Behind the Region - podcast cover

Behind the Region

South Bend Regional Chamberwww.sbrchamber.com
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!
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Episodes

Eric Garton | Executive Director, Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Send us a text Eric will take us on an audio tour of the gardens, telling us all that they have to offer year-round. Eric will talk about how the gardens got started, and about the major expansion currently underway.

Apr 26, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Theresa Cruthird | Partner, Generations AdventurePlex

Send us a text Theresa, a doctor by trade, has a great story about why she chose to leave a very successful career in the medical field and open up a family fun center, and why she chose to do it here in Michiana. We will learn how she overcame struggles while taking a dream and making it into a reality. How Generations AdventurePlex is continuing to grow and what day to day challenges she faces and how she handles them....

Apr 19, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Seth Maust | Executive Director, Five Star Life

Send us a text Seth will tell us exactly what Five Star Life is and how it is impacting the youth of today. We will also discuss what challenges Seth faces, leading a business that relies heavily on outside funding.

Apr 05, 202425 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Juan Constantino | Executive Director, La Casa de Amistad

Send us a text Juan talks about his journey from immigrating here with his family in 1998, to leading one of the fastest growing non profits in the area. How La Casa de Amistad has grown into what it is today, and what does the future hold.

Mar 29, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Amanda Ellis | Editor in Chief, Livability.com

Send us a text Amanda was the keynote speaker at our Salute to Business Luncheon this year. We chat with Amanda about her time visiting South Bend. How our area compares to other areas she has researched and visited, what should we be most proud of and what areas need some improvement.

Mar 15, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Rich Naponelli | Owner, Fetch Pet Care of Michiana/Dog Training Elite

Send us a text Rich went from being a successful Estate Planning Attorney, to purchasing not one but two different franchises. What went into the decision to give up a good paying job to "put your name on the sign?" What are the challenges of being a small business owner in the current climate, and what are the pros and cons of buying into a franchise?

Feb 16, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Dr. Jerry Thacker | Superintendent, Penn-Harris Madison School District

Send us a text Dr. Jerry will give us a "State of the School District" overview, discussing things like how they are able to attract and retain world class teachers. What the day to day challenges of the school district are and what the future looks like.

Jan 30, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 2

John David & Jonathon Gouge | Michiana Health Insurance

Send us a text John and Jon unravel the confusing world of health insurance, especially if you are a small business in need of adding benefits for your employees. They will also tell you what you need to know about insurance, as you are trying to attract and retain top talent.

Jan 09, 202431 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Edward Hayes | President, Hayes Design Co.

Send us a text Edward talks with us about what goes into the decision of giving up a job with a steady paycheck to open your own business. What are the key components of operating a successful business in the current landscape, and as a business owner, what keeps him up at night.

Dec 15, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Mike Leda | Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 153

Send us a text Mike will talk to us about the many different layers of being a unionized electrician. What the current job market for electricians looks like, both with projects they are currently working on and future ones, like the new GM Battery Plant. Mike will also discuss, in depth, the IBEW Apprenticeship Program, what it takes to get involved, and what you can expect after you complete the program....

Nov 17, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Jake Teshka | Indiana State Representative, House District 7

Send us a text Jake is also the Director of Business Development at Majority Builders. Jake will tell us what the construction climate is like in St. Joseph County and what does the future look like moving forward. We talk about what is on the docket when the new session starts at the Statehouse, and what does Jake's home/work life balance look like, being the father of young children, while holding down 2 important jobs....

Oct 20, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Andy Kostielney | DLZ Indiana | Fmr. St. Joseph County Commissioner

Send us a text We chat with Andy about the great things he and the other commissioners accomplished during his time in office, and how what they did planted the seeds for the progress we are seeing now in the county. We will also find out what Andy is up to these days, and what he sees for the future of St. Joseph County.

Oct 09, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Larry Tracy | President, Memorial Hospital of South Bend

Send us a text Larry will tell us how a kid from Ohio made his way to South Bend Indiana to head up the largest employer in the region, it's quite a story. Larry also talks about the pressure of being responsible for 7,000 employees and their families…. The exciting changes and growth not only coming to the downtown South Bend Campus, but also Beacon Health Services overall....

Sep 22, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Steve Smith & Vanessa Cooreman Smith | Irish Realty, Irish Custom Homes and Flourish Interiors

Send us a text Welcome to the Behind The Region Podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, being powered by Tech Tyler PC, bringing cost effective I.T. solutions to fit any budget. This week we chat with Steve Smith and Vanessa Cooreman Smith, from Irish Realty, Irish Custom Homes and Flourish Interiors Steve and Vanessa will talk about everything housing. Is there a housing shortage? How can we solve the need for affordable housing? And as St. Joseph County continues to grow, where are all o...

Sep 08, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 18

TJ Jorgensen | Founder & CEO, TJ21 Media Group

Send us a text TJ will tell us about leaving a high paying job to start his own business while his wife was pregnant. How he grew his business to what it is today, why he is so dedicated to charity work, and what was the motivation to move his offices and studios into downtown South Bend.

Aug 28, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Ismail Turay, Jr. | Executive Editor, South Bend Tribune

Send us a text Ismail gives us a look into the long history of the newspaper. He discusses how newspapers and print media in general has changed, and how the South Bend Tribune is adapting to that, and what does the future of print media look like.

Aug 11, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 16

James Mueller | Mayor of South Bend

Send us a text Math, History, Philosophy, Ocean Science, Chief of Staff...Who has interest in all of these? It's James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend! He talks about his background, housing, zoning, new and upcoming projects & a whole lot more is this installment of Behind the Region.

Jul 31, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Dave Wood | Mayor of Mishawaka

Send us a text Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood visits with us and talks about the tremendous growth the city has seen. What challenges he faces as the mayor, the state of the city of Mishawaka and what does the future look like for the Princess City.

Jul 14, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Peg Dalton | Owner, PEGGS

Send us a text This week we talk to Peg Dalton, owner of PEGGS Restaurant in downtown South Bend. We will learn the key to PEGGS' success, being in business for 20 plus years. What it was like opening a restaurant 20 years ago in downtown South Bend, bringing a restaurant through the pandemic, and what the future looks like for PEGGS.

Jun 30, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Josh Sisk | Executive Director, Potawatomi Zoo

Send us a text On this episode we chat with Josh Sisk, the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoo. We will learn about what happens behind the scenes at the zoo on a day to day basis. What the main purpose of a zoo is, and how Josh has been able to grow the zoo into what it is today, as well as get an insight into Josh's hopes and dreams, and what the future plans for the zoo are.

Jun 02, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Andrew Tyler | President & Founder, Tech Tyler PC

Send us a text Our guest is Andrew Tyler, president and founder of Tech Tyler PC. Andrew will talk about small business IT needs and solutions, as well as tell us about the latest scams out there and how you can protect yourself and your business.

May 11, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Mike Noland | President and CEO, South Shore Line

Send us a text We chat with Mike about everything South Shore. He will discuss the double track, travel times, moving the train to the west side of the South Bend International Airport, and what that means. We will also talk about the possibility of bringing the train back into downtown South Bend and get an update on the government funding that is available.

Apr 28, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Mike Daigle | CEO/Executive Director, South Bend International Airport

Send us a text On this episode, Mike takes us beyond the ticket counter, and tells us what it takes to run the airport on a day to day basis. How many people are behind the scenes to make sure you get to your destination safely, what it takes to bring in new airlines and routes, and what the future of SBN looks like.

Apr 07, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Joe Dooley | CFO, EVS Ltd 2023 Small Business of the Year

Send us a text Did you know that one of the largest manufacturers of ambulance seating is right here in South Bend? On this episode you will hear their amazing story as we sit down with their Chief Financial Officer, Joe Dooley. Joe will talk about how the company got started, why, as they are expanding and building a new facility, that they are staying in South Bend, and just what it takes to manufacture an ambulance seat, mainly by hand. Enjoy!...

Mar 24, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Pete Yonkman | President & CEO, Cook Medical

Send us a text Pete Yonkman, President/CEO of Cook Medical, shares his insights on how conscious entrepreneurship leads to uplifted communities and can be the greatest tool for societal improvement. He is actively involved in issues like adult education, workforce development, fostering startups, and creating a business culture that supports entrepreneurs. A born and bred Hoosier, Pete’s leadership philosophy is that businesses are the missing engine needed to drive meaningful and lasting change...

Mar 09, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Erik Johnson | 2023 Outstanding Young Business Leader | Principal, J2 Marketing | Entrepreneur

Send us a text Erik Johnson talks about always looking for new adventures. Perhaps nothing describes this young entrepreneur more. At age 34, his incredible visionary leadership has led to the founding of multiple businesses and a strong commitment to community. Join us, as we dive into what's behind the success of our 2023 Outstanding Young Business Leader.

Feb 24, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 4
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