Sturges Celebrates 50 Years in Business: Local commercial real estate company celebrates milestone year

Sturges Property Group
Jul 26
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Summary: Sturges Property Group was founded in 1975 as Sturges, Griffin, Trent & Co. as a small commercial real estate firm with big ambitions. Over the last 50 years, it has evolved into one of the region’s most respected commercial real estate groups.

Looking at the history of Fort Wayne, Indiana, this company has been around and serving this city for over 50 years. Sturges property group was founded by entrepreneurs with a vision to bring Fort Wayne to its best self. Learn more about Sturgis property group and the commercial real estate business at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

2025 Is a Milestone

2025 is a milestone year for Sturges Property Group: fifty years of service, growth, and meaningful impact across Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana.

The company began as a small firm with big ambitions, and it has evolved into one of the region’s most respected commercial real estate groups—founded on trust, shaped by innovation, and driven by a connection to the community.

This logos from the Sturges property group rangers from 1975 to 2025. Building a business in Fort Wayne is one of the best things you can do as an entrepreneur. Learn how companies like this commercial real estate business started from nothing and has changed Fort Wayne’s landscape forever. Learn more about companies at the Fort Wayne business journal. — 1975-2025 Logo’s of the Company

Sturges Property Group was originally established as Sturges, Griffin, Trent & Co. by three leaders ready to help Fort Wayne grow. Barry Sturges, Lowell Griffin, and Gary Trent all had a clear goal: to offer thoughtful, strategic real estate services while actively contributing to Fort Wayne’s development. That goal quickly took form with humble beginnings.

These are the entrepreneurs that have helped build Fort Wayne, Indiana to the city it is today. Being an entrepreneur in Fort Wayne these guys have brought the vision and shaped it to what we see for Wayne today. Learn more about entrepreneurs here at the Fort Wayne business journal. — Left (Gary Trent), Middle (Barry Sturges), Right (Lowell Griffin), Founded and Started Sturges Property Group.

Sturges and Griffin started conducting business in 1975 with one employee who doubled as the receptionist and assistant. Everyone had to share the singular office telephone to conduct daily business. Trent officially joined in 1978 to help build the client base and strengthen their brokerage services.

In 1980, the firm made a move into the 202 Metro building at Berry and Harrison Streets in downtown Fort Wayne. At the time, the building’s occupancy was just 11%, but the team saw potential where others saw risk. That optimism in Fort Wayne’s future still guides the firm today, and 45 years later still proudly call 202 Metro home.

The 1980s and 1990s saw rapid growth. Founder Barry Sturges collaborated with Greg Petras in 1982 to establish Maintenance Management, a full-service commercial property maintenance firm that remains operational 24/7 to this day.

In 1990, Sturges Development Group was created to lead residential and commercial development projects across the region. This creation would allow the firm to grow beyond brokerage and property management and have a direct hand in shaping Fort Wayne’s physical landscape.

The mid-90s brought leadership transitions, including the passing of founder Gary Trent. This marked a significant moment in the company’s history and reinforced the importance of upholding the values on which the company was founded. Shortly after, co-founder Lowell Griffin departed from the firm.

Barry Sturges continued on and in 1997 entered a 21-year affiliation with global real estate giant CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). This change signaled hope in a time of loss, and significantly expanded the firm’s reach, client base, and IT resources.

The 2000s were a time of diversification. Barry Sturges brought his son, Brad Sturges, into the firm. Having graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in finance, Brad would eventually become a partner and then the President of the company, helping to usher in a new generation with fresh ideas and forward-thinking leadership.

A new technology division, called UCS, was launched in the late 2000s to expand technological services, like networking assistance, building access control, managed IT services, and infrastructure support for commercial clients. UCS was rebranded to Nexus Technology Partners in the mid-2010s, and their addition solidified Sturges’ role as a fully integrated real estate partner, capable of supporting properties long after a deal is done.

In 2018, Sturges took another bold leap by ending their CBRE affiliation and rebranded to become Sturges Property Group, a change that signified new growth and potential. This strategic shift allowed the company to return to their roots, refocusing on what matters most: their clients, the region, and their values.

Since that transition, Sturges has leaned into innovation and adaptability.

TI Source Project Management was launched in 2020 to oversee tenant improvements and construction services. In 2024, Sturges expanded again with the acquisition of Mann’s MEP, an established mechanical, electrical, and plumbing company. Mann’s integrated perfectly with an already established family of companies and bolstered their maintenance service offerings.

This brings us to 2025, where Sturges Property Group is celebrating 50 years in business.

Over the last 50 years, Sturges Property Group has played a significant role in shaping some of Northern Indiana’s most successful commercial and residential developments, including Southtown Centre, Keystone Industrial Park, Inverness Lakes, and Dupont Business & Medical Park. But Sturges measures their success not by square footage, but by the relationships they’ve built and their passion for progress.

Sturges property group is celebrating 50 years in business in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Fort Wayne business journal has the opportunity to share about local businesses that are growing and thriving in Fort Wayne Indiana entrepreneurs are growing in the city and we hope to see stories like this one to Continue to beat the odds. Fort Wayne Business capital journal is more than happy to celebrate entrepreneurs.

While reflecting on the last 50 years, Barry Sturges, stated, “I’m proud of the growth, resilience, and integrity we’ve maintained through decades of change. We’ve built lasting relationships, shaped the local real estate landscape, and stayed true to our commitment to service and results. It’s been a journey of constant learning and adaptation, guided by a strong team and a clear vision. Looking back, I’m grateful—for the trust of our clients, the dedication of our people, and the chance to make a lasting impact on our community.”

Sturges Property Group’s leadership team—Founder and CEO Barry Sturges and President Brad Sturges—continues to champion a people-first approach to real estate. The company culture remains collaborative, entrepreneurial, and grounded in the same community-focused values that have guided us since the very beginning.

As a team, Sturges has celebrated achievements large and small. From winning community-based awards to surpassing $100 million in transactions, every success has reflected the dedication of their team and the trust of their clients.

The future of Sturges Property Group is as promising as its past. Senior Broker, Neal Bowman, summed it up perfectly by saying, "As we look forward to the future, this anniversary is not just a celebration of where we’ve been — it’s a renewed promise for what’s ahead."

Sturges Property Group looks forward to what’s in store for Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana and are grateful to always improve upon the community that continues to partner with them.

Written by Kendall Heiser with Sturges Property Group