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
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.
Scott will give us a history lesson about the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians. He will discuss how Four Winds is more than just casinos and the significant economic impact they have on the region. Scott also tells us about new developments on the horizon as they continue to expand their business ventures, both within and outside the casinos.
Andrea will tell us about the long history of 1st Source Bank, her journey to the corner office and what the future of banking looks like.
Janet will tell us how the decision was made to leave being an associate at an existing law firm and venture out on her own. What is the meaning behind the Athora name? What kind of law do they specialize in, and how is it being a managing partner in this ever-changing industry, thanks to things like AI?
Chris and Jack will discuss their paths, how they met, and why they decided to open their own marketing agency. What separates them from other marketing firms? What's important to them as they continue to grow by attracting and retaining top talent? And why was it important to them to set up shop in one of South Bend's most iconic buildings?
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Dan will tell us how OSMC got started and how it's expanding to help serve the medical needs of St. Joseph County. Dan will also discuss how they are embracing technology to ensure patients and even non-patients have the very best information and care at their fingertips.
This week, we give you a Chamber update as we sit down with our team members, Jeff Jarnecke and Alyson Herzig.
Jeff is the Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka and will fill us in on what's new in the destination marketing and tourism space.
Alyson has key updates on construction projects, big and small, going on in the area.
Get ready for a powerful episode, as Larry and Sherry tell us the heartbreaking story of how the JWAS Foundation came to be, and how they have taken an unimaginable tragedy and turned it into something amazing for families, and specifically children throughout Michiana. Jeanie will tell us exactly what the foundation does, their success, and future plans.
Amanda will tell us about her interesting career path and how it led to the corner office. She will talk about the history of public broadcasting, not just nationally but also here in Michiana, and how the future looks.
Donald will tell us the history of RLA, the biggest challenges facing private schools, how they attract and retain their teachers and staff, and their future plans.
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