Fort Wayne Business Journal

03/09/2025

I’m a Fort Wayne Employee Owner. Here’s Why You Should Be, Too
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.
.
Read Full Story:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/i-m-a-fort-wayne-employee-owner-here-s-why-you-should-be-too

03/06/2025

The Brothers that just do Gutters Opens New Location in Fort Wayne, IN
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.
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.
The brothers that just do Gutters - Fort Wayne, IN
Read Full Story:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/the-brothers-that-just-do-gutters-opens-new-location-in-fort-wayne-in

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...

02/27/2025

Old Fort Baseball Co. Kicks Off Second Annual Vintage Baseball Showcase: Honoring Fort Wayne’s Baseball Legacy
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, 2025 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.

Learn More:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/old-fort-baseball-co-kicks-off-second-annual-vintage-baseball-showcase-honoring-fort-wayne-s-baseb

02/23/2025

Start Small, Dream Big!
Every successful entrepreneur starts somewhere, and often, it’s in a small way that the biggest dreams take root! 🚀 When we began our journey, we started with just a simple idea and a lot of determination. It wasn’t about having everything figured out from the start; it was about taking that first step. Whether it’s launching a side hustle, creating a prototype, or simply networking with like-minded individuals, every small action counts!
Remember, success isn’t always a giant leap; sometimes, it’s a series of small steps that lead you to your goals. Celebrate your little victories along the way and keep building on them.
So, if you’re sitting on an idea or feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Start small, stay focused, and watch how those small efforts can snowball into something incredible!
Visit Fort Wayne Business Journal:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/entrepreneursandbusinesses

02/03/2025

Entrepreneur James Wall and Marjorie Wall 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. They worked at the Roller Dome 24/7 over the years to make sure it was always successful.
Sturges Property Group
Learn Full Story:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/sturges-sunday-the-75-year-journey-in-fort-wayne-of-the-roller-dome

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,....

01/30/2025

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.
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.
Aunt Millie's Bread
Full article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/aunt-millies-announces-plan-to-refurbish-and-preserve-legendary-sunbeam-bread-sign

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 ...

01/23/2025

What’s Happening Wednesday: Circus Magic and Winter Festivities!
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!
1. Mizpah Shrine Circus: 4000 Parnell Ave

2. Winter Cozy: Fire and Ice: 202 Superior St

Read Full Article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-circus-magic-and-winter-festivities

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 - th...

01/16/2025

Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend filled with delicious food and fabulous finds!
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!
1.Savor Fort Wayne: full restaurant list Online

2.Painted Tree End of Season Sale: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd

Read Full Article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-a-weekend-of-flavor-and-finds

01/05/2025

Sturges Sunday: A Look Back at Murphy’s Legacy in Downtown Fort Wayne
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.
Sturges Property Group
Read Full Article below:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/a-look-back-at-murphy-s-legacy-in-downtown-fort-wayne

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...

01/02/2025

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!
1) Parkview Light Display: 1301 Ewing St
Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Parkview Field
2) Winter Bridal Spectacular: 4000 Parnell Ave
Fort Wayne's Bridal Spectacular
Full article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-weekend-events-happening-in-fort-wayne-january-3-january-5-2025

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....

12/26/2024

Sweetwater has been awarded 10 Comparably Awards in 2024 for workplace excellence, most recently earning recognition for Best Company Culture and Best CEO.
Sweetwater
Most-loved music retailer earns 10 Comparably Awards for workplace excellence in 2024
Sweetwater, the No. 1 online retailer for music makers, today announced it has been awarded a total of 10 Comparably Awards during 2024, most recently earning recognition for Best Company Culture and Best CEO. These accolades rank Sweetwater among the country’s top company cultures, alongside companies like Adobe and TopGolf, and place Sweetwater’s CEO, Mike Clem, among an exclusive group of standout chief executives, including Microsoft’s Satya Nadella.
Full Article Online:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/sweetwater-tops-the-charts-in-awards-for-best-company-culture-best-ceo

Most-loved music retailer earns 10 Comparably Awards for workplace excellence in 2024 Sweetwater, the No. 1 online retailer for music makers, today announced it has been awarded a total of 10 Comparably Awards during 2024, most recently earning recognition for Best Company Culture and Best CEO. Thes...

12/23/2024

Former Hires Building Set For Transformation Into Porsche Fort Wayne By O’Daniel Auto Group Off Illinois Rd, Fort Wayne.

Exciting developments are underway at O’Daniel Automotive Group, where a brand-new, standalone facility dedicated to Porsche vehicles is taking shape near Meijer off Illinois Road. This innovative move will separate the existing Porsche operations from Audi Fort Wayne, allowing both luxury brands to thrive in their own state-of-the-art locations.
In a recent conversation, Greg O’Daniel shared his vision for the new Porsche Center. “This exclusive Generation 5 facility is designed to enhance the customer experience and reflect the Porsche brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Our new facility will feature eight advanced service bays, equipped with the latest technology to ensure seamless maintenance and repair services. The showroom will be fully immersed in technology, designed to assist customers in selecting and customizing the Porsche of their dreams,”
Read Full Article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/former-hires-building-set-for-transformation-into-porsche-fort-wayne-by-o-daniel-auto-group-off-illi

12/19/2024

Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend of fun, shopping, and holiday spirit!
1. Grand Opening of Jungle George’s: 4780 N. Clinton Stgeorges_fw
2. Christmas Market at the Deck: 305 E Superior St

3. Indiana Vintage Market 7 Fort Wayne: 120 W Jefferson Blvd

4. Heartland Cavalier Connection Inc Gift Wrapping Fundraiser: 1014 Broadway

5. Candy Cane Corner Pop Up Shop: 1801 Lake Ave

Full article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-weekend-events-happening-in-fort-wayne-december-20-december-22-2024

12/17/2024

Aunt Millie’s Bakeries celebrated the holidays by donating more than 3,000 loaves of bread to three different local food banks earlier this month. They donated 233 to Boomerang Backpacks, 2,500 to Community Harvest Food Bank and 900 to St. Mary Mother of God Church.



The beloved tradition of donating bread during the most wonderful time of the year started in 2009. Since then, Aunt Millie’s has donated more than 700,000 loaves across the Midwest.
Aunt Millie’s President John Popp said. “Our company has been very fortunate, and our team feels blessed to be able to help put bread on the table for families who are going through a difficult time.”

Full Article
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/aunt-millie-s-bakeries-spreads-holiday-cheer-with-over-3-000-loaves-donated-to-local-food-banks

12/11/2024

Mark your calendars and bring your holiday spirit! Let’s make this weekend one to remember in Fort Wayne!
1) Hot Coco with Santa: 515 W Coliseum Blvd

2) Breakfast with Santa: 6033 Maplecrest Rd

3) Biker Santa & The Grinch Are Back!: 6315 Illinois Rd

Full Article
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-weekend-events-happening-in-fort-wayne-december-13-december-15-2024

12/05/2024

Get ready for a weekend full of festive cheer in Fort Wayne! Whether you’re looking to embrace the holiday spirit or enjoy some family fun, we’ve got you covered with amazing events happening all around town!
Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market: Step into a winter wonderland filled with charming booths, local crafts, demos, face painting, and more! Perfect for finding that unique gift or simply soaking in the holiday magic.
The Nutcracker by Fort Wayne Ballet: Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her magical journey. This timeless classic is a must-see for all ages, featuring stunning performances that will leave you spellbound.
Christmas at the Farm by Salomon Farms Park: enjoy a delightful day at the farm with activities for everyone!
Pufferbelly Express: Hop aboard for a whimsical experience that will take you through the heart of festive celebrations! It’s an adventure perfect for kids and adults alike.
Don’t miss out on the holiday magic this weekend in Fort Wayne!
1. Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market: 2776 Carroll Rd

2. The Nutcracker: 431 W Berry St



3. Christmas on the Farm: 817 W DuPont Rd

4. Pufferbelly Express: 1022 Cass St

Article:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/what-s-happening-wednesday-weekend-events-happening-in-fort-wayne-december-6-december-8-2024

12/04/2024

There is Free Holiday Open House at Combat Ops Entertainment Dec. 10 from 4:30-6:30. The goal is to get business owners, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, non-profit leaders, realtors, hospitality people and similar to their facility, so that you would consider them for a business function or team building event in the future.
They will be closed to the public (adults only) have hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, door prizes, and activities will be open for guests to experience at no charge. They will have a personalized engraved dog tag ready for everyone who RSVP’s!
RSVP: [email protected]

12/02/2024

Sonrise Retail Shops Opening Soon off Illinois Rd in Southwest Allen County, Welcoming Parlor Donuts and Jimmy John’s
In a move that will generate excitement in the community, two popular eateries have plans to open locations in the retail Shops.
1. Parlor Donuts will occupy one of the drive-through end shops. Parlor Donuts is also known for its amazing donuts which have vegan, gluten, and Keto friendly products and artisanal breakfast and specialty coffees. This will bring a sweet touch to the Southwest Allen County area.
Parlor Doughnuts
2. Jimmy John’s, the sandwich chain famed for its fast service, will occupy the other drive-through end shop on the opposite side of the building. Both businesses are expected to draw in crowds and create a lively atmosphere for shoppers and diners alike.
Jimmy John's
Learn more about the new retail shop:
https://www.businessjournalfw.com/post/sonrise-retail-shops-opening-soon-off-illinois-rd-in-southwest-allen-county-welcoming-parlor-donuts

The exciting new landscape off Illinois Road has welcomed a fresh addition with the Sonrise Retail Shops, located at 9925 Illinois Road, 46804, Fort Wayne. This newly constructed retail building, between Premier Bank and Sunrise Church, is expected to thrive as a lively center for both businesses an...