Robert DeRuntz grew up in Knox, Indiana, and ever since he was little, he knew he wanted to be a teacher. His parents always had a bunch of history books and maps lying around, and he used to spend hours poring over them. He wanted nothing more than...

For Scott Underwood, being a business owner and family man are mutually inclusive. Ever since the original owners sold it to Underwood’s father in 1978, Lincoln Carry Outs has been under his family’s ownership, and the business has since been...

For the most part, people are creatures of habit. We like to wake up at the same time every day, go to the same places we love over and over, and eat in consistent intervals. Jaclin Owen likes consistency just as much as the next person, but she’s...

Play is an integral part of life for both children and adults alike, but as we grow we tend to let life get in the way. For Kara Mackey, this has never been the case; play has always been a big part of Mackey’s life whether it was when she was a...

Jenny Yednak may have grown up in the Philippines surrounded by a mother and grandmother who loved to bake, but she never thought she’d start her own bakery, especially not a bakery in the United States. Yednak’s story goes to show how a love for...

It’s amazing where our passions can take us. When Kyle Feck picked up running 15 years ago he never thought it would lead to him becoming a lifelong athlete or starting his own business. Like many great hobbies, though, running taught Feck the...

It’s incredible how one single moment can completely change a person’s life for the better. When Jamie Panicali was traveling the country, she never thought she’d one day settle down and start her own business. A chance encounter changed...

Many people notice problems within their community, but not everyone is brave enough to do something about them. Kristen Martin grew up in Gary where many of her family members, friends, and even herself struggled with substance use. Martin...

While people grow throughout their lives, discovering their own passions and interests as they go, It’s even more special when a parent’s passions become their child’s passions as well. The restaurant business has always been a big part of...

There are so many kind, thoughtful people doing wonderful things throughout Northwest Indiana, but you wouldn’t know it unless you asked them. Michelle Cicillian may not be one to talk much about herself, but she’s truly making the Region a...