Behind the Region

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 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 Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. Swan Lake is a standout destination for tourism, hospitality, and events in our region, and Irish plays a key role in sharing that story and creating memorable experiences for visitors from near and far. We’ll be talking about Swan Lake’s impact on the region, the importance of tourism to our local economy, and what makes Plymouth such a special place to visit and do business. Let’s dive in. 

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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 the work being done right here in our region.

We’re also excited to welcome Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. Heather is a leading voice in regional economic development, partnership building, and strategic transformation across Northwest Indiana.

Together, we’ll explore how public policy, economic collaboration, and technological advancement are shaping a stronger, more competitive future across our communities.

So settle in—because today, we’re going Behind The Region.

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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, and a passion for educating borrowers. His team is known for delivering a smooth, transparent lending process—something that has earned him a strong reputation throughout the South Bend–Mishawaka area and beyond.

Today, we’ll talk with Jonathon about the current mortgage landscape, what homebuyers should know in today’s market, and how CrossCountry Mortgage is working to make homeownership more accessible in our community.

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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 market—and how platform-driven solutions can bridge workforce gaps in real time.

Listeners will gain insight into:

·        How GigWorx’s model works for both workers and employers

·        Trends in flexible work and staffing across the region

·        Workforce development collaborations with local partners

·        Mathew’s perspective on the future of work in South Bend and beyond

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 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 behind the mansion, the restoration journey, the unique experiences guests can expect, and why the Beiger continues to be a treasured gem in our local community.

So settle in as we go Behind the Region with Dennis Slade and Ron Montandon of the Beiger Mansion.

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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, fire loss, mold remediation, or large-scale commercial restoration. Under his leadership, BluSky Restoration has become known across our region for reliability, rapid response, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.

Today, we’ll talk with Michael about the realities of running a restoration company, the trends he’s seeing in the industry, the importance of preparedness, and the human side of helping people rebuild. We’ll also get to know the story behind BluSky Restoration and the values that drive their work every day.

So sit back and join us as we go Behind the Region with Michael Scott of BluSky Restoration—a man who quite literally helps bring back brighter days.

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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 how 

Design thinking is helping local businesses thrive.

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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.

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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.

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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 businesses and individuals alike can get involved in supporting this vital work.