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2025 Best of Business

Winners focus on expansion, keeping employees happy as Region grows

The Region is on the brink of economic greatness, and our 2025 Best of Business Awards winners reflect the anticipation for the boom to come.

From new offices to new employees, many of the 2025 Best of Business winners spent last year setting the stage for growth and prosperity.

Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s 20th readers’ survey honors winners in seven categories in Northwest Indiana and Michiana. Our winners excelled at providing services and products to the more than 1.4 million people who call the Region home.

We … anticipate reaping the benefits of the challenges we faced in 2024, which have set a strong foundation for the future.
Barry Hall
Barry Hall Kruggel Lawton CPAs
We are excited about the growth we have experienced in our MBA program over the past few years.
Matthew Luth
Matthew LuthValparaiso University
One of our biggest challenges … was expanding our team while staying true to our company culture and high standards.
Aaron McDermott
Aaron McDermott Latitude Commercial
Our goal is for the professional staff to grow in experience and skill enabling all of us to continue to provide superior service.
Terry McMahon
Terry McMahonMcMahon & Associates
Health care can be confusing and overwhelming, but peace of mind comes from trusting your Physician.
Heather Meyer-Schlipp
Heather Meyer-SchlippSouth Bend Orthopaedics

“The Best of Business Awards hold unique recognition for organizations that demonstrate excellence in their industries,” said Rich Shields, vice president of marketing for Tech Credit Union, which has multiple locations in the Region. Shields also is a longtime member of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s editorial advisory board composed of business leaders and experts.

“Beyond the honor, (a Best of Business Award) often motivates businesses to continually strive for growth and leadership, making it a prestigious accolade for any recipient,” Shields said.

Regional economic growth also benefited many of our winners, including McMahon & Associates CPAs PC in Munster.

“The growth in population and businesses in Northwest Indiana has provided an opportunity for our firm to have significant growth,” CEO Terry McMahon said.

Heather Meyer-Schlipp, executive director of South Bend Orthopaedics, pointed to efforts in the Region to build stability.

“The stronger our Region, the stronger we are as an organization,” she said.

Growth mindset

Many companies faced a positive challenge — they needed space to grow.

Kruggel Lawton CPAs based in South Bend expanded through the acquisition of a like-minded company, Cole Gavlas, based in Michigan, and moved its Elkhart office to a new facility.

We had several wins in 2024 that all came together to cumulatively add to our success.
Rick Urschel
Rick Urschel Urschel Laboratories Inc.
We are strategically expanding to better serve Northwest Indiana.
Tory Prasco
Tory PrascoBurke Costanza & Carberry LLC
We want to continue to serve our clients and each other well.
Andrea Short
Andrea Short 1st Source Bank
Their dedication is deeply personal because they’re serving the communities they call home.
Kreg Gruber
Kreg GruberBeacon Health System
Centier’s focus has always been to provide warm and welcoming interactions with our neighbors.
Mike Schrage
Mike SchrageCentier Bank

“These milestones will provide many opportunities in the years ahead,” said CPA Barry Hall, managing partner at Kruggel Lawton CPAs.

Granger-based Office Interiors acquired HDW Commercial Interiors in Merrillville. Both commercial design and furniture companies are Best of Business winners in their respective regions.

“(The acquisition is) very good news for our team and our clients — it’s kind of a game changer,” said Rita Bacevich, director of strategic initiatives for Northwest Indiana for HDW, an Office Interiors Inc. Company.

Likewise, Urschel Laboratories completed a major expansion in 2024, adding 115,000 square feet of manufacturing space to its Chesterton headquarters, and Franciscan Health Crown Point opened its new location in January, among other big projects in the Region.

“Watching our community respond to the new facility in such a positive way has been inspiring,” said Dr. Daniel McCormick, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point.

Latitude Commercial, which has an office in Crown Point, has moved up its search for a bigger office to house its growing number of employees.

“Our most pressing goal is to find a new office location that can accommodate our growth and address the current issue of limited space,” said Aaron McDermott, co-founder and president of Latitude.

Burke Costanza & Carberry, which has offices in Merrillville and Valparaiso, spent 2024 planning for a new La Porte location.

“As we explored a new office location, we ensured our existing operations stayed strong,” said Tory Prasco, managing partner. “Strategic planning and careful site selection were exciting and challenging.”

Some businesses even expanded beyond the Region’s borders. Merrillville-based Centier Bank opened branches in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis last year, plus a banking center in Cedar Lake.

“One of our goals for 2025 is to continue to expand our footprint across Indiana, so we can serve those markets with our signature brand of hospitality,” said Mike Schrage, CEO and chairman of the bank.

Economic growth

Our winners also focused on hiring and retaining employees who fulfill the mission of their companies.

General Insurance Services based in La Porte hired from within. “Being able to provide career paths and career growth opportunities here in Northwest Indiana is absolutely core to our mission and something about which we’re extremely proud,” said Craig Menne, president.

Thomas Gryp, president and CEO of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, credits staff too. “We have such an incredible group of partners (employees) that genuinely try to change a life each and every day,” Gryp said. “It is that consistent effort to truly make a difference that attracts members and allows us to succeed.”

That’s true for Beacon Health System.

“During a challenging year for health care nationwide, I’ve watched our associates consistently deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart,” CEO Kreg Gruber said.

Urschel Laboratories, which specializes in food-cutting technology, is focusing on reducing employee hours this year.

Urschel Laboratories employees
Urschel Laboratories employees agree that the company is a great place to work.

“Business growth outpaced our ability to hire, and it is causing a hardship on our workforce,” CEO Rick Urschel said.

The global company is governed by an employee stock ownership plan.

“Without (our employee owners’) commitment and dedication, none of our success would be achievable,” Urschel said.

Nick Larson, vice president of Larson-Danielson Construction, knows this too. “Given that our people are our business, we sincerely believe that nothing is impossible when you’ve got the right people on your team,” he said. “(We) plan to continue growing by finding ambitious individuals looking to work with the best in the business.”

Tammie Carr, president of TalentSource, also is looking to grow her staff.

“The beginning of (2024) was tough, but so are we, so we fought hard to turn things around the second half of the year,” she said. “And we ended up having a great year!”

Our winners are also pleased to be part of the Region’s business community.

“We look forward to collaborating with local partners to drive positive change in the Region, empower individuals, and help them achieve their educational and career goals,” said Matthew Luth, acting dean of the Valparaiso University College of Business.

Andrea Short, leader of 1st Source Bank and 1st Source Corp., said 2024 had its challenges — just like every year. The bank opened a banking center in Winamac and a loan office in Crown Point.

“Our goal for 2025 is the same as it is every year — continue to live out the 1st Source Bank mission of helping our clients achieve security, build wealth and realize their dreams,” Short said.

These lofty goals make this year’s Best of Business winners stand out with our readers, who voted for “the best!” Thank you for participating in this year’s survey!

The world is going to continue to change at a rapid pace so developing adaptability and resilience in our team will be a key to success this year and beyond.
Thomas Gryp
Thomas GrypNotre Dame FCU
The world is going to continue to change at a rapid pace so developing adaptability and resilience in our team will be a key to success this year and beyond.
Craig Menne
Craig MenneGeneral Insurance Services
Horizon creates a supportive environment for advisers, both personally and professionally, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Kathy Tilling
Kathy TillingHorizon Bank
Relocating and opening a new hospital in January of 2024 … continues to be challenging, but our team has responded like champions.
Daniel McCormick, MD
Dr. Daniel McCormickFranciscan Health Crown Point
Overcoming … challenges in labor shortages and supply chain volatility … positions us as the authority in delivering efficient, safe and high-quality construction projects.
Jon Gilmore
Jon GilmoreTonn and Blank Construction

2025 Results

Banking and Financial

Recognizing excellence in banking and finance, this category includes banks, credit unions, investment firms and financial advisers. These businesses provide services like banking, lending, investment management and financial planning.

Best Bank for Business

What is the best bank for business?

Best Bank for Customer Service

What is the best bank for customer service?

Best Institution for Obtaining a Business Loan

What is the best institution for obtaining a business loan?

Best Credit Union

What is the best credit union?

Best Accounting Firm

What is the best accounting firm?

Best Wealth Management Advisory Firm

What is the best wealth management advisory firm?

Best Business Investment Firm

What is the best business investment firm?

Business Services

Highlighting businesses that support other enterprises, this category includes consulting firms, marketing agencies, accounting services and technology solutions providers. These companies offer expertise and resources to foster growth and success for their clients.

Best Place to Purchase Office Furniture

What is the best place to purchase office furniture?

Best Place to Purchase Office Equipment and Supplies

What is the best place to purchase office equipment and supplies?

Best Information Technology Consulting Firm

What is the best information technology consulting firm?

Best Ad Agency or Marketing Firm

What is the best ad agency/marketing firm?

Best Graphic or Web Design Firm

What is the best graphic/web design firm?

Best Commercial Printer

What is the best commercial printer?

Best Employee Staffing Firm

What is the best employee staffing firm?

Best Telecommunications Firm

What is the best telecommunications firm?

Best Internet Provider

What is the best internet provider?

Community and Education

Celebrating organizations dedicated to community enrichment and education, this category includes nonprofits, community centers and educational institutions. Also find categories for minority-, veteran- and women-owned businesses.

Best Company to Work for

What is the best company to work for?

Best University for a Technology Degree

What is the best university for a technology degree?

Best University to Attain an MBA

What is the best university to attain an MBA?

Best University Online Degree Program

What is the best university online-degree program?

Best Minority-owned Business

What is the best minority-owned business?

Best Veteran-owned Business

What is the best travel agency for leisure travel?

Best Woman-owned Business

What is the best woman-owned business?

Construction and Real Estate

Acknowledging excellence in construction, development and property management, this category features builders, contractors, real estate agencies and property managers. These businesses are known for their quality craftsmanship and commitment to the built environment.

Best Commercial Real Estate Firm

What is the best commercial real estate firm?

Best Commercial Construction Firm for New Construction

What is the best commercial construction firm for new construction?

Best Commercial Construction Firm for Remodeling or Expansion

What is the best commercial construction firm for remodeling or expansion?

Best Engineering Firm

What is the best engineering firm?

Best Commercial Architectural Design Firm

What is the best commercial architectural design firm?

Best Commercial Landscaping Firm

What is the best commercial landscaping firm?

Best Residential Real Estate Firm

What is the best residential real estate firm?

Best Residential Home Construction Firm

What is the best residential home construction firm?

Best Residential Home Remodeling Construction Firm

What is the best residential home remodeling construction firm?

Events and Entertainment

Recognizing businesses that provide memorable experiences, this category includes event planners, venues, catering services and entertainment agencies that enhance community vibrancy through events, festivals and entertainment experiences.

Best Restaurant for Business Entertaining

What is the best restaurant for business entertaining?

Best Meeting Site for Large Groups

What is the best meeting site for large groups?

Best Meeting Site for Small Groups

What is the best meeting site for small groups?

Best Caterer for Events

What is the best caterer for events?

Best Golf Course for Charitable or Business Events

What is the best golf course for charitable/business events?

Best Photographer for Events

What is the best photographer for events?

Health and Wellness

Focusing on businesses that promote health and well-being, this category features health care providers, fitness centers, spas and wellness coaches. These businesses help individuals lead healthier lives through services like medical care, fitness and nutrition.

Best Hospital or Hospital Group

What is the best hospital/hospital group?

Best Health Care Facility for Cardiology

What is the best health care facility for cardiology?

Best Health Care Facility for Cancer Treatments

What is the best health care facility for cancer treatments?

Best Health Care Facility for Orthopedics

What is the best health care facility for orthopedics?

Best Health Care Facility for Mental Health

What is the best health care facility for mental health?

Best Health Care Facility for Urgent or Immediate Care

What is the best health care facility for urgent/immediate care?

Best Health Care Facility for Physical or Occupational Therapy

What is the best health care facility for physical/occupational therapy?

Best Fitness or Wellness Facility

What is the best fitness/wellness facility?

Best Law Firm for Corporate Law

What is the best law firm for corporate law?

Best Law Firm for Business Acquisitions and Mergers

What is the best law firm for business acquisitions and mergers?

Best Law Firm for Litigation

What is the best law firm for litigation?

Best Law Firm for Estate Planning

What is the best law firm for estate planning?

Best Insurance Agency for Business Property and Liability Coverage

What is the best insurance agency for business property and liability coverage?

Best Insurance Agency for Business Health and Life Coverage

What is the best insurance agency for business health and life coverage?

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Author

  • Heather Pfundstein 2024
    Publisher/Executive Editor - Linker Media Group
    Heather Pfundstein is the publisher and executive editor of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine and NWIndianaBusiness.com. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois newsrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has been part of the magazine's team since 2018.
    View all posts

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