Do it Best’s Dan Starr Honored as Sagamore of the Wabash Recipient
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb visited the Electric Works campus for the first time since his initial visit for the announcement of Do it Best as the anchor tenant on February 13, 2020. As part of his visit, he met with business leaders from the Fort Wayne community and toured the bustling mixed-use campus. He then joined the Do it Best team and others in the Don Wolf Conference Center as he presented Do it Best President and CEO Dan Starr with the Sagamore of the Wabash award—bestowed to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service.
Gov. Holcomb presented the award in front of hundreds of attendees, including the Do it Best team and community leaders. “Indiana’s own Dan Starr’s leadership over the years has been exemplary. As the leader at Do it Best, Indiana’s largest privately-held company, Dan’s contributions have had immense positive impacts on his community and our state,” said Gov. Holcomb. “As a driver of relentless innovation and company culture he’s set a standard for facing difficult challenges head-on, never losing sight of the customer. For all of his accomplishments and model servant leadership, I’m proud to recognize Dan today before his peers with the Sagamore of the Wabash award.”
Starr has held several leadership roles within the greater Fort Wayne community, participating on civic, charitable and business boards. He is currently chair of the Parkview Health board of directors. He also serves on the Manchester University board of trustees Outreach Committee and the Do it Best Foundation Board of Directors. Previously, he has served as Chair of the United Way of Allen County board of directors, and on boards of Blackhawk Christian School, the Fort Wayne Ballet, the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center and the St. Francis Family Business Center.
“Dan embodies the essence of servant leadership,” said Do it Best Board Chairman Joe Taylor. “He understands that true leadership isn’t about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge. Dan has continuously put the success and growth of our members, vendors and employees at the forefront of his decision-making, and we are a better, stronger company because of it.”
“I’m honored and humbled to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash award,” said Starr. “I’ve always believed that true leadership is about serving others—it’s a philosophy that guides us at Do it Best, and I’m fortunate to work with a team that shares this commitment. This award is a testament to the strength of our company and the incredible growth and community we’ve built together.”
Starr has served as president and CEO of Do it Best since January 2016. He joined Do it Best in 2005 as director of human resources and general counsel, was promoted to vice president of human resources in July 2006, and was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in June 2012.
Prior to joining Do it Best, Starr was a partner at a large Midwestern law firm specializing in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and tax matters, including years serving the legal needs of Do it Best. Dan received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law in 1994.
