BusINess Fall 2013

FALL 2013

HONORING THIS YEAR’S

ALSO INSIDE BENEFICIAL Hammond company chosen as preferred Ford supplier FINANCIAL Beer industry a boost to Indiana’s economy

IAN NICOLLINI

Cedar Lake Town Manager: 2013 20 Under 40 Honoree

20 40 JULIE BOMBACINO, CARLEY BRANDENBURG, WADE BREITZKE, BRAD BUMGARDNER, RONALD DONAHUE, KATY DOWLING, JOSEPH FERRANDINO, KURT GILLINS, KEVIN KOSEK, B.R. LANE, GREG LEE, DANA LISS, BLAIR MILO, IAN NICOLLINI, JAMES O’CONNER, MARIA RAMOS, CHRIS STANEK, STACI TREKLES, ANN MARIE WOOLWINE, NICK YADRON

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. JOSEPH, MI PERMIT #65

ISSUE YEAR | 1

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Proud to be a Best Place to Work in Indiana

As one of the largest energy providers in the state, we are powering lives each day through community partnerships, economic development and environmental stewardship.

Together with our communities, we are building a bright future for northern Indiana.

Learn more at NIPSCO.com.

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9/18/2013 10:57:34 AM

Contents BIZ WORTHY

COVER STORY

James O’Connor

Katy Dowling

4

Quality Control: Contract Services Group made Ford’s list of preferred suppliers, and that will mean a huge increase in business opportunities that could result in as many as 40 more jobs, president Mirko Marich says.

HONORS

6

Bank on them: American Banker magazine in its May edition listed both Horizon Bancorp and Northwest Indiana Bancorp as two of the top 200 community banks.

CALENDAR Stacy Trekles

9

Kurt Gillins

40

Business calendar: Check out upcoming events in your area.

Top 20 Under 40: Julie Bombacino, Carly Brandenburg, Wade Breitzke, Brad Bumgardner, Ronald Donahue, Katy Dowling, Joseph Ferrandino, Kurt Gillins, Kevin Kosek, B.R. Lane, Greg Lee, Dana Liss, Blair Milo, Ian Nicollini, James O’Connor, Maria Ramos, Chris Stanek, Staci Trekles, Ann Marie Woolwine and Nick Yadron.

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travel simple Bad travel days, if you’ve experienced them, you know what they can do to your work schedule.

With a growing fleet of 10 aircraft, ranging from economic Very Light Jets to Large cabin aircraft, we are able to accommodate all of your travel needs. Chartering with the Gary Jet Center is the best way to stay productive and travel simple.

Contact our charter department at 219-944-1210 for a quote or to set up an introductory meeting.

Gary Jet Center, Inc. 5401 Industrial Hwy. Gary, IN 46406 garyjetcenter.com

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BizWorthy Honor

Company named as a preferred Ford supplier Story by Joseph S. Pete A Hammond-based auto parts maker has been adding jobs after Ford Motor Co. named it a preferred supplier.

Contract Services Group made Ford’s list of preferred suppliers, and that will mean a huge increase in business opportunities that could result in as many as 40 more jobs, president Mirko Marich says. The company will be able to perform inspections and quality control for Ford suppliers, including in greater Chicagoland, southeastern Michigan and Mexico.

Basically, the company will work to prevent any defective parts from being installed in Ford vehicles, Marich says. If defects are found, Contract Services Group will help the suppliers figure out what went wrong so it gets fixed and doesn’t happen again.

“As a small local company, we’re proud to have a Ford 100 company recognize the work that we do,” he says.

Contract Service Group had done inspection and quality control work for Ford and its suppliers more than a decade ago, but got cut out when the Detroit automaker formalized the process for selecting its supplier network.

The firm has been trying to regain Ford’s business ever since then, Marich says.

“They changed how they did business, and as a result it was a long tough road trying to get back to preferred status,” he says. “We’ve had relationships with their first-tier suppliers, but it’s

John Luke, The Times

Teleslora Reyes, of Gary, inspects seat racks for Ford vehicles at Contract Services Group in Hammond. The local business was named a an approved supplier to the car manufacturing company.

been a matter of getting the recognition.”

Ford currently has about 100 preferred suppliers worldwide, and Contract Services Group made the cut last month. Marich credits the company’s ISO certification, which has been described as a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for the manufacturing industry, and the United Autoworkers Membership of its employees.

The company has had to hire 14 inspectors to handle the increased workload.

Employees at the 165th Street plant in Hammond have been inspecting parts shipped from Mexico and bound for the Chicago Assembly Plant in the Hegewisch neighborhood.

Contract Services Group makes seating sub-assemblies that end up in the Ford Explorers and other vehicles produced at the Chicago plant, in addition to doing inspection and quality control

work for auto suppliers such as Lear Corp., Johnson Controls, and Leggett & Platt.

The company employs about 210 full- and part-time workers at its 40,000-square-foot plant on 165th Street, and at another 60,000-square-foot warehouse it leases when it gets busy.

New business with Ford and its suppliers potentially could create the need for another 10 to 40 more jobs in Hammond, Marich says.

Contract Services Group will have to send inspectors into the Chicago Assembly Plant whenever there’s a concern or issue with the quality of the parts.

Projects can range in length from a day to six months, since Contract Services Group will help some suppliers refine their manufacturing processes to weed out the possibility of mistakes.

honor

Appliance repair business earns honor from consumer site PORTER | DBH Appliance Repair in Dyer has earned the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

The Super Service Award is an honor awarded annually to about 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, which provides consumer reviews on local service companies. Winners have met strict eligibility requirements, according to a news release.

“We are honored that our clients thought enough about us to leave us all the great reviews that lead to the award on Angie’s List” says David Hinton, owner of DBH. Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded A through F in areas such as price, professionalism and punctuality.

For more information, call 219.865.1517 or visit dbhappliance.com.

Awards

South Shore CVA receives three awards HAMMOND | The South Shore

Convention and Visitors Authority received three awards recognizing its newly updated website and the 2012 South Shore Air Show event poster.

Through the Hermes Creative Awards, the South Shore CVA received a Gold Award for the redesign of the its website.

The Communicator Awards presented the South Shore CVA the Award of Distinction for both the recently updated South Shore CVA website and the 2012 South Shore Air Show event poster.

The South Shore CVA released the updated website in December with a design using the South Shore Line poster series. According to President and CEO Speros Batistatos, the organization used the posters to pay homage to the history of the region.

For more information, visit southshorecva.com.

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BizWorthy honorS

Local banks earn national honors The list includes publicly traded banks and thrifts with less than $2 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, and rankings are based on a bank’s The parent companies of Munster-based Peoples Bank and Michigan City-based Horizon three-year average return on equity. The three-year average for Horizon, which ranked Bank have received recognition as ranking No. 60, was 11.1 percent. The three-year among the nation’s top community banks. average for Peoples, which ranked No. 111, was American Banker magazine in its May 9.4 percent. edition listed both Horizon Bancorp and In all, 11 Indiana banks earned rankings on NorthWest Indiana Bancorp as two of the top the list.

200 community banks. This is the seventh “I’m proud of our team and their accomconsecutive year Peoples has received this plishments and know that we will continue to recognition, and the fifth consecutive year strive towards achieving this recognition in the Horizon has received it. tIMeS StAFF

years ahead,” says Craig M. Dwight, president and chief executive officer, in a statement.

In addition, Peoples was ranked one of the nation’s Top 100 Public Thrifts of 2012 by SNL Financial. SNL’s ranking is based on financial metrics that focus on profitability, asset quality and growth. Peoples is one of only six Indiana banks to make that list.

“Our results demonstrate the ability and extraordinary effort of the Peoples team to stay on course strategically and put our customers first,” says David Bochnowski, chairman and CEO of Peoples Bank, in a statement.

Beer industry a boost to Indiana economy Story By roB eArnShAW

a recent economic study.

Jointly commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers The beer industry contribAssociation and the Beer Institute, utes $3.3 billion annually to Indiana’s economy and is linked the study shows the American beer industry, made up of brewers, to 38,690 jobs in Indiana– beer importers, beer distributors, accounting for $1.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to brewer suppliers and retailers, also

FIFTY YEARS of Changing Lives

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contributed to $456.3 million in the form of business, personal and consumption taxes in 2012.

“America’s beer industry continues to play a significant role in supporting the economy in each and every state, including Indiana,” says Tom Miller, CEO of MillerCoors and Beer Institute chairman. “From the 51 brewers employing 260 people to the roughly 10,654 licensed retailers, like supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars and stadiums–the beer industry is vital to local economics.”

George Douglas, general manager of Valparaiso-based Indiana Beverage, says the study has good information that benefits the industry when dealing with state legislators–many of whom are new in office.

“Without state-wide detail, it’s pretty hard to educate them

without having the facts,” he says.

Joe McClain, president of the Beer Institute, said the study’s numbers demonstrate the beer industry continues to create jobs and generate important domestic revenue in an otherwise struggling economy.

“For this reason, it’s important that state and federal officials consider equitable tax policies and avoid harming an industry that is so effectively aiding economic growth,” he says.

5/29/13 10:56 AM

United States Steel Corporation is looking for qualified individuals to fill a variety of management, engineering, operations, and production positions.

United States Steel Corporation is looking for qualified individualsand to fill a variety of management, For more information, to submit engineering, operations, and production positions. your resume, visit our website at www.ussteel.com.

For more information, and to submit your resume, visit our website at www.ussteel.com.

U. S. Steel is an EEO/AA Employer.

United States Steel Corporation is U. S. Steel is an EEO/AA Employer. NWI

looking for qualified individuals to fill a variety of management, engineering, operations, 6 | BusINess fall 2013

FINISH YOUR DEGREE Online classes available

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and production positions.

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5/24/13 1:56 PM

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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE.

your resume, visit our website at

9/18/2013 11:00:03 AM

Honor

Insurance agency earns senior partner designation PORTAGE | Samuelson Insurance Agency, 6730 Central Ave., has earned the Senior Partner designation from Grange Insurance.

The honor is given to independent agencies that sell Grange products based on their experience, professionalism and performance, according to a news release.

For more information, call 219.762.3702, email info@samuelsonagency.com or visit samuelsonagency.com

Honor

Local agency earns honor from Allstate MUNSTER | The Moynihan Allstate

Agency, 612 Ridge Road, was named the 2012 Agency of the Year for Northern Indiana Allstate Insurance recognized the agency, owned by Mary Moynihan, with the Prestige Award for commitment to service, performance, and excellence in 2012, according to the agency.

For more information, visit allstateagencies.com/marymoynihan, email marymoynihan@allstate.com or call 219.836.0515

Honor

Lake Area United Way Recieves 4-Star Rating GRIFFITH | Lake Area United Way has for

the first time been named a 4-Star Charity

by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity watchdog evaluator.

The local community impact and fundraising organization was lauded for its financial performance, accountability and transparency standards, according to a news release.

“In the current economic environment, it’s critical our supporters and the community trust that we’re investing donor contributions wisely to support children, youth, and families,” says Jeremy Miller, Chair of LAUW’s Board of Trustees.

Miller, who is regional vice president for Centier Bank, said increased scrutiny over transparency and accountability in this year’s Charity Navigator evaluation system resulted in the elevation of United Way’s rating from 3 to 4 stars. The top designation recognizes nonprofit organizations for sound fiscal management practices, accountability and transparency.

For more information, call 219.923.2302 or visit lauw.org

job watch

Employment in the Calumet Region Lake County July 2012

July 2013

Change

Labor force

223,374

222,606

Down 768

Employed

201,713

200,075

Down 1638

Unemployed

21,661

22,531

Up 690

July 2012

July 2013

Change

Labor force

83,457

83,144

Down 313

Employed

76,941

76,316

Down 625

Unemployed

6,516

6,828

Up 312

July 2012

July 2013

Change

Labor force

50,569

49,862

Down 707

Employed

45,576

44,915

Down 661

Unemployed

4,993

4,947

Down 46

Percent of workforce unemployed 10.1 percent

Porter County Percent of workforce unemployed 8.2 percent

LaPorte County Percent of workforce unemployed 9.9 percent

SOURCES: Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Appointments

ArcelorMittal announces new leaders the day-to-day operations of both sites including safety, quality, productivity, ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon budgeting and cost control, USA announces the recent appointment of John D. Mengel and employee development, according to a news release. to vice president and general The Long Beach resident manager at ArcelorMittal joined predecessor company Burns Harbor and John J. Bethlehem Steel in June 1976 Battisti to chief operating where he began his career in officer, Plate Operations. mechanical maintenance. He Mengel is responsible for most recently was chief operthe flat carbon steelmaking ating officer, Plate Operations. operations in Burns Harbor Battisti will assume the role and finishing operations in of COO, Plate Operations with Columbus, Ohio, overseeing Times Staff

oversight of plate facilities in Burns Harbor, Gary, and Coatesville and Conshohocken, both in Pennsylvania.

The Valparaiso resident is responsible for leading the plate business into the future with increasingly sophisticated products, ensuring that business operations are efficient and effective and creating maximum value for company stakeholders.

For more information, visit arcelormittal.com.

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Did you know Steelworker for the Future® graduates have the opportunity to work for the world’s leading steel company where, on average, an hourly maintenance technician earns an annual income of approximately $90,000 plus benefits?

ArcelorMittal is seeking individuals with state-of-the-art technical capability, knowledge and skills to lead our company into the future through Steelworker for the Future®: • 2.5 year associate degree program at a partner community college or technical school • Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and successfully pass a community college entrance exam • Four semesters of classroom learning plus 16 weeks of paid, on-the-job training at an ArcelorMittal facility • Enhanced employability upon graduation as a: • Maintenance Technician Mechanical (MTM) • Maintenance Technician Electrical (MTE) • Operations Technician Working at ArcelorMittal provides a rewarding, sustainable career and a sense of pride and contribution as steel touches every part of our daily life. A future with the leader in steel starts now. www.steelworkerforthefuture.com @ArcelorMittalUS

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20 Under 40 Julie Bombacino, Founder, CEO of Just Food Blends

DIANE POULTON

Julie Bombacino understands the needs and concerns of the caretakers and customers she serves.

Bombacino, founder and CEO of Just Food Blends, can say she has truly walked in their shoes. Her understanding arises from her personal life experience. An experience, Bombacino says, that motivated her to use her abilities to research and develop a feeding tube product completely made from real food.

“My six-month-old son AJ was put on a feeding tube for a few months and had failed on eight different types of formula, despite having no food allergies,” Bombacino says.

She experimented with blended real food as a substitute for the formula.

“Real food made such a difference in his life and to our entire family,” Bombacino says. “I went searching for a convenient 100 percent real food meal I could feed him when we were traveling, or if I just didn’t feel like cooking for him, and couldn’t find one.”

Thus an idea was born.

“I put my MBA hat back on and started to research the market,” Bombacino says. “It turns out $3 billion worth of tube-feeding formula is sold every year in the United States alone and none contain 100 percent real food.”

Bombacino’s ultimate goal with launching Just Food Blends is that people with feeding tubes will learn that real food is possible.

“It took months of watching my son vomit almost daily before I stumbled upon this concept online,” Bombacino says. “I truly believe that real food should be the default for people on tubes, not a last resort.”

Most satisfying for her are the letters and emails from tube-fed people and their caregivers thanking her for creating this product line.

“I’ve walked in their shoes and know how much work it is caring for someone with a feeding tube at times,” Bombacino says. “Making that a little easier for everyone is

so satisfying.”

Bombacino said support from both her husband and parents have been critical to her efforts.

“First and foremost, I would not have been able to start this business without the support of my husband Tony,” Bombacino says. “Same with my parents Michael and Susan Weis and Paul and Brenda Branco who have helped with accounting services, childcare and invested in the company.

From a business perspective, my former boss David Kalt from optionsXpress is a phenomenally successful entrepreneur who taught me a ton while I worked for him and was the first person I took this idea to.

He encouraged me to run with it.”

Bombacino calls her son AJ her chief inspiration officer.

Bombacino believes in giving back to the community in which she lives and which has helped her in her business endeavor.

“Although I have many ties to Chicago, I have made a deliberate effort to keep Just Food Blends in Indiana, as an Indiana company,” she says.

Dushan Nikolovski, director of Purdue University Calumet’s Center for Entrepreneurship Success, first met Bombacino and learned of her story at Purdue University Calumet’s Big Sell Entrepreneurship Competition in March 2013.

Nikolovski says Bombacino’s frustrating ordeal “motivated this ordinary mom to change the industry and world.”

“Julie has successfully raised a significant amount of money to produce Just Food in small batches but is now aiming for mass production,” Nikolovski says. “As a Northwest Indiana resident, she is committed to the region and state. There are several companies that can produce her product under the strict specifications Julie has developed.

However, Julie is making a plan to have Just Food produced in Indiana and distributed out of this region. Not only is she committed to changing the lives of tube-fed people but she wants to make an economic impact in the region where she lives.”

For your information

Age: 37 • Business Address: 1055 Mission Hills Court, Chesterton • Business Phone: 312.480.7130 Website: JustFoodBlends.com

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20 Under 40

Carly Brandenburg, Attorney at Eichhorn & Eichhorn LLP DIANE POULTON

Eichhorn & Eichhorn Attorney Carly Brandenburg sees lawyers’ roles in society as “problem solvers.”

“I take pride in being able to help a client assess a significant problem and work toward the resolution,” Brandenburg says.

Brandenburg, 31, joined Eichhorn & Eichhorn in 2007 after receiving her J.D. from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law. Brandenburg received her bachelor of arts degree from DePauw University, majoring in communications and political science.

At Eichhorn & Eichhorn, Brandenburg is responsible for handling all aspects of her cases from meeting with business and professional clients and learning their problems to helping them find solutions and execute a plan.

Attorney Greg Crisman, managing partner at Eichhorn & Eichhorn, says the firm is lucky to have Brandenburg on its team.

“She has become an integral member of our firm due to her litigation skills and her attention to developing strong and lasting relationships both inside and outside the firm,” Crisman says.

“Because of her poise and easy nature, clients, attorneys and others are quickly put at ease placing their trust and confidence in Carly.”

Crisman says he nominated Brandenburg for the 20 Under 40 honor because of her commitment to excellence in her career and her involvement in the local community.

“She has an interest in reaching out to at-risk youth and has served as a personal mentor for a young man living in Chicago for more than five years,” Crisman says.

A member of a fundraising team “Krewe Athena” for Methodist Hospital’s breast center and a member of the Beaux Arts Ball Committee at the South Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Brandenburg has led a food drive at Eichhorn & Eichhorn for the past two years as part of the March Against Hunger campaign. She has also headed a toy drive at the office for Toys for Tots for the past two years.

Brandenburg is committed to helping local rescue shelters, adopting two rescue pups, Buffy and Chili. She has done pro bono work in the past for a local rescue group and volunteers there.

Brandenburg has had a few recent opportunities to bring issues before the courts that had not been previously addressed by the state judiciary.

“In that context, I get the chance to be more creative because there is less guidance from past cases that I can use for comparison,” Brandenburg says. “It is incredibly exciting to look at a new or previously unlitigated problem that hasn’t been sufficiently considered by our courts and take that issue up on appeal. That appeal process is about to happen in a case for one of the companies I represent, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help create case law that will have a significant impact on my client’s business.”

“It’s also incredibly gratifying when a client trusts you to effectuate needed and hoped-for change for them through our courts,” Brandenburg says.

Brandenburg says her husband and her parents, Dave and Carole Szentesy, have kept her motivated and provided her with a firm foundation of support.

“My parents always encouraged me and pushed me to do more than I thought possible,” Brandenburg says. “I am still fortunate to have parents who love and support me in everything I do.”

Brandenburg says her husband’s support has been crucial to her success.

“I could not be successful without the complete support and encouragement of my amazing husband Steve,” Brandenburg says. “He is also an attorney, and though he is as busy and successful as I am, if not more so, he never fails to help me with everything in life.

“During my six years of practicing as an attorney at Eichhorn & Eichhorn, many of the attorneys at my firm have helped me by keeping their doors open and being willing to answer my questions, small and large, no matter how busy they were or how silly the question.”

For your information

Age: 31 • Business Address: 200 Russell Street, Hammond • Business Phone: 219.931.0560 Website: eichhorn-law.com

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Great Things are Happening!

RDA investments in Northwest Indiana are bringing jobs and business to the region. To stay informed about RDA funding of transportation, economic development and shoreline improvement programs, visit rdatransformation.com, sign up for our monthly e-mail newsletter (you can “join our list” on facebook or send an e-mail to Dave Wellman at dwellman@rda.in.gov) and follow along on social media.

At rdatransformation.com/blog the RDA keeps the region apprised of the latest news, announcements and project updates.

Twitter Feed: @nwi_rda

Catalyst Newsletter

Facebook Feed: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority YouTube Video: Channel NWIRDA

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority 9800 Connecticut Dr., Crown Point, IN 46307 • 219.644.3500 (p) • 219.644.3502 (f)

Bill Hanna President/CEO bhanna@rda.in.gov

Sherri Ziller Chief Operating Officer sziller@rda.in.gov

Jillian Huber Assistant to the President/CEO Special Projects Coordinator jahuber@rda.in.gov

Amy Jakubin Administrative Assistant Scheduling Coordinator ajakubin@rda.in.gov

Dave Wellman Communications Manager dwelllman@rda.in.gov

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20 Under 40

Wade Breitzke, President of We Create Media and 27 Entertainment DIANE POULTON

Wade Breitzke started putting on benefit concerts for various charities and causes the summer after he graduated high school.

“I fell in love with the idea of producing events and started spinning records to pay for college,” Breitzke says.

“Before I knew it I was performing over 100 events a year and turning down another 100.”

Breitzke says he decided to turn 27 Entertainment into a business and started bringing on employees to fill the void.

“I wanted to work in nonprofit, so after I graduated I found myself working during the day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a local nonprofit and then working on my businesses at night—usually from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. and on the weekends,” Breitzke says. “It got to the point where my wife and I needed to decide what we wanted to do. I had a promising career in the nonprofit sector or I could take a risk and run my own business.

“Turns out, we made the right choice. We expanded and were able to offer numerous services to private event clients.”

Shortly after leaving his day job, Breitzke found himself being pursued by corporate clients to produce high-end videos and branding materials for their companies.

“We found success in that as well,” Breitzke says. “It came to the point where 27 Entertainment needed to expand again. So we launched a creative agency, We Create Media, with a business partner, Jeremy Bustos.”

Breitzke describes Bustos as “a nationally-recognized artist and photographer.”

27 Entertainment focuses completely on the production and music entertainment for private events. We Create Media is a team which focuses on producing video, photography and branding for corporate and commercial businesses, Breitzke says.

“We Create Media aims to bring fresh perspective and engaging content using in-house talent,” Breitzke says.

Mark Maassel, President and CEO of the Northwest

Indiana Forum, met Breitzke when he was a candidate for the Small Business Development Center Young Entrepreneur Award in Northwest Indiana.

“From there he went on to win state-wide,” Maassel says.

Maassel says he is impressed by Breitzke’s “success in business, including the variety of approaches which he has launched as well as the fact that he uses his remarkable skills to help others.”

“He possesses a wonderful blend of an understanding of technology, a quest to use that technology in a commercially viable way and a willingness to support others in our community when they need that help,” Maassel says.

Breitzke says he was raised by hardworking parents, Mark and Vicki Breitzke.

“My parents showed me what hand work and integrity in all aspects of life look like,” Breitzke says.

Breitzke says his wife, Cambria, has walked alongside him and has been an asset in their growing businesses.

He also credits his staff for their contribution to his success.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be around many different leaders and pick up principles they’ve left with me,” Breitzke says. “I have an incredible staff and am continually amazed by the value they bring to our companies.”

Breitzke says he and his companies are “incredibly involved” in various aspects of the community.

“We fully believe in supporting local nonprofits, churches, and other various causes,” Breitzke says. “Most recently our team raised money to build a clean-water well in Africa. We regularly support many different causes throughout each year.”

He says he has very big plans and looks forward to revealing exciting opportunities for future growth.

This year Breitzke was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Indiana’s Young Entrepreneur of The Year and the company received the “Golden Excellence in Media” award for producing Indiana’s best United Way Campaign Video, Breitzke says.

For your information

Age: 26 • Business Address: 1150 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso and 112 Lincolnway, Valparaiso Business Phone: 219.477.8892 and 219.928.6168 • Website: WeCreateMedia.com and Team27e.com

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20 Under 40

Brad Bumgardner, Park Interpretive Naturalist at Indiana Dunes State Park knowledgeable presentations make people care about the natural resources of the Indiana Dunes,” Ehn says. “This personal, positive interaction encourages and improves the Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Naturalist Brad quality of the outdoor experience for the many new and Bumgardner’s interest in nature began as a child on family returning visitors to the Indiana Dunes State Park.” camping trips to state parks.

Bumgardner finds that interaction with visitors is the “We started in a tent and then moved up to a pop-up most satisfying part of his career. camper,” Bumgardner says. “We focused on state parks.

“It’s the chance to light that spark of new knowledge, While sightseeing, we would often take in naturalist that ‘ah’ moment,” Bumgardner says. programs and learn more about the resources we were The most challenging visiting.” parts of his job are working His first visit to the within the tight state Indiana Dunes stands out budgets and the diverse in his memory. public with their many “The winds were out of interests, Bumgardner the north, so it was quiet says. and pleasant,” Bumgardner In addition to the great says. “It also meant the support of his parents, Jim beaches had rip current and Donna Bumgardner, warnings. I climbed to Mt. who live in Angola, Ind., Tom from the beach. That he considers Fred Wooley, climb is one of the most his former boss at Pokagon rugged in the park. It was State Park, a mentor. during that climb that you Bumgardner says he realized the grandeur of has adopted the personal the dunes and the powerful philosophy of two other influence of Lake Michigan interpreters. The first that affects us all, whether is to be a sponge and we realize it or not.” constantly learn and absorb Bumgardner has everything, he says. The worked at the Indiana second is putting in the Dunes State Park for effort that you would like six years and for the to see in return.

Department of Natural “Lead by example in Resources for 12 years. His this regard,” Bumgardner job responsibilities include says. “My long-term overseeing and managing goals involve being able to educational, special event, make as large an impact volunteer and resource with a diverse audience management programs. as possible. Our visitors Kimberly Ehn met become a family that we Bumgardner in 2010 when see coming back regularly. she attended his lecture These folks have been and training session about impacted and have come banding net-caught to love and care for the Northern Saw-whet owls resources we’re teaching at the Indiana Dunes State about.”

Park.

Bumgardner is currently president of the Indiana “I was impressed with his professionalism, his quiet Audubon Society and is active with the National Association caring way towards the animals and the volunteers and his for Interpretation and the Northwest Indiana Migratory Bird knowledge about owls,” Ehn says. “He is changing the lives of visitors to the park, is inspiring many with his informative Association.

“Not only are they enjoying themselves but the visitors writing online and in print and is actively participating in who meet Brad are treasuring their experience in the Indiana beneficial outdoor organizations.”

Bumgardner’s creative writing and outdoor photography Dunes. Brad Bumgardner is a key player in improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana,” Ehn says. skills can be viewed on the Indiana Dunes birding blog, the Bumgardner’s awards include the 2008 and 2013 Lucy Indiana Department of State Parks Facebook page and in Pitchler Interpreter Award, the 2012 State of Indiana the Indiana Audubon Quarterly and the Friends of Indiana Parks Department Spot Bonus Award, the 2007 Monarch Dunes newsletter.

Seasonal Interpreter Award and the 2006 Sandy McBeath “Whether he is describing or showing a salamander, Outstanding Seasonal Interpreter Award. a Lake Michigan shipwreck or the history of the park, his DIANE POULTON

For your information

Age: 33 • Business Address: 1600 N 25 E. Chesterton • Business Phone: 219.926.1390 Website: dnr.in.gov/parklake

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9/18/2013 11:07:58 AM

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9/18/2013 11:08:49 AM

20 Under 40

Ron Donahue, Director of Business Development at Prompt Ambulance Service ROB EARNSHAW

When Ron Donahue began his career at Prompt Ambulance as an EMT 13 years ago, he moved transported individual patients to their place of care.

These days Donahue is helping transport hospitals full of patients all at once.

In 2012, Donahue, the director of business development for Prompt, managed EMS communication and patient tracking during the Porter Regional Hospital move. Prompt was one of several ambulance companies involved in the move using a program Donahue created to “take technology on the road.”

Donahue facilitated live patient tracking for doctors through their smartphones and tablets during the move.

“I’ve worked as a dispatcher and director of 911 communications so I knew technology we use every day, and I found a fit for that hospital,” Donahue says.

Prompt Ambulance Service CEO Gary Miller credits Donahue’s ability to “see the big picture” and offering a new solution and working with others to achieve a positive impact for Porter Regional.

“With working with the hospital teams and two other ambulance services all the patients were able to be transitioned in less than half the time that had been predicted,” Miller says.

Donahue developed systems that will alert the Prompt dispatcher and supervisor when it thinks scenarios are lining up that would lead to being late on calls.

“It sends alerts that unless you intervene we won’t serve our customers in time,” he says. “It’s able to look at how our performance is now and how it will be a couple of hours from now—forecasting when we’ll be late—allowing us to send extra help and better serve our patients. There are lots of triggers but the system is geared to help us with customer service.”

It also allows for crew members to check their statistics daily.

“If we see there’s a deficiency, we can target our training

that way,” Donahue says. “I think a big piece of using technology and manipulating it to the benefit of our patients and customers is a huge thing I’ve tried to take us to that next level.”

At Prompt there is a patient advocate program that works under Donahue in which staff members evaluate patients in their homes if they have transported them a couple times.

It is also a system to hook up patients with community programs like Meals on Wheels or Habitat for Humanity, if needed.

Donahue is familiar with both organizations.

He is a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels under the Visiting Nurses Association of Porter County and is on the business development committee for Meals on Wheels of Lake County.

He’s also part of an initiative for Habitat for Humanity where volunteers from Prompt build wheelchair ramps monthly for people in need.

Donahue is also the vice president of Humane Society Calumet Area and vice president of Porter County Triad, a senior advocacy group working in conjunction with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Valparaiso and is treasurer of the Continuity of Care Association.

Donahue also coordinates Taste of Care, a “cook-off” event held twice a year to bring together the health care community of Northern Indiana. All proceeds from the event are donated to local charities.

“It’s gotten so big that we’re turning it into a nonprofit,” Donahue says.

Prompt Ambulance Service President Shar Miller says she is impressed with Donahue’s involvement in so many organizations.

“He isn’t there to just put his name on a roster but to fully participate,” she says. “He continually looks around to make changes to improve processes—whether within our business or while serving in other organizations.”

Donahue became an EMT years ago because it was a great way to get exposed to the community. He’s been serving that community ever since.

For your information

Age: 32 • Business Address: 9835 Express Drive, Highland • Business Phone: 219.934.1010 Website: promptambulance.com

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Northwest Indiana’s ONLY Ranked Hospital by #13 in Indiana #30 in Metro Chicago

Evidence of Excellence Methodist Hospitals’ commitment to delivering high quality care has attracted attention from some of the most respected names in health care.

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Leading the Way to Better Health BusINess fall 2013 | 17

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9/18/2013 11:12:29 AM

20 Under 40

Katy Dowling, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Office of the Highland Clerk-Treasurer ROB EARNSHAW

How Katy Dowling got into government was kind of a “fluke.” She was going to college full-time when a job opened in 2003 in the Office of the Highland ClerkTreasurer. After working for a few years as a utility clerk, Dowling left to join the Office of the Lake County Treasurer as a supervisor. In 2008 she returned to Highland with her supervisory experience to become the town’s deputy clerk-treasurer.

Dowling, who earned a degree in human resource management from Purdue University, enjoys working in government. She believes there is a need for good people to choose government.

“If everybody goes to the private sector, then what’s left over?” she says. “I really feel like it’s my duty to stay and I think I do a good job and am a good representative of what people in government should be like.”

Dowling’s boss shares those feelings. Highland Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin hired Dowling, calling her the standout candidate when the position became open.

“Katy has distinguished herself in her work, holding the highest appointed position in the Office of the Clerk-Treasurer,” Griffin says. “I know there are things about the political culture of our area and of public service she would like very much to change...In fact, to borrow the phrase once intoned by President Kennedy, when it comes to these things she is ‘an idealist without illusion.’”

Dowling says what she loves about her role as deputy clerk-treasurer is that it is constantly changing and evolving.

“A lot of times it’s like a puzzle because we know what our bottom line is and we have to make it all fit in there somehow,” she says.

Outside of the office, Dowling manages to fit in a lot of community engagement. She is currently the vice president for Friends of Hospice, which is the fundraising auxiliary for

Hospice of the Calumet Area.

“It’s important because their biggest thing is they always want to be able to offer service regardless of the ability to pay,” she says. “Fundraising efforts help make this possible.”

Dowling will transition to the role of president in January.

Dowling also is on the board of directors for the Race Relations Council, which is working to be the “go-to” organization as conversations about race and diversity take place in Northwest Indiana.

“As we all know, this is still a major issue in Northwest Indiana and we have much, much work to do,” she says.

Dowling is on the board of directors for NWI Junior Achievement, whose mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

In addition to sitting on the board, Dowling volunteers her time to teach classes and participate in “JA in a Day” where she’s part of a group that enters a school and presents the traditional program in a four-hour time period.

Dowling is active in the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers and the Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women. She serves on the board of directors for the Highland Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Northwest Indiana.

Griffin says he sees Dowling “doing great things.”

“Katy is among the best and brightest of the people who are performing in public service today at her level,” he says. “She’s exhibits a strong interest in a high quality of public service and I commend her for that. She’s got a work ethic that is highly commendable and a dedication of professionalism in a political environment. I’m proud she’s my deputy.”

For Dowling, something “just clicked” for her in government.

“I don’t think I ever saw myself as doing that—it just fell into place and it’s probably fortunate for me that my first experience was here where you see the right way things are done.”

For your information

Age: 34 • Business Address: 3333 Ridge Road, Highland • Business Phone: 219.838.1080 Web site: highland.in.gov

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20 Under 40

Joseph Ferrandino, Assistant Professor, Indiana University Northwest School of Public and Environmental Affairs ROB EARNSHAW

Joseph Ferrandino has only been in the region for two years and yet his innovations in research have already led to public safety improvements in several communities.

The Indiana University Northwest School of Public and Environmental Affairs assistant professor is using computer statistical analysis through IU Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence to help area police departments in mapping “hot spots” for crimes, calls and motor vehicle crashes.

Ferrandino’s goal of the project is simple: public safety.

“We pushed this as our university’s mission,” Ferrandino says. “We started from nothing. This did not exist in January 2012.”

Ferrandino’s role as a crime, data and policy consultant begin early in 2012 first with IU Northwest’s police and then the city of Gary. Portage, Griffith, Merrillville, Schererville, Munster and East Chicago have since been added to the program.

“The police departments do not pay for this at all,” Ferrandino says. “We enhance their data and work with them, not for them. It’s to help build a better police service. It’s challenging, but the benefits and positives outweigh the negatives.”

Schererville Police Chief David Dowling, in working with Ferrandino, has seen nothing but positives.

“The analysis by Dr. Ferrandino did a great community service for Schererville,” Dowling says. “Based on this analysis both policy and strategy was developed. This resulted in a 10 percent reduction in the first half of 2013 or reported crimes to the FBI in the seven major categories reported in the Uniform Crime Report. In addition, the strategy for traffic enforcement based on analysis resulted in a 6 percent reduction in motor vehicle crashes in the first six months of 2013.”

Gary Police Department Cmdr. Peter Sormaz says Ferrandino’s voluntary work towards the betterment of the department is unprecedented.

“The work Dr. Ferrandino has performed over the last year increased accountability and provided a dynamic evidence-based approach to crime in Gary,” he says.

Ferrandino says the crime analysis wouldn’t be possible without the help of local police chiefs.

“It’s unprecedented that you have chiefs willing to open up to a university, share data and make changes to their police departments,” he says.

Ferrandino’s education centered on criminal justice and he hoped to eventually become a warden in a correctional facility before earning his doctorate in public affairs.

“It gives you a broader perspective about things,” Ferrandino says. “You start to see how everything works. Social work, public health, public administration ... you see how a police station works apart from what they do.”

Ferrandino has given over a dozen presentations regarding criminal justice and public affairs. He’s a member of the American Correctional Association, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences and is second vice president of the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association.

IU Northwest School of Public and Environmental Affairs Director and Professor Barbara Peat says Ferrandino’s personal commitment to community engagement, student learning and mentoring are evident through the projects he initiates.

“It is important to note that from the time he moved to Northwest Indiana he has taken it upon himself to make the contacts with various government agencies to offer his expertise,” she says. “The police data project he initiated is unique in the region and nation. As it develops, his goal is to integrate public safety policy and outcomes with economic and business development throughout the region to improve overall quality of life and assist in more quality governance and policy making.

“During the short period of time he has been in his academic position he has made a significant and meaningful contribution to every agency he has partnered with in the community.”

For your information

Age: 36 • Business Address: 3400 Broadway, Gary • Business Phone: 219.981.5645 Website: iun.edu.

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20 Under 40

Kurt Gillins, Programs Director at Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce LESLY BAILEY

From region theaters to the Valpo Chamber, Kurt Gillins is setting the stage for successful events.

As programs director at the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Gillins spearheads big chamber events including the FunDay Golf Classic and Community Improvement Awards as well as monthly events such as the Percolator Club luncheons.

“Putting together a program where business professionals can meet and start helping each other grow is an exciting and rewarding experience,” Gillins says.

Gillins took on the opportunity to work at the Chamber in 2006 after years in the world of theater.

“Before starting my job at the Chamber, I was the projects coordinator for the Memorial Opera House. In 1998, Jackie Gray and I started the theater company after the Opera House renovation and built a solid audience base and produced several awardwinning productions,” Gillins says.

Though not knowledgeable about a chamber’s role in the community at the time, Gillins quickly found his theatrical roots were crucial to his position.

“Putting on events … that’s what producing theater is,” he says. “I have always had a desire to entertain people. I am not shy about getting up in front of people and that has helped being in the chamber world.”

Gillins sees the Chamber as both a social and educational platform.

“Building connections and helping each other thrive are key to a chamber. We want our members to be successful.

When they are successful, we are successful.”

Valpo Chamber President Rex Richards says Gillins has expanded the Chamber’s offerings since he took on the role.

“He has grown the Chamber’s events and revamped our Fall Business Expo – Chamber Network Night – by adding an additional 62 booths and selling out that event for each of the past five years,” Richards says. “Kurt has introduced several new very successful events during his tenure. These

events have not only been an additional excellent source of networking opportunities for our members, but substantial sources of revenue for the Chamber.

Duneland Chamber of Commerce President Heather Ennis says Gillins’ work on events has helped promote stronger ties between chambers.

“His lead role in Chamber Network Night has brought all of the Porter County chambers and their members closer together,” Ennis says. “The chamber world is not all just parties and social gatherings. A large amount of work goes into ironing out the details and making things come to fruition, and at the Valpo Chamber, Kurt does it all.”

Outside of the chamber, Gillins has been involved in The Chicago Street Theater, Chesterton’s 4th Street Theater and the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation. He has volunteered for the Indiana Chamber Executive Association, the Family and Youth Services Bureau’s Chalk the Walk, the Valparaiso Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp., the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and as parade chair of the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival.

“Whether it is an event for the Chamber, a community organization, or a local theater, I try to lead each project with enthusiasm. I want others involved to be as excited as I am about the work we are doing together to help local businesses succeed or to entertain an eager crowd.”

Gillins cites bringing the Disney Institute to Valparaiso as a proud professional accomplishment as he looks forward to his future in the business arena.

“This one-day workshop brought one of the most successful corporations to our local community to provide information to all attendees on how to improve their businesses,” Gillins says. “Not only was this workshop a success for each attendee, but it was the most successful one-day event for the Valpo Chamber.

“I have grown to appreciate the business community in Northwest Indiana as well as the work a chamber of commerce does. I hope one day to lead a chamber and further help businesses in our community thrive.”

For your information

Age: 36 • Business Address: 162 W. Lincolnway in Valparaiso • Business Phone: 219.462.1105 Website: valparaisochamber.org

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20 Under 40 Kevin Kosek, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Regional Federal Credit Union

LESLY BAILEY

Growing up playing sports, Kevin Kosek always understood the importance of a team effort.

“It was instilled in me that everyone has a position and no one person can do all of those tasks … it takes a team effort. I am able to do what I do out in the community — from going to chamber events to business visits — because the team is here holding down the fort,” Kosek says.

Part of the Regional Federal Credit Union team for eight years, Kosek’s role is director of marketing and business development.

“I oversee all of the marketing and business development operations from the planning to the execution and budget,” Kosek says. “I work with a team here on development of new products and services. I act as the face of Regional to the community.

Being the size that we are allows for me to be involved at all levels.

“I love my job. There is an opportunity to meet someone new every day and to help someone is the greatest gift I know of … it could be with a donation to an organization or helping (individuals) apply for loans to change their lives, consolidate debt and have a new beginning. I know I have the opportunity to impact the community in a positive way.”

Darlene R. Cohn, of D. Cohn Communications, has seen Kosek’s impact through her work with Regional Federal Credit Union as digital marketing specialist as well as through the Valparaiso Schools Foundation.

“I have seen the impact Kevin has made on the community firsthand. His work at Regional is rooted in the credit union’s commitment to community and education. He is constantly working to find ways to put Regional’s resources to work to improve our schools and community,” Kohn says.

“For example, this year alone, Regional collected thousands of dollars to donate to the Valparaiso, Hammond and Portage school foundations. Obviously, Kevin isn’t solely responsible for these projects, but he leads them, and it’s his mission to stay focused on keeping Regional Federal Credit Union involved in the community.

“I believe Kevin is learning how to best harness his incredible energy and focus it where it can do the most good.”

Besides the Valparaiso Schools Foundation, Kosek is also involved with the Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis Club, Porter County Business League, Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso Community Schools TJMS Football and the American Cancer Society.

“Everyone should be involved in their community. I started to get involved more when I started putting roots down as an adult.

Once I did that, I then believed that I had skin in the game. I understood that if I want that wonderful city or neighborhood that it had to start with me,” Kosek says.

Sheri L. Gow, lieutenant governor-elect for the Indiana District of Kiwanis International, says Kosek’s leadership was vital to the Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis Club’s growth.

“During Kevin’s tenure as president, our club doubled in size, growing from 28 members to 60 members. Much of our growth can be attributed to Kevin’s enthusiasm, organization, creativity and high energy level when it comes to serving the children in our community and throughout the world,” Gow says.

Kosek hopes he is leading by example.

“I have a personal policy that I wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t do. I would like to say that my leadership style is to build up and empower those around me to make decisions and solve problems,” he says. “I would also say my leadership type is hands off and full of trust and respect for those working with me and/or around me.”

Drawn to the social side of life, it is family that continues to navigate his direction.

Kosek says, “My grandfather and father instilled in me two things: have faith in people and do what you say you’re going to do. The birth of my daughters, Elizabeth and Hannah, inspires me every day. They make me want to be better.

“I strive to make sure at the end of the day that my beautiful daughters and my wife, Krista, are proud of me.”

For your information

Age: 32 • Business Address: 7144 Kennedy Avenue Hammond • Business Phone: 800.762.7419 Website: regionalfcu.org

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22 | In Business

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20 Under 40 B.R. Lane, Chief of Staff for the City of Gary

LESLY BAILEY

When B.R. Lane returned to her hometown in 2012, she took a leap and accepted the challenge to join “Team Gary” alongside her mentor, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

“I have been a mentee of the mayor since I was in college. I had worked for her in her law office during summers while I was in college (at Morgan State University) and (Harvard) law school,” Lane says. “When she asked me initially to come home, I said I will help with whatever from afar. Then I saw her putting the team together.

My parents have stayed here (in Gary) and they said, ‘You really need to do this.’ So I closed my eyes and took the jump.”

Lane assumed the role of chief of staff, providing advisory support to the city’s leader.

“As chief of staff for the city, I serve as a key adviser to the mayor. I oversee all department heads and am responsible for the overall operations for the city. I also manage city interaction and relationships with external entities,” she says. “Interfacing with local, state and federal legislators along with or on behalf of the mayor, I assist her in managing legislative policy initiatives.

Lane says the position is a challenge as well as her proudest professional accomplishment.

“Each day, and with very little resources, we make strides in transitioning a community into its greatness. This city— the city of my birth, upbringing and family—is working its way to the top and being on the front lines of this battle is something that I will likely never experience again professionally,” she says. “This is the challenge of my life.

I really felt that if not now, then when, with regards to the city. I don’t consider us saviors by any means but we are a good and talented group and we can serve as a catalyst for revitalization.”

Chelsea L. Whittington, director of communications for the City of Gary, saw how Lane commanded attention in a room from the moment she saw first her at a news conference.

“While she is under 40, she conducts herself in a manner as one of the most seasoned professionals I have ever worked with. She stands out in her ability to perform in crisis mode. I admire that about her. While running a city, all types of emergencies come up and she is not afraid to make decisions,” Whittington says. “She has a passion and love for her hometown and it is evident all of the time.”

“I’m excited that Northwest Indiana is getting a chance to learn about a talented woman whom I have known and worked with for a long time,” adds Freeman-Wilson.

“B.R. Lane is not only intelligent, witty and tenacious but she has the commitment and judgment necessary to ensure that we develop and execute a sustainable plan for a greater Gary.

She raises the bar for the delivery of services to citizens every day. It is an honor to work with her.”

Lane felt pulled back to the city where she grew up, leaving Las Vegas and a job managing the regulatory compliance operations of a major gaming firm.

“I very much enjoyed my time here and I am proud of my experiences.

I feel like the community made an investment in me and though there may be pain for a short time, it is really just me paying back what I have been given,” she says.

Lane has also returned to her school, William A. Wirt/Emerson VPA, by joining the Friends of Emerson as a board member. The nonprofit encourages and provides for a quality educational environment for the student development.

“I graduated from the only visual and performing arts school in the city of Gary and that experience informs much of my life today,” Lane says. She also supports local community theater, the American Film Institute and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

In the future, Lane will continue to focus on identifying and cultivating her community’s assets.

“By choosing to be here instead of any other place that I could, I hope to underscore that Gary is the place to be.

Every day, I work to give citizens a reason to believe again.”

For your information

Age: 39 • Business Address: 401 Broadway, Suite 200, Gary • Business Phone: 219.881.1312 Web site: gary.in.us

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9/18/2013 11:21:11 AM

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20 Under 40

Greg Lee, Lead Pastor for Suncrest Christian Church

LESLY BAILEY

Suncrest Christian Church Lead Pastor Greg Lee believes the hallmark of a healthy church is best seen by imagining its disappearance.

“What haunts any pastor...if our church disappeared, would our community even notice? I like to talk about our church in terms of people instead of buildings or programs.

Our church always keeps this outward orientation. Our mission is about people who aren’t connected to the church,” Lee says. “I think my most important job is to make sure Suncrest keeps our focus ‘beyond us.’ We care as much about people who aren’t part of our church as those who are and we are, locally and globally.”

Lee launched his service at Suncrest in 1996 when he was just 21 years old.

“I had a fairly significant spiritual experience and it became my calling in life,” Lee says. “John Wasem was the lead pastor when I came to Suncrest and quickly became my mentor. He invested in Northwest Indiana when he was here and taught me to do the same. I could not have asked for a better example or someone to follow in building Suncrest to be this kind of church.”

Suncrest started as a gathering of about 35 people at Lake Central High School. Facing steady growth, church leadership decided to buy land and construct a new building in St. John. When the congregation began outgrowing the new space, the decision was made to expand geographically.

“We were a pretty small group meeting for worship every Sunday at Lake Central. The church was already creative, fun, nimble, practical and focused on making a real difference in Northwest Indiana. I’ve been trying to lead in that direction ever since,” Lee says. “It is a new emerging strategy among churches to expand geographically. When churches are growing and running out of space, you get the sense they could make a more significant impact in the community if they are willing to spread themselves out geographically rather than just build one big place.”

Lee feels with a multi-campus model, the church can

touch more lives in more communities. Suncrest now also has locations in Hobart and Highland.

“The campuses have let us connect with the community in ways we wouldn’t have if we were just a big church in St. John,” he says. “The goal isn’t to be a big church, but we do want to make a big difference in a world that has needs everywhere.”

Gordon Barker has watched Suncrest grow and develop during the time he has known Lee. “Greg has been my pastor and friend for the past 17 years. Suncrest has grown significantly under Greg’s leadership to over 1,300 in attendance on a typical Sunday and he leads a staff of over 20 people,” Baker says.

“Greg has promoted in his congregation a multiplication mindset focusing on the exponential impact one church can have by actively helping to start new churches.

Under his leadership, Suncrest has helped start 15 new churches around the country and the world. Suncrest is actively involved in each community it serves, nurturing good partnerships with organizations like Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity.”

Lee believes his church has not only impacted the community by working with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, but also by the actions of its individual members.

“We are telling the stories of a lot of people in our church right now who have taken responsibility with homeless shelters, tutoring or opening their homes to people in need. I love working with organizations formally, but I think unleashing everyone—the whole church—to see serving, volunteering and loving people as normal will ultimately be our greatest impact,” he says. “I think one power of a church is that you can unleash people with a wide variety of skills, passions, education and relationships to invest in a community involvement that fits them.”

Outside of the organizations the church partners with, Lee also is involved with The Arc Northwest Indiana, Rebuilding Together of Southlake County and coaching youth sports.

For your information

Age: 39 • Organization Address: 10009 Parrish Street St. John • Organization Phone: 219.365.9000 Website: suncrest.org.

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9/18/2013 11:25:47 AM

20 Under 40 Dana Liss, Owner and Graphic Designer of Concept Marketing and Design

ANDREA HOLECEK

At age 29, Dana Liss has spent her life proving that you’re never too young to make a difference.

Liss, a graphic designer and owner of Concept Marketing and Design, is a Northwest Indiana native, who plans to spend her life making the Region a better place to live and work.

After graduating from Merrillville High School, Liss spent one semester at St. Mary of Notre Dame before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago where she earned a degree in art and design with a concentration in advertising art direction.

“I knew if I wanted to work in advertising, Chicago is the place to get started,” Liss says.

“Then I decided I wanted to work in Northwest Indiana,” Liss says. “Northwest Indiana is a good place to both live and work. So I got a job learning the other side of the business doing sales and marketing and worked there for almost two years.”

While on that job, Liss saw the area had a need that wasn’t being filled.

“Clients didn’t know where to go with their marketing,” she says.

“I saw a lot of people who needed help with marketing as well as graphic design.”

That insight led Liss to open her own business three years ago. Operating from her home, her work encompasses media ranging from direct mail to online campaigns to television.

Liss also handles social media campaigns for many of her clients.

Liss employs a marketing assistant and uses local freelancers for web development and extra design.

“My husband, Ben, is very supportive of the business.” she says. “He’s also involved with the city with me, and sits on the Hobart Plan Commission.”

Liss is on the Hobart Chamber of Commerce board of directors and uses her professional skills in the volunteer work she does for the city’s special events.

“I try to give back as much as I can and partner with a lot of local businesses to help keep business in Northwest

Indiana,” she says. “Being in the chamber and involved is very important to me.”

Although her involvement helps her business grow, it’s also does a lot more, Liss says.

“It’s a good way to get to know everyone in the community since we decided to make our life here,” she says. “We’ve decided to embrace the community.”

Her volunteering began while she was a teen in Crown Point, where her parents, Laurie and Dorian Kraska, still reside. Liss began teaching catechism to second graders at her church when she was 16.

“I’ve always had a passion for teaching, but never wanted to go the route of being teacher,” Liss says. “I’m still involved and helping the kids to be good people. I always was the youngest (catechism teacher) and still the youngest. It’s a lot of fun. The kids can relate with me and they enjoy coming to learn about God and learning how to be good people overall.”

Kathy Neary, principal and owner Root Strategy in Valparaiso, met Liss through a church function while they were both teaching at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.

“Her personality is a lot like her work,” Neary says. “She’s very unique, and has a very good knack for listening and being approachable. She really takes on every project as if it’s her own even when she teaches.”

Liss gives undivided attention to those she’s friends with and works with, Neary says.

Liss has been in charge of marketing for the Hobart Relay for Life Hobart Committee for the past two years.

“I saw a lot of people in Hobart didn’t know it existed,” she says. “I saw I could use my marketing skills to inform the community.”

Liss also is the ambassador and founding member of “The Stiletto Network-NWI”, which focuses on helping professional reach their professional goals. Plus, she is a member of Young Leaders United-United Way Porter County and current Vice President and past President of the Porter County Business League, and a member of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.

For your information

Age: 29 • Business Address: P.O. Box 1486, Valparaiso • Business Phone: 219.649.1690 Website: conceptmarketingdesign.com

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9/18/2013 11:27:53 AM

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20 Under 40 Blair Milo, Mayor, city of LaPorte

TRICIA DESPRES

As mayor of the city of LaPorte for the past two years, Mayor Blair Milo says she has started getting used to her job title.

She is fully aware that she is one of the youngest mayors in the city’s history, and knows she is only the second female to be elected to the office. But around the time she starts getting comfortable with her new status, an unexpected moment sneaks up on her and takes her by surprise.

This latest surprise occurred in the hallways of La Porte’s Harding Elementary School.

“It was Veteran’s Day, and there I was back at my old elementary school,” she recalls. “I vividly remember being a part of those celebrations and singing the patriotic songs as a kid. Twenty-plus years later, there I was back. But this time I was the mayor. It’s a surreal feeling, but it makes me over determined to make this community a better place for those kids.”

Elected to the position in 2011 at the age of 28, Mayor Milo says she is still amazed that she finds herself in this role, because it was certainly not part of her game plan.

“Personally, Hoosier Girls State opened my eyes to just how impactful government can be and gave me a better understanding of the process. Later, when I had the opportunity to work for Senator Lugar, I fell in love with what good, responsible government could mean for people.”

After her internship in Washington, D.C, and more than five years in active duty with the U.S. Navy, Milo returned home and noticed her beloved hometown might need help.

“I wanted to do something productive with my leave time,” she recollects. “ I had read some articles about the city and how they weren’t sure how they were planning to operate in the black and I thought to myself, ‘What in the world has happened here?’”

Her concern resulted in a series of articles in which

she avoided the pointing of fingers or political rants, but instead considered the ways citizens could come together to help their town.

“I wasn’t sure how I could help, but I thought it was worth my time just to see if I could help,” she explains.

Since taking the office, Milo has tirelessly promoted economic development and job growth in LaPorte in addition to providing as much support as possible to fight the drug issues that exist in this and countless others communities across Indiana and around the country.

“She takes her position very seriously, and although she carries herself with confidence and professionalism, she doesn’t take herself so seriously that she puts people off,” says Lisa Livezey Comingore, human resources and community relations director for the city of La Porte. “She is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and it’s clear to anyone paying attention that she sincerely cares about LaPorte and its citizens.”

And while the title may still shock Milo, it has allowed her a number of opportunities to get out in the community and do what she loves the most.

“I volunteer with Junior Achievement, and I can’t tell you how excited I get to be able to go and work with a new class,” she says.

“Being able to provide a positive example is definitely a side benefit of the job. I don’t always get there and I know I am not a perfect person, but I certainly try.”

An avid runner who completed her first marathon earlier this year, Milo says no matter what she faces on a day to day basis professionally, she is working extra hard to keep things in perspective.

“I have a lot of discussions with my fellow young gun mayors, and we all remind one another to take the time to unwind a little bit. Having a passion for the community in which you serve can be both a good and a bad thing. You must maintain a balance and keep a clear head.”

For your information

Age: 30 • Business address: 801 Michigan Avenue, LaPorte Business phone: 219.362.0151

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9/18/2013 11:29:32 AM

20 Under 40 Ian Nicollini, Town Manager, Cedar Lake

TRICIA DESPRES

It had been a long week, and most men would have just as soon plopped themselves down on the couch to catch up on some hockey.

But on this Thursday evening in the spring semester of 2013, Cedar Lake Town Manager Ian Nicollini found himself walking the campus of Indiana University Northwest on his way to teach a graduate course on management science to a room of students looking to him for guidance and inspiration.

“It was that kind of moment when, if I could go back and ask my high school self where I would like to be in 10 or so years, I would have said right then and there,” he reflects.

At only 30 years old, Nicollini has already accomplished far more than many his age.

Growing up in South Bend, Nicollini grew up on a steady of Notre Dame football.

“My family and I didn’t live far from the stadium, so I remember making lots of trips to lots of games,” Nicollini recalls.

“I attended public school, and I can still remember to this day the first political science class I took. It piqued my interest, and I took that interest to Bloomington with me in pursuit of my public affairs degree.”

In 2007, Nicollini found himself in Cedar Lake, ready to establish a life both personally and professionally.

“At the time, I was just finishing up graduate school and I was approached with a couple different opportunities,” recalls the Indiana University-Bloomington graduate. “I didn’t want to be too far from where I grew up, so when I learned of the assistant town manager position in Cedar Lake in the spring of 2007, I jumped on it.”

These days, a normal day in his position involves a variety of tasks that keeps the town leader on his toes.

“No two days are alike, that’s for sure,” he chuckles.

“I spend much of my time checking in on a multitude of projects, touching base with department heads and project managers and consultants, making sure all those moving parts are moving toward the same goal. I also spend many

hours responding to emails and questions from citizens and prospective business owners. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without my supportive staff. It’s nice to have a shared cohesive vision of what we want to achieve here.”

Most of all, Nicollini says that what lies ahead for Cedar Lake is what excites him the most. “The most interesting part to me about Cedar Lake is that it’s truly a place that is still changing and growing,” says Nicollini. “There is just so much to be done and so much left to do. I see a lot of communities that I would say are built out and whose boundaries are established.

They have grown within those boundaries and they put all of their focus on maintaining that. Cedar Lake, on the other hand, always has more opportunities to grow both personally and professionally within a community that’s also growing.”

Constantly challenging the status quo, Nicollini says that he is especially excited about a new strategic plan that will give Cedar Lake a roadmap of sorts to follow into the future.

“Ian is just the kind of guy who has this passion and pizzazz when it comes to the leadership role he has taken on in Cedar Lake,” adds John Foreman, Cedar Lake Town Councilman. “Besides all of his daily responsibilities, he also spends an incredible amount of time volunteering and helping out with a number of different programs. He sticks to his guns, no doubt about it. But as far as I’m concerned, we are so very lucky to have him on our side.”

Preparing to celebrate his one-year wedding anniversary with his new bride, Nicollini says it can be tough to separate his professional and personal life, but that he understands it’s just part of the job description.

“I think that it’s part of the nature of being a public servant in local government, but it is that same accessibility within local government that has always been appealing to me,” he concludes. “I love always being on the front lines of improving the quality of life in Cedar Lake, and if that means it might overlap my personal life, so be it. I have been able to balance it better than ever before thanks to a supportive staff. This is far from a one-person show.”

For your information

Age: 30 • Business address: 7408 Constitution Avenue, Cedar Lake Business phone: (219) 374-7000 • Business email: ian.nicolini@cedarlakein.org

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9/18/2013 11:30:49 AM

20 Under 40 James O’Connor, Owner/Chief Instructor for James O’Connor Martial Arts and Fitness

“His younger students benefit greatly from his antibullying and anti-drug messages, which really resonate He wasn’t really good at sports and seldom was the first with my kids,” remarks Abby Demeter, who started taking to raise his hand in class. He didn’t have a ton of friends and Tae Kwan Do as a sixth grader and a current student at often was the one bullied by others after school. His mother James O’Connor Martial Arts and Fitness. “(O’Connor) worried about him every day, until the day that she enrolled shows all his students and parents how important it is to help others and involves them in many ways by giving him in a martial arts class. And on that day, 12-year-old back to the community. Through his actions, he has also James O’Connor did not just learn how to punch and kick taught them that if you stick with something and put in the and defend himself, but he gained something far greater. hard work, you will find He earned confidence. a way to succeed. James “I never have gotten in has truly built a business a fight in my life,” explains where everyone is welcome O’Connor, owner and and all levels of skill chief instructor at James are encouraged to work O’Connor Martial Arts together and help each and Fitness. “My mom other.” put me in martial arts as “I’ve had my share a form of self-defense of adversities just like from the bullies, but I any business owner, never had to use the skills but I wouldn’t trade I was acquiring. More this for anything,” adds importantly, I was able to O’Connor, who has lived in walk into that school with Chesterton since moving my confidence soaring. from Chicago in the fifth Martial arts was the first grade. thing I ever got good at in O’Connor has also my life.” used his business as a The foundation he platform for volunteer began that day within work, including being a that martial arts class drop-off site and sending continues to this very day, instructors to help out as O’Connor now owns after tornadoes ravaged and operates his very own the Midwest. He has also martial arts school. hosted many area Girl “I fell in love with Scout troops to teach martial arts from a very them about self respect, early age and knew I fitness and health and would want to do it for anti-bullying. the rest of my life,” recalls “I have always pictured O’Connor, who opened his life separated into three school in 2007. “My dad parts,” says O’Connor, who passed away as a teen, and recently started a blog and while my mom was always has been doing local public at my side, I was very speaking engagements. independent. I was able to “First, you must discover cultivate my own life.” your purpose. It’s Cultivating his life and something I am very upfront about whenever anyone comes the lives of the students he has inspired through the years through our doors. Martial arts is way more than kicking is an ongoing task for O’Connor, who receives much of his and punching. The middle part of your life should be spent inspiration through the self-help books he dearly loves. cultivating the leadership skills you need to fulfill your “Through the years, my love of the self-help genre has purpose. You must program your mind for success. Lastly, led me to wanting to invoke the changes I was making within myself with my students. It literally changed the way you must leave a legacy.”

Leaving that legacy to not only his students, but also his I wanted to teach.”

Having spent over half his life perfecting his martial arts three children, is something O’Connor takes very seriously.

“I’m just a dad who can make his share of mistakes,” he training, O’Connor has also spent much time teaching his says, in a quieter tone than before. “I’m just trying to lead students to look at life a bit deeper. In fact, O’Connor has by example. I’m trying to teach them the importance of become a role model for many Northwest Indiana youths, giving back and having a passion. And no matter what, I try helping them to build a confidence and a positive mental to live without worrying about what comes next. attitude that can be tough to teach.

TRICIA DESPRES

For your information

Age: 32 • Business Address: 534 Broadway, Chesterton • Business Phone: 219.926.5534 Website: team-oconnor.com

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9/18/2013 11:35:29 AM

20 Under 40 Maria Ramos, Regional Director, Marketing and Communications, Franciscan Alliance

CARRIE RODOVICH

For Maria Ramos, the opportunity to work for Franciscan Alliance as regional director of marketing and communications feeds her passion as a Catholic woman.

“For someone who was raised in the church, it’s great to work for an organization that I deeply share values with,” Ramos says. “The position I have here feeds me personally as well as professionally.”

Ramos, 38, grew up in the Glen Park area of Gary, and attended Cathedral of the Holy Angels. She graduated from Andrean High School in 1992.

She graduated from St. Mary of the Woods College near Terre Haute, where she majored in journalism.

“What I initially wanted to do was write.

Fortunately, great career guidance at my college encouraged me to accept those hospital internships,” says Ramos. “Those experiences really changed my career ambitions.

I really value those internship opportunities, because they set me on a path to where I am now.”

“The Catholic education I had really prepared me for where I am now,” she says.

She has been with Franciscan Alliance since 1996, and has been serving the hospitals in a variety of capacities, most recently as regional director of marketing and communications.

In addition to doing media relations work, she also oversees the Internet presence for the regional hospitals as well as advertising and marketing.

Ramos says she enjoys the high-pressure parts of her job, as well as getting involved in the community and learning what the community needs from the hospital.

She also serves on the board of Hammond Reads, which provides a book to each baby born at the Hammond campus of Franciscan Alliance.

“I so much enjoy building a city of readers,” she says.

“We pride ourselves on giving away books.”

Every morning Ramos comes to work, she says she feels fortunate she has been blessed with a career she loves and identifies with so personally.

“The work we do isn’t work, it’s a ministry,” she says.

“Everything we do is deeply rooted in Catholic faith and tradition, and the mission of continuing Christ’s ministry.

Each day, I come to work and continue that ministry, and I’m lucky enough to work with people who believe that, too.”

Joe Dejanovic, regional marketing vice president of marketing and mommunications for Franciscan Alliance, says Ramos is a consummate professional who pays great attention to detail.

“I have come to know her as someone who is conscientious and willing to help others, whether it’s a fellow co-worker on a project or someone in need in the community,” Dejanovic says. “She seems to balance her job and her family very well, yet many times puts in long hours at work. She is a person of high standards, coupled with a compassionate nature and it’s a pleasure to work with her.”

Sister Aline Shultz, corporate vice president of development, marketing and public relations with Franciscan Alliance, says Ramos is a leader within the organization’s marketing team and has a deep, genuine commitment to the mission and values of Franciscan Alliance.

In addition to developing the successful “Follow your Heart” regional campaign for the five hospitals’ cardiac service lines, she also has engaged in numerous community outreach efforts, Sister Aline says.

“Maria is a very creative and innovative marketing professional,” she says. “Her enthusiasm is contagious and she is highly regarded and respected among her colleagues in the marketing and communications fields and outside of Franciscan Alliance.”

Ramos and her husband, Greg Ramos, have lived in Munster for the last 12 years, and have a 6-year-old son.

The family returns to Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary for church. She has been involved in Eucharistic ministry and served as a lector.

Returning to her childhood church helps keep her grounded in her faith.

“That part of me has not changed,” she says. “I return to my church family each Sunday.”

For your information

Age: 38 • Business Address: 2050 N Main Street, Suite B, Crown Point • Business Phone: 219.661.3299, ext. 204 Website: franciscanalliance.org

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9/18/2013 11:36:39 AM

20 Under 40

Chris Stanek, General Manager and Co-Owner Crown Brewing CARRIE RODOVICH

When Chris Stanek first joined the staff of Crown Brewing as a bartender five years ago, he had no idea the part-time job would evolve into a career he was passionate about.

At the time, Stanek, 31, was tending bar at the new Crown Point brewery as a way to earn some extra money while he went to graduate school and worked for an insurance company.

But his love for the brewing business grew, and when Crown Brewing celebrated its fifth anniversary this summer, Stanek had worked his way to general manager and co-owner.

“This is really a dream job for me,” Stanek says.

“All of a sudden, it became more than a full-time job,” Stanek says. “I started helping with events, and it was almost like a hobby, what I wanted to do after work.

I wouldn’t have thought it was going to happen, but you can’t plan everything.”

Stanek moved to Crown Point with his family before his freshman year in high school. He graduated from Crown Point High School in 2001 and went to Indiana University. After college, he lived in Chicago before moving back to Crown Point about three years ago.

He now lives several blocks from Crown Brewing with his two dogs.

The brewery keeps 12 of its own beers on tap, and currently about 90 percent of the business comes from what it sells at the bar. A small portion of its business comes from distributing its beer to local establishments, Stanek says.

Crown’s beers are gaining in popularity and receiving national acclaim. In 2012, the brewery’s Crown Brown won a gold medal at the World Brew Cup, among other awards.

“We are a small brewpub, but have won a lot of awards, especially for our size,” he says.

A vital part of the Crown Brewing mission is community involvement, Stanek says.

Stanek is involved in Crown Point Community Foundation events, including the volunteer fair. He is

also involved in numerous activities that support The Arc Northwest Indiana, including a golf outing fundraiser and beer fest.

“Working with The Arc has always been close to my heart, because it helps a lot of residents in Lake County,” he says. “I got interested in helping them, in part, because I was working on my masters in special education when the brewery took off.”

Stanek also partners with other local business, including a partnership with Trek Bicycle Store. Every week, the two businesses co-sponsor the Pint Ride, which attracted 182 cyclists on a recent Monday.

“They can start at the brewery or the bike store, and ride from one to the other and circle back,” Stanek says. “Once you complete the 14-mile ride, the first beer you get at the brewery is paid for by the bike store. It’s a pretty cool thing, and it’s been awesome for us and for Trek.”

Pat Huber, president of the Crown Point Community Foundation, has known Stanek for the last several years. She says he has always stepped up to the plate and helped with whatever projects he’s needed on.

“He’s really taken a leadership role,” she says.

“He thinks outside of the box. He does things that makes people want to come to his place and buy the beer. He’s always promoting fun things within the community.”

Stanek has been a big part of Crown Brewing’s success over the last five years, Huber says.

“He even tries to elevate other businesses in Crown Point and around the region. He values the business health of the community,” she says.

Stanek says the craft beer industry is a growing one, and there are always new challenges and new opportunities.

“It’s an exciting industry to be a part of, and it’s fun, too,” he says. “We’re going to continue to improve on what we’re doing and we will continue to grow. Crown Point is our home, that’s where our customer base is from, and we’re going to stay.”

Above all, Stanek sees being a part of Crown Brewing as being a part of a family.

For your information

Age: 31• Business Address: 211 S East Street, Crown Point • Business Phone: 219.663.4545 Website: crownbrewing.com

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9/18/2013 11:38:09 AM

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9/18/2013 11:38:50 AM

20 Under 40 Staci Trekles, Director, Learning Technology, Purdue University North Central

listen to and watch while she explains everything.

Trekles is a longtime supporter of Indiana Computer Educators and currently serves as a board member and Mr. Lemmywinks was blessed to have found the perfect marketing chairwoman. She also serves as a chairwoman for match for his forever home. the Learning Forward Indiana affiliate group.

“Several years ago, I was putting up Christmas Research and feedback from students helped to shape decorations at the shelter in November when a guy with a her first e-textbook, “Putting People First: Human Issues in tiny orange kitty in the bed of his pickup truck rolled up,” says Staci Trekles, who is Director of Learning Technology at Instructional Technology.”

Trekles understands how hard it is for nonprofits to make Purdue University North Central as well as president of the money, which is one reason Independent Cat Society why she also published an shelter in Westville. e-book on iTunes of her “The kitten had runny photographs of the Indiana eyes and it was starving Dunes. A portion of the and sick. It needed foster proceeds goes to Save the care but we had no families Dunes Foundation and the to take him. We didn’t Indiana State Parks and know what to do because Reservoirs fund. he was so little. So I took The southern lakeshore him and brought him brings back fond memories to an emergency clinic of living in Northern to get him well. He had Michigan and is a place she pneumonia and they saved goes for stillness. “I just sit his life. I made sure he got and meditate,” she says. “I better and I kept him. He’s always do Trail Nine—I go happy and healthy now.” back and forth on that trail.

ICS is a no-kill cat It’s very peaceful.” shelter which was founded Her love for cats grew in 1977. The shelter adopts from being a caretaker on over 200 cats every year her grandfather’s horse regardless of age. farm in Crete. “When you Roberta Jocius, grants have barns you have to have coordinator and adoptions cats to keep the mice away,” counselor, gives props to Trekles says.

Trekles for facilitating the Jocius says Trekles, humorous YouTube video who works as hard as any “Kittenpalooza!” which volunteer even though is a tour of the shelter. she is the president of the Trekles also revamped the nonprofit, streamlined shelter’s website. organization procedures “I look at it and go and professionalized ‘wow,’” Jocius says. “She documents since taking makes things fun and office in January. “She is uses technology to help in the ultimate optimist and every day life. As profound has a way of promoting as her influence is in her consensus,” Jocius says. classroom, her influence Former ICS president reaches far beyond and Merrillville physician Cate Amador considers her a Purdue.” peacemaker. “She’s an old soul,” she says. “She’s mature The 1996 Griffith High School graduate earned her way beyond her years. She’s calm and doesn’t take things undergraduate and master’s degree from Purdue University personally and goes out of her way to be fair and hear all Calumet, where very early in her college career she ran opinions.” its computer lab. She earned her doctoral degree from Trekles has three cats at home and there is always the Minnesota Capella University.

“I fell in love with online teaching in 2003—before it was possibility she will give one more feline a full and happy life, but she is also committed to be on the cutting edge of cool,” says Trekles. “Now it’s cool. Nobody was doing that back then but I thought it was a good idea and wanted to try teaching and learning technology.

“As technology gets better and more acceptable and it. Nobody on the faculty wanted anything to do with it.” mobile there are going to be all kinds of cool things coming Her biggest achievements are when students tell her in the next 10 years that we can’t even dream of now,” they enjoy her courses and that they are well designed. She does her own broadcasting and records podcasts for them to Trekles says.

LOUISA MURZYN

For your information

Age: 35 • Business Address: LSF Building, Room 237, 1401 S US 421, Westville Business Phone: 219.785.5734 • Website: pnc.edu

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9/18/2013 11:39:33 AM

20 Under 40

Ann Marie Woolwine, Attorney for Burke Costanza & Carberry people who are in no position to help themselves. “She looks out for people who need to be looked out for,” he says.

Merrillville native Ann Marie Woolwine makes her Megan Sikes, advocacy manager at the Food Bank, says living as an attorney and changes Lake County a little bit Woolwine treats fundraising as though it were an extreme each day with her enthusiasm and unselfish caring and sport. Woolwine organized her firm into four teams and compassion. each week had a new theme. It raised $7,000 this year.

Woolwine, 34, of Winfield, led the efforts in her firm’s “She was going to do whatever she could to win in participation in Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s order to feed people. Locally 106,000 aren’t going to eat food drive, March Against Hunger, for the last three something today, so it’s years. The firm won its something that makes a division in the statewide huge impact when you get competition in 2012 behind it.” and 2013 and donated Woolwine is on thousands of pounds of Lake County’s Legacy food and thousands of Foundation grants dollars to the Food Bank of committee. The Northwest Indiana. organization has given “Part of it is my will nearly $30 million in to win, but I’ve always grants and scholarships enjoyed volunteering,” since 1992, which enhance Woolwine says. “It’s the quality of life for its important to be part of residents. “It really makes your community and a measurable difference to give back beyond and you see the outcome,” your peers, your church she says. or people in your own Emerge South Shore, community.” a Legacy Foundation Woolwine, a working initiative for young mother who is expecting professionals in their early her second child, says her 20s to late 30s, promotes firm’s culture allows her to leadership and personal channel her philanthropic development through efforts on a larger, more networking, community professional level. involvement and “Ann Marie is high educational opportunities. energy, sincere, engaged Woolwine was among and professionally she is the group’s founding intellectually curious,” members who saw George Carberry says. the need for younger “She’s one of those people professionals on local you are immediately boards and positions of drawn to the first time you leadership. “She is an meet her, and the kind of idea person who brings law she practices fits well new vision to the table with her goals and aims. and she cares a lot about She’s a good citizen for Northwest Indiana,” says Northwest Indiana.”

Woolwine is also an “Amazing Advisor” for Opportunity Willett, who is also a founding board member.

Carberry is convinced his esteemed coworker will move Enterprises, which changes the lives of thousands of adults with disabilities by maximizing self-sufficiency and from board participation to board leadership in major civic and community organizations. “A lot of talented people enriching the quality of lives. pursue their dreams and fortunes outside of this region,” As a Winfield resident, Woolwine is on the town’s Redevelopment Commission, which recently established a he says.

“I think it’s great for her and other young professionals Tax Increment Financing district.

Attorney Jeremy Willett, of O’Neill McFadden & Willett to pitch their tent in our region and provide their skills of intellect, leadership and compassion. It’s nice to have Ann in Schererville, met Woolwine in law school and says the Marie’s homegrown talent stay here.” true state of her heart is revealed in the way she treats LOUISA MURZYN

For your information

Age: 34 • Business Address: 9191 Broadway, Merrillville • Business Phone: 219.769.1313 Website: bcclegal.com

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YES!REGIONAL means Business Lending!

Whether you’re starting out small or thinking big, the lending resources you need for your business are right here at REGIONAL. • Business Vehicle • Business Equipment Loans • Business Line of Credit • Commercial Real Estate • Business Expansion Apply online or talk to a Business Lending Expert today!

1-800-762-7419

www.regionalfcubusiness.org

All of us at Prompt Ambulance and Southlake Limousine congratulate our very own Ron Donahue on his much-deserved award and being recognized as one of the region’s outstanding professionals under 40.

34 | BusINess fall 2013

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20 Under 40

Nick Yadron, President of M&M Home Remodeling Services LOUISA MURZYN

For Nick Yadron, the greatest good he can do as he mentors his employees and his ministry is not just to share his life experiences and God’s faithfulness, but to reveal to them their own light.

“I am driven, but I like to empower people to be better and go out and do the things they need to do,” says Yadron, who is President of M&M Home Remodeling Services, as well as a church elder at Bethel Church in Crown Point.

“I am motivated by seeing people achieve things they probably didn’t think were possible and by watching others succeed.

It brings me a level of fulfillment.”

Jim Martin, M&M’s operation manager, says Yadron is a man of integrity. “He is a man who is the same person at work, with his family, at his church and anywhere else you run into him,” Martin says. “He offers a platform for others to use the skills they have been blessed with. He gives you a chance and expects the best from you because he wants the best from you.”

Brad Lagos, associate pastor at Bethel, says there is a pattern to Yadron’s life. “In a very wise way, he has guided and led his company while at the same time he is constantly looked to in our congregation as a guy that has great discernment and insight. That’s one reason he’s one of our church elders.”

M&M, which Yadron’s father Mike opened in 1976, has doubled in size in the last decade. Sales from 2000 have increased 110 percent and the business grew from two locations to four.

Yadron, 35, of Crown Point, has been instrumental in bringing systemization into the business. “When it comes to contracting, procedures are all over the map,” he says.

“Now we have a process in place from the way we load trucks to the way we start a job to what we do everyday. We put systems in place in every part of the company so we can deliver the same results over and over again.”

For M&M’s sales staff, the iPad has changed everything.

Yadron says they are 100 percent connected and use it when they go to a customer’s home to take pictures, do a presentation, input numbers and generate a proposal.

Customers can sign right on the device and get a contract executed on the very same day.

“We’ve tried to make it more freeing for our sales force so when they have a spare minute they can spend extra time with their family or doing activities they typically don’t have time for,” Yadron says.

“We’ve tried to make it an efficient process and so we continue to bring technology into a business that isn’t technologically advanced.”

One small group initiative under Yadron’s leadership that has been pivotal for Bethel was a pancake fundraising breakfast with a church in Gary. “This served as one of the key moments that sparked an ongoing relationship,” Lagos says. “His work opened the doors for a deeper, more unified partnership and ministry with that community.”

“The groups got together and care for each other and grow in their relationship with God,” Lagos says. “They are a platoon that reaches out to the community with acts of service and acts of love.”

Lagos describes Yadron as a humble servant and a man of sagely wisdom.

Yadron life’s lessons were passed along by his father. “I learned a lot about hard work, finances, responsibility and managing family life,” Yadron says. “Those things can get people into trouble. Not so much from things he said but the things he did have transcended into how I conduct my life today.”

Yadron also supports The Women’s Center of Northwest Indiana, a pregnancy resource center, which has five locations and provides information on abortion procedures and pregnancy options, free pregnancy tests and confidential ultrasound exams.

“I feel like it’s a good cause and that they are doing good work in the community,” Yadron says.

For your information

Age: 35 • Business Address: 3488 Eagle Nest Drive, Crete IL 60417 • Business Phone: 708.756.7800 Website: m-mcorp.com/

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Small business

The backbone of our community

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By Lorri Feldt

Regional Director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center

hat great stories the 20 Under 40 honorees have! Each leads an amazing professional life and contributes to the community in so many ways with much promise ahead.

About a handful of the class are small business people, a subject I’ll focus on here: those risk-takers, who put their idea, talents and livelihood on the line with no guarantee of the outcome, unlike most of us who know pretty much that the paycheck will come. Sometimes we don’t think about how much small business owners contribute to and serve the community with their ventures.

The most basic part of business lies in the service of customers. When Adam Smith articulated his philosophy of capitalism in “The Wealth of Nations” in 1776 and in his earlier writings, he focused on what he believed was the honorable and moral notion of serving and pleasing customers. Don’t we all see this most directly in action with small business owners and often their employees when well-led by the owner?

The joy and pride in serving their customer, like the greeting we got at lunch at Fresh Coast Coffee in Gary last week, where the owner welcomed us like family and let me sample her restaurant’s sweet tea before ordering, assuring me I’d like it better than the bottled kind. Or the small factory owner who proudly leads visitors on a plant tour and knows how to operate every piece of equipment on the floor. While one can get good service from a large business, a small business owner often serves customers who are his or her neighbors, with whom he shares our communities and our region. The service provided is a personal expression. As the business grows, the jobs grow and the employees come from within.

In our seven-county region, well over 17,000 businesses (97.4 percent of the region’s businesses) have less than 100 employees, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. They are a diverse array of industrial suppliers and machine shops, high tech, retail stores, food processors, contractors and professional services firms, and more. Their diversity strengthens the economy just as holding diverse investments makes for a stronger portfolio. They tend to buy more goods and services from local suppliers and hire from the community. More of the money spent at area small businesses stays in our region than spent at larger businesses, often with home offices far away.

And let’s talk jobs. According to the SBA, half of private sector workers are employed by small businesses and they create an even higher percentage of net new jobs. Small businesses create the future; very few

While one can get good service from a large business, a small business owner often serves customers who are his or her neighbors, with whom he shares our communities and our region. businesses start big. A guy named Sam Walton opened his first little store in 1962. Bill Gates and Paul Allen started Microsoft in Gates’ garage.

Each small business owner wakes up to the day-today task of competing in the market for the attentions of the customer. Businesses and consumers both have a multitude of choices for the goods they purchase so it’s a success each and every time a buyer opens the wallet or a purchase order. In that sense every business owner is an innovator; they have found ways of differentiating their products or services so that the customer chooses theirs.

I have heard it said that Northwest Indiana does not innovate or that innovation takes place somewhere else with a showier identity like Silicon Valley or the Tech Corridor. I think that is a narrow view of innovation.

We have to look no further than the 20 Under 40 to see innovation at work by them. Anyone who has viewed videos produced by Wade Breitzke’s company, We Create Media, raves about the fresh, powerful approach he uses to communicate in that medium. While not yet on the marketplace, Julie Bombacino’s Just Food product innovates and will improve quality of life for the tube-fed individuals she wants to serve. Her service comes from the love of a mom for her child, whom she calls her Chief Inspiration Officer, looking for a better way to provide for him.

Small business and innovation will be in the spotlight at the 22nd annual E-Day Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 6. We will celebrate entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds who will actually get part of the day off (a rare event) so we can hear their stories and applaud their work. Join us in celebrating small business. For more details, please visit edayleaders.com.

Lorri L. Feldt is the Regional Director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center

36 | In Business

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Leadership

Reinventing leadership

L

BY BILL HANNA

President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

eadership is all about challenging ourselves. It’s easy to do the familiar thing; to do things a certain way because that’s how they have always been done. It gives us a sense of security to repeat the past because it gives us an illusion of control over the future. The last time I did this, that happened, so if I do this again, that will happen again. And a great many times it does. But that doesn’t mean that doing what you’ve always done is the right thing to do.

Sometimes, that reluctance to step into the unknown future ties us down. We find ourselves caught in the classic definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Or worse, doing the same thing over and over and not expecting different results, but not changing the behavior because we have found a way to benefit from a broken system. We got ours–everyone else, well, that’s their problem.

Only true leadership can break these cycles. By challenging ourselves to break the mold we can pursue better government, social and economic models. This happens frequently in the last two areas. In the former, not as much. Businesses must constantly reinvent how they approach the market because something is always changing. There’s a new method of manufacturing or a new distribution channel or a new competitor. Society changes more slowly, but even there on issues of equality we are a far different country than we once were, and that’s a good thing.

That inertia can be felt in Northwest Indiana. “Doing things the way they’ve always been done” could be a slogan for the Region. But after decades of fealty to the way things are always done, the results speak for themselves. The mills are a shadow of their former selves. Our infrastructure is in disrepair. Our urban core struggles with poverty and neglect. And our best and brightest often leave first chance they get, because of the lack of opportunity here. Finding our way out of this cycle is a leadership challenge that will be with us for decades to come.

As young leaders it is incumbent upon us to break the cycle of how-it’s-always-been-done in Northwest Indiana. To do that we must be dedicated to forthrightly addressing the best interests of the region and not our job titles.

As young leaders we have an obligation to seize opportunities to truly lead. Most of the time that means we will have to fly by instruments instead of sight. So our instruments better be dialed in tight! The dialing in comes from education and mentoring. Seeking to be critiqued and advised is a sure way to accumulate wisdom from those who have it to offer. It is also a way to minimize in yourself a true killer of results: pride.

As young leaders it is incumbent upon us to break the cycle of how-it’salways-been-done in Northwest Indiana.

To do that we must be dedicated to forthrightly addressing the best interests of the region and not our job titles.

For a long time growth in Northwest Indiana has been stifled in part by parochial attitudes and lingering political fiefdoms. This makes it difficult to get others to help us make the changes we need to make, because they look at our own squabbling and walk away.

The mission of the Regional Development Authority is to build a region that is competitive with the Chicago suburbs. It is my goal to move toward a community that has as many opportunities as any place in the country for my children. I want to be able to ask them to stay and make a life here for more reasons than just to be close to family. We can get there. I look forward to looking to my left and right and seeing you all there as we bring new light for others to follow, step by step.

Bill Hanna is the President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and a 20 Under 40 honoree.

ISSUE YEAR | 37

Technology

Leverage is the newer breed

I

By Ranjan B. Kini

Professor at Indiana University Northwest

s there an app for it? This is the question you often hear lately from all types of industry workers, students and educators.

Most organizations, regardless of the industry they belong to, scan for opportunities to gain efficiencies, competitive edge, innovations while increasing the scale and scope of their operations. Prudent use of technology has been delivering some of these opportunities.

However, in the recent past, the explosive growth of connectedness through Internet and content delivery through a gamut of devices has delivered a fertile ground for even more opportunities.

Even after its existence as a premier Internet retailer for over a decade, Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos, who recently bought The Washington Post, still says we have not even leveraged 5 percent of the Internet’s capability.

Being aware of these possibilities, organizations are continuing to seek novel ways to leverage the newer breed of technologies.

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine in most organizations and governments a touch point without encountering some type of technology. Thus, it is a valid point to ask how much does one need to know about the technology to do their jobs in the future.

Once in a while in my classes a student would ask me, “Why would I need to know lot about technology?

We don’t need to know much about car’s intricacies yet drive around and do all that we need and take it to maintenance when we need it fixed.”

I normally respond, “We don’t need to know a lot about how computer works internally either, but we definitely need to know about all possible ways a computer is and can be useful to us, which is far more ways—to do information and knowledge based tasks.”

Currently, most of us in the U.S. carry a device (smartphone) which has the equivalent computing power approximately of a mainframe or large computer of 1970s, and is useful for communication, coordination and collaboration. We carry a tablet or a notebook for data access, analysis and decision making support at anytime from anywhere. We expect the Internet (or cloud) access from the middle of the ocean to mountaintop.

In the process, we create so much (volume) data from image to video (variety), and at a rate that is unbelievable (velocity) that we have created new challenges. We need newer processes for going through this big data to make sense of it. This culture of changing technology and organizations trying to gain an edge to meet their customer’s (or user’s or partner’s) needs is creating waves of new ideas, new devices and new processes through creative destruction of existing technologies and processes. Every organization may not need to adopt these changes immediately, but to survive they may have to—sooner than later.

Regardless of the profession everyone is in —retail, manufacturing, service or education— we all need to work with technology to perform their tasks. And the quality and the intensity of use of technology in each of these professions have been changing rapidly in ways that were not possible before.

Regardless of the profession everyone is in—retail, manufacturing, service or education—we all need to work with technology to perform tasks. And the quality and the intensity of use of technology in each of these professions have been changing rapidly in ways that were not possible before. The rate of change in the adoption and diffusion will necessarily demand a need for professionals to gain skills to adapt to these changing technologies so they can effectively and efficiently deliver results.

Most millennials who were born with Internet, by adopting smartphones, tablets and social media at adolescence, further affect the process changes in most task situations. These changes drive the need for technology skill base for above mentioned professionals and others. This need would require them to be highly knowledgeable at these most advanced technologies.

The change in technology has been such lately that even the senior citizens, many who have never touched a computer before, are encouraged by their financial institutions and governments to get connected to this new world. Technology is here to stay, empowering people to remain connected through smarter devices and social media.

Ranjan B. Kini is a Professor at Indiana University Northwest.

38 | In Business

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BusINess fall 2013 | 39

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Calendar Mondays

Business 4 Business | Merrillville 7:30-8:30am A J Specialties, 1308 E 85th Ave., B4B is a non — compete referral group with 29 active members who are passionate in what they do. Guest are welcome to come and watch the meeting structure.

Tony Schifino, 219.736.0367 ajspecialties1990@yahoo.com. facebook.com/Business4 BusinessReferrals.

Tuesdays

Kiwanis Club | Hammond 7:30-8:30am The Wheel Restaurant, 7430 Indianapolis Boulevard, Woodmar-Hammond chapter of Kiwanis International meets every Tuesday morning for breakfast. Guests are always welcome. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Buy your own breakfast.

Alice Vockell, 219.845.8250 alicedalla@aol.com. kiwanis.org.

BWUN Highland Alliance | Highland 8-9:15am Round the Clock, 9010 Indianapolis Blvd., BWUN (Business Women United Network) Highland Alliance meets every second Tuesday of the month.

Bethany Crose, 219.308.9113

Referral Organization of Indiana | Schererville 11:30am-12:30pm ENG Lending, 833 US 30, Suite 400, The Referral Organization of Indiana ROI meets Tuesdays. Networking starts at 11:15am Jane Koenig, 219.662.7701 roinetworkinc.com.

Wednesdays

ROI Business Networking Group | Crown Point 7:30-8:30am Crown Point Civic Center, 101 S East St., ROI meets Wednesdays. Networking starts at 7:15am Debra Corum, 219.769.7787 roinetworkinc.com.

Thursdays

Breakfast Kiwanis meet | Merrillville 7:15-8:30am Jelly Pancake House, 399 E 81st Ave., Merrillville Breakfast Kiwanis invites the public to get a close look at this 62-year nonprofit, charitable organization. Its challenge is to change the world-one child and one community at a time. The group meet Thursday mornings and 100 percent attendance is not mandatory. Nominal membership fee. Come share your talents; new members are welcome.

Yearly fee.

Mary Jane DiMichele, 219.313.0787 MaryJane@McColly.com.

MerrillvilleBreakfastKiwanis.org.

Fridays

NWI Networking Professionals | Merrillville 7:15-8:30am AJ Specialties, 1308 East 85th Ave., NWINP, Northwest Indiana Networking Professionals, meets Fridays. NIPN is a networking group for professionals interested in sharing information and resources that would allow them to meet their career objectives and work opportunities.

Carl Watroba, 219.776.7423 nwinetworking.org.

Saturdays

Construction Training Program | Gary 3-6pm Junedale Park, 50th and Madison Street Gary Precinct Construction Training Program will be training young people 17 to 30 in the art of construction weekly. Bring them to the park where there will be instructors to show how they can learn a trade that can provide for life and generations to come.

E. Turner/Eloise Smith, 219.712.1392 monstermtu@att.net.

We want to hear from you To read more calendar, visit n ‌ wi.com/business.

To include an item in the local business calendar, send event information, time, date, cost and location to business@nwitimes.com.

40 | In Business

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OU

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Plus... you’ll be dealing with local lenders awarded “Bank of the Year” for SBA 504 lending from the Regional Development Company.

So why go anywhere else?

ibankpeoples.com • 219.836.4400

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personal banking » business banking » wealth management

9/18/2013 11:01:08 AM