Wood-Mizer is a 100% employee-owned global manufacturer and distributor of portal and static sawmills and related wood processing equipment. Founded in 1982 by Don Laskowski and Dan Tekulve, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don and Dan designed and manufactured an innovative product to the sawmill industry that is now used worldwide. In 2004 Wood-Mizer became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership has allowed the employees to go alongside the company in the commitment to sustainable forestry and wood processing that work together to build jobs and improve communities while at the same time protecting the beautiful, natural, and renewable forest resources.Employee ownership reinforces the company’s commitment to serving others. Since Wood-Mizer’s beginning, the company’s shareholders chose to donate a portion of the profits that the company made. Over the years, Wood-Mizer's 10% tithe has benefited Indiana schools, and schools as far away as Africa and the South Pacific. Through both tithing and the company’s encouragement of mission trips, millions of dollars in Wood-Mizer funds have been directed to impoverished nations for a multitude of good works.