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/

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/

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.

• "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/

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.

• “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/

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.

• "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/

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/

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/

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/