By Katie Aldridge
After working for hours on end in the lab, you must complete your final task: disposing of several trays of vials of specimens from blood and cells tests from thousands of individuals. You finish disposing of the first tray, and your wrist hurts from manually emptying every vial. You pick the next tray too quickly and something drips down the back of your neck. You report this incident to your boss, but since neither of you know what the specimen is, you are required to stay home and wait until you get the OK to return to work.
Enter Innovative Laboratory Solutions, lead by founder and CEO Michael Doran.
Innovative Laboratory Solutions is making equipment to help diagnostic laboratories increase operational efficiencies, decrease risk, and increase personnel retention. Specifically, their devices help with the specimen disposal process.
Michael recently participated in the Early Risers Academy Tech cohort, a 10-week business-building bootcamp powered by Launch Dayton partner Parallax Advanced Research. We recently caught up with Michael to learn more about his company and how the Launch Dayton community can support.
Michael: We started about three years ago with myself in my basement with a piece of cardboard, an exacto knife, some rubber bands, a hot glue gun, and popsicle sticks. I had this idea in my head of what I wanted to create. I went to an intellectual property attorney and asked him to point me in the right direction to get me started. I took action on his words. I reached out to some design companies, and they put together the concept models. We have just kept the ball rolling.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind where I would see things and be like, “that could be better. We could improve this; we could improve that.” This is the first thing I’ve acted on. I don’t know if the idea just generated from being in the lab. I’ve been in different labs in different areas for different companies. I’d say we learn from our experiences and our histories, and that’s my background, working with the samples and being in the lab. This was a common problem throughout each lab that I realized needed solved.
Yes. I come from a very entrepreneurial family. My dad was an entrepreneur; he ran a restaurant for 27 years. My sister owns a business. It’s always been something that I’ve been around and been interested in. The whole idea of the 9-5 life never appealed to me. I wanted to do my own thing and be in control of my own situation. That’s how we were raised.
Having an attitude of resilience, grit, determination, and perseverance. There have been different roadblocks and bumps along the way where it seemed like I didn’t know where to turn. You have to have that vision and pull to keep you going. My friends in the lab need something like this, and no one else is making it, so I feel like I have an obligation to them and the industry to keep moving forward.
I feel almost drawn into it. I see the impact it has. I do this job almost every night, and I know how frustrating and disgusting it can be. I feel the pain, and I’ve witnessed my friends’ pain. I want to help people. This could be something very positive that would boost people. It is something cool and gives them a new way to do their work. It helps me give a portion of people’s lives back to them. And it’s fun!
I loved it. Coming from a science background and not having a business background, the Early Risers Academy was so valuable. It was very fast paced. I felt like I was being shot out of a cannon, but it was awesome. I met some good contacts from that. It gives you the foundation and building blocks of a business.
We’re seeking non-dilutive funding and looking to have outreach conversations with labs. Any kind of references would be helpful.
Reach Michael at [email protected].
By Katie Aldridge
Lindsey Deck is wife, mother, attorney and business owner — she’s the founder of Space Three, a boutique fitness studio located in downtown Dayton offering a variety of group fitness classes, including barre, TRX and dance cardio. Space Three prides themselves on being welcoming to every body, regardless of experience level.
Lindsey was a member of the first cohort of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab, powered by Launch Dayton partner Downtown Dayton Partnership. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and her entrepreneurial journey.
Lindsey: Space Three was the result of a 10-year dream. When I was in law school I belonged to a wonderful little studio. It was my escape from the stressors of school, a place where I could reset and recharge. I loved the staff, the instructors, the classes, the students. I guess it really left an impact on me, and I always thought it would be cool to have a place of my own one day.
My husband can confirm that I’m fairly high strung. I get stressed out easily and exercise helps me cope with that. I always feel better after a sweat sesh. That coupled with the fact that I love being around people and helping individuals reach goals and do things they thought they couldn’t. That’s really inspiring to me. And as an owner and instructor, I get to do that daily.
Maybe deep down, but I didn’t really put any energy behind it until a few years ago. I grew up with an entrepreneur father so I was able to watch him grow a successful business and thought it might be something I would do one day.
I definitely jumped in feet first, not knowing everything that would come with it. But it’s been a learning experience and I am loving it — even the hard days! I think my passion to help others and provide a safe space to decompress really drives me to keep going, despite the setbacks of being a brand new small business.
A global pandemic! I did not see that one coming. It’s been a challenge getting back on our feet after our closure last year.
Don’t give up. No matter what challenges come your way if it’s your passion you have to keep pushing. There will be bad days, hard days, but the good days make it so worth it.
I sat down with Audrey at Ghostlight a few years ago when I was first getting the business up and running. Since then, I have followed them on social media. They’re doing a lot of good for small business owners, offering opportunities like this one: a chance to share my story. I love talking about Space Three.
Amazing! I learned so much about who I wanted to be as an entrepreneur, as a small business owner and as a collaborator. The people were amazing, and it was so fun to learn about all the new businesses popping up downtown. Our little city is mighty!
Connect with Lindsey & Space Three online and on Instagram @spacethreedayton.
Wonder if the Retail Lab might be a fit for you? Learn more here.
By Katie Aldridge
The birth of her daughter inspired Vaniti Byrd to create easy-to-use and easy-to-travel baby care products. She founded Baba Love Organics, a plant-based beauty and body care company located in the heart of downtown Dayton.
In 2020, Vaniti not only smashed her sales goals & opened her storefront, she also graduated from the first cohort of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab, powered by Launch Dayton partner Downtown Dayton Partnership.
We recently caught up with her to learn more about her experience and her entrepreneurial journey.
Vaniti: It started three years ago from our kitchen. We started with four products. I was teaching full-time, at the time. It turned into a much larger scale; it took up my formal dining room and my kitchen. Last year, we got our retail space at the beginning of COVID, right before everything shut down. We celebrated our one-year grand opening on Sept. 18!
I’ve always been into skincare; I’ve always had a love for all things beauty since I was a little girl. I just started becoming more conscious of what I was putting on my skin and what I was putting in my body. Having my daughter, Primrose, got me thinking about creating small products that moms could use on their babies that were easy to use and easy to travel with on the go. We have products that can be used for everyone in the whole house, not just babies. The ingredients are clean and clear-cut; most things people will recognize or even have in their kitchen.
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Growing up, I had an old soul. I was always running things. I knew exactly what I wanted even at a young age. I had tons of small businesses – I think back to reselling things I bought from book fairs at my school! I just always wanted something that I could call my own; I didn’t realize it was easier to do than I thought.
The personal passion and knowledge of what I do helps me teach and educate other people on why these products are so important and why it’s not just about being cute and smelling good, but actually being mentally and physically well. Being grounded in the work that I’m doing is a big thing for me. I think that helps me when I’m trying to explain or share what I do and why I’m doing it.
The biggest barrier has been my own self with balancing everyday things with what I’m required to do for my business. The biggest barrier has probably been pushing through when I don’t feel like it, when I feel like I don’t have anything to give, but I still have to show up and do the work. Knowing my purpose and staying passionate is what has kept me.
I loved it. It’s beautiful what’s happening and what continues to happen as more businesses move downtown.
It is part of who I am. I have, first of all, the most amazing following behind my brand. I think that is what keeps me going: knowing that I created this product that people want, that they love, that they come back for every time. I know I have a quality product that I made with my own hands while using my mind and a formula that I created. I’ve put a lot of thought into these products, and I’ve made them so many times; this is something that I have mastered.
Come shop with us at 1116 W Fifth Street! For those who have shopped: keep your jars, keep your bottles – we host BYOB. Shop on our website, pop in and say hi, shoot us a DM, say “hey, what’s up?” Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Wonder if the Retail Lab might be a fit for you? Learn more here.
By Katie Aldridge
Kathleen Hotmer advocates for a low-waste lifestyle — and she launched her business, Pink Moon Goods, to help. Pink Moon Goods offers beautiful, practical, sustainable & ethically-manufactured home goods.
Kathleen is a recent graduate of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab, a business-building program powered by Launch Dayton partner Downtown Dayton Partnership. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and her entrepreneurial journey.
Kathleen: It started out of personal passion. My husband and I are very fortunate; we get to travel quite a lot. One of the things I like to do when traveling is shop for paper goods, ceramics, and pretty things for home. I felt like, on a very basic level, the type of store I liked to go to didn’t exist in Dayton.
Over the years, I have learned to become a better consumer and find power in where I spend my money. Finding small-batch goods, goods that serve a practical purpose but add beauty to the home, is really important to me. I wanted to provide that for our city.
We all have to start being more intentional about how we’re living our lives, the resources we’re using, and the economies we’re supporting. I think people are craving that. They’re yearning for ways to live more ethically at home. It feels like the right time and like I can inspire people to live better, and I want to do that.
In a way, I’ve always wondered if I would be. I am a maker; I work in theater as a costume designer. I make a lot of stuff but when I come home at the end of the day, I don’t usually want to sew. It’s common for people who sew to sell what they sew. I’d considered it but I never thought I would. My first inclination to start this business was when I made my cutlery wraps.
Prior to that, my husband started a business. That was my first venture into being an entrepreneur because, even though it’s his business, I was there every step of the way. That is really what gave me the courage to do it, because I saw him do it and I did it with him. It made it seem more accessible for me.
I’m a woman, I’m middle-aged. I see a lot of women my age sort of making a second career or starting something. I feel like I am representing a group of women who are wanting to try something different with their lives. I am the second person in my family to be college-educated, so that demographic is important for me and my identity. I had to work hard to get there. No one was pushing me to do it; I just wanted to do it on my own.
My favorite thing is connecting with people. When I have my pop-up sales and people come and want to talk about the products or different things they’re trying at home, I feel really inspired by that. It helps me see that what I’m doing is making a difference. I like when someone can come to my store and find something that they’re excited about and want to have in their home but will also help them reduce waste in their home. It gives me a little more hope.
In some ways, it was really affirming because a lot of what I learned was stuff I witnessed my husband doing as a business owner. It gave me a lot of confidence to move forward with my business.
Come see my store and see if there is anything that speaks to you. Tell people about it! My store is for the community. I want to sell things, but I want to be a resource for the community on how to be better consumers. The more people that know about me, not only the more customers I’ll have, but the more people will change their lifestyles.
Shop Pink Moon Goods online & connect with Kathleen on Instagram here.
Wonder if the Retail Lab might be a fit for you? Learn more here.
Dayton startup Magnetic Mobile is pleased to welcome Brian Sichi as its new Chief Executive Officer as the company continues to expand its capabilities and workforce.
Sichi brings more than 20 years of experience growing innovative teams at international technology consultancies. Magnetic co-founders Beck and Barry Besecker will remain active board members.
The pandemic has driven more retail activity to the digital space. This increased demand for standout online and in-app experiences has helped Magnetic Mobile grow new and existing client partnerships.
Having recently increased revenue by 85% and nearly doubled its workforce, the company looks to continue that expansion into 2022 and beyond.
“Magnetic has a proven track record of delivering superior customer engagement for our partners and that reputation allows us to take advantage of new opportunities in the current landscape,” said Beck Besecker. “Brian’s vast experience leading collaborative teams at some of the world’s best enterprise-level tech firms will help us capitalize on that momentum, building on our strengths and growing Magnetic’s portfolio.”
Previously the Retail Loyalty Division of sister company Marxent before spinning out in 2016, Magnetic Mobile has partnered with Speedway (now part of the 7-Eleven family) for nearly a decade to support the digital components of its industry-leading Speedy Rewards program.
Magnetic Mobile combines data-driven design strategy with the latest technology to create digital experiences that keep customers coming back for more. With expertise in UX design, content strategy, front-end and back-end web development, mobile applications, and digital promotions management, Magnetic supports every step of the customer journey.
Headquartered in the heart of the Cincinnati-Dayton technology corridor, Magnetic is proud to be rooted in the Midwest. Rapid growth during the pandemic has enabled expansion of its remote workforce, adding top talent from across the country.
Magnetic has developed mobile applications and responsive websites for many of the nation’s top manufacturing and retail brands including Champion Windows & Home Exteriors, La-Z-Boy, and Bob’s Discount Furniture.
“Having been a client of Magnetic’s sister company, Marxent, I experienced first hand the customer focus and innovation that Beck and Barry bring to organizations. I look forward to working with them in their continued roles on the Magnetic board,” said Brian Sichi. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the leadership team at Magnetic and to expand on that legacy as we bring Magnetic’s capabilities to a broader client base while continuing to innovate.”
Sichi brings to Magnetic more than two decades of experience driving innovation at some of the largest technology consultancies in the world. Most recently, he worked as Director of U-Collaborate Innovation & Digital solutions for KPMG Australia. His previous roles include Exponentials & Analytics Lead for Deloitte’s Leadership Center for Clients and Strategy, Innovation, & Transformation Practice Lead for Capgemini Government Solutions. Sichi is also a Marine Corps veteran, having served in the United States, Somalia, and Korea.
“Magnetic is a high-performing organization positioned to take our success even higher,” said Sichi. “We are a company built for a tech-savvy world and have a great opportunity to help existing and new clients improve their digital brand.”
Twelve startup founders pitched for $10K in cash prizes last night at Launch Dayton Startup Week 2021!
Taking first place in the innovation/tech category was Michael Ragsdale, founder of Bailout Systems, a fall safety company that has developed the world’s smallest rappelling/descent technology, enabling user from multiple industries to lower or fall hands free.
First place in the main street category went to cofounder duo Charles Wheeler & Jeffrey Caldwell of Tumble, providing on-demand wash&fold and dry-cleaning services, giving users more free time.
This year tech/innovation pitch prize was sponsored by Entrepreneurs’ Center, & the main street pitch prize was sponsored by Spark Fairborn.
Bailout Systems and Tumble each took home $5,000 to infuse into their businesses.
All of the pitches were fantastic, and the judges had a difficult time selecting a winner. Also pitching at the 2021 Startup Week Pitch Competition were:
Congratulations to all the pitching founders!
At Launch Dayton Startup Week 2021, we’re teaming up with Tae Winston to bring you the Launch Dayton Startup Week Startup Market on Monday, Sept. 13 in the historic Arcade Rotunda!
Tae Winston is a Launch Dayton community champion and the founder of The Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace, The Entrepreneurs’ Shoppe and The Entrepreneurs’ Connection, each of which offers opportunities for area makers and small business owners to break into retail.
The Launch Dayton Startup Week Startup Market will have two rounds — a dozen vendors will be featured in the morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a dozen vendors will be available in the afternoon from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Here are the vendors who have confirmed so far:
Don’t miss this free conference — register here!
Twelve startups companies will pitch for cash prizes next week at the annual Launch Dayton Startup Week Pitch Competition, kicking off at 6p on Monday, Sept. 13 in the beautiful Arcade Rotunda!
Early Risers is a community pitch event that allows growing scaleable startups the opportunity to pitch their startup to an audience of business and community leaders, resource providers, and other entrepreneurs. Each pitch ends with an ask, such as connections to a target customer or potential investor or help finding a key employee or partner to move the company forward.
At Startup Week, we expand the event to include both innovation-based companies and main street businesses, and the top winner in each category will take home $5K in cash.
This year’s pitch prizes are sponsored by Entrepreneurs’ Center & Spark Fairborn — when you see these folks at the conference, thank them for their generosity and support!
Judges will score the pitching entrepreneurs on their:
Register for the conference to watch the pitches!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can pitch the Launch Dayton community, contact Audrey at [email protected], find her at the conference, or connect with her in the chat feature of this year’s Startup Week app.
Have you snagged your spot yet for Dayton’s premier entrepreneurship conference?!
We’re counting down the days to this year’s free Launch Dayton Startup Week conference, which will bring inspirational stories of local founders, hands-on workshops to help you launch and grow your business, a pitch competition with $10K in cash prizes, a startup market, and more!
This year’s lineup has been curated to celebrate the diversity of the Dayton region’s startup community and to spur tangible growth for local business owners. Check out the full Launch Dayton Startup Week agenda with descriptions here, or scroll down for a glance at the full lineup.
Launch Dayton Startup Week is made possible through the generous support of our title sponsors: Canary Consulting, Fifth Third Bank, Entrepreneurs’ Center, and Parallax Advanced Research
Sponsored by ClearnMark QMS & Factor 7 Medical | Coordinated by BioOhio
Sponsored & coordinated by Technology First
Sponsored by First Financial
Coordinated by LMG
Sponsored by Honeycomb Digital | Coordinated by Downtown Dayton Partnership
Coordinated by Culture Works | Hosted by The Contemporary Dayton
Coordinated by the Entrepreneurs’ Center
Sponsored by Infinite Management Solutions & Treble One Aerospace | Coordinated by Parallax
Coordinated by OhioX
Coordinated by LMG
31 S. Main St.
Dayton, OH 45402
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