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Rooted and Reaching

Rooted and Reaching

Written by: Startup South Bend - Elkhart
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About this listen

 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.Copyright 2026 Startup South Bend - Elkhart Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Building Workforce Pathways Through Lifelong Learning and Collaboration with Allie Shook

    Building Workforce Pathways Through Lifelong Learning and Collaboration with Allie Shook
    Jan 9 2026

    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.

    RESOURCES

    Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network: https://www.marshallcountylln.org/


    CONTACT

    Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

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    55 mins
  • Rooted in Community, Reaching with Innovation: Sunjay Agtey on Family, Fintech & Nimbello

    Rooted in Community, Reaching with Innovation: Sunjay Agtey on Family, Fintech & Nimbello
    Dec 12 2025

    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.

    RESOURCES

    Nimbello: https://www.nimbello.com/blog/author/sunjay-agtey


    CONTACT

    Martin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/

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    48 mins
  • From Concept to Creation: Finding a Better Way Forward with David Sims

    From Concept to Creation: Finding a Better Way Forward with David Sims
    Nov 28 2025

    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/

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    59 mins
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