Rooted and Reaching

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.

• "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/

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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.

• "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/

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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.

• "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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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.

• "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/

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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/

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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/

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