Best of Northwest Indiana and greater South Bend/Michiana business awards
The votes are in. Readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine have selected the Best of Business for 2019 in Northwest Indiana and Greater South Bend and Michiana.
A total of 110 winners in 52 categories were selected by readers, representing the magazine’s coverage area, which includes Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski and Marshall counties.
These annual awards celebrate the outstanding service of local businesses in the community.
“It’s a survey that gives our readers a voice and the opportunity to say to businesses ‘you’re doing an amazing job, keep up the good work,’” said Troy Linker, publisher of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. “It’s a great feeling to inform businesses that they’ve been selected as a Best of Business in their category.”
Linker said business owners and executives appreciate the recognition for the products and services they provide.
“It’s a great morale booster for business owners and their employees,” he said. “Northwest Indiana Business Magazine congratulates all 2019 award recipients for Best of Business!”
Banking / Financial
Best bank for business
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: Peoples Bank
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: 1st Source Bank
To ensure Centier’s continued success, Mike Schrage, bank president and CEO, recognized the importance of being able to adapt to changes in the marketplace.
“For the first 20 years of my career, I was all about growth, profit and to be the biggest bank in Lake County,” he said. “It was through a personal health event that the bank and I took on a new identity and role for not only Northwest Indiana but for many other communities we now serve.”
Schrage said that, through the years, he learned how important building a positive culture is for an organization.
“Our culture feeds every decision we make and every interaction we have with our clients,” he said. “Because of our ‘not for sale’ promise, we have always been able to focus on our employees first. We hire the best, most talented employees with servant hearts that match our corporate values.”
Best bank for obtaining business loan
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: Peoples Bank
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: 1st Source Bank
Helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams is one of the many areas of expertise at Centier.
Jerry Tomasic, group sales manager and vice president of business banking at Centier, suggests entrepreneurs assemble a team of experts to help manage the administrative side of their business.
“That team should include an attorney, a banker and a CPA who can counsel you as your business starts and grows,” he said.
Tomasic said it also is important for entrepreneurs to follow their passion but be diligent about doing their research.
“Many small businesses start with a passion for providing a particular service or skill to their clients,” he said. “You do your homework by writing a business plan to make sure you can make money sharing your service or skill with clients.”
Tomasic said having a plan ensures entrepreneurs have thought out how to be successful as they start their business.
Best bank for customer service
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: Peoples Bank
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: 1st Source Bank
Relationship building is important for long-term success, said Chris Campbell, senior partner in lending at Centier.
“We know that if we have that strong relationship as the foundation, we’ll be able to always have a high-service quality,” he said.
“We listen to our clients and put their needs ahead of ours, and our reputation grows as a result.”
Best credit union
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Tech Credit Union
Runner-Up: Teachers Credit Union
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Teachers Credit Union
Runner-Up: Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
Best accounting firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: McMahon & Associates CPAs
Runner-Up: Swartz Retson
Consistency of quality service has been part of McMahon & Associates CPAs of Munster since its beginnings.
“Our business philosophy has always been to provide timely service and meaningful and technical advice,” said Terry McMahon, the firm’s president and CEO. “Providing timely service has been a hallmark of our firm … in the past and in the future.”
McMahon said clients are viewed as business partners, so his firm spends time getting to know each client’s specific needs. “(Having) genuine interest in the client’s business (demonstrates) we can be an important partner in all that they are going to be doing,” he said. “This has helped grow our brand as a reliable partner.”
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Kruggel Lawton CPAs
Runner-Up: Crowe LLP
Best wealth management advisory firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Kotys Wealth Professionals
Runner-Up: Lakeside Wealth Management
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Guidance Wealth
Runner-Up: Korhorn Financial Group
Best business investment firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: Horizon Bank
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Centier Bank
Runner-Up: 1st Source Bank
Business / Services
Best place to purchase office furniture
Northwest Indiana
Winner: HDW Commercial Interiors
Runner-Up: Pulse Technology
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Office Interiors
Best place to purchase office equipment and supplies
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Pulse Technology
Runner-Up: Kemp's Office City
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: US Business Systems
employee Ethan Erickson, right, took part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
event in Chesterton in October. The company was recognized as a 2019 Best of Business
in Northwest Indiana as Best Place to Purchase Office Equipment and Supplies. (Photo provided by Pulse Technology)
Understanding customers’ needs and evolving with them can go a long way, according to Chip Miceli, CEO of Pulse Technology of Indiana in Chesterton.
“You always need to re-invent your company, and if you have the right people, they remain the same,” he said. “Always listen to the customer, give more than they ask for and make them understand you want a partnership with them.”
Best information technology consulting firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Chester, Inc.
Runner-Up: Pulse Technology
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: US Business Systems
Runner-Up: Acruity
Best ad agency/marketing firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Group 7Even
Runner-Up: VIA Marketing
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Vala Marketing
Runner-Up: Villing and Company
Best graphic/web design firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Group 7Even
Runner-Up: SERA Solutions
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: J2 Marketing
Runner-Up: Vala Marketing
Best commercial printer
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Largus Graphix Solutions
Runner-Up: Lithographic Communications
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Zipp Printing
Runner-Up: Lithotone
Best employee staffing firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Staff Source
Runner-Up: Express Employment Services
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Integritas Search
Runner-Up: Express Employment Services
Best local telecommunications firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Midwest Telecom
of America
Runner-Up: NITCO
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Comcast Business
Best local internet provider
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Comcast Business
Runner-Up: NITCO
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Comcast Business
Community / Education
Best company to work for
Northwest Indiana
Co-Winner: Franciscan Health
Co-Winner: Centier Bank
Co-Winner: Staff Source
Co-Winner: Horizon Bank
Craig Dwight, CEO of Michigan City-based Horizon Bank, said for all businesses, regardless of size, happy and engaged employees are the key to success.
“(They) will deliver exceptional customer service, go above and beyond the call of duty, seek new opportunities and regularly make recommendations for improvement,” he said. “Horizon’s success would not have been possible without our competent, hardworking, fun-loving employees. I enjoy coming to work each day because of them—they truly make the job fun, challenging as well as rewarding.”
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Co-Winner: Horizon Bank
Co-Winner: 1st Source Bank
A workforce focused on customers can be effective in helping to stand out in a competitive industry. “We put our customers’ needs and best interest first and foremost in everything that we do,” said Steve Kring, regional president for Horizon Bank in La Porte and Porter counties. “As a community bank, we know local businesses are the fabric of our communities—if we serve them to the best of our abilities, our communities will grow and prosper as well.”
Best university to attain an MBA
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Indiana University Northwest
Runner-Up: Purdue University Northwest
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: University of Notre Dame
Runner-Up: Indiana University South Bend
Best university for technology degree
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Purdue University Northwest
Runner-Up: Indiana University Northwest
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Ivy Tech Community College South Bend-Elkhart
Runner-Up: Bethel University
Best university online degree program
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Indiana University Northwest
Runner-Up: Purdue University Northwest
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Indiana University South Bend
Runner-Up: Bethel University
Best minority-owned business
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Chicagoland Popcorn
Runner-Up: Powers & Sons Construction Company
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Linden Grill
Best veteran-owned business
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Veterans' Cafe and Grill
Runner-Up: Cloudbusters
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Indiana Whiskey
Best woman-owned business
Northwest Indiana
Winner: HDW Commercial Interiors
Runner-Up: Group 7Even
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Anna‘s Bread
Construction / Real Estate
Best commercial real estate firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Commercial In-Sites, LLC
Runner-Up: McColly Bennett Commercial Advantage
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Bradley Company
Runner-Up: Cressy & Everett Real Estate
Best commercial construction firm for new construction
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Larson Danielson Construction Company
Runner-Up: Chester, Inc.
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Larson Danielson Construction Company
Runner-Up: DJ Construction
Best commercial construction firm for remodeling or expansion
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Larson Danielson Construction Company
Runner-Up: Chester, Inc.
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Larson Danielson Construction Company
Runner-Up: DJ Construction
Best engineering firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: DVG Team
Runner-Up: Global Engineering & Land Surveying
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Troyer Group
Best commercial architectural design firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Shive-Hattery
Runner-Up: Chester, Inc.
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Epoch Architecture + Planning
Runner-Up: Troyer Group
Best commercial landscaping firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Tim's Landscape Services
Runner-Up: Lakeshore Landscaping
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Foegley Landscape
Best residential real-estate firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: McColly Real Estate
Runner-Up: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Cressy &
Everett Real Estate
Runner-Up: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Best residential home construction firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Olthof Homes
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Place Builders
Best residential home remodeling construction firm
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Apex Construction & Remodeling
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: HM Remodeling
Events / Entertainment
Best restaurant for business entertaining
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Gamba Ristorante
Runner-Up: Gino's Steakhouse
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Cafe Navarre
Runner-Up: Lasalle Grill
Best meeting site for large groups
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Avalon Manor Banquet Center
Runner-Up: Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Century Center
Runner-Up: Gillespie Conference Center
Best meeting site for small groups
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Gino's Steakhouse
Runner-Up: Gamba Ristorante
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Inn at Saint Mary's
Runner-Up: The Brick
Best caterer for events
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Dimitri's Catering
Runner-Up: Comforts Catering
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Cafe Navarre
Runner-Up: Skillet Restaurant & Catering
Best golf course for charitable/business events
Northwest Indiana
Winner: White Hawk Country Club
Runner-Up: Innsbrook Country Club
Point was recognized as a 2019 Best of Business Best Golf Course for Charitable/Business Events in Northwest Indiana. (Photo provided by White Hawk Country Club)
When you operate in a competitive industry, Anthony Lopez, general manager of White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, understands how good service can make a lasting impression.
“We stay in touch with our customers,” he said. “Without them, our business does not exist.”
This means he and his staff regularly review new trends within the industry.
“Our business is customer service and will remain at the forefront,” Lopez said. “The main rule is to listen and follow through, and when able, get feedback and make adjustments— be informed about decisions but don’t be afraid to give something a chance.”
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Blackthorn Golf Club
Runner-Up: Knollwood Country Club
Best photographer for events
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Pete Doherty Images
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Peter Ringenberg Photography
Health / Wellness
Best hospital/hospital group
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Community Healthcare System
coordinated the second diaper drive, which collected 20,000 diapers for Northwest
Indiana families. Franciscan was recognized in several 2019 Best of Business health
and wellness categories as well as a best place to work in Northwest Indiana. (Photo provided by Franciscan Health)
Recognizing the human side of health care ensures all patients who seek care from Franciscan Health are treated in a kind, considerate and connected manner, said Dr. Daniel McCormick, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point.
“The predominance of Franciscan Health as the Region's choice for health care clearly emphasizes our strong connection to our patients through our understanding of the need to provide care to the people of Northwest Indiana and not just patients,” McCormick said. “Don’t miss an opportunity to connect with the person you are caring for while you deliver the science and expertise to the patient.”
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Beacon Health System
Runner-Up: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Best health care facility for cardiology
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Community Healthcare System
McCormick said his hospital has grown significantly through the years and continues to expand. “Our health care delivery system continues to grow to provide the type of care and the level of care expected by today’s consumer of health care and is always evolving to meet these demands,” he said.
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Beacon Health System
Runner-Up: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Best health care facility for cancer treatments
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Community
Healthcare System
Patrick Maloney, president CEO of Franciscan Health Dyer, Hammond and Munster, said being diligent about operations hasn’t affected innovation.
“For Dyer, Hammond and Munster, we have been consolidating programs across our campuses to lower the cost of health care and to be able to provide centers of excellence,” Maloney said. “We continue to see growth at our Munster facility, and we will continue to grow to meet that demand.”
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Goshen Health
Runner-Up: Michiana
Hematology Oncology
Best health care facility for orthopedics
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: South Bend Orthopaedics
Runner-Up: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Best health care facility for mental health
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Community Healthcare System
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Oaklawn Mental Health
Runner-Up: Beacon Health System
Best health care facility for urgent/immediate care
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan ExpressCare
Runner-Up: Community Healthcare System
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Runner-Up: Beacon Health System
Best health care facility for physical/occupational therapy
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health
Runner-Up: Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: McDonald Physical Therapy
Runner-Up: South Bend Orthopaedics
Best fitness/wellness facility
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Franciscan Health Fitness Centers
Runner-Up: Community Healthcare System
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Beacon Health System
Runner-Up: Eastlake Athletic Clubs
Legal / Insurance
Best law firm for corporate law
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Burke Costanza & Carberry
Runner-Up: Krieg DeVault
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: SouthBank Legal: LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Runner-Up: Barnes & Thornburg
John LaDue with SouthBank Legal: LaDue, Curran, Kuehn in South Bend said the firm’s strategy of focusing on high-quality legal work and counseling for clients, taking care of staff and protecting the company’s culture all factor into the company’s success.
“We want to help our clients grow their businesses, and in turn, we continue to grow our firm,” LaDue said. “This focus requires continuous improvement, creativity, agility and teamwork—both internal teamwork and collaboration with our clients.
Ensuring work quality is preserved also means maintaining a positive and healthy work environment for staff.
“(We) focus first on what we do best: providing high-quality legal services and advice for our clients,” LaDue said. “(We) take care of our teammates, and finally, (we) have fun. We truly enjoy working together as a team to help our clients.”
Best law firm for business acquisitions and mergers
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Burke Costanza & Carberry
Runner-Up: Hoeppner Wagner & Evans
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: SouthBank Legal: LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Runner-Up: Barnes & Thornburg
Best law firm for litigation
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Burke Costanza & Carberry
Runner-Up: Eichhorn & Eichhorn
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: SouthBank Legal: LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Runner-Up: Barnes & Thornburg
Best law firm for estate planning
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Burke Costanza & Carberry
Runner-Up: Eichhorn & Eichhorn
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: SouthBank Legal: LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Runner-Up: Barnes & Thornburg
Best insurance agency for business property and liability coverage
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Pinnacle Insurance Group of IN
Runner-Up: General Insurance Services
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Healy Group
Runner-Up: Gibson Insurance Agency
Best insurance agency
for business health and life coverage
Northwest Indiana
Winner: Pinnacle Insurance Group of IN
Runner-Up: 1st Source Insurance
Greater South Bend/Mishawaka
Winner: Healy Group
Runner-Up: 1st Source Insurance
Click here to read more from the Apr-May 2019 issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
