Send us a text 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—along with how these global shifts connect to th...

Send us a text 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 blend of deep expertise, community-minded leadership, an...

Send us a text 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 into the challenges local businesses face in today’s labor...

Send us a text 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 and beyond. In this episode, we’ll explore the story b...

Send us a text 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 technical expertise with compassion—whether it’s water damage, f...

Send us a text 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 inspires his work, and ...

Send us a text 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 homeowners bring their vision to life. +

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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 power of community support in the grieving process, and how bu...

Send us a text It might look like a quiet Midwestern town, but beneath the surface, it's buzzing with the hum of cloud computing. That’s right—Amazon Web Services has chosen New Carlisle as the site for one of its newest data centers, bringing hyperscale infrastructure to the region and reshaping the local tech and economic landscape. So what does it mean when cloud computing meets cornfields? What opportunities—and challenges—does this kind of development bring to a small community? To...

Send us a text 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 down with one of the minds behind the brand to talk ...

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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?

Send us a text Mark will tell us exactly what United Way is and what it does. What are the biggest challenges facing the United Way of St. Joseph County? What is Mark most excited about when it comes to the organization, and what does the future look like?

Send us a text We will learn about the incredible history of the still-owned family business, now in its 5th generation, and its roots that go back over 100 years. How Chris and Len have managed to grow the bank from its humble beginnings to over 60 branches and growing. How do they attract their talented staff, and how do they create their culture that helps them retain their folks? What is the current state of banking, and what does the future look like?

Send us a text 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 today.

Send us a text 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 they make it all work with ease.

Send us a text Rob will tell us just what the Mendoza College of Business is and some of the amazing programs they have to offer. He will tell us about the history, their partnership with the chamber, and what the future looks like, not just for Mendoza, but for business schools across the country.

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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.