Behind the Region
What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? We'll dive deeper beyond the headlines to keep you informed on the people and businesses making things happen in the region. You’ll hear casual and candid conversations with real people—business and community leaders driving the region forward. Hear authentic, unscripted stories from entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, and more!
Episodes
Today, we’re heading to Osceola, Indiana — a small town with a big heart — to meet Tom Krueger, the owner of Hinges and Handles. What began as a passion for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service has evolved into one of the region’s most trusted names in home hardware and design.
Tom’s story is about more than knobs and hinges — it’s about building relationships, taking pride in your work, and helping h...
With a background in music production and podcast‑engineering, Jon is helping businesses and creators tell their stories — and today he’s sharing his insight into launching a podcast that matters.
Whether you’re considering starting your own podcast or you’re just curious about how audio is shaping communication today, you’re in the right place. So let’s dive in and go behind the region.
Dustin’s Place is a nonprofit organization that provides grief support for children and families who have experienced the death of a loved one — creating a safe, compassionate space where healing can begin. What started as a personal journey for Vickie has grown into a mission that's helping hundreds of people in Michiana
We’ll talk with Vickie about how Dustin’s Place came to be, the unique programs they offer, t...
What happens when one of the world’s leading technology companies invests in your community?
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Oyer, PE, Head of Power and Water for the Americas at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He shares how AWS’s $11 billion investment in New Carlisle is driving innovation in power and water efficiency, creating new opportunities for local workers, and helping shape a stronger, more con...
This week, we're putting the spotlight on a name you've likely seen — maybe without even realizing it. From bold building signage to eye-catching wraps, North American Signs has been helping businesses stand out for over 90 years.
But behind the crisp lettering and striking designs is a family-owned company with a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community roots that run deep.
In this episode, we si...
This week, we are talking about more than construction; we are talking about building hope, opportunity, and strong communities. Jim will discuss their latest projects, the power of volunteerism, and how local businesses, including yours, can get involved.
Dr. Hartley will inform us about UNIFI Autism Care, explain why a company based downstate decided to open a center in St. Joseph County, and specifically why they chose the location they did. What makes UNIFI Autism Care's philosophy so different from other autism care programs, and how did Dr. Hartley decide to make this field her specialty?
Mark Herriman, President & CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County, breaks down what United Way is and the impact it makes in our community. He shares the biggest challenges the organization is facing today, what excites him most about its work, and his vision for the future.
Chris Campbell, President of Centier Bank, and Len Amat, Head of Community Banking, share the remarkable story of a fifth-generation, family-owned business with roots stretching back more than a century. They discuss how Centier has grown from humble beginnings to over 60 branches, how they attract and retain top talent through a strong workplace culture, and what they see for the future of banking.
Phillip has an inspiring story about how Dean’s became a reality, and an even more meaningful reason behind the name. What motivated him to leave a well-paying job and take the risk of opening his own restaurant? In this talk, Phillip shares the heartfelt journey that led to Dean’s, the passion that drives his homemade menu, and the biggest challenges he has faced from opening day to running a successful business toda...
Greg shares the story of Imagine Financial and how his company approaches insurance in a fresh way. He explains what drives him to leave a highly successful career in the automotive industry to launch his own business, and the factors that influence that decision. As a co-owner with his wife, Chelsea, and a father of four, Greg also talks about how they balance the demands of entrepreneurship with family life, and how...
Rob shares an inside look at the Mendoza College of Business and the outstanding programs it offers. He highlights the history of the college, its partnership with the chamber, and his perspective on the future, not only for Mendoza but for business schools across the country.
Eric Klepper, Head Distiller and VP of Operations of The Indiana Whiskey Company, shares the company’s history and origins, how he became involved, and how his background and expertise prepared him to lead in crafting exceptional whiskey.
Want to become an internet influencer? Sarah VanVactor, Founder and CEO of SoVan Media, will guide you through the process. She’ll explain why social media is a crucial tool for any business and why you should be leveraging it to promote your brand. Sarah will also share her rapid rise in the industry at a young age, detailing her career path, key decisions, and what inspired her to launch her own company.
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Kevin will tell us what Leatherman Supply is and why the Goshen-based company made a significant investment in St. Joseph County by opening a beautiful showroom in Mishawaka. Kevin will tell us how he attracts and retains his top talent, and how a long-time educator found his way into the cabinets and countertops world, having zero knowledge of either one.
In this episode, meet Dr. Heather Short, the new Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. Hear about her journey through the district, her bold vision for public education, and the strategies PHM uses to recruit and retain top talent. From academic excellence to economic impact, Dr. Short shares how PHM is shaping the future of education—and the region.
Get an inside look at South Bend’s newest space for big ideas! In this episode, Kris Priemer, founder of the Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub, shares how he transformed a former Salvation Army building into a vibrant, collaborative space for entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners. Hear how his vision, inspired by other startup cities and his own journey, is bringing energy, opportunity, and innovation to the...
Meet Theo Brown, franchise owner of Grease Monkey in Mishawaka. Theo shares his journey into entrepreneurship, why he chose Grease Monkey, and how he’s building a standout customer experience from the ground up. From family involvement to balancing a second career as an airline coordinator, Theo’s story is one of hustle, heart, and high standards!
In this episode, Connie Bryan, founder and CEO of On-site Health, shares how she built a national leader in workplace healthcare—starting with just $247. She discusses her company’s holistic, on-site approach to employee wellness, their early pandemic preparedness, and how community partnerships and perseverance have fueled a mission to create healthier, more productive workplaces.
Gary is this year's winner of the Distinguished Business Leader award at our annual Salute to Business luncheon. Gary will tell us his secret to success, as he helped Crowe grow to the firm it is today. How he built the amazing culture that Crowe is known for, how he recruited top talent, and what he is doing now, as he navigates retirement.
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