About the Guests
Matthew Rooda is the Founder and CEO of SwineTech, Inc., where he leads the development of innovative solutions for the pork industry. Through SwineTech’s flagship product, PigFlow®, pork producers are empowered to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource management, and improve pig care through automation and workforce innovation.
With deep roots in the commercial swine industry and a background in human health and animal agriculture, Matthew is passionate about integrating technology into livestock care. Since founding SwineTech in 2015, he has raised over $12 million in venture capital, expanded operations globally, and earned a spot on the Lemelson MIT and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists. Matthew has also participated in the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and served on the Swine Health and Wellbeing Committee. Additionally, as host of the Popular Pig Podcast, he engages weekly with industry experts to share insights on swine production and innovation.
Abraham Espinoza is an entrepreneur and leader dedicated to empowering farmers with innovative tools and technology to sustainably feed a growing global population. As a founder and Chief Operations Officer of SwineTech, Inc., he has played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking solutions that improve animal welfare and operational efficiency in the swine industry. Espinoza has led the establishment of an international manufacturing network, successfully expanded SwineTech’s products to global markets, and spearheaded the company’s global customer success efforts.
Espinoza’s leadership and achievements have earned him numerous prestigious accolades. He was recognized as EO National Student Entrepreneur of the Year, Farm Bureau National Entrepreneur of the Year, and Ambassador of Entrepreneurship for the U.S. The following year, he was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Manufacturing & Industry category and was honored by MIT Technology Review as one of the Innovators Under 35 Latin America.
What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig?
Celebrating 200 Episodes: Join SwineTech co-founders Matthew Rooda and Abe Espinoza as they share the story behind SmartGuard, their innovative solution to piglet crushing, and the persistence it took to bring it to life.
- The challenges Matthew and Abe faced in building SwineTech and how they tackled the complexities of developing SmartGuard.
- How Abe’s journey from Mexico to Iowa and Matthew’s background in agriculture inspired them to create impactful technology for pig care.
- The trial-and-error process, teamwork, and lessons learned that shaped SmartGuard and led to its patenting success.
- Insights on the realities of startup life, from fundraising to navigating the demanding world of ag-tech innovation.
- Abe’s “Golden Nugget”
