Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joseph-michael Schulz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joseph-Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Sometimes, the most transformative ideas come from the simplest observations. For me, inspiration struck during an ordinary day working for my father’s door installation company at an assisted living facility. As I watched a woman in a wheelchair struggle to pull open the heavy entry door towards her, I felt compelled to help. She appreciated the gesture but was clearly frustrated by her dependence on others for such a basic task.

That brief interaction set off a spark. It wasn’t just a door – it was a barrier to independence. And no one seemed to be addressing it. I couldn’t shake the thought that this problem had a solution.

Determined to make a difference, I funneled my savings into developing a revolutionary solution – Joe’s Entry Regulation Interface (JERI). JERI is the only low-voltage, non-contact system designed specifically to operate residential doors with seamless ease. Unlike high-voltage, complex commercial systems, JERI is built for homes, offering an elegant, accessible solution without the need for invasive wiring or costly installations.

Over the next several months, I immersed myself in prototyping, testing, and refining the design. Each iteration brought me closer to the vision of a sleek, simple, and intuitive system that empowers homeowners with mobility challenges. This relentless pursuit led to securing two patents for different embodiments of the device, solidifying JERI as a unique innovation in the residential accessibility market.

The road hasn’t been smooth. I’ve invested almost everything into bringing JERI to life – from sourcing materials to conducting user trials and gathering feedback. We are still in the early stages, but the feedback from those who have experienced JERI firsthand has been overwhelmingly positive. Each demo is a reminder of why this journey began – to restore independence and dignity to those who need it most.

Though the financial rewards have yet to materialize, the impact is already evident. Betting on JERI wasn’t just a business decision – it was a commitment to solving a real-world problem with empathy and ingenuity. I believe that in time, JERI will become a household name, breaking down barriers one door at a time.

Joseph-Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Smart Door Solutions was born from a simple yet powerful mission – to bring accessibility and ease to residential spaces. My journey into this industry began while working alongside my father in his door installation company. Witnessing firsthand the everyday barriers that people with mobility challenges face, I became passionate about creating solutions that restore independence without the need for complex, expensive commercial systems.

At Smart Door Solutions, we specialize in developing low-voltage, non-contact entry systems specifically for residential use. Our flagship product, JERI, is designed to seamlessly automate door operations, allowing homeowners to open doors effortlessly, regardless of physical limitations. Unlike traditional commercial systems that are often high-voltage and cumbersome, JERI is sleek, energy-efficient, and tailored for personal spaces.

What sets us apart is our focus on empathy-driven design. Every prototype, every test, and every patent is grounded in the real-world experiences of the people we aim to serve. We collaborate directly with users to gather feedback, ensuring that our products are not just functional but truly transformative in their daily lives.

I’m most proud of the fact that Smart Door Solutions has remained steadfast in our commitment to accessibility and innovation. The two patents we hold represent more than just legal protection – they symbolize our dedication to pioneering technology that makes homes more inclusive.

To potential clients and followers, I want to emphasize that Smart Door Solutions is more than a business; it’s a movement to redefine accessibility at home. Our goal is to break down barriers one door at a time, empowering people to live more freely and independently. As we continue to refine our products and expand our reach, I look forward to bringing this vision to even more homes across the country.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

If there’s one book that has profoundly shaped my perspective as both an entrepreneur and individual, it’s Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. I first encountered this book during my undergraduate studies while pursuing a degree in chemistry. As part of a course called Psychology of Stress, I stepped outside my scientific comfort zone to engage with topics that felt unfamiliar but important. I initially saw it as just another elective – a break from equations and lab work – but it quickly became one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey.

Frankl’s reflections on suffering, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning left an indelible mark on how I approach life, work, and personal growth. Immersed in a rigorous chemistry curriculum, I often found myself caught up in precision and details, but Frankl’s message reminded me of the importance of perspective – that purpose and intention often transcend the technicalities of what we do. His ability to find meaning in adversity taught me to embrace discomfort and see value in challenges, whether in the lab, the classroom, or my professional life.

Since that first reading, I’ve made Man’s Search for Meaning an annual tradition. At the start of each year, I return to its pages as a way to reset, refocus, and remind myself of what truly matters. This ritual helps me stay grounded, approach entrepreneurship with empathy, and lead Smart Door Solutions with a sense of purpose. It has shaped not only how I view obstacles but how I define success and innovation.

For anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, leadership, or personal development, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It transcends literature, serving as a compass that continuously steers me back toward growth, resilience, and the drive to create solutions that genuinely improve lives.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our reputation in the market wasn’t built overnight – it grew from a steadfast commitment to being genuine, honest, and user-focused in everything we do. From day one, we made a conscious decision to never take advantage of anyone, regardless of the situation. Whether we’re working with clients, partners, or end users, we operate with transparency and integrity, ensuring that every interaction reflects our core belief: accessibility should be available to everyone without compromise.

At the heart of our approach is a simple, unwavering goal – to make life easier for our users. This guiding principle drives every decision we make, from product design to customer support. We’re not just developing technology for the sake of innovation; we’re crafting solutions that address real-world challenges faced by individuals every day. That mindset keeps us grounded, ensuring that the focus always remains on the people we serve.

A major factor behind our growth is our commitment to listening – truly listening – to the people who use our products. Every piece of feedback we receive, whether from product testers, accessibility advocates, or casual users, is treated as an invaluable resource. This feedback loop isn’t just a formality; it’s a cornerstone of our development process. Each comment, suggestion, and critique shapes the next iteration of our products. We believe that by prioritizing improvements that enhance the user experience over short-term profits, we’re building something far more meaningful – long-term trust and relationships with our community.

Empathy-driven design is more than a catchphrase for us; it’s the backbone of our company. In an industry where technology can sometimes feel cold and impersonal, we emphasize the human connection behind every product we create. Our users aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – they’re individuals with unique needs, and we treat their experiences with the respect and attention they deserve. This personalized, hands-on approach has allowed us to build a network of loyal advocates who see us as partners in solving accessibility challenges, not just as a business.

We’ve also found that being transparent about the development process helps foster this sense of connection and trust. If there’s a setback or a delay, we communicate openly with our users. We invite them into the process, making them feel like stakeholders in the journey rather than passive recipients of a product. This collaborative spirit strengthens our reputation as a company that values honesty and integrity above all else.

At the end of the day, our reputation isn’t defined by marketing campaigns or flashy product launches – it’s shaped by the values we live by. Integrity, empathy, and a relentless focus on user-centric innovation continue to drive us forward. By staying true to these principles, we believe we can break down barriers, one door at a time, and redefine accessibility for homes everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smartdoorsolution.com/
• Instagram: @sds.solutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmichaelschulz/