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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/