With businesses struggling to find, train and retain the right employees, applicant screening is crucial. AJ Richichi’s Charleston-based company, Sprockets, uses cutting-edge AI and predictive technology both to make hiring more equitable and diverse and to identify the applicants most likely to succeed in a particular job. AJ first developed the technology as a dorm room project to identify the best draft candidates in professional sports. After high success rates working with dozens of professional and college teams, AJ refined the technology to match hourly workers with employers. The results are decreased applicant screening time, improved diversity, less turnover, and tens of thousands of dollars in company savings in a matter of weeks. In this episode, AJ joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura Corder to talk about the problem-solving mindset that leads to innovation, and the hard work and research that support growth. Listen as AJ describes the importance of research and relationship-building to make a company venture capital-ready, and talks about finding the people who inspire you to be better, both as a person and as an entrepreneur.

Of Note

25: A.J. Richichi, A Problem-Solving Mindset Yields AI Breakthroughs in Hiring

Almost two decades after the completion of the map of the human genome, geneticist Heather Flanagan-Steet pushes the boundaries of that knowledge to help children with rare genetic disorders. At Greenwood Genetic Center, Heather leads an interdisciplinary team of scientists in cutting-edge research, studying the effects of genetic disease in zebrafish. That research translates into very human-centered care. Unlike any other facility, Greenwood Genetic Center works with each patient from clinical exam through diagnosis, research, the identification of practical therapies, and education in the broader community. In this episode, Heather joins our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura McIntosh to talk about how she approaches innovation—through collaboration, creative thinking, and an open mind. Listen as Heather talks about what it takes to be a good scientist, the search for truth, and the balancing act between staying focused on the details while nurturing the ability to be surprised by results.

24: Heather Flanagan-Steet, The Greenwood Geneticist

Jennifer Randall-Collins brought lessons learned from work, school and sports to disrupt both the food and alcohol industries—and accomplish some cutting-edge molecular science along the way. Jenn is originally from Kentucky, but a basketball scholarship to the University of South Carolina gave her a second family, a teamwork mentality and a business degree. Back home, Jenn worked in marketing, married and had two children before founding PROOF Alcohol Ice Cream in 2015. PROOF does the impossible—freezing alcohol to combine two of life’s greatest indulgences. Since PROOF represents an entirely new category, it required creative regulatory solutions, and research brought her back to South Carolina to launch her product. Certified SC, PROOF won the Product Innovation category at the S.C. Branded Awards, and has seen year-over-year growth above 90 percent. As PROOF grows, Jenn relies on teamwork, seeing her dedicated employees succeed as well.

23: Jennifer Randall-Collins, PROOF for a New Market Category

Hosts Joseph and Laura step inside the home of the inventor of the freefall ride, Jerry Barber. Jerry is a renaissance man — a master sailor, a photographer, a racecar driver — and his storied career in the amusement industry has led to travels across the globe and countless professional highlights. And, as you might imagine, his home reflects that, with artifacts from around the world, photos with great business leaders, carnival nostalgia, and wall-to-wall patents that span from floor to ceiling. It’s Jerry’s journey that drove our conversation, from amusement park inventions to his most recent innovation, the technology inside of wind turbines. In 2008, Jerry created and became Chairman of the Board for Barber Wind Turbines. He invented and developed a transformative concept for wind energy — one that makes renewable energy accessible and affordable for people all over the world. He systematically re-engineered every problematic element of current wind technology to create a simpler, more efficient solution, which now delivers the lowest cost of energy in the wind industry and reduces carbon emissions. Using world-class innovation, he improved resilience, disaster preparedness, and recovery for areas prone to extreme weather.

22: 22: Jerry Barber, Freefall Ride to Wind Turbines

Hosts Joseph Nother and Laura Corder join Morgan Brady, Managing Partner of Composite Resources, at his Rock Hill, SC office to talk about the ever-changing and highly-adaptable world of composites. Composite Resources is supporting and supplying the aerospace and defense industries with forward-thinking and wholly unique composite components. The company can jump in anywhere during the development process, whether in early-stage prototyping or event applying a layer of coating to the final product. Composites demand a mind that can help people to easily see their needs, role, and potential. And, in Composite Resource's case, that's Morgan Brady. As a leader, Morgan has fine-tuned his formula for scaling and growing niche businesses in addition to, on the Composite Resources front, how he and his team approach the field and collectively move the industry forward within the state through curiosity, teamwork, and building relationships.

21: Morgan Brady, Autosports Competitions and Aerospace Composites

When you hear the name Milliken, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's carpets, rugs, and flooring, or maybe its dedicated commitment to sustainability and responsibility? Regardless, as a global, multi-market company, magic is happening behind the scenes—and Principal Scientist, Mary Mason, is the master magician and silent innovator behind it. Spearheading Milliken's chemical division, Mary specializes in polymeric non-settling colorants that enhance the products we use every day. Not only does Mary work with colorants, but she develops innovative processes to test experiments. Mary shares what led her to a career in chemical research and how her passions developed as a young child still live in her today.

20: Mary Mason, Making Magic Happen at Milliken

Ramy Harik has lived, studied, and traveled worldwide, teaching students from France to Lebanon. As the Director of Undergraduate Studies and an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, and researcher at McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research — Ramy's work focuses on mechanical, industrial, and automated manufacturing engineering. His work at the McNair Center prepares engineering students for opportunities within South Carolina's aerospace industry — the second largest industry in the state. In this episode, Ramy shares the importance of education and industry, pushing the aerospace industry forward through smart manufacturing. And through smart manufacturing, Ramy notes its role in combating corruption within institutions and shares his unique perspective on life.

19: Ramy Harik, Combating Corruption Through Manufacturing

Dr. Laura Boccanfuso never imagined she would become a full-time entrepreneur. Before she founded Van Robotics, she spent ten years as a stay at home mom with her three kids. During that time, she uncovered a deep love and passion for education and desired to elevate all students' learning. After heading back to school to get her Ph.D. in Computer Science and Robotics at the University of South Carolina, she spent her time as a research scientist at Yale. There, she discovered the impact robots have in education, and especially on young learners. After many years of studying, learning, and researching, Laura jumped headfirst into entrepreneurship and founded Van Robotics. From there, she not only created ABii - the smart robot tutor, but she's taken her ideas to the entrepreneurial mainstage — Shark Tank. In this episode, Laura discusses her journey from the books to the bots with hosts Joseph Nother and Laura Corder. And they're joined by Laura's long-time mentor, Amos Schwartzfarb, Managing Director of Techstars Austin.

18: Dr. Laura Boccanfuso, Journey From the Books to Bots

When it comes to working with large clients, the President and CEO of Mercom, Stella Mercado, is doing just that. Mercom Corporation is a federal contractor serving the world's largest customer — the Federal Government. It has provided solutions sets for the U.S. Navy and even Air Force One. It's certified as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business and a HUBZone business and focuses on mission-based technology solutions within Defense, Intelligence, Healthcare, and Civilian markets. While many might be intimidated by working with government entities, Stella and her team never back down from a challenge. She and her team provide solutions that have transformed technology and increased protection within government cybersecurity infrastructure. Stella received a B.A. in International Relations and Spanish from the University of Virginia, then returned to the university in 2014 to attend a program in the School of Business. After establishing Mercom in 2000, Stella and her team continue to showcase the importance of trust, accountability, and building strong relationships to succeed within government contracting. Stella shares what she’s learned throughout the years in government contracting, leadership, entrepreneurship, and even lessons she’s learned from being a mother. "Of Note" is an original production by Scribble (http://scribblesc.com) and Designsensory (https://designsensory.com/). Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scribbleinnovation/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scribbleinnovation/) for more.

17: Stella Mercado, Innovating Cybersecurity for National Defense

"The one thing that I can predict in healthcare is that it's going to continue to change." After being introduced to the healthcare industry in high school, Shawn Valenta began working towards transforming healthcare delivery — especially to minority and vulnerable populations. His journey began in the Greenville Memorial Emergency Department as a respiratory therapist. There, he discovered his appetite for learning, and soon after, he uncovered his passion for healthcare administration. Now, Shawn and his team provide services that serve the different healthcare needs for communities across South Carolina. Shawn supports the operations for all of MUSC’s telehealth programs that range from the ICU to the home, oversees the nearly $50 million budget of state-invested telehealth funds for South Carolina, and is responsible for the contract execution for their network of over 100 sites. The MUSC Center for Telehealth's mission is "telehealth for efficient, effective care," and not just replicating healthcare over a distance. South Carolina has faced many healthcare disparities over the years. Shawn discusses his evolving journey working to overcome these disparities, how to lead by example, and how he and his team are breaking the traditional healthcare mold to deliver care in new and innovative ways. "Of Note" is an original production by Scribble (http://scribblesc.com) and Designsensory (https://designsensory.com/). Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scribbleinnovation/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scribbleinnovation/) for more.

16: Shawn Valenta, Changing the Way We Approach Healthcare

A “chile head” in the truest sense of the word, Ed Currie – the man behind the Carolina Reaper, the world’s hottest pepper – knows hot enough is never hot enough. His journey began in the 80s when he started growing peppers at his house in South Carolina. By the 90s, his 800+ plants covered every inch of his home, as well as the homes of his friends, family, and neighbors. There was a growing demand for his peppers, and by the early 2000s, he and his wife Linda realized it was time to start a real farm. Now, their farm grows over 100,000 pepper plants and is one of the largest on the east coast. With the creation of the Carolina Reaper, Ed pushed the limits of the chile pepper — his love for spice helping him to light a spark across an entire industry. And the whole world took notice. Ed discusses how his life brought him to growing peppers, how he’s grown his business, and his personal philosophy to innovation and pushing boundaries. In this episode, our hosts Joseph Nother and Laura Corder are joined by Vic Clinco, the owner of the world's largest collection of hot sauces to talk Ed, PuckerButt, and the Carolina Reaper. "Of Note" is an original production by Scribble (http://scribblesc.com) and Designsensory (https://designsensory.com/). Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scribbleinnovation/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scribbleinnovation/) for more.

15: Ed Currie, The Inventor of the World's Hottest Pepper

In a special mini-series from the “Of Note” crew, we’re turning back to our innovators from season one to see how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their personal, professional, and business lives and uncovering the insights they’ve learned from making major business changes across the board. Juan Caicedo, Department Chair and Professor in the College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina, talks with “Of Note” co-host Joseph Nother about the current state of the education system during a pandemic, as well as how (in a world with fully online classes) what the value of a physical learning environment is. This episode was recorded on March 30, 2020.

The Power of Vulnerability: Juan Caicedo

In a special mini-series from the “Of Note” crew, we’re turning back to our innovators from season one to see how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their personal, professional, and business lives and uncovering the insights they’ve learned from making major business changes across the board. Philippe Herndon, the founder of boutique guitar pedal manufacturer Caroline Guitar Company, talks with “Of Note” co-host Joseph Nother about how the small business owner and entrepreneur has been impacted by the pandemic. From managing his manufacturing small team in a work from home environment to evaluating his dependency on retail stores and overseas manufacturers, Philippe underscores just how much life has changed as a small business owner. This episode was recorded on March 30, 2020.

The Power of Vulnerability: Philippe Herndon

In a special mini-series from the “Of Note” crew, we’re turning back to our innovators from season one to see how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their personal, professional, and business lives and uncovering the insights they’ve learned from making major business changes across the board. Mary Beth Westmoreland, CTO of Blackbaud, has been named one of the most innovative women in America. And now, more so than ever, it's time for her to leverage her ability to innovate. Blackbaud is the world's leading provider of cloud computing solutions for the social good community — that means non-profits, churches, schools — some of those organizations hit hardest by the pandemic, and those most in need of quick, large, full-scale pivots. Mary Beth talks about the need for understanding during times like these and how empathy can make or break your position as a leader. This episode was recorded on March 30, 2020. "Of Note" is an original production by Scribble (http://scribblesc.com) and Designsensory (https://designsensory.com/). Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scribbleinnovation/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scribbleinnovation/) for more.

The Power of Vulnerability: Mary Beth Westmoreland

In a special mini-series from the "Of Note" crew, we're turning back to our innovators from season one to see how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their personal, professional, and business lives and uncovering the insights they've learned from making major business changes across the board. Jon-Michial Carter, co-founder and CEO of ChartSpan, reconnects with "Of Note" co-host Joseph Nother to discuss how he and his telemedicine company quickly and efficiently transitioned to remote work, how telemedicine directly impacts those on the frontlines of the crisis, and how you – as a leader – can maintain the trust and confidence of your staff. This episode was recorded on March 30, 2020. "Of Note" is an original production by Scribble (http://scribblesc.com) and Designsensory (https://designsensory.com/). Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scribbleinnovation/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scribbleinnovation/) for more.

The Power of Vulnerability: Jon-Michial Carter

We’re opening up the notebooks of some of the most interesting business minds in the South. They’re hands-on, they’re driven and they’re sharing the notes they’ve taken on invention, funding, entrepreneurship, growth, and so much more.