John Laurie Named Indianapolis Business Journal CEO of the Year ($50–$150M Category)
Last night marked a milestone moment for Jack Laurie Group as our CEO, John Laurie, was honored as the Indianapolis Business Journal’s CEO of the Year in the $50–$150 million category, a recognition that reflects the leader John is and the legacy he continues to build as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.
For more than three decades, John has led with heart, humility, and conviction. He is the kind of leader who believes business success starts with people, that culture must be protected through good times and bad, and that grit is essential to enduring the hard moments that define true leadership. Under his guidance, Jack Laurie Group has grown not just in size, but in strength, remaining aligned around clear values, high standards, and a commitment to doing the right thing.
In accepting the award, John spoke candidly about what it truly takes to lead through growth and challenge. He emphasized the importance of building a strong culture and having the grit to endure the hard times, especially during moments when leadership is tested, decisions are difficult, and values must guide the way. Those principles have guided Jack Laurie Group for decades and remain central to how we operate today.
Leadership Built on People and Purpose
John’s leadership journey spans more than three decades, guiding Jack Laurie Group with clarity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly while remaining grounded in accountability, alignment, and excellence.
His leadership style is deeply personal. John invests in people, celebrating wins, encouraging growth through challenges, and serving as a mentor and partner. That approach has helped shape a culture of trust, collaboration, and long-term sustainability across the entire organization.
As shared in his CEO of the Year recommendation letter by Jeremy McClish, former CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne:
“From a business perspective, John has guided Jack Laurie Group with remarkable innovation and clarity. He has built a culture of accountability, alignment, and excellence—ensuring that every member of his team understands the company’s vision, their role in achieving it, and the standards of quality that define their work.”
A Leader Who Gives Back In Every Way
John’s impact extends well beyond the walls of Jack Laurie Group. Through our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and through John’s personal philanthropy, over $100,000 has been donated toward building safe, affordable homes. More than 100 families and nearly 300 children have experienced stability and brighter futures because of that commitment.
What makes this impact especially meaningful is that John doesn’t just give resources, he gives his time. He shows up on jobsites, rolls up his sleeves, and works alongside volunteers, students, and future homeowners.
As Jeremy McClish so powerfully shared:
“John’s impact is not measured in dollars alone but in lives changed.”
Leading Forward—75 Years and Counting
As Jack Laurie Group celebrates 75 years of making spaces better places, this recognition serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest accomplishments come from strong culture, resilient leadership, and a genuine commitment to people.
“Simply put, John Laurie is the kind of leader every community hopes for.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Congratulations, John, on this well-earned honor. As we celebrate 75 years of history and look ahead to the future, we’re proud to be led by someone who continues to raise the standard – for our company, our industry, and our communities.
