Show overview
Rooted and Reaching has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 48 episodes. That works out to roughly 30 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 20 min and 46 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 months ago, with 7 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 17 episodes published. Published by Startup South Bend - Elkhart.
From the publisher
There’s a job to do, and in the South Bend - Elkhart region, a midwestern work ethic is changing the narrative from rusty to ready. Our cities are opening up and working together as a region—universities are engaging beyond their campuses, sharing their brainpower and realizing that they’re bigger and better with the community behind them. Organizations are reaching out to newcomers and helping them build local networks, leveling the playing field. Infrastructure is being creatively adapted to be gathering places where new deals are made, new collisions happen, and new entrepreneurs take root. Join the Rooted & Reaching podcast, where we discuss the startup life with entrepreneurs with connections to the South Bend - Elkhart region. In doing this, we will inform the general public and ourselves about what resources are available and the major pain points of entrepreneurs in our region. This podcast is also intended to tell the amazing stories of our local entrepreneurs in the hope that it will inspire another person in the region considering an entrepreneurial pursuit to take that leap of faith and see the supportive atmosphere in the area.
Latest Episodes
View all 48 episodesFrom Factory Floor to 120 Murals: Alex Ann Allen on Building a Creative Career in South Bend
S3 Ep 14From Baby Food to Bold Flavors: Aiye Akhigbe’s Sticky Spoons Journey
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. RESOURCESSticky Spoons Jam: https://stickyspoonsjam.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 13Jumping Out of Your Comfort Zone with NutriPop Founder Ujaswin Jain
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.RESOURCESNutriPop: https://snacknutripop.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 12Building Momentum: Kris Priemer on Community, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship
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.RESOURCESMomentum: https://momentumsb.com/CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 11Pressing Forward: Ryan Blake on Building Purely Press Organic
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.RESOURCESPurely Pressed: https://www.purelypressedorganic.com/CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 10Building with Intention: Craft, Code, and Community with John Nunemaker
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.RESOURCESFireside.fm: https://fireside.fm/?ref=johnnunemaker.com CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 9Building Workforce Pathways Through Lifelong Learning and Collaboration with Allie Shook
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.RESOURCESMarshall County Lifelong Learning Network: https://www.marshallcountylln.org/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 8Rooted in Community, Reaching with Innovation: Sunjay Agtey on Family, Fintech & Nimbello
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.RESOURCESNimbello: https://www.nimbello.com/blog/author/sunjay-agteyCONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/
S3 Ep 7From Concept to Creation: Finding a Better Way Forward with David Sims
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.RESOURCESSmart Drain Pro: https://3eyeinc.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 6Bootstrapped to Breakthrough: Dr. Tod Stillson's Mission to Put a Doctor in Everyone's Pocket
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.RESOURCESChatRx: https://www.chatrx.md/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 5Safer Rides, Better Lives: Chad Mastagh's Journey from First Responder to Transportation Pioneer
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.RESOURCESRides2U: https://www.rides2u.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 4Simple and Secure: Inside the Mind of Door Blockade's Innovative Security Entrepreneurs
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. RESOURCESDoor Blockade: https://doorblockade.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 3Emotional Intelligence as Your Entrepreneurial Superpower with Andie Hines-Lagemann
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. RESOURCESAndie Hines-Lagemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andiehines/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 2The Culture Code: Max Yoder on Building Winning Teams
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.RESOURCESMilad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miladalucozai/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 1Innovative Futures: Bridging Neuroscience and Entrepreneurship with Milad Alucozai
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.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro08:21 - The Journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship12:59 - The Path to Leadership: Early Experiences and Lessons Learned19:29 - Transition to Startup Impact27:56 - The Legacy of Organ PreservationRESOURCESMilad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miladalucozai/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 16The Innovation Line-Up: The Youthful Shape of Manufacturing's Future with Gage Bagwell
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 EcosystemRESOURCESGage Bagwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-bagwell-72102128a/CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 14Healthly Talk: Coding Connections for Muslim Women around Feminine Health with Niles Mat
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 AspirationsRESOURCESNiles Mat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilah-mataafa/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 15The Buff Stuff: Tae'Lor Lake on the Hustle and Person Touch of Building a Successful Auto Detailing Business
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 FutureRESOURCESTrophy Details: https://www.trophydetails.com/s/appointments CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 13574 Degrees of Connection: Cat Edmonds on the Edge of Technology, Community and Bringing People Together
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 RetentionRESOURCESConnect 574: https://connect574.com/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/
S3 Ep 12Harmony and Hometowns: Griffin Eaton On What South Bend - Elkhart Must Do To Keep Creative Businesses
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 JukeRESOURCESGriffin Eaton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-juke/ CONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/