UNIONTOWN, OH — As many of you know, Wayne Homes has always been about building dreams—creating homes where families can grow, thrive, and make memories. But what many may not realize is that, behind the scenes, one individual has been tirelessly working to build the very foundation of our company’s technological infrastructure, helping us stay ahead of the curve and achieve those dreams, one innovative step at a time. That individual is Mike Trumpold, and after an incredible journey, he has made the decision to retire and embark on a new adventure.
The year was 1997, three years before what was supposed to be the IT apocalypse of Y2K. At that time, Mike made the pivotal decision to leave his role at a defense company and join Wayne Homes. It was a move that would shape not only his career but the future of Wayne Homes. Over the past several decades, Mike has been at the forefront of our technology efforts, continually improving and evolving the systems that power our business.
Here are just a few of the remarkable things Mike has accomplished during his tenure:
- Pioneering Our Computer Network: Mike was the mastermind behind our first-ever computer network structure. Since then, he’s reinvented it countless times to ensure we stay connected and efficient in an ever-changing world.
- Bringing the Internet to Wayne Homes: In the early days of the internet, Mike was instrumental in bringing this new technology to our company. As the internet evolved, so did our infrastructure, with Mike ensuring we remained secure through firewalls and advanced software defenses.
- Email at Wayne Homes: Yes, it was Mike who introduced and implemented our email system—an innovation that has certainly made communication easier (and yes, maybe a little overwhelming at times!). We’re forever grateful, Mike, even on that 50th email of the day!
- Embracing Mobile Technology: Long before many of us were hooked on our mobile devices, Mike was ahead of the curve, introducing cell phones, mobile devices, and Wi-Fi to Wayne Homes.
- Creating a Virtual Network: One of Mike’s most significant contributions was designing a virtual network that allowed all of us to work from anywhere on any device. This innovation proved to be invaluable during the challenging times of the pandemic, keeping us connected when it mattered most.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Mike has decided it’s time to turn in his servers, switches, and firewalls for something a little more leisurely—fishing poles, break walls, and guitar strings. While we will miss his expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication, we are excited for Mike to begin this next chapter in his life.
Mike, thank you for everything you’ve done for Wayne Homes. Your contributions have not only shaped the company’s technological growth but have also helped us all stay connected and efficient. We wish you nothing but the best as you trade your tech tools for some well-deserved relaxation and fun.
Congratulations on your retirement, Mike! We hope you enjoy every moment of your new adventure—you’ve certainly earned it!