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By Jules Pequignot  It was 2004 and I’d been at my job at a Fort Wayne manufacturer for a decade—growing from machine operator to quality technician to research and development technician.   That’s when the news came. The founder of the company was retiring and selling the business.   We were nervous as could be. When a company is sold, you never know what the new owner is going to do. Would they cut back? Would we all have jobs? It was nerve-racking for everyone.     When we heard our boss was selling to Massachusetts-based Web Industries, which was 100% employee-owned, we went from scared to confused.   None of us had ever heard of an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, a qualified retirement plan that provides tax incentives to companies who share ownership with workers.   We had no clue it was about to change our lives.   The first positive sign was the mass layoffs never came. Web came in and explained who they were, what the ESOP was and how we’d all be a part of it if we decided to stay. Almost everyone stuck around, and we slowly started learning about what it means to be employee owners. We got disabused of the notion that we’d have to make HR or corporate strategy decisions, but were taught that everything we do affects the company’s bottom line, and our own wallets.   Next came that first ESOP statement. “Oh, this is kind of cool,” we all thought as we saw the modest balances. But if I’m being honest, it took a lot of us a lot of years to realize what the ESOP really  meant and how it could impact us. The moment for me came one day when I was looking at my 401(k) statement and realized it wasn’t growing very fast. I was losing as much as I was putting in there. But with the ESOP, I wasn’t putting in anything except my hard work and it kept climbing. All of a sudden, I realized it had surpassed what I had in my 401(k). That got my mind changing on what it means to be an owner.   Alongside my ballooning retirement account, it also just felt different to work at an employee-owned company. I always had a good attitude at work, but when I realized everything I do can impact the share value for better or worse, I took it to heart—things as little as showing up each day with a positive attitude or proactively making a small suggestion to cut down on waste. Being an owner becomes part of your culture. If someone needs a hand, you help them out, you work together. When we had a single owner, there was a lot of competition, but in our ownership culture it’s, “how can we all do that together?” If one shift is getting four sets on a machine and the other shift’s getting two in the same amount of time, we work together to get everyone to four sets.   When I see a machine running slow, I joke around with the operator: “man you’re taking money out of my wallet, too.” They laugh and then speed the machine up. We’re all working towards a common goal. We’re working for ourselves even though we’re working for a company. We’re working to build our future wealth.   As time went on, and I understood the value of the ESOP, I joined the company’s ESOP Committee, which helps to build our ownership culture, particularly among new hires. Sometimes it’s tough to get young people excited about retirement--they want the cash now to buy wheels for their truck--but I explain to them that they’re building wealth and that resonates.   The ESOP is really a powerful tool, but I’ve come to realize there are too few of them. There are only 194 ESOP companies in Indiana , but a new national campaign, Expanding ESOPs, is working to change that, and bring ownership to every worker in the country. I’m proud to lend my voice to achieving that goal. As I creep closer to retirement, I realize I’m one of the lucky ones. Most Americans have little saved for retirement. And as prices go up and up, you need to save more and more. That sale we were all so worried about ended up being our savior. I feel secure thinking about my future, thanks to the ESOP. I hope for the day when all Americans can feel that way.  Jules Pequignot is a senior process technician at Web Industries, an employee-owned manufacturer in Fort Wayne.

Owners: Scott and Kelli Lutterbeck The Brothers that just do Gutters announced the opening of its newest location in Fort Wayne, IN, owned and operated by Scott and Kelli Lutterbeck. Serving Northeast Indiana, this franchise will provide expert gutter installation, repair, and cleaning services to homeowners and businesses throughout the region. Scott Lutterbeck, a retired Marine Corps officer and helicopter pilot, brings a wealth of leadership experience and dedication to service. After 24 years in the Marine Corps, followed by a 15-year corporate career, Scott sought a new opportunity that would allow him to build something meaningful for his family and local community. His wife, Kelli Lutterbeck, a former corporate travel agent and dedicated stay-at-home mom, joins him in this new venture, combining their strengths to create a customer-focused business. "The Brothers that just do Gutters stood out to me because of the strong culture, proven systems, and unparalleled support," said Scott Lutterbeck. "After years in the corporate world, I wanted to transition into something where I could have a direct impact on my employees and customers. I’m excited to lead a team that prioritizes quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and integrity while serving our community." The Lutterbecks are passionate about building a cohesive team that understands the vital role gutters play in protecting homes and businesses. Their mission is to deliver top-tier service, ensuring customer satisfaction and home protection through high-quality, professional gutter solutions. The Brothers that just do gutters aims to redefine the home service industry by prioritizing professionalism, communication, and customer experience. Their motto, “Reinventing Contractor Service,” reflects their mission to provide reliable, high-quality gutter solutions that enhance home protection and longevity About The Brothers That Just Do Gutters: A community-driven, customer-focused gutter contractor, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters specializes in premium gutter services with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and superior customer service. As part of the Evive Brands family, the company is dedicated to enhancing home protection and serving communities across the U.S.

Fort Wayne, IN – Old Fort Baseball Co. is proud to host the Second Annual Vintage Baseball Showcase, a one-of-a-kind celebration of baseball history and tradition, taking place on June 28 at Lawton Park. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event , this year’s showcase promises to be even bigger, featuring a game between the Indianapolis Blue and Hillsdale People. The teams will compete in a baseball game played by 1864 rules, showcasing vintage style uniforms, period authentic equipment to allow the fans to step back in time to see how America’s Game began. This family friendly, free event is open to the public and is complete with food vendors, giveaways and activities for fans of all ages. “We’re thrilled to bring the Vintage Baseball Showcase back for a second year,” said Logan Wiening, Owner of Old Fort Baseball Co. “This event not only celebrates the heritage of America’s pastime but also Fort Wayne’s unique connection to baseball history. It’s a day of nostalgia and fun for everyone.” Event Details • What: Second Annual Vintage Baseball Showcase • When: June 28, 2025 - 2:00PM • Where: Lawton Park, Fort Wayne • Cost: Free For more information, visit oldfortbaseballco.com/vintageshowcase About Old Fort Baseball Co. Founded in 2021, Old Fort Baseball Co. is a passionate endeavor dedicated to creating high-quality, baseball-inspired merchandise that pays homage to the rich sports history of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Recognizing the deep roots of baseball in the community, the company focuses on crafting unique apparel that not only celebrates the game but also highlights the stories of local teams and players throughout Fort Wayne history. Through community-focused events, such as the vintage baseball showcases , Old Fort Baseball Co. fosters a sense of camaraderie among baseball enthusiasts, encouraging them to engage with the sport's legacy in a meaningful way. By blending nostalgia with modern design, the company aims to evoke cherished memories while also inspiring a new generation of fans to appreciate and support the beloved pastime. In doing so, Old Fort Baseball Co. plays a vital role in reinvigorating the love for baseball in Fort Wayne, ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive for years to come. Meet the Owner Logan Wiening from an interview by Fort Wayne Business Journal

The Roller Dome was built in 1950 by James (Jim) and Marjorie (Marg) Wall. Marjorie and James met previously at Lincolndale Roller Rink, where James paid his friend a quarter to ask if Marjorie would skate with James. They were married three months later. James was drafted into the Air Force in 1943, and when he returned from war, he and his wife decided to open a business. They wanted to be sure that if something happened to James, Marjorie could keep the business going. They both settled on a business that had brought them together: a roller rink. They soon purchased land on Coliseum Boulevard, which at the time was called California Road. Their only neighbors were Don Hall's Hollywood Drive-In and a gas station, since they were five miles north of State Boulevard, the northern city limits boundary at the time. The Roller Dome was wildly successful upon opening, and it was most popular in the 50s. Over one thousand kids would show up daily for the all-day skates! Some parents dropped their kids off at 9am and picked them up at 5pm after work. All-night skates were also popular, with some folks skating from 7:30pm to 6am the next day. About 20 years after the Roller Dome opened, the Wall family diversified their business and opened Wall Skate Supply Company, which provided roller skating and rink maintenance equipment. They continued to grow and built roller rinks throughout the Midwest and Florida. James and Marjorie worked at the Roller Dome 24/7 over the years to make sure it was always successful, and Marjorie became somewhat of a local celebrity because of her daily presence at the rink. The couple had been married 56 years when James Wall passed away in 1993. With the help of her children, Marjorie continued to run the rink. She passed away in 2015 after running the Roller Dome for 65 years. Marjorie once said in an interview, "The rink is my home... the rink means my life." Today the Roller Dome is up for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a piece of Fort Wayne history follow the link below for details. https://sturgesproperty.com/properties/roller-dome-redevelopment We would like to give a special shout-out to Kendall Stevens and Amy Schuldt of Sturges Property Group for the photography and copy in this article. If you enjoyed reading this article check back every month to see what new historical property Sturges Property Group has to share.

Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is removing the Sunbeam Bread signfrom the downtown location to be refurbished and preserved. The removal and restoration will begin immediately with relocation updates to follow as plans progress.   Aunt Millie’s is looking for the perfect home for the iconic sign that has been a part of the downtown Fort Wayne scenery for more than 67 years. The hope is to keep the sign a part of downtown Fort Wayne; however, if no resolution can be found the sign will ultimately land at the new corporate office at 6230 Bluffton Road.   Aunt Millie’s no longer owns the property at 350 Pearl Street so we cannot guarantee the sign’s preservation. Given the current downtown development we believe that by restoring the sign now we can make sure it will be a part of Fort Wayne for many years to come.   “We are excited that the sign is being preserved,” says Bohn Popp, Aunt Millie’s Executive Vice President of Quality and Brand Strategy. “We know it has been a part of so many great memories for generations of Fort Wayne residents, and we are committed to preserving the sign for future generations.”   The Sunbeam Bread sign was commissioned in 1957 by current Aunt Millie’s President John Popp’s late brother, H. Leslie Popp Jr. Measuring 36 feet across and 15.5 feet high, the sign shows a giant loaf of Sunbeam bread emptying onto a plate, slice by slice. The scene is powered by a small engine, rotating the graphic illustrating nine slices of bread. Each slice takes 2.3 seconds to fall. More about Local Fort Wayne Company, Aunt Millie’s: Founded in 1901, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is a family-owned commercial bakery headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is one of the largest commercial baking and distribution companies in the United States. Its brands include Aunt Millie’s, Live Carb Smart®, Sunbeam and Hillbilly Bread. Aunt Millie’s also produces private-label products for major retailers and fast-food restaurants. For more information, visit AuntMillies.com .

Enjoy the Mizpah Shrine Circus - a thrilling spectacle filled with amazing acts, dazzling performances, and fun for the whole family! Don’t miss out on this classic event that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. But that’s not all! Bundle up for the Winter Cozy: Fire & Ice event - the grand finale of the 2025 Winterval! Experience the magic of ice sculptor contests, mesmerizing fire dancers, live music, and tons of family-friendly activities. It's the perfect way to celebrate the winter season with your loved ones! Mizpah Shrine Circus: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/mizpah-shrine-circus-tickets/artist/2836220 Winter Cozy: Fire and Ice: 202 Superior St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Get ready for an exciting weekend in Fort Wayne! Savor Fort Wayne is back, and it’s your chance to indulge in culinary delights from some of the best local restaurants! From January 15-26 enjoy special menus and delicious deals at participating eateries. Treat your taste buds to a flavor-packed experience you won't want to miss! Plus, don’t miss the End of Season Sale at Painted Tree! This Saturday only, score amazing deals on home decor, gifts, and more from local artisans and vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures while supporting our creative community! Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend filled with delicious food and fabulous finds! Savor Fort Wayne: full restaurant list here https://www.visitfortwayne.com/savor/ Painted Tree End of Season Sale: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Get ready for an enchanting weekend filled with winter magic and thrilling adventures! Meet the Frozen Princesses! Enjoy ice skating, autographs, and picture opportunities with your favorite frosty friends! Bring your family and friends for a magical day on the ice! For the teens out there, don’t miss out on the Exclusive Escape Room at the Bell Mansion! Dive into a world of mystery and challenge your friends (ages 14-17 only) to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out! Gather your crew and make some unforgettable memories this weekend. Who's ready to skate and escape? Winter Wonderland Meet & Greet: 333 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Escape Room | An Exclusive Event for Teens 14-17 at The Bell Mansion: 420 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Today, we are visiting the intersection of Calhoun Street and Wayne Street in downtown Fort Wayne,Indiana. On the northeastern corner of this intersection, you may remember G.C. Murphy Co., also known as Murphy's Department Store. Murphy's was founded by entrepreneur George Clinton Murphy in 1906 and quickly grew to a 500-store chain across the United States. The Fort Wayne location opened on October 25th, 1950, and it was a very popular downtown department store along with Wolf & Dessauer and Patterson-Fletcher. This location was also one of the chain's largest volume stores! Murphy's sold quite literally everything from sheet music to hamsters. Its special features included small listening rooms to listen to records, along with a mini restaurant and candy counter. The store sold freshly made donuts which you could see from the windows outside. These donuts can still be enjoyed at Cindy's Diner as they purchased the original donut machine. Outside, during the holiday season, an arch with a tree on top spanned the intersection of Wayne and Calhoun for many years. The raising of this arch became a highly anticipated tradition among locals, much like Night of Lights today.  Sadly for many, Murphy's closed at the beginning of 1992 as "The Last Downtown Department Store", and modern holiday decorations replaced the arch as a new building was built a few years later. Today, Indiana Office Center (known locally as the Wells Fargo Building) sits across from One Summit Square, a popular spot for holiday photos with the giant vintage "Merry Christmas" wreath. Indiana Office Center  has housed many tenants over the years, and the land site has lots of good Fort Wayne history. Murphy's was a great part of downtown Fort Wayne's retail scene, but now it's time to bring a new vision to the site. You could do just that by leasing space at Indiana Office Center, to learn more about the current building click the link below: https://sturgesproperty.com/properties/indiana-office-center Historic image courtesy of Allen County Public Library. We would like to give a special shout-out to Kendall Stevens and Amy Schuldt of Sturges Property Group for the photography and copy in this article. If you enjoyed reading this article check back every month to see what new historical property Sturges Property Group has to share.

As the weekend approaches, Fort Wayne has a perfect blend of festive cheer and wedding inspiration. This weekend is your last opportunity to experience the enchanting Parkview Field Holiday Light Display, along with the highly anticipated Winter Bridal Spectacular. Whether you're looking to bask in the glow of holiday lights or plan your dream wedding, Fort Wayne has something special awaiting you! Last Chance for Parkview Field Holiday Light Display: Get ready to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at Parkview Field, where the Holiday Light Display is wrapping up its season. This dazzling spectacle features over 1.5 million twinkling lights, transforming the stadium into a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Stroll through the illuminated pathways, snap photos with the iconic light installations, and enjoy festive music that adds to the ambiance. Don’t forget to warm up with some hot cocoa. This is your last chance to soak in the holiday spirit before the lights are put away for the season! Winter Bridal Spectacular: If you're in the midst of wedding planning or just dreaming about your big day, the Winter Bridal Spectacular is a must-visit event. The event will be featuring everything you need to make your wedding unforgettable. Explore a vast array of vendors, from stunning florists and talented photographers to exquisite bridal shops and caterers. The event will showcase the latest trends in wedding decor, dresses, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to win fabulous prizes. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or just a wedding enthusiast, this event promises to inspire and excite. With both the Parkview Field Holiday Light Display and the Winter Bridal Spectacular happening this weekend, Fort Wayne is the place to be. Gather your friends and family to enjoy the last flickers of holiday magic and gather inspiration for your special day. Parkview Light Display: 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Winter Bridal Spectacular: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN Pre-Registration: https://www.louiestuxshop.com/fortwaynebridalspectacular?_gl=1*1i2qwxo*_gcl_au*MTUxNDg0NzIzLjE3MzU2ODY3MDM.*_ga*MTM3NzE1NjYyMC4xNzM1Njg2NzAz*_ga_CRVN3EZ40N*MTczNTY4NjcwMi4xLjAuMTczNTY4NjcwMi4wLjAuMA ..