Gaunt & Son Asphalt Inc. named 2026 Business of the Year

Wabash County, IN (8/3/26) – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Gaunt & Son Asphalt Inc. has been selected as the 2026 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Honeywell Center. 
 

“Gaunt & Son Asphalt Inc. exemplifies the values that make Wabash County a great place to live, work, and do business,” said Tenille Zartman, President and CEO of Grow Wabash County. “For 45 years, the company has built a reputation for excellence through hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Beyond their business success, Gaunt & Son Asphalt Inc. has consistently invested in our community bysupporting projects and organizations that will strengthen Wabash County for future generations. We are proud to recognize their legacy of leadership, service, and dedication as our 2026 Business of the Year.”

The company was founded in 1981 by Michael and Georgianna Hileman and has proudly served the Wabash County community for the last 45 years. One thing that has not changed over the last four-plus decades is the business’ commitment to the values established by its founders: hard work, integrity, quality workmanship, and customer service. Gaunt & Son also prides itself on its unending support for the Wabash County  community, often offering their time and talents to many local projects and causes.

“Gaunt and Son Asphalt, Inc. has been a part of who I am since birth,” Anthony Sorg, Project Manager, said. “My grandmother and grandfather started the company and my father retired from here after 30 years of service. I have a lot of pride in the quality of work we perform, and in our employees, who provide the quality work.”
 

"I have had the privilege of working at Gaunt & Son Asphalt, Inc. since 1986. Over the years, I have built lasting relationships with many outstanding customers while working alongside dedicated employees who share a commitment to producing quality projects. We take great pride in being a local company delivering high-quality asphalt and concrete projects to our customers. Building trust, maintaining strong partnerships, and ensuring customer satisfaction have always been at the heart of what we do. I am grateful to be part of a team that values integrity, quality and hard work," said Sam Knight, Vice President of Gaunt and Son Asphalt, Inc.
 

Registration is now open for tickets and sponsorships for the 2026 Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Legacy Hall at the Honeywell Center. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to join Grow Wabash County and its many contributions to the Wabash County community by registering for tickets and/or sponsorships on the Grow Wabash County website or by contacting Jana Thibos at jana@growwabashcounty.com or 260-563-5258. 
 

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About Grow Wabash County 
 

Grow Wabash County (legal name Wabash County Business Alliance Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation that spearheads economic and community development efforts in Wabash County, Indiana. GWC is designed around five pillars of service - assisting business development needs, promoting livability, fostering entrepreneurship, supporting workforce development, and offering programming and investor services. GWC was formed with the merger of the EDG of Wabash County and Wabash County Chamber of Commerce in July 2017. For more information about GWC, please visit www.growwabashcounty.com or call us at 260.563.5258
 

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