Rooted and Reaching

Start Up South Bend Elkhart

Hosted by Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership, and Nicholas Kuhn, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Elevate Ventures, the Rooted and Reaching Podcast will educate our population about the fantastic world of startups and give them real-life stories about entrepreneurs around them. 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. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

From Podcasting to Fatherhood, Michael Yoder on the Pursuit of Growth
Oct 5 2023
From Podcasting to Fatherhood, Michael Yoder on the Pursuit of Growth
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 artRESOURCESTruth Work Media: https://truthworkmedia.com/ CONTACTNick 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
Sep 21 2023
Building Community: Mike Keen’s Journey of Urbanism and Sustainability
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]TIMESTAMPS03:30 Renovating a flower shop07:39 Lessons learned: Take action and start small10:42 What Mike is most proud of in his work13:47 The need for increased housing density17:46 South Bend town makers group and supporting local businesses19:08 The South Bend Elkhart PartnershipRESOURCESSouth Bend Elkhart Partnership: https://southbendelkhart.org/ CONTACTNick 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
Sep 7 2023
Exploring Real Estate, Hospitality, and Impact in South Bend with Austin Cabello
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]TIMESTAMPS02:17 Rebuilding in South Bend05:39 Austin’s entrepreneurial journey11:13 Haunt of Hounds origin story 16:05 South Bend startups19:06 What Austin is most proud ofRESOURCESHaunt of HoundsCONTACTNick 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
Aug 24 2023
The Power of Unity and Innovation with Phil Smoker of Smoker Craft Boats
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]TIMESTAMPS00:23 The history of Smoker Craft Boats03:49 Cooperative spirit and competition in the South Bend Elkhart region10:17 Innovation and problem-solving at Smoker Craft11:14 Implementation of industry 4.0 and automation in the manufacturing process13:45 The increase in boat sales during the pandemicRESOURCESSmoker CraftCONTACTNick 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
Aug 10 2023
Web3 and The Crypto Space with Nate Miller of Consenus Networks
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]TIMESTAMPS00:32 Nate Miller's background in the Navy |04:27 Importance of creativity in the military and entrepreneurship11:54 Definition of Web3 and digital ownership of the Internet14:05 Consensus Networks launching a product for easy interaction with digital assets19:30 Consensus Networks' website and upcoming product launch RESOURCESConsensus NetworksCONTACTNick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/ Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/
Creating Connection Through Gifting with Entrepreneur Annie Johnson
Jul 27 2023
Creating Connection Through Gifting with Entrepreneur Annie Johnson
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]TIMESTAMPS02:25 Take Care, South Bend founding story04:44 Annie’s favorite part of running her business06:05 South Bend’s renaissance 07:26 Finding support and community as an entrepreneurRESOURCESTake Care, South BendCONTACTNick 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
Jul 13 2023
Building Empathy and Community through a Bookstore: A Conversation with Kathy Burnett of Brain Lair Books
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]TIMESTAMPS01:06 Brain Lair Books07:22 The day-to-day of owning a bookstore11:17 Investing and Revenue Streams 16:27 Building community18:52 Defining successRESOURCESBrain Lair BooksCONTACTNick 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
Jun 29 2023
Creating Impactful Businesses: Insights From South Bend Entrepreneurs Ramal Taylor & Joel Neidig
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]TIMESTAMPS02:25 Ramal Taylor on Her Upbringing and Impactful Family Lineage06:00 Business Growth and Leveraging10:47 Partnerships to Develop Innovative Technologies in Manufacturing and Childcare25:48 Entrepreneurship and Balancing Work and Family Life32:29 Grant Writing, Bank Funding, and CDFI Model for Entrepreneurship37:21 Exploring the World of Small Business IncubationRESOURCESITAMCO: https://itamco.com/ Millenia Strategies: https://www.facebook.com/CFORamal/ CONTACTNick 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
Jun 15 2023
Improving Lives with Medical Tech: Ray Fraser of VitalView
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]TIMESTAMPS00:15 Ray Fraser Intro01:23 Building Relationships with University Partners for Entrepreneurial Ventures05:07 The Benefits of Working in Startups and Consulting14:45 The Impact of Contactless Sensing Platform for Heart Failure Patient Care17:03 Medtech and Chronic IllnessRESOURCESVitalView CONTACTNick 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
Jun 1 2023
Using The Power of Innovation For Good with Ambrose Kamya of Kinga Safety
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]TIMESTAMPS01:43 The Education System in Nigeria and Ambrose’s Journey to South Bend04:20 Transitioning from Notre Dame to the International Agricultural Value Chain08:47 Exploring Solutions to End Sexual Assault13:44 The Kinga Safety Widget15:22 Empowering Students to Reduce Sexual Assault on College CampusesRESOURCESKinga SafetyCONTACTNick 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
May 18 2023
Entrepreneurship, Giving Back, And Using AI In Coding with Alex Sejdinaj
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]TIMESTAMPS02:55 Alex’s Journey from Pre-Med to Co-Founding South Bank Code School07:22 Innovating During the Pandemic09:26 Code Works, Give Grove, and the Digital Storefront Grant Program13:18 Exploring the Benefits of Chat GPT for Small BusinessesRESOURCESCode WorksGive GroveCONTACTNick 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
May 4 2023
Building a Thriving Business with Jess Koscher
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]TIMESTAMPS01:22 Jess Koscher on Transitioning from a Nonprofit to Entrepreneurship03:10 The Surprises of Being a Business Owner05:09 Balancing Doing the Work and Creating a Solid Business12:43 Paying it Forward and Helping Others Succeed14:11 How Jess Built a Successful Marketing Firm During a Global PandemicRESOURCESWrite ConnectionsCONTACTNick 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
Apr 20 2023
Guacamole and the Entrepreneurial Spirit with Johan Vazquez of Guac N’ Squat
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]TIMESTAMPS1:25 Guac, Peanut Butter, and Popsicles2:49 Overcoming Challenges and Sourcing Quality Ingredients6:57 Guac N’ Squat and Johan’s Entrepreneurial Spirit 12:49 Community Building, Obedience, and PerseveranceRESOURCESGuac N’ SquatCONTACTNick 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
Apr 6 2023
Wins and Losses: The Power of Perspective with Kevin Craig of Tessellated
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 MaterialsRESOURCESTessellatedCONTACTNick 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
Mar 23 2023
Helping Startups Succeed | Paul Anthony
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 mapRESOURCESOpStart: https://www.opstart.co/ CONTACTNick 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
Feb 27 2023
The Journey of a Specialty Mushrooms Farm | Jared Bell
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 programsRESOURCESMyco MushroomsCONTACTNick 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
Feb 3 2023
From Card Games to Connecting Communities through Video Production | Derald Gray
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 partnershipRESOURCESDGVisionariesCONTACTNick Kuhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnnick/ Bethany Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhartley/ Derald Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deraldgray/