Celebrating 50 Years in Business!
2025 is a milestone year for Sturges Property Group...
Fifty years of service, growth, and meaningful impact across Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana.
This company began in 1975 as a small firm with big ambitions, and we’ve 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 our community.
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.
Sturges and Griffin started conducting business in 1975 with one employee who doubled as the receptionist and assistant. Everyone also 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 moved to 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, we still proudly call 202 Metro home.
The 1980s and 1990s saw rapid growth. In 1982, founder Barry Sturges collaborated with Greg Petras 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 the time of diversification. Founder and CEO, 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, new technology, and forward-thinking leadership.
The company growth continued to match the changing market with added brokerage services, such as, asset management, property tax consulting, and a more robust full-service property management team.
A new technology division was launched in the late 2000s, originally called UCS, and rebranded to Nexus Technology Partners in the mid-2010s. With this, we expanded our services to include IT assistance, providing access control, managed IT services, and infrastructure support for commercial clients. The addition of Nexus Technology Partners solidified our role as a fully integrated real estate partner, capable of supporting properties long after the deal is done.
In 2018, we took another bold leap by ending our affiliation with CBRE and rebranded to become Sturges Property Group, a change that signified new growth and potential. This strategic shift allowed us to return to our roots, refocusing on what matters most: our clients, our region, and our values.
Since that transition, we’ve leaned into innovation and adaptability.
We launched TI Source Project Management in 2020 to oversee tenant improvements and construction services, and in 2024, we expanded again with the acquisition of Mann’s MEP, a local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing company. Mann’s integrated perfectly with our already established family of companies and bolstered our maintenance service offerings.
This brings us to 2025, where Sturges Property Group is celebrating 50 years in business!
Over the past 50 years, we've played a significant role in shaping some of Northern Indiana’s most recognized commercial and residential spaces, including Southtown Centre, Covington Meadows, Keystone Industrial Park, Inverness Lakes, and Dupont Business & Medical Park. But we measure our success not by square footage or acreage, but by the relationships we’ve built and our passion for progress.
These years have been filled with challenges, progress, and positive growth to make Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana a better place. While reflecting on the last 50 years, our founder and CEO, 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.”
(Pictured left to right are founders Gary Trent, Barry Sturges, and Lowell Griffin, circa 1990.)
Our current 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 1975.
As a team, we’ve celebrated achievements large and small. From winning community-based awards to surpassing $100 million in transactions, every success has reflected the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients.
The future of Sturges Property Group is as promising as its past. As we celebrate our 50th year in business throughout 2025, we will be sharing the stories, memories, and milestones that define us, told by the people who built this company and the partners who continue to support us.
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."
We look forward to what’s in store for Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana, and we are grateful to always improve upon the community that has partnered with us.
