Article Photographer: Steve Herppich

We sat down with Bill Fluharty, Director of Design at Stryker, to hear about his background and thoughts on the design industry. What does a director of design do? At a high level, my job is to build and maintain the competencies of design within the Medical division of Stryker. By developing talents of our […]

Catalyst Development Group builds a climate of caring—inside the office and out. CATALYST DEVELOPMENT GROUP; KALAMAZOO, MI | Catalyst Development Group, responsible for constructing and maintaining many striking structures across Michigan, knows that it takes the whole team to get a project off the ground. They have therefore created a scaffolding of strong values and […]

How urban planning and revitalization will shape the future of Kalamazoo. On a hot and hazy Thursday afternoon in August, a small crowd spilled from a white event tent on a construction site in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A dozen shovels jutted from the brown dirt nearby, symbols of the groundbreaking on 180 East Water Street, a […]

Tim Lester, Head Football Coach of Western Michigan University, takes us through the high points of his leadership journey. 1977 | Born in Wheaton, IL I grew up in a very tight-knit, family town. I think it was (a question) on Jeopardy (once) for having more churches per capita than anywhere else in the world. […]

Kal-Blue designs a custom experience for each new customer. KAL-BLUE; KALAMAZOO, MI | A vision of excellence has enabled Kal-Blue to thrive since opening its doors in 1960, building a large and loyal customer base. Over the years, the print and technology specialist has evolved to meet the changing needs of both its customers and […]

There are a few key ingredients for workplace success; National Flavors is intent on using them all. NATIONAL FLAVORS; KALAMAZOO, MI | What could be more rewarding, or more delicious, than creating the latest flavor of ice cream? The experts at National Flavors aim to do just that by blending enticing essences that go into […]

Culture is all about finding the right fit at Consumer’s Credit Union. CONSUMERS CREDIT UNION; KALAMAZOO, MI | Regular cookouts, gift exchanges, football tailgates, and charity walks are all a way of life for an employee at Consumer’s Credit Union. “The best part about working here is definitely the atmosphere—and our CEO’s grilled chicken, which […]

At Wightman & Associates, a unified workforce is top priority. WIGHTMAN & ASSOCIATES; KALAMAZOO, MI |Connecting diverse disciplines like architecture, engineering, and surveying across multiple locations in Benton Harbor, Portage, and Allegan has proven to be a unique challenge for Wightman and Associates. However, over the years this dynamic has bonded its employees together creating […]

Nulty Insurance proves that, at the end of the day, it’s all about community. NULTY INSURANCE; KALAMAZOO, MI | A family-owned business since 1945, Nulty Insurance has always focused on people over profits. “It’s beyond just checking boxes. Everything we do is centered on the relationships we have built here. When we walk into work, […]

JVTR volleys for exceptional workplace culture. JANSEN VALK THOMPSON REAHM PC; KALAMAZOO, MI | Jansen Valk Thompson Reahm PC (JVTR) makes sure its hardworking accounting, tax, and consulting experts are excited to get up in the morning by taking steps to make its office is a great place to work. “Up until about five years […]

A Conversation with Dan Martin—videographer, editor, and founder at Kzoom. As a videographer who founded his own company, how do you define your role? I’m like a rainmaker in training. I’ve shifted from doing things to making things happen. I still am actively involved in almost every key project in some way, but sometimes it’s […]

Mno-Bmadsen and Accu-Mold give back by growing business and employment. It has been said that when a major change occurs within a business’s world—like a change in ownership, leadership, or both—a good three to four years is needed for that change to settle in, settle down, and the company to evolve and thrive. It has […]