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
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping our business community and driving our region forward.
In each episode, we go beyond the headlines to hear the real stories behind the work — the challenges, the pivots, and the purpose that fuel success across Northern Indiana.
Today, we’re excited to welcome Kim Becker, foun...
Welcome to the Behind the Region Podcast, brought to you by the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping our community and economy.
Today, we’re excited to welcome Dave Doetsch, President and General Manager of Mid-West Family Marketing and Media. With years of experience in marketing and media, Dave is at the forefront of connecting businesses, organizations, and au...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we go beyond the headlines and meet the people driving growth, leadership, and opportunity across our region.
Today’s episode is all about sales — not just as a job, but as a craft.
Our guest is Nick Milovich of Adams Remco, but this conversation goes far beyond any one company. Nick is a seasoned sales professional who has built his caree...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we take a closer look at the people, companies, and ideas shaping our regional economy.
We are excited about today’s conversation because we’re joined by Brian Witkowski from the AME Group. AME Group is a leader in IT consulting, cybersecurity, and managed services, helping organizations navigate technology in a way that actually supports...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the people and initiatives shaping the future of our community.
Today, we’re joined by Ryan Boeskool, the Chamber’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. Ryan plays a key role in building connections that strengthen our regional workforce, support local employers, and drive collaborative solutions across St. Joseph County.
In th...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping our community.
Today, we’re joined by someone whose fingerprints are on a wide range of exciting ventures across the region — Hugh Johnson. Hugh is the co-founder of J2 Marketing, a creative agency known for bringing bold storytelling and strategy to businesses throughout Mic...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the official podcast of the South Bend Regional Chamber.
Today, we’re excited to bring you an insider’s look at what’s happening in tourism across St. Joseph County. Joining us is Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka, who will share the latest updates, trends, and opportunities shaping our region’s visitor economy. From major events and attractions to strategi...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, ideas, and businesses shaping our regional economy.
Today’s episode features Doug Elder, founder of DOJO Creative—a Mishawaka–based branding and marketing agency known for helping organizations tell clearer, more compelling stories. Doug has worked with companies across the region and bey...
Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the people, places, and ideas shaping our regional economy and community. Today, we’re excited to be joined by Irish Saunders from Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. Swan Lake is a standout destination for tourism, hospitality, and events in our region, and Irish plays a key role in sharing that story and creating memo...
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the forces driving growth, innovation, and opportunity across Northern Indiana. We’re joined by two exceptional leaders whose work impacts communities across the state and the nation.
First, Shannon Kellogg, Vice President of Public Policy for AWS for the Americas at Amazon. Shannon brings a national perspective on technology, public policy, and the future of cloud innovation—a...
Today on Behind the Region, we’re excited to welcome Jonathon McKinnies, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage. Jonathon is widely recognized for his client-focused approach to home financing and his commitment to helping individuals and families across our region navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
With years of experience in the mortgage industry, Jonathon brings a...
In this episode we sit down with Mathew Welsch, local franchise owner of GigWorx, We’ll explore how flexible, gig-style employment is reshaping the modern workforce across Michiana.
Mathew discusses the origins of GigWorx, why employers are turning to on-demand staffing models, and how workers of all ages are leveraging gig opportunities for supplemental income, career transitions, and long-term stability. He also dives i...
Today, we’re stepping inside one of Mishawaka’s most historic and elegant landmarks—the Beiger Mansion.
Joining us are Ron Montandon and Dennis Slade, the owners and caretakers of this iconic 1900s Neoclassical home turned boutique inn and event venue. Dennis and Ron have spent years restoring the Beiger Mansion to its timeless grandeur, preserving its history while opening its doors to guests from all over the region an...
Today on Behind the Region, we’re excited to welcome a leader who knows how to bring calm to chaos and turn some of life’s worst moments into opportunities for renewal. Michael Scott, of BluSky Restoration, joins us for a deep dive into the world of disaster recovery, property restoration, and what it takes to support businesses and families when the unexpected strikes.
Michael has built a reputation for combining technic...
John is a creative force in the local business community —
helping organizations of all sizes build stronger brands through strategic
design, marketing insight, and thoughtful consulting.
From crafting visual identities to guiding businesses through digital
transformation, John has become a trusted partner for companies looking
to stand out and grow right here in our region.
We’ll talk about how he got started, what...
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 home...
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, the ...
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 connec...
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 sit d...
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