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/

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/

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/

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.

RESOURCES

ChatRx: https://www.chatrx.md/

CONTACT

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

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

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.

RESOURCES

Rides2U: https://www.rides2u.com/

CONTACT

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

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

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.

RESOURCES

Door Blockade: https://doorblockade.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 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.

RESOURCES

Andie Hines-Lagemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andiehines/

CONTACT

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

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/

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.

RESOURCES

Milad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miladalucozai/

CONTACT

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

Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/