CEO works to empower customers, local students and his community. The vacuum technology industry is not something that the average person thinks about on a daily basis. Rick Dekker, CEO of Dekker Vacuum Technologies Inc., is the first to agree with that statement. “We receive calls daily about vacuum cleaner repair,” laughs Dekker, “but we […]
Leader of Strack & Van Til started as a stock boy and bagger. by Barbara Eastman One of Jeff Strack’s fondest childhood memories is going to visit the grocery store founded in 1959 by his German-born grandfather, Ernie Strack, and his partner, Nick Van Til. Jeff’s dad worked in the business and started bringing Jeff
James Muhammad helps Lakeshore Public Media cut debt, add programming. by Barbara Eastman James A. Muhammad, president and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media (LPM), grew up in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He went to Stillman College on a choral music scholarship and traveled the country performing with the college choir, but majored in communications. His parents were fans
A quarter century of growth and change, and a vision for the future. by Laurie Wink Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly is celebrating 25 years as Indiana’s leading regional business magazine. To mark this milestone, we asked five area leaders to reflect on the region’s growth over the past 25 years and share their vision for
Service and ingenuity are the keys to this pallet manufacturer’s growth. Entrepreneurs know to always be listening so they’ll hear when opportunity knocks. What about when an opportunity goes “moo”? Yes, Wade and Susan Kohler of Pioneer Packaging answered that opportunity, too, when they got into the business of livestock bedding. It’s a perfect–but not
John Phair leads Holladay Properties in creating headlines and jobs across much of Indiana. by Michael Puente Hardly a week goes by when Holladay Properties isn’t in the news. Whether it’s opening new commercial complex to construction of a new hotel location, Holladay Properties is involved in many business dealings across the northern part of
Younger generation making a mark on the corporate landscape. by Jerry Davich A handful of relatively young entrepreneurs is changing the corporate landscape in Northwest Indiana with ideas, inventions and out-of-box thinking. They’re known for their innovative minds in an ever-evolving, technology-savvy business world. Here are their stories. Guy Rhodes Since the age of 5,
Griffith construction company making a name in faraway places. by Michael Puente As companies go, Cambridge Companies of Griffith isn’t exactly the most well known in Northwest Indiana. But while folks around here may not have the 26-year-old company’s name on the tip of their tongues, Cambridge is making a name for itself nationally, especially
SBA recognizes Mike Suth as Indiana Small Business Person of the Year. by Jerry Davich Regardless of topic surrounding his family’s award-winning, third-generation business, Greg Suth always springs back to his father. “My dad was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work next to his employees, grinding, deburring and inspecting our products,” Suth
Dr. Marlon Mitchell takes on the region’s educational challenges. by Michael Puente In 2005, Gary native Dr. Marlon Mitchell was a successful businessman and real estate developer in Albany, Georgia, about three hours south of Atlanta. There, he built multiuse buildings and single-family homes while also undertaking historic restorations, along with project management consulting and
