Michiana Premier- April 2026

Community Growth

Happy Spring, Michiana!

There’s something refreshingly powerful about stepping into a new season, not just on the calendar, but as a community. Fresh ideas. Renewed energy. A shared vision for everything that’s possible together. It feels like a collective reset, a moment to lean into growth and everything ahead.

I’m so honored to be stepping into the role of Publication Director and continuing to build on the incredible foundation that’s already begun. This magazine is about connection, highlighting the people, businesses, stories, and moments that make Michiana feel like home. That mission remains at the heart of everything we do, and it’s something I care deeply about carrying forward with intention.

APRIL, 2026

PUBLISHER

Cody Sturma

Cody.Sturma@gmail.com

Phone # 574.361.2797

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Cheyenne Ketcham Michiana.mag@gmail.com

MAGAZINE LAYOUT

Jacob Torres

AD DESIGNER

Isaac Jacob

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Rudy Rodriguez

For those I haven’t met yet, I’m a wedding, branding, and family photographer of five years with a deep love for lighting, love, and genuine emotion. Storytelling has always been my lens, whether through photography or now through these pages. Alongside this role, I also serve as our Social Media Manager, helping extend the conversations beyond print and into the everyday spaces where we connect online.

What excites me most about this next chapter is that it’s not about one voice, it’s about all of us. This publication is a collaboration between our leadership, our contributors, our local business partners, and you, our readers. It truly takes a community to tell a community’s story, and I’m grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate team to make that happen each month.

Inside this issue, you’ll find stories designed to inspire, inform, and spotlight the incredible talent and heart that exists right here in Michiana. Our partners and contributors continue to pour their time, expertise, and belief into this publication, and we are so thankful for their support.

As we move forward, my hope is that this magazine continues to feel like something you’re part of, not just something you read. Your stories, your businesses, your milestones, your growth, that’s what fills these pages and brings them to life.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and your lives. Here’s to momentum, creativity, and continuing to grow together!

Cheyenne Ketcham,Publication Director

STAFF WRITERS

Michelle Parnell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelsea Reust

Aaron J. Bechtel

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SV Photography

Vector Financial

Rudy Rodriguez

RR Housing

RealMedia SB

Bible Verse

Matthew 28:18–20

“And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Social Spotlight

The social heartbeat of our community

R Studio's Kids Paint Fest in South Bend, hosted by owner Rudy Rodriguez, turned a simple idea into a super special day for local families. Kids got to paint, dance, laugh, and just be creative while the community came together to support the event. It was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when local businesses and neighbors show up for their community!

Images by Rudy Rodriguez

Social Spotlight

The social heartbeat of our community

Rafael and Shelley Pillado with RR Housing recently took a much deserved vacation and spent part of their trip exploring Sian Ka’an, known as “where the sky is born.” The beautiful biosphere was peaceful, quiet, and the perfect place to unplug! They started with a scenic boat ride and then floated through a natural canal with their life jackets and the current. Shelley shared that the water was so incredibly clear it felt like looking through a window. It was a relaxing and unforgettable experience that gave them time to recharge and enjoy the beauty around them.

Images by Shelley & Rafael Pillado

Social Spotlight

The social heartbeat of our community

Traci recently returned from an unforgettable Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Symphony of the Seas, beginning with time in South Beach Miami before setting sail. Her journey included zip lining in St. Maarten, swimming with sea turtles in St. Thomas, and feeding the famous pigs in Nassau. She wrapped up the trip in Hollywood, Florida, making new friends and lifelong memories along the way. It’s an experience she highly recommends.

Images by Traci Parcell

Bring Your Finances Home To Vector Financial Services

Written

Local financial services gem Vector Financial Services (VFS) is di erent from the “big guys.” Instead, you will find a drama-free, low-pressure experience: personal, ethical, and above all, client-oriented. They o er a wide range of services, including investment, college and retirement planning, tax-aware investment strategies, 401(k) support, and Social Security analysis and planning. With VFS, you can get that service at your favorite co ee shop, over a Zoom call, or right in your very own home—wherever you are comfortable in your neighborhood. This homegrown company, started right here in Michiana, has a story much like that of many Hoosiers: full of heart, perseverance, and the inner knowledge that there is a better way.

Michiana native Doug Kronk is the founder and president of Vector Financial Services. Doug brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial world to the table, and has worked in a broad variety of market conditions. This experience brought him the fortitude and knowledge not only to provide outstanding service when “times are good,” but through the hard times as well; he was able to calm clients’ anxieties and still discuss their long-term goals through the recession of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Doug prefers to work with his clients based on long-term, ongoing relationships; at the first meeting with Doug, you’ll likely find yourself immersed in a meaningful conversation before ever discussing finances. Doug truly enjoys talking with all kinds of people and learning from them about a wide variety of subjects. Thanks to his military background, Doug is driven to take a service-forward, mission-oriented approach. As a Veteran himself, there is a special place in his heart for working with other Veterans and federal retirees.

A er graduating from Concord High School in 1982, Doug served for nearly 25 years in the U.S. Air Force. His travels in the USAF took him across the country and the world, opening his eyes to many di erent cultures, some very di erent from ours in the U.S. This gave him a whole new skill set of problem solving and critical thinking that would serve him later through his business ventures. A er retiring in 2007 Doug decided to return home to Michiana, feeling it was a great place to raise a family. In January of 2007, the economy was starting to slow down, and signs of what would become known as The Great Recession of 2008 were everywhere.

Doug had all the makings of a great resume, including an MA in Management and an MBA in Finance, but no one was hiring, and many folks were being laid o . Doug, too, found himself unemployed for the first time in his life. It had been nearly 10 months since Doug had le military service when he decided to make a brave and risky move: he would start his own business. He started out in the insurance industry, and did very well selling insurance products to the seniors’ market, such as life, Medicare, home health care, and long-term care insurance. Through a personal connection he made with a client, Doug met a financial advisor who wanted to break away from the company he was currently with. Doug was ready to make some moves as well, and this would become a turning point. The two decided to go into business together.

They started another financial services company in Mishawaka, which is still in existence today. Unlike VFS, though, this initial company is what is referred to in the industry as a “dual-hatted” or “hybrid” company, which means the “advisers” that work at the firm change roles dependent upon circumstances. They can be both product salespeople as well as advisers, and this is how Doug experienced the “dirty, seedy underbelly” within the industry. Doug’s conscience simply would not allow him to keep working in such an unethical environment rife with undisclosed conflicts of interest. A er a year, he once again decided to go out on his own, and Vector Financial Services was born. VFS started as a virtual advising company in 2010, and just opened its first brick-and-mortar location last fall.

But what really makes Vector Financial Services the singular, stand-out company that it is? The first thing to know is that VFS is an independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) that is required by Federal law to adhere to the fiduciary standard (more on this legal obligation in a moment).

Unlike the fiduciary standard, many other financial professionals follow a “suitability standard,” which only requires that a recommendation be appropriate for a client’s situation, even if it is not the best or most cost-e ective option.

You may be asking, “What is a fiduciary standard?” That is a topic that can take up an entire article on its own, but the gist is this: Fiduciaries have a legal obligation to act with undivided loyalty, putting the client’s interests first, even if it means reducing their own compensation. This means that Doug is not beholden to sales quotas or proprietary products of any kind, and he works solely for his clients to further their financial goals, full stop! To be an RIA, Vector Financial Services must put clients’ best interests first, as opposed to selling them on a plan or investment that benefits the adviser or the company he or she works for with increased compensation or kick-backs at the client's expense. To oversimplify it, Doug is solely an adviser; he never actually touches, or “takes custody of,” his clients’ money. Navigating finances can be intimidating and murky; the goal at VFS is to be transparent, clear, and provide financial education to last a lifetime, in a low-pressure environment. Doug wants every client to know that “you’re the CEO, I’m your CFO!”

Doug is not all work and no play, though! He wants others to know that he is “just another guy.” Doug and his wife live near Lake Wawasee. He is passionate about his Harley, and loves riding with his buddies to funky, eclectic restaurants that are o the beaten path for a good meal, good conversation, and perhaps connecting with a stranger and learning something new. Another of Doug’s passions is o ering financial literacy classes to our youth, and this is his favorite way to give back to the community. Doug is so easy to talk to, and at the end of our time together he le me with this nugget of wisdom: “A cookie cutter belongs in the kitchen, not in your financial advisor’s o ce. At the end of the day, your financial plan and investment portfolio deserves to be as unique as you!”

To learn more about Doug and Vector Financial Services, visit their website at www.vector-financial.com

The Best Fit

Jennifer Lehman, Senior Loan O cer with CrossCountry Mortgage, entered the finance world when she was twenty-four years old and it set the course for her future. Since 2016, she has exclusively worked in the residential mortgage sector of finance. Equipped with a Master of Business Administration degree and licensed in both Michigan and Indiana, Jennifer uses her analytical and prob lem-solving skills to find the best loan products for her clients based on their unique needs and situation.

Once the client is ready to move forward, Jennifer says there are many options to make sure they get a loan that best fits their situation. “We have traditional loans like FHA, VA, and USDA loans,” says Jennifer. “But we also have non-traditional options such as a bank statement loan commonly used for someone who owns their own business and has a lot of write-o s, so they may not claim all their income. This allows us to show more income using their bank statements than if we're just looking at the tax return. We're documenting, just in a di erent way.”

Investors can explore a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan. “For DSCR, we can use current or future rental income to qualify them for the loan, as long as they are going to rent it for at or above what they're paying, then that's what we use to qualify them,” she explains.

Jennifer begins by gathering as much information as possible so she can properly guide her clients in the right direction. “Our first conversation is usually about twenty minutes long, and I ask a lot of questions,” she says.

“We talk about their employment situation and type of income, whether that’s W-2 wages, self-employment, or Social Security. I also get a sense of where their credit stands and review assets like checking and savings accounts, and investments. Once I have that full picture, I can determine what they qualify for and identify any steps they may need to take to strengthen their position before applying for a loan.”

Other non-traditional loan options exist such as ITIN loans for non-citizens who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to pay taxes, 1099-only loans where the client uses their gross income from their 1099 to qualify, and bridge loans which are helpful for clients who are buying and selling property at the same time.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her blended family — her husband, Rhett, their three adult children, one with autism, and two beloved dogs. Giving back is also a big part of Jennifer’s life. She regularly participates in volunteer events with her CCM team to raise money for local charities, including their annual “Tailgate for a Cause,” which brings the community together for a fun event with a meaningful impact.

To connect with Jennifer, learn more, or be added to her quarterly newsletter, visit jenlehman.com or call 574-238-3941.

Asparagus & Burrata Salad:

Ingredients:

1. 1 bunch asparagus

2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3. 4–6 slices prosciutto

5. 2 tbsp olive oil

7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the asparagus until tender, then arrange on a plate.

2. Add cherry tomatoes and slices of prosciutto.

3. Place the burrata cheese in the center.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

The Blueprint of a Better Neighborhood:

Why the "Big" in BIG Realty is About Heart, Not Just Scale

Article by Aaron J. Bechtel

Principal, BIG Realty Services, LLC

In the world of real estate investing, people talk all about "units," "ROI," and "exit strategies.” But if you’ve ever stood in a cold house waiting for a contractor who didn’t show up, you know that real estate isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s the foundation of family life. It’s our active commitment to the neighborhood's stability and growth.

For years, Aaron Bechtel has operated at the street level in our communities. I’ve seen the "landlord grind” from the inside out. But as my portfolio has grown, I’ve realized that to truly serve our community and protect the legacy of the properties we acquire, we have to elevate our role from traditional landlords to the Local Engine of Strategic Development. We shi ed our focus from simply managing debt to purposefully engineering appreciation and growth for the future of our partners and residents.

The Local Engine: BIG Realty Services, LLC

The soul of our business remains rooted in the name on our leeward—the one our community knows: BIG Realty Services, and its dedicated partner, BIG Maintenance & Rehab.

Create Financing: Create Win-Win Opportunities

The heart of our current expansion is based on the idea that every transaction should be a "Win-Win." We aren't looking for "distressed" sellers to exploit; we are looking for partners in progress. For the property owners in our local area who have spent decades building their portfolios, I know those buildings are more than just brick and mortar. They represent your life’s work. One, the traditional path of selling to a "cash buyer" means leaving money on the table or facing a massive tax hit. We o er a di erent way.

Through creative financing—including seller carry-backs, equity partnerships, and strategic debt assumptions—we can now provide sellers with a higher purchase price and long-term passive income, all while ensuring their properties are absorbed into a professionally managed system. We solve the headaches of deferred maintenance and management fees by integrating your hard work into our engine. We don’t just buy houses; we preserve legacies.

To the Partners: Precision Meets Integrity

For those looking to commit capital to our strategy as Joint Venture partners, our approach is defined by what I call "Conservative Excellence." In an era of inflated numbers, we choose the ground floor. Our strategic plan is built on a grounded Aer-Repair Value (ARV) that reflects reality, not hope.

Our strategic focus involves deploying capital to strategically scale our portfolio, while maintaining the stability and growth of our community. Because of our vertical integration, we accelerate appreciation through standardized renovations, aiming for an appropriately conservative projected Loan-to-Value (LTV) at maturity.

I believe in this mission so deeply that I’ve backed it with a structure built for maximum capital protection. It’s a level of professional foresight that says: I respect your capital as much as I respect my own name and legacy. This structure ensures that even in the face of the unexpected, the mission continues and the capital is protected.

Building the Future, One Handshake at a Time

Real estate is the foundation of our community, but it’s the people inside the buildings that matter most. By utilizing BIG Maintenance & Rehab to hit strict renovation windows and BIG Realty Services to manage and maintain the relationships with tenants, we work to improve tenant lives, while raising the standard of what it means to be a local housing provider.

Whether you are a seller looking for a creative, tax-e cient exit or a partner looking for a stable, high-integrity vehicle for growth, BIG Realty Services, LLC is built on a simple promise:

We do the work.

We aren’t trying to be the biggest company; we’re trying to be the best. We’re building a legacy of stabilized housing, community pride, and enduring financial health. If you value transparency, grit, and a commitment to prompt action, let’s build the future of our neighborhoods together.

By Aaron J. Bechtel

Contact Information:

Aaron J. Bechtel, Principal BIG Realty Services, LLC | 2100 Lincolnway W, Mishawaka, IN 46544 Investing in the future of our neighborhoods.

The Growth of Stahl Painting Company Built on Hard Work and Heart:

Spring is upon us, and what better time to tackle that big painting project? Stahl Painting Company is the one to call for all of your commercial and residential painting needs, and bonus: they will tackle drywalling and roofing for you as well. There is no doubt that they are Michiana’s future when it comes to this industry.

Owner and CEO Satori Stahl (34) started this company in 2018 with two friends, his now-sales manager Kyle and now-project manager Neal. Satori and Kyle had just become new fathers, and wanted a way to bring in some extra income. They started doing handyman jobs a er their factory shi s, and Satori says, “the phone just kept ringing!” They were so successful that they were able to leave their factory jobs and do painting full time, and became Painting and Contracting Association (PCA) members along the way. Satori, now with three kids and one on the way, hopes to turn Stahl Painting Company into a family business one day.

Satori wants all of his clients, present and future, to know that Stahl Painting Company is not profit-driven, but rather servant-focused. He is constantly asking the important questions: How can we give our clients the most value? How can we put energy back into our workforce, give them better tools and processes, and keep them eager to learn? Satori appreciates his employees just as much as his clients; some of his goals include taking his team to a leadership retreat, and to one day send each crew member and their families on an

all-paid vacation. Satori

What makes Stahl Painting Company so successful is their commitment to quick and clear communication with their clients. Satori understands that this generation is all about instant gratification, wants a quick response, and will never sacrifice quality. Another key to their success is that Satori has made it a point to communicate better with his crews, which makes him an accessible and hands-on boss. Satori knows that this translates to a better experience for his clients in the long-run. Another key to Stahl Painting Company’s success is their willingness to evolve and adapt to trends. “We aren’t set in our ways,” Satori says. “We understand that in order to stay in business, you must be open-minded.”

Satori is all about continuing to learn—and teach—what he can in order to best serve his employees and clients. He enjoys attending public speaking events as both a listener and a speaker, and has given talks about safety, tools, old and new regulations, and various industry processes.

Speaking of trends, Stahl Painting Company has recently gone viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, gaining as much as a thousand followers a week! Some videos are funny and lighthearted, and others show the team working with a new tool or trying a new technique. Another way Satori is pushing himself to evolve is by setting a goal to appear on at least two podcasts this year, another growing industry that Satori is determined to leave their mark upon. Keep Stahl Painting Company relevant by checking them out on all of their platforms by searching @stahlpaintingcompany. You can help this local business by leaving a Google or Facebook review, and by visiting their website at www.stahlpaintingcompany.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, TIME: 7:30 PM

The Fireplace R&B Tour

Showcase of Local Events

A nostalgic evening of classic R&B featuring artists such as Changing Faces, Surface, and The Rude Boys. A throwback celebration of soulful hits.

The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516

Pricing: Approximately $64–$167 depending on seating

MONDAY, APRIL 6, TIME: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Brain Awareness Fair

A family-friendly science event featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive brain games, demonstrations, and educational activities for all ages.

Howard Park Event Center, 521 E. Je erson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617

Pricing: Free admission

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, TIME: 7:30 PM

Classic Seger: Rock & Roll Never Forgets

A high-energy tribute to Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band celebrating classic rock anthems and timeless hits.

The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516

Pricing: Approximately $30–$66

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, TIME: 7:00 PM Blue Gate Ranch Rodeo

An action-packed evening of rodeo competition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and family-friendly Western entertainment.

Michiana Event Center, 455 E. Farver Street, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Pricing: Approximately $64–$167 depending on seating

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, TIME: 3:00 PM Grease: Rockin’ Rydell Edition Free Community Movie

Part of The Lerner Loves You community series, this free screening of the beloved musical film invites families and friends for a nostalgic afternoon.

The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516

Pricing: Free

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Luke Combs My Kinda Saturday Night Tour

Country superstar Luke Combs headlines a major stadium show with nationally recognized opening acts. One of the largest concerts of the spring in the Michiana region.

Notre Dame Stadium, 113 Joyce Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556

Time: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM; gates open earlier

Pricing: Varies widely by seat location

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, Riverdance 30th Anniversary Tour

The internationally acclaimed Irish dance production celebrates three decades with electrifying choreography and live music.

Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601

Time: Evening performance approximately 7:00 PM

Pricing: Varies by seating

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 24–26 Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival

A beloved spring tradition featuring pancake breakfasts, parade, artisan vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment, races, and family activities celebrating the region’s maple syrup heritage

Historic Downtown Wakarusa, Wakarusa, IN 46573

Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Pricing: Free to attend; race entries and some activities have fees

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, TIME: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Michiana Wine Festival

A regional wine-tasting event featuring Indiana wineries, food vendors, artisan booths, and live music in a festive outdoor setting.

Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Pricing: Ticketed event; tasting packages vary

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 7:00 PM World Ballet Company Cinderella

A full-scale ballet production of the classic fairy tale with elaborate sets, professional dancers, and family-friendly storytelling.

The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516

Pricing: TApproximately $55–$104

THROUGHOUT APRIL South Bend Cubs Opening Homestand

Minor League Baseball returns for spring season games featuring themed nights, fireworks, and family promotions throughout the month.

Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, 501 W. South Street, South Bend, IN 46601

Pricing: Ticketed event; tasting packages vary

SATURDAY, MAY 2, TIME:5PM Derby Day

Join us for our annual Derby Day event at the Ball Band Biergarten! Music starts at 5:30pm-7:30pm. With the Michael Kelsey band playing until the big race a little before 8pm. Jumbo screen will show races, food trucks and fun games!

235 Ironworks Dr, Mishawaka, IN 46544

Pricing: Ticketed event; tasting packages vary