In the weeks ahead, Forge ECI will share the stories of several entrepreneurs from across our region who were recognized in the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurship Indiana 2025 publication and the 10th edition of our Livability East Central Indiana publication. Their journeys showcase the innovation, resilience, and community partnerships that continue to strengthen East Central Indiana’s economy. We will start that series with JohnTom’s Barbecue.

What happens when a family tradition meets entrepreneurial determination?

For Muncie entrepreneur and JohnTom’s Barbecue founder Bill Pegues, it resulted in a business that has grown from a cherished family recipe into a brand found in grocery stores, restaurants, stadiums, and universities across Indiana.

His story, recently featured in Livability, demonstrates how East Central Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem helps transform ideas into thriving businesses.

Building on Family Tradition

JohnTom’s Barbecue traces its roots to Pegues’ grandfather, JohnTom Branson, whose Mississippi-style barbecue became a family favorite.

Although Branson never wrote down his famous sauce recipe, Pegues spent nearly five years recreating it before officially launching JohnTom’s Barbecue in 2006. What began with long production days in a shared kitchen and sales to friends, family, and neighbors steadily evolved into a growing business with customers across Indiana.

Today, JohnTom’s Barbecue sauce can be found at Lucas Oil Stadium, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, restaurants throughout the state, and on college campuses—a testament to the power of persistence and a willingness to invest in a dream.

Entrepreneurship Doesn’t Happen Alone

While determination played a major role in the company’s success, Pegues credits much of the business’s growth to the support available throughout East Central Indiana.

Organizations including Ball State University, the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, and Innovation Connector provided guidance that helped the company think strategically about expansion and long-term growth.

These partnerships reflect one of the region’s greatest strengths: a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem where business owners have access to mentors, educational resources, networking opportunities, and technical assistance throughout every stage of growth.

A Community That Invests in Its Entrepreneurs

For Pegues, returning home to East Central Indiana wasn’t simply about launching a business—it was about raising a family in a community that values relationships.

He describes the region as a place where neighbors support one another and business owners willingly share advice, encouragement, and resources.

That collaborative spirit continues to distinguish East Central Indiana as a place where entrepreneurs don’t have to build their businesses alone.

Advice for Future Business Owners

Pegues encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the many resources available throughout the region before launching a business.

Connecting with organizations like the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, entrepreneurship centers, local chambers of commerce, and experienced business owners can provide valuable insight that helps entrepreneurs avoid challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

It’s advice that aligns closely with Forge ECI’s mission of supporting regional collaboration and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across our nine counties.

Growing Businesses, Growing Communities

Entrepreneurs like Bill Pegues demonstrate that successful businesses do more than create products—they create jobs, support local economies, strengthen communities, and inspire others to pursue their own ideas.

At Forge ECI, we believe stories like JohnTom’s Barbecue illustrate why East Central Indiana continues to be a place where entrepreneurs can build, grow, and succeed.

From a family recipe to a statewide brand, JohnTom’s Barbecue is proof that with hard work, strong partnerships, and community support, great ideas can flourish right here in East Central Indiana.