elkhart county partnership

RESOURCES

DGVisionaries

CONTACT

Nick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/

Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/

Derald Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deraldgray/