This year, Jack Laurie Group proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary, a milestone honoring decades of growth, craftsmanship, and community. To mark the occasion, we brought our teammates and families together for two incredible events: one at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and another at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. Both celebrations captured the spirit of JLG, blending fun with meaningful recognition of the people who make our company extraordinary.
Fort Wayne Celebration – A Day at the Zoo
Our Fort Wayne celebration was held at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, where families enjoyed a one-of-a-kind day. Guests were treated to a lively presentation that reflected on JLG’s history and looked ahead to the future. A magician added a sense of wonder, while live music brought energy and fun. Families were also able to explore the zoo.
Another highlight of our 75th anniversary celebrations was honoring the 2025 apprenticeship graduates. Their commitment to learning, growing, and perfecting their craft is a testament to the strength of our program. These graduates spent years honing their craft: Draevyn Muneio, Lucas Didion, and Luke Bender. Congratulations!
The day also highlighted what makes JLG truly special, our people. Several employees were recognized with awards. The awards carried special significance, as each winner was not only recognized for excellence in their work but was also selected by the very teammates who work alongside them every day.
Fort Wayne Award Winners
- Alberto Cruz – Rock Solid Award
- Alex Bruot – Rising Pro Award
- Austin Maxey – Rising Pro Award & Rock Solid Award
- Casey Welker – Rising Pro Award
- Cindy Long – Outstanding Team Member
- Dale Stroud – Rising Pro Award
- Daniel Ruiz – Crew Leader Award, Safety Champion, Customer Favorite, Flawless Finish Award
- Dezmond Martinez – Flawless Finish Award
- Gary Turner – Flawless Finish Award
- Jacob Crum – Carpet Craftsman
- Jeff Green – Base Excellence Award
- Jeff Karthol – Painting Legend
- Jerome Wagstaff – Tile Artisan
- John Weesner – Rising Pro Award
- Jose Aguilara – Flawless Finish Award
- Jose German – Rock Solid Award
- Luke Bender – Positive Impact Award
- Matt Dugger – Flawless Finish Award
- Mike Forrest – Ceiling King & Rock Solid Award
- Nati Gines – Rock Solid Award
- Rob Ring – Sheet Vinyl Craftsman & Flawless Finish Award
- Sam Lozano – Rising Pro Award
Indianapolis Celebration – A Night at the Children’s Museum
In Indianapolis, our team gathered at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum for a night of exploration, recognition, and connection. The event opened the museum’s world-class exhibits exclusively to JLG teammates and their families, giving everyone a chance to experience Dinosphere, All Aboard, Beyond Spaceship Earth, Treasures of the Earth, and ScienceWorks in an interactive, hands-on way. Each exhibit echoed the sense of discovery and innovation that has guided JLG throughout its 75-year history.
We were honored to celebrate our 2025 apprenticeship graduates, a group whose hard work and determination embody the future of our industry. These graduates, Joe Schuster, Miguel Osorio, Charlie Gieseler, Nathan Kolcun, Jailen Curtis, and Addison Nix, represent the next generation of skilled leaders who will carry JLG’s legacy forward.
Awards were also presented to honor the Indianapolis teammates whose dedication, skill, and commitment embody the values of Jack Laurie Group. Each winner was chosen by their peers, an incredible honor from the people that see their work first hand daily. It was a celebration not only of 75 years but of the people who continue to carry our legacy forward.
Indianapolis Award Winners
- Addison Nix – Safety Champion, Rising Pro
- Armando Benitez – Rock Solid
- Codey Ellis – Base Excellence Award
- Daymein Barnes – Rising Pro
- Devin Cox – Flawless Finish
- Douglas Galvin – Customer Favorite
- Dylan Jones – Rock Solid
- Honorio Rivas – Sheet Vinyl Craftsman
- Jacob Crawford – Rising Pro
- Jesse Taylor – Rock Solid
- Joe Linville – Flawless Finish
- Joey Minor – Rock Solid
- Jose Flores – Crew Leader Award, Tile Artisan
- Justin Carr – Jobsite MVP, Flawless Finish, Sports Superstar
- Kenneth Schrank – Rising Pro
- Kim Schauinger – Outstanding Team Member
- Miguel Osorio – Flawless Finish, Carpet Craftsman
- Nathan Kolcun – Positive Impact Award, Rock Solid
- Troy Tenbarge – Flawless Finish
- Ventura Jimenez Lazo – Rising Pro
Looking Back, Moving Forward
These celebrations weren’t just parties—they were reflections of who we are as a company and a family. By honoring our history, celebrating our people, and looking ahead to the future, Jack Laurie Group’s 75th anniversary has reminded us of the strength and passion that brought us here.
As we enter the next chapter, JLG is committed to continuing our legacy of craftsmanship and customer care while embracing new technologies, expanding our services, and investing in the next generation of skilled workers. With over seven decades of experience and the strongest team in the industry, we are ready to keep building better spaces, stronger communities, and lasting partnerships for the next 75 years—and beyond.
