Of Note

Nearly a third of all U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are produced by transportation GHG emissions. Today, industries across the board are actively working to improve their sustainability practices and thanks to early adopters like Proterra, the technology now exists to support the mission. The founder of the world’s first fast-charging, all-electricity city transit buses had a vision two decades ago to help reduce the planet’s pollution problem by reinventing its biggest contributor. Its newest heavy-duty vehicles can now travel over 300 miles on a single charge, electrifying the transit industry for airports, universities and private entities. It wasn’t enough to be the first in the market, they also needed to be the preferred choice. The industry leader aimed to create a safer, more reliable, and cleaner transportation option, offering a more pleasant solution for commuters, drivers and the air we breathe. Proterra’s VP of Customer Success, Program Management and Transit Product Management, Mike Finner

Workplace burnout and quiet quitting have become major concerns for companies of all scales. Employers across the nation are seeking solutions to remedy these issues as they navigate the modern challenges that arise with remote and hybrid business models. An innovative 3D product experience startup took the risk of offering its entire team unlimited PTO to prevent these complications–and the results have been positive. Dopple employs a number of 3D artists and uses Augmented Reality (AR) to offer clients product visualization services, so they can sustainably alter and scale product designs online. The technology helps companies track inventory, leverage assets and create interactive product experiences for consumers. In this episode of Of Note, VP of Product Development, James Townsend joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Kim Christ to share his unique approach to 3D visualization and leadership. James combines the narrative of eCommerce and company culture to explain how his brand maintains passion for their

Many women who have tried to conceive or have been pregnant are aware of the stigmas and frustrations that existing reproductive care products impose. Despite the variety of natal tools and resources available today, most haven’t adapted to the needs of their modern users. Sterile-feeling products and overly gendered designs subliminally make assumptions about the baby-to-be or add pressure to the aspiring mothers using them. Natalist introduces a neutral, compassionate line of conception and pregnancy products, without bright pink packaging and baby blue bottles inflicting outdated expectations on their users. The sustainable brand takes a human-centered approach to pregnancy planning, enduring, and recovery products. Natalist’s VP of Operations, Vernita Brown joins us to share how her and the female founder developed the brand based on their own unique pregnancy journeys, and what they did to get the startup in big box retailers so quickly. Natalist embodies its mission to bring comfort to the female exper

With so many diverse uses for data in the modern world, there’s a growing need to store that valuable information somewhere reliable and readily accessible. Thanks to innovators in the technology and science industries, the software continues to adapt to our evolving and expanding needs. Professor Thomas M. Crawford and his lab at the University of South Carolina work to anticipate consumers’ data needs and iterate existing hard drive designs to develop technology that will accommodate them. The breakthroughs Thomas and his lab experienced along the way have much broader applications than the nanoparticle discoveries’ initial purpose. Thomas shares how he was discovered by USC, applied his previous experience in the disk drive industry to the experimental nanoscaled technology field, and what crucial partner pulled him and his lab out of debt. The professor offers his unique perspective on the relationship between academic and scientific research and reveals what the college and graduate program curriculum w

Most travelers are familiar with the frustration that comes with the packing and hauling portion of taking a trip. Two entrepreneurs decided it was time for a product that freed vacationers from the inconvenience of juggling and toting all of their equipment and belongings from their doorstep to their vehicle and the ultimate destination. OME Gear Co-founders, Jules Weldon and Stacey Pierce, developed a solution that supported their audience’s travel needs, while aligning with the brand’s vision and values. Entrepreneurs can sometimes lose sight of their central goal, while taking serious risks, making major sacrifices, and iterating their product to get it to market. Jules and Stace share how they navigated funding and industry challenges to design and develop a product that kept their mission in focus. They unpack what they’ve learned from building this sustainable, multi-functional product, a good-natured brand around it, and a strong network of fellow entrepreneurs, outdoor enthusiasts and interested con

Is leadership innate—or learned? As CEO at Tetramer, Jeff DiMaio has learned that leadership takes both natural aptitude and purposeful practice. Tetramer’s work in the research and development of advanced materials requires a collaborative process, trust between company and client. Those clients, from government agencies to private industry, often call in search of a product that does not exist. Tetramer’s team of scientists and engineers then begin brainstorming, trying to find a solution that works. That same trust with clients also applies to leadership, requiring understanding and commitment between team members. It’s a group narrative, not an individual one. Honest communication and team buy-in are crucial, whether the end goal is fiber laser weapons systems or low-calorie fat replacers. In this episode, Jeff DiMaio joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Kim Christ to talk about building a team, learning to lead, and finding work/life balance. Listen as Jeff DiMaio talks about the variety of products that Te

Proteins and peptides have unique characteristics which can help with the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic prediction of diseases. The study of these indicators, called proteomics, hinges on accuracy, which is why a lab in South Carolina is working to make the process of identification more precise using automated technology. And if successful, the work done in this lab could help to prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A leading biotech company, Integrated Micro-Chromatography Systems (IMCS Inc.) has already discovered three product lines of unique enzymes that help indicate neurological illnesses and are used for drug testing. Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Andrew Lee, Ph.D., joins us to breakdown the powerful capabilities of the enzyme his lab is working to develop and what that means for the future of medical science. Andrew unpacks the path to discovery, the importance of patenting your ideas, and why IMCS is determined to make the decoy sugars better, faster, an

Today, there are two jobs available per every unemployed person. With many of those open positions falling in the skilled labor industry, how is anything getting made? That’s where global automation innovator, Integrated Systems, Inc. comes in. If the job is dull, dirty or dangerous, ISI sees opportunity for automation. Leading companies from Tesla to John Deere, bring ISI into their plants to help automate operation systems to improve efficiency. They develop customized solutions for each client, innovating robotically-based tools to integrate into the manufacturing process. Originally a welding integrator, ISI evolved from a company specializing in custom machinery to eventually become the global supplier of robotically-based automation systems that they are today. Bob Brown, the owner of ISI, has a unique strategy to inspire consistent creativity and innovation within his team and keep the company and its sustainable solutions evolving. In this episode of Of Note, listen as Bob Brown joins our hosts Kim C

Many people have experienced the wrath of middle school bullies and reacted instinctively. For one young entrepreneur, the momentary embarrassment built more than character; it inspired him to take the first step in building an innovative business, grossing roughly $350,000 each year. The then-seventh grader was called out for accidentally purchasing–and wearing–a pair of knock-off KD 4 All Star Galaxy sneakers and he immediately listed them for resale. Even then, Sean Powers turned a $200 profit, overnight. Seeing such a quick and effortless return on revenue made Sean rethink his perception of high-end, limited-edition sneakers as a passion, and start considering it as a potential business venture. Ten years into the luxury resale game, he’s already developed a brand of his own. Balancing eComm 101, the Entrepreneurship Club at USC, and the inventory, management and sales of his designer product listings truly paid off. Sean used his sneakerhead community, entrepreneur network, and insight into the problem

Job seekers are given a test before even interviewing for the role they’re hoping to land. They’re challenged to lay out their achievements, career history and professional ambitions on a single page, in a way that stands out–but is organized–and communicates their personality, passion and potential. Employers are equally frustrated, sifting through hundreds of resumes, all blurring together with redundancy coursing through the same flat, impersonal language. The owner and founder of a consulting firm, and the CEO and owner of a career coaching company came together and said enough is enough. Inspired by GenZ’s affinity for TikTok and short form videos, the two entrepreneurs co-founded a platform that puts a modern twist on resumes. They share their experiences emerging in the tech-world for the first time, the strategy that allowed them to launch their startup debt-free and how they’ve navigated the male-dominated tech space as emerging female entrepreneurs. In this third episode of “Becoming the Origin St

In the medical field, timing is everything. An experienced radiologist assistant performed emergency procedures in 20 minutes, until one patient took twice as long. Concerned and frustrated with the increased risk resulting from the instrument, the doctor began conducting extensive research to find a solution. Dr. Cephus E. Simmons discovered that the proper tool didn’t exist, and determined to give his patients the best possible experience and care he could, he developed it himself. How does a medical expert launch into the world of business to develop and take a new product to market? Dr. Simmons explains his data-driven journey launching three new products, building a company to get them in the right hands and overcoming both regulatory and industry-related challenges. In the second episode of “Becoming the Origin Story” hosted by Laura McIntosh, Dr. Simmons shares what inspired him to venture into entrepreneurship and start SealCath after 28 years in the clinic and what he’s learned about leading a compa

Every year, the beverage industry suffers a $126 billion loss from product damage. Dealing with such a fragile product has greater opportunities for error than standard products, and that risk is heightened during the transportation phase. When sommelier, Eric Cooperman, got a taste of the problem, he was inspired to develop a unique supply chain solution. Having 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, an entrepreneurial spirit and zero software expertise made remedying this production problem challenging in a number of ways. Eric discusses how he identified a major beverage industry need and successfully bridged the gap between the large, ongoing issue and the tool capable of fixing it, by creating Bottle Titan. He shares how he emerged in an unfamiliar industry, developed a strong network of specialists and advisors to guide him and fast-tracked his knowledge of the rapidly-changing technology field. In this premier episode of “Becoming the Origin Story” hosted by Laura McIntosh, Eric opens up

Reviews and recommendations are crucial to everyone from modern consumers to brands interested in discovering new partnerships and business ventures. Red Ventures is a global technology company, helping customers make the best decisions by simplifying the search process. Corporate leader Jonathan Desrochers played a key role in developing the technology powering the company’s sales center capabilities. Jonathan Desrochers joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura McIntosh to share how he transitioned from an individual to a leader, with insights into successfully navigating a tech business through a pandemic. Listen as Jonathan shares a software developer’s perspective on global company culture and the technology powering it all.

Consumers today care about the freshness of their food—and where it came from. Don Taylor, CEO of AmplifiedAg, developed an innovative, sustainable solution to improve agriculture processes and products. Research, visits to multiple large greenhouses and software expertise led him to discover how shipping containers could change the future of farming. AmplifiedAg develops and manufactures technology-controlled indoor farms in shipping containers, to produce food efficiently and economically, in any location. The company delivers quality products using a sustainable process, which reduces waste, water consumption and its carbon footprint. Founded in 2018, AmplifiedAg first introduced their innovative product to local distributors in Charleston, SC, and are now operating out of six states. Their vision is to provide communities across the globe with fresh, safe food while protecting the planet. In this episode, Don Taylor joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura McIntosh to share how he grew an industry-leadin

As packaging and production continue to contribute to the growing waste generated worldwide, a global packaging company develops sustainable solutions. Vice President of Global Sustainability at Sonoco, Elizabeth Rhue works with customers and international partners to combat the environmental issue by developing customized solutions. Rhue utilizes her technology, sales, marketing and sustainability expertise to lead Sonoco’s global sustainability programs for consumer and industrial packaging. Sonoco is a global packaging provider dedicated to producing sustainable consumer, industrial, healthcare and protective packaging. It operates out of 36 countries and partners with large consumer companies to achieve innovation through a six-step process. In this episode, Elizabeth Rhue joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura McIntosh to discuss the key components that a company needs to achieve sustainability, global success and continuous innovation. Listen as Elizabeth shares how to build team culture and achieve

Pediatric patients suffering from heart issues are treated with the existing adult surgical solutions, requiring repeated surgeries as the child grows. To understand the problems with current technologies, bioengineer Naren Vyavahare consults with clinicians and applies this knowledge to innovative, adjusted strategies. He develops new solutions in the lab and works with other experts and private sector companies to bring them to the marketplace. The inspiring impact of his commitment: a groundbreaking discovery that reduces surgical risk, patient and family trauma, and financial costs for pediatric patients that will last centuries. In this episode, Naren Vyavahare joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura Corder to talk about the roles passion, teamwork, and plenty of research play in developing life-changing solutions for congenital heart disease. Listen as Naren Vyavahare talks about understanding “the why,” consulting with clinicians, and building a team of experts in business, cardiology, and research to

Most large, public companies today, including Bank of America, have been increasingly vocal about their efforts to improve minority representation, diversity and equity in their businesses. As minority entrepreneurs initially try to launch their businesses, they’re facing a disproportionate number of hurdles and funding acquisition challenges. HI Mark Capital Managing Partner, Herbert Drayton III, joins us today to delve into some of these issues. His North Charleston based venture firm invests in black-owned, women-owned and other minority-owned businesses, with the financial impact mission to empower and fund minority businesses. He addresses some of the disadvantages minority entrepreneurs face, including lack of clearly defined expectations from investors and emerging from a different ecosystem than the Silicon Valley investors. In this fourth episode of our December mini-series on funding hosted by Lauren McIntosh, Herbert helps define the problem and explain specific funding challenges and misconceptio

Investing locally has major benefits for investors, giving them a voice and stake in the businesses that shape their communities, and for the local companies themselves by providing them with the money to grow and succeed to serve the surrounding community. Today, it is easier than ever to get involved and support local businesses, thanks to investment vehicles like Vicinity Capital. Vicinity Capital Co-Founders Josh Rollins and John Crawford share advice on the easiest ways to get started and how people can utilize the platform. Josh brings his experience empowering communities through local investing alternatives, web-investment strategy and business intelligence to the conversation while John incorporates his knowledge of marketing, sales, investment planning and executive leadership to coach us through crowdfunding that helps a community. In the third episode of our four-part mini series on funding, Josh and John join our host Lauren McIntosh to help differentiate between kickstarters, crowdfunds and cr

It seems like today more than ever researchers, entrepreneurs and academics are jumping at the opportunity to launch startups. The component stopping most from transforming their idea into a business boils down to funding. In the second episode of our four-part mini series where we sit down with South Carolina’s top investors and leaders, we navigate the topic of public funds. 3Phase SC Program Manager, Kyle Salazar, and South Carolina Research Authority SC Launch Director, Matt Bell, share how their funding companies help early stage businesses get their ideas off of the ground so they can make an impact on the world. They explain the key indicators of success and growth, including accurate market identification, that their companies require before awarding grant applicants with early stage or accelerated grants. For entrepreneurs trying to understand funding allocations, Kyle identifies the three phases of feasibility, product development and commercialization as they pertain to grants. In this second epis

As emerging technology presents more opportunities for innovation, many entrepreneurs encounter the obstacle of acquiring the funding they need to make their idea a reality. In the first of our four-part mini series of candid conversations with leaders and investors of South Carolina, we explore key differences between angel investors and venture capitals. We are joined by Venture South’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Paul Clark, and Good Growth Capital’s Managing Partner, Amy Salzhauer. Venture South, an angel investment company that invests in startups through angel groups and funds, is a vehicle for individuals to invest their own money into companies. Paul shares what it takes to become an angel investor and how people can get involved in investing. Venture Capital, Good Growth Capital, typically uses two stages of fund families one a pre-seed and seed stage and the other through series venture capital. Amy explains what industries and kinds of entrepreneurs interest her company. In this episode Pa