Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph-Michael Schulz
Hi Joseph-Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Journey Through Entrepreneurship, Advocacy, and Innovation
The journey that led to the creation of three businesses – two nonprofits, JSM Cooperative Corporation and Mindful Diabetes Inc., and one company, Smart Door Solutions – has been shaped by passion, personal experience, and a desire to make a difference. Along the way, I’ve learned that storytelling and innovation, when used for the greater good, can bring about lasting change.
JSM Cooperative Corporation: Storytelling for a Cause
I founded JSM Cooperative Corporation to merge two passions: storytelling and giving back. As storytellers, we aim to craft tales that entertain, inspire, and bring out the best in our readers, regardless of age or genre. Every story we write carries the hope of making someone smile or reflect on life differently. The real impact, though, comes from our mission to donate 100% of the profits from our novels to other 501(c)(3) nonprofits aligned with the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. Our first initiative, The Man in the Ballcap, is our debut novel and our first opportunity to fundraise for change. With 100% of the profits from book sales being donated directly to Mindful Diabetes Inc., we’re committed to supporting research into the connection between Type II and Type III Diabetes (Alzheimer’s Disease).
Mindful Diabetes Inc.: A Personal Mission
Mindful Diabetes Inc. was born from personal tragedy – my grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, which followed years of struggling with Type II Diabetes. This deeply affected me and set me on a mission to fund research that explores the connection between these two conditions. Through Mindful Diabetes, I aim to educate others about how lifestyle changes and early intervention can prevent the progression of Type II into Type III Diabetes. Our work aligns with Goal #3 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-Being. I’m proud of the impact we’ve made, and I believe our combination of holistic and pharmacological approaches will change lives.
Smart Door Solutions: Innovation for Accessibility
During my time in school, I often worked on construction sites outside of class to help my father and earn some extra money. It was on these job sites that I was exposed to the real-world challenges faced by mobility-impaired individuals. I witnessed firsthand how something as simple as opening a door could become a significant barrier. These experiences, combined with the work ethic my father instilled in me, fueled my desire to find a solution.
That’s when the idea for Smart Door Solutions was born. I wanted to create a system that could make life easier for those with mobility impairments by providing a voice-activated, non-contact door operating solution. Smart Door Solutions is dedicated to enhancing accessibility in both residential spaces and private healthcare environments, where touch-free systems can significantly improve convenience and safety.
Over time, we’ve developed and secured two patents for our technology, and the feedback has been incredibly encouraging. We’ve had the opportunity to showcase our system at events like Smart Cities Miami, and each time, it reaffirms my belief in the power of practical innovation to solve everyday problems. Smart Door Solutions isn’t just about technology—it’s about helping people regain independence in spaces where accessibility can be a challenge.
Pursuing My PhD: Blending Science and Technology
In addition to my entrepreneurial ventures, I am currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Miami, where I focus on cell biology at its intersection with artificial intelligence and drug discovery. My research is centered on using AI to better understand cellular processes and identify new therapeutic interventions. This work holds great promise in accelerating drug discovery and finding treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Patents and Publications
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of publishing peer-reviewed articles in a wide array of fields, including organic chemistry, stem cells, diabetes, computational drug discovery, Alzheimer’s disease, and smart home technology. My work in these diverse areas demonstrates my commitment to advancing science and creating real-world solutions. Additionally, I hold two patents related to smart home technology, specifically in the field of voice-activated, non-contact door systems. These patents represent my drive to merge cutting-edge technology with everyday applications to make life more accessible and secure.
From Passion to Purpose
Whether it’s through my businesses, research, or nonprofit efforts, everything I do is driven by a desire to leave the world better than I found it. Each project is personal to me, shaped by my experiences and motivated by the potential to make a real difference. I believe that by combining creativity with science and innovation, we can solve problems that once seemed insurmountable – and I’m committed to doing just that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but every challenge has shaped who I am today. One of the hardest personal decisions I had to make came during my freshman year of college. Baseball had been my life for so long, and I loved the game. But I had to face the reality that I didn’t have a future in it. Hanging up my cleats wasn’t easy, but it opened the door to something greater. I realized that I could make a meaningful difference by using my mind instead of just my athletic ability. That decision led me to pursue science, where I could dive into subjects that had the potential to change lives.
My path through chemistry wasn’t without its challenges. In class, I found myself tackling tough subjects like inorganic chemistry, understanding why elements on the periodic table exhibit the colors they do (it’s all about the d orbital!), or the rigorous work of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics in physical chemistry. And then there were the long hours spent trying to recreate a retrosynthesis from nothing but a starting material. There were plenty of times when it felt like I’d hit a wall, but those moments taught me persistence and the value of problem-solving, two skills that have carried me through everything since.
In the midst of that academic grind, the world faced an entirely new challenge—COVID-19. Isolation, uncertainty, and the disruption to daily life affected everyone, and like so many others, I struggled to adapt. I found myself dealing with the mental and emotional toll of a pandemic while trying to stay focused on my goals. But in that quiet time of reflection, I found clarity and a renewed drive to push forward. COVID challenged my resilience, but it also gave me the time to think deeply about what I wanted to achieve.
Just when I thought the challenges couldn’t get harder, the Great Flood hit. It was during the pandemic when maintenance workers accidentally broke the main waterline in the house we were renting, flooding everything from the attic down. The water poured through the ceiling, leaving my friends and me with soaked belongings and a gaping hole in our home. We were only 22, just trying to navigate a global crisis, and suddenly, we had to start from scratch. It was a humbling experience that reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Each of these experiences, from walking away from baseball to battling through difficult academic work and weathering a literal storm, has taught me that setbacks are part of the journey. They’ve made me stronger, more determined, and more focused on creating solutions that can help others. Every challenge has ultimately been an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to take the next step forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think of myself as an artist, though instead of using paint or clay, I craft narratives and tales with my words. I have a deep passion for education, and I’ve always believed that the most powerful way to teach someone something is through storytelling. Stories are how we connect, how we learn, and how we understand the world around us. That’s why I specialize in creating narratives that leave people feeling something—whether it’s a smile, a sense of well-being, or a moment of reflection.
I consider myself a bit of a polymath. Whatever I choose to focus on, I become good at it, not because it comes easily, but because I’m willing to invest the time and energy to master it. It’s that dedication that has helped me excel in so many different areas. Whether I’m teaching, writing, or creating innovative solutions through my businesses, I bring the same level of commitment to each endeavor.
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to combine my love for writing with my passion for education. I truly believe that one day, I’ll bridge these two passions in a meaningful way. Whether through my businesses, nonprofit work, or future endeavors, I aim to create educational experiences that resonate with people and inspire them to learn and grow.
What sets me apart is my dedication to the craft of learning and my belief in the power of narratives to change lives. I’m not just teaching facts or concepts—I’m painting stories that stay with people, that make them think and feel. It’s this unique blend of creativity, education, and perseverance that drives everything I do.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up and to never stop trying. Life has a way of throwing obstacles in your path, but I’ve realized that every challenge contains a solution—you just have to be willing to find it. If something doesn’t work one way, it doesn’t mean the answer isn’t there; it just means you haven’t discovered the right approach yet.
Persistence is everything. It’s about having the patience to explore different angles, the humility to accept failure as part of the process, and the tenacity to keep pushing forward. There are no shortcuts to success, and sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that teach us the most. Those moments force us to dig deep, to trust in our ability to problem-solve, and to believe that every problem has a solution, even if it takes time to uncover.
What I’ve learned is that the answer is always within reach—you just have to be relentless in your pursuit of it. Often, the journey itself is just as important as the destination. It’s during those moments of struggle that we grow, learn, and ultimately find the clarity we’ve been seeking. The key is to stay focused, adapt when necessary, and never let the fear of failure stop you from moving forward. Every misstep is just another step toward success, and as long as you refuse to give up, you will always find your way.
Pricing:
- Connect with me for Free across social media @MindfulDiabetesInc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfuldiabetes.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfuldiabetesinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulDiabetesInc/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindfuldiabetesinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindfuldiabetesinc
- Other: https://smartdoorsolution.com
