In this episode of Sound of the Economy, we’re joined by Rob Cripe, President of Turtle Top and Independent Protection, and a proud leader in one of Goshen’s long-standing family-owned businesses.

The Cripe family has carried forward a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community commitment through multiple generations. Rob shares how that legacy continues today—balancing tradition and transformation across two companies serving very different industries: specialty transportation and security systems.

We dive into how broader economic trends—from workforce shifts and supply chain disruption to interest rates and energy costs—are influencing manufacturing and small business decision-making in Elkhart County. Rob also reflects on the role of leadership in navigating change while staying true to the core values that have shaped the Cripe family businesses for decades.

It’s an insightful conversation about legacy, adaptability, and what it means to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving economy.