Behind the Region

Send us Fan Mail This week, we welcome Jeffrey Price from CN Railroad. Railroads have played a vital role in connecting businesses, moving goods, and driving economic growth, both locally and across the country. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the role CN plays in our regional economy, the importance of rail transportation to our business community, and what the future holds for this critical i...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re excited to welcome Britney Betz Laur from Powerhaus Studio! One of the things we love about the South Bend region is the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion that individuals and businesses bring to our community. Through their work, they help shape our local economy, strengthen connections, and contribute to what makes this region unique. Today’s conversat...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re excited to welcome Edward Hayes from Hayes Design Co. Design plays an important role in how businesses tell their stories, connect with their audiences, and bring their ideas to life. We’re looking forward to hearing more about Edward’s journey, the inspiration behind Hayes Design Co., and the work he and his team do to help bring creative visions to reality. We’ll al...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re excited to welcome Amy and Andrew from Mount Seir Tech to the podcast. We’re looking forward to learning more about their backgrounds, the story behind Mount Seir Tech, and the work they’re doing. We’ll talk about what inspired their journey, the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered along the way, and how their work fits into the bigger picture of our regi...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re excited to welcome Hannah and Josh Hoetger from Tri Storm Restoration. Tri Storm Restoration is a local company helping homeowners and businesses navigate the challenges that come with storm damage and restoration. We’ll talk with Hannah and Josh about their journey in business, what it takes to serve customers when they’re often facing stressful and unexpected circum...

Send us Fan Mail Our guest today is Russ Cramer from Tee Box Granger. Tee Box has created a unique experience that brings together golf, entertainment, food, and community — and Russ is here to tell us more about the vision behind the business, what he’s learned along the way, and how Tee Box fits into the growing business and entertainment landscape of our region.

Send us Fan Mail Our guest today is, Mark Burkey from Otonamo EV, a pre-owned electric vehicle dealership bringing a different approach to the car-buying experience here in our region. Today, we’ll talk with Mark about the growth of electric vehicles, what he’s seeing in the pre-owned EV market, and what it takes to build a business around an evolving industry. We’ll also learn more about Mark’s j...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re talking heroes—real ones, fictional ones, and the people passionate about bringing those stories to life. Our guest is Allen Stewart, founder of the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. What started as a personal passion for superheroes has grown into one of the most unique museums in the region, featuring an incredible collection of comic books, costu...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re excited to welcome Marlon Brathwaite from KidStrong South Bend . KidStrong is helping families across our community build stronger, healthier, and more confident kids through fitness, character development, and a strong sense of community. Today, we’ll learn more about Marlon’s journey, what brought him to South Bend, the mission behind KidStrong, and the impact he ho...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re talking about something that connects our community to the rest of the world — air travel, economic development, and the role of a strong regional airport in building a thriving community. Our guest today is Mike Daigle, CEO and Executive Director of South Bend International Airport . Mike leads an airport that plays an important role in connecting Michiana to destina...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Region , we sit down with Victor Aguilar, Co-Owner and General Manager of Net Par in Mishawaka , to learn more about his journey as a business owner and the story behind one of the region’s unique entertainment destinations. Victor shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, building a business in the South Bend–Mishawaka community, and creating an ex...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Behind the Region , the South Bend Regional Chamber sits down with Stephanie Baxter of Michiana Eye Center to talk about leadership, business, and the people who help make the Michiana region a great place to live and work. Stephanie shares her perspective on building a successful organization, serving the community, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by a guest who's proving that entrepreneurship and community impact can go hand in hand. Kim Sult is the founder of the Cat Lady Café, a one-of-a-kind business that combines a love of coffee, cats, and connection. More than just a café, it's a place where visitors can relax, meet adoptable cats, and support animal rescue efforts while enjoying a u...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by an award-winning photographer whose work has captured everything from corporate branding and community events to stunning portraits and visual storytelling. Peter Ringenberg, owner of Peter Ringenberg Photography, has spent years helping businesses, nonprofits, and individuals tell their stories through powerful imagery. In this episode, we'll talk...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by Eric Jensen, AIA , Principal, CEO, and Architect at Arkos Design . Eric has spent his career helping communities bring their vision to life through thoughtful architecture, collaborative planning, and designs that create lasting impact. In this episode, we'll talk about how great design influences economic development, what makes a community attract...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're excited to welcome Theresa Cruthird , Executive Director of Generations AdventurePlex . Theresa joins us to discuss the vision behind this one-of-a-kind community destination, how Generations AdventurePlex is creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, stay active, and thrive, and the role it plays in strengthening our region's quality of life....

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're joined by Andrew Zack, owner of Aira Fitness in Mishawaka. Andrew has built Aira Fitness into more than just a gym—it's a community focused on helping people improve their health, build confidence, and reach their personal goals. We'll talk about his entrepreneurial journey, what inspired him to open Aira Fitness, the challenges and rewards of owning a...

Send us Fan Mail Today South Bend Regional Chamber President and CEO Jeff Rea gives us an economic development update. We'll discuss the latest business investments, workforce initiatives, community growth, and the opportunities and challenges impacting St. Joseph County. From new company expansions to regional collaboration and long-term strategies for economic success, Jeff will provide ins...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by Mark Macheca, President of Business Furnishings, a company that has helped transform workplaces across Northern Indiana and beyond for decades. Mark has built a reputation not only as a successful business leader, but also as a passionate advocate for creating environments where people can do their best work. In this episode, we'll discuss the evolu...

Send us Fan Mail  Today we're joined by a leader whose work has had a significant impact on economic development, real estate, and community growth throughout Northern Indiana and beyond. Our guest is Paul Phair, Executive Vice President of Development for Holladay Properties, one of the region's most influential development firms. In this episode, we'll talk with Paul about the evo...

Send us Fan Mail This week,  we're joined by Phil Blasko, Superintendent of Mishawaka Parks. Phil has played a key role in enhancing quality of life in Mishawaka through innovative park development, recreational programming, and community-focused initiatives that continue to make the city a destination for residents and visitors alike. In this conversation, we'll discuss the evolving rol...

Send us Fan Mail Today we're joined by a special guest, Laura Dennison of HealthMarkets. Laura works closely with individuals, families, and small businesses to help them navigate the often-complex world of health insurance and benefits, ensuring they find coverage that fits their unique needs and goals. In this episode, we'll talk with Laura about her journey into the industry, the chal...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're joined by Chief Carl Buchanon of the South Bend Fire Department. Chief Buchanon has dedicated his career to public service and leadership, helping ensure the safety and well-being of South Bend residents while guiding one of the region's most vital public institutions. In this conversation, we'll discuss his journey in the fire service, the evolving rol...

Send us Fan Mail  Today, we're joined by South Bend Mayor James Mueller. Since taking office in 2020, Mayor Mueller has led efforts focused on economic development, neighborhood investment, public safety, and continued innovation across the city. We'll discuss the opportunities and challenges facing South Bend, the city's role in the region's growth, and what's ahead for r...

Send us Fan Mail  Today we’re joined by a leader in regional media and broadcasting, Brian Dodge, Vice President and General Manager of WSBT. With decades of experience in television, journalism, and community engagement, Brian has played a key role in keeping audiences informed while helping local media evolve in a rapidly changing landscape. From covering the stories that matter most to leading...