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
119 episodes
Irish Saunders - Swan Lake Resort
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...
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24:03
Shannon Kellogg, Vice President of Public Policy for AWS for the Americas at Amazon and Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum.
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, S...
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31:12
Jonathan McKinnies - Senior SVP of Mortgage Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage
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 a...
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25:47
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Mathew Welsch - Local Franchise Owner at GigWorx
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, w...
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26:11
Ron Montandon and Dennis Slade - Owners of the Beiger Mansion in Mishawaka
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 ...
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28:59
Michael Scott - Vice President at BluSky Restoration
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...
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26:52
John Piller - Founder, JPiller Design & Consulting
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...
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28:35
Tom Krueger - Owner of Hinges and Handles
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 o...
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25:09
Jon Keur - Owner and Lead Audio Engineer - Wayfare Podcast Agency
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...
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28:20
Viki Brown - Executive Director at Dustin's Place
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 fo...
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28:43
Brandon Oyer | Head of America’s Power & Water, Amazon Web Services
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 $...
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28:34
John Yarger - President/CEO at North American Signs
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....
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26:54
Jim Williams - President and CEO of Habitat For Humanity of St. Joseph County
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 g...
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28:30
Dr. Breanne Hartley - President and Chief Clinical Officer, Co-Founder at UNIFI Autism Care
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 differe...
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26:34
Mark Herriman - President and CEO at United Way of St. Joseph County
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 w...
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27:37
Chris Campbell - President of Centier Bank/Len Amat-Head of Community Banking at Centier
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 ...
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25:43
Phillip Gulis - Owner of Dean's Barbecue and Restaurant
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 th...
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27:13
Greg Wolfe - CEO at Imagine Financial
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 infl...
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25:01
S3 E34 Rob Kelly | Chief Operating Executive, Mendoza College of Business
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 bus...
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23:29
S3 E33 Eric Klepper | Head Distiller/VP Of Operations, The Indiana Whiskey Company
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. ...
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25:49
S3 E32 Sarah VanVactor | Founder and CEO, SoVan Media
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 ...
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26:47
Kevin Park | Sales Manager, Leatherman Supply
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 ho...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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21:08
Dr. Heather Short | Superintendent, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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26:55
Kris Priemer | Founder, Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub
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 entre...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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25:22
Theo Brown | Franchise Owner, Grease Monkey
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 balan...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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22:42