In this episode of Midwest Momentum, host Michelle Gatchell is catching the momentum of Michael Karnes, the visionary CTO behind the innovative startup Ubihere. Hear Michael's extraordinary journey to Ubihere, beginning with his days at Miami University, where a passion for mechanical engineering birthed an automated aquaponics system. This spark led him into the medical device sphere, creating technology for tumor detection that connected him with influential mentors like Eric Wagner and John Baer at Converge Technologies. Listen in as Michael shares how the nurturing environment of Central Ohio and the collaborative spirit of his peers helped transform his ideas into groundbreaking innovations.

Discover how Ubivision is redefining store management and customer experience with real-time situational awareness. Karnes shares powerful technology opportunities for businesses, from retail centers to city traffic management and exciting hardware innovations like the Neverlost DogTag.

Meet Todd Daughenbaugh, owner of Fresh Start Cafe and Bakery, with his wife. Discover the heartfelt story behind Todd's transformation from number cruncher to community baker, sparked by a gap left by a beloved grocery store closing, leaving the community lacking their bakery. As Todd shares his journey, learn how he navigated the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship without prior baking experience, funding his dream cafe through personal savings and credit. Experience the grit and resilience that powered Fresh Start Cafe through the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in innovative practices that continue to thrive today.

In a rich conversation on the evolution of small-town enterprises, Todd opens up about the exciting addition of the Olivina oil and vinegar brand to his venture, showcasing the bakery's growth while staying true to its roots. Embrace the collaborative spirit of downtown Delaware, where local businesses, supported by Main Street Delaware, thrive on mutual aid and community events. Todd's insights into managing operational challenges, from HR to payroll, offer valuable lessons in balancing risk with careful planning. Plus, hear about "Hashtag Experience Delaware, Ohio," an event created to harness the power of influencers and food bloggers.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a fan of small-town success stories, this episode promises insights into the tenacity and innovation needed to build a beloved community hub.

Unlock the secrets of responsible AI with Payal Thakur from JobsOhio, as we uncover the pillars of leadership, legal governance, security, and privacy that must be integrated into AI product development. Discover the real dangers of irresponsible AI, from deep fakes to scams, and learn how JobsOhio is using AI to draw major players like Intel and AWS to Ohio, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities. Through collaboration and communication, we aim to mitigate AI risks and harness its incredible benefits.

But the conversation doesn't end there. We also tackle the broader societal implications, focusing on the persistent digital divide. Explore the technical community's fight against biases in AI and the necessity of building technology that can be controlled and monitored. Payal and I dive into how the lack of broadband access and digital skills can widen these gaps, especially in a post-COVID world. Learn why it's critical to institutionalize responsible technology practices, much like cybersecurity, and how mature technical communities and consortiums can lead the way in shaping these standards.

Curious about how top institutions are shaping the future of entrepreneurship? Join us as we welcome Caroline Crisafulli, the Director of Entrepreneurial Education at Ohio State University's Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. Caroline takes us through her inspiring journey from co-founding a medical device company to leading impactful programs at OSU, designed to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Learn about the diverse educational and experiential opportunities available, from introductory workshops to immersive semester-long courses, and discover how initiatives like Reach for Commercialization and I-Corps are transforming academic research into viable market products.

Caroline sheds light on the comprehensive training provided, such as intellectual property management, customer discovery, and overcoming the challenges of the commercialization process. Hear about the importance of understanding corporate structures, investor expectations, and the invaluable lessons learned from failure. This episode is a masterclass on resilience and adaptability, essential traits for any aspiring entrepreneur. Don't miss this compelling conversation that's sure to equip you with insights and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Becca Wenning, a former bridal shop owner and the visionary founder of Dress It. Becca shares her invaluable insights into the modern-day challenges brides face, from navigating endless social media inspiration to the logistical headaches of matching online finds with in-store inventory. Discover how the Dress It app is innovating the industry by bridging these gaps and offering a streamlined, supportive shopping experience for brides and small bridal businesses alike.

From owning a bridal shop to co-founding a travel tech startup, Becca's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Hear her recount the importance of customer feedback, the power of local support networks, and her seamless transition into the tech world despite being a non-technical founder.

What's fueling Ohio's restaurant and hospitality resurgence? Join us as we uncover the dynamic trends shaping Ohio's food scene with John Barker, president, and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. Learn how post-pandemic restaurant openings are flourishing, the innovative rise of ghost kitchens, and why chicken-focused eateries are gaining traction. John reveals how inflation is steering consumer habits and the creative strategies restaurants are adopting to manage costs, including the shift towards smaller formats. We also pay homage to beloved mom-and-pop establishments and the unique hurdles they encounter in bustling urban settings.

Ohio's tourism and hospitality industry is more vibrant than ever, and we're putting the spotlight on the culinary hotspots of Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Discover how major events are driving economic growth and why microbreweries and trendy drinks like seltzers and infused teas are becoming local favorites. We emphasize the critical support from state hospitality associations, ensuring that Ohio holds its place as a top destination for food enthusiasts.

In our advocacy segment, find out about the impactful lobbying efforts that led to the reversal of the 80-20 rule and the ongoing debates surrounding minimum wage and tip credits. Learn about the rebranding of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance and their efforts to engage the community through social media and annual awards. Finally, get an insider's view on Ohio's promising economic future, with major projects from Intel and Honda set to transform the state's landscape. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the thriving and ever-evolving restaurant and hospitality industry in Ohio!

What if you could step back in time and experience rural Ohio's rich history while enjoying modern, innovative lodging? Join me, Michelle Gatchel, as I take you on an enchanting journey to Hideaway on the Hocking, guided by Cindy Hayes, whose family has lovingly preserved their 2,600-acre farm for 147 years. Hear Cindy recount fascinating tales connecting the farm to the B&O Railroad and President Rutherford B. Hayes, making this retreat a unique blend of American heritage and contemporary ecotourism.

Transitioning from traditional farming to ecotourism, the Hayes family faced numerous challenges and devised creative solutions, such as leasing land and listing unique accommodations on Airbnb like train cars and cabooses to stay in fitting the B&O heritage. Bigger parties can even stay in the train station. This episode captures the essence of rural Ohio ecotourism, demonstrating how one family's dedication has transformed a historical farm into a memorable and multifaceted destination.

Justine Blank, Vice President and co-founder of Engineered Product Innovations (EPI), shares her remarkable journey and how she, alongside her husband Brian, has revolutionized the world of RFID. Learn about the fascinating applications of RFID tags in sectors like defense, manufacturing, medical, and retail. These tiny devices are making significant impacts in automated inventory management and verification systems. Justine offers an insider’s look into the technology, explaining how it works and debunking common myths, such as whether passive RFID tags constantly emit signals.

For all aspiring entrepreneurs, Justine provides invaluable advice on validating your concepts and leveraging resources. Hear about EPI’s growth, from their initial funding strategies to securing crucial defense contracts. This episode doesn't just highlight their successes but also dives into the importance of learning from failures and the role of persistence. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an entrepreneur eager to break new ground, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom to fuel your journey.