“We are proud to be a part of the Sunbury business community and grateful for our American heritage which through the free enterprise system has afforded us this opportunity.” -Ted L. Forman
Forman Realtors was founded in 1966 by Ted L. Forman in Sunbury, Ohio. Ted was born a twin in a small house in the Sunbury village and was raised here in part by his uncle Frank Stelzer due to family losses including the eventual loss of his single mother. He was grateful for the way the Sunbury community invested in him as a child and young man, and he dedicated his life to giving back.
Ted married Betty (Jones) Forman, and they raised four children in the Big Walnut school system. He was an entrepreneur and started Forman Realtors with the intent to buy, sell, build, and develop both residential and commercial properties.
That was his day job. At night, Ted worked as a janitor for Sunbury Savings and Loans (now the location of Chase Bank on the square) for 28 years. Through that job, he was eventually asked to become a founding board member of New Albany Savings and Loans. Ted was also instrumental in founding the Delaware County Board of Realtors and served on the Big Walnut School Board. He was an active member of the Sunbury Lions Club all his life and built the building for them at JR Smith Park.
Ted’s success at Forman Realtors and beyond came from his forward-thinking vision, unwavering strength, and endless generosity. He worked seven days a week year round and helped anyone and everyone he could. He loved to see people getting into their own home and was known to give or loan down payments to his clients.
His development efforts created many jobs in Sunbury as he brought in companies like Showa, BryAir, Inland Finishing, and Kintner Industries. He built part of the Nestles Warehouse and the current BW Intermediate School. Ted also built hundreds of custom homes and planned or developed areas like Barleycorn, Greenbrier Road, Cupstone Drive, Foxboro, and the Kintner Parkways. He also developed Walnutview Drive, where he eventually retired.
Mike Forman, Ted’s oldest son, joined Forman Realtors as a young man and worked alongside his dad all his life, including on the projects listed above. Mike is currently the managing broker and is joined by his children, Martin Forman and Kelly Forman, who are also both realtors. The team today also includes Steve Barbeau, Jennifer Fielding, Mike Pankuch, Linda Wehrle, Roland Higgins, and Don Poland.
Forman Realtors continues to grow as we celebrate our 50th year. In celebration, we’ve already joined parades in Utica, Centerburg, and of course the Sunbury Bicentennial. You’ll find us at the All Horse Parade in Delaware, celebrating the Big Walnut Homecoming, and at the Christmas on the Square. A Night of Laughter is our biggest event, but we also plan to have a Bicentennial Beard Contest with before photos taken at the Sunbury Sizzle and Sound and the after photos taken at the Christmas on the Square. We’re sponsoring numerous community activities that can be found through the Big Walnut Sunbury Chamber of Commerce or the Big Walnut Civic Association.
Especially during our 50th year, we’re delighted to share the story of our founder, Ted L. Forman, who consistently invested in our community and whose legacy we carry on with pride. Thank you.
