BEDFORD, Ohio — Anyone driving about Bedford during the pandemic likely noticed the transformation of 593 Broadway, site of the former Mr. Gee’s Bar & Grill.

The renovated building now sports large, sleek windows, under which are tucked a set of planters. To the right are two glass doors and an unobtrusive sign for BBG, Inc.

Founded in 2003, BBG is an employee benefits brokerage offering health, dental, vision, life and disability group insurance policies. The company – now with a team of 35 providing its branded SharedFunding solution to some 350 clients – eventually outgrew its Beachwood offices.

Mike Barrett, self-described Owner, President and the Guy Who Shovels the Snow, admits that the move to Bedford wasn’t necessarily a conventional one. But he wanted to “buy an old building and breathe life into it.”

So he starting looking, contacting cities that included Cleveland and Bedford.

“Mike Mallis called me back. Nobody else called me back.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

Mike Barrett, President, BBG, Inc., relocated his business to Bedford during the pandemic.
Mary Szel Mike Barrett, President, BBG, Inc., relocated his business to Bedford during the pandemic.

Mallis, City Manager, connected him with Jennifer Kuzma, Economic Development Director.

“Then I got adopted by Bedford. … And every time I came to Bedford, I loved it more.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

He explored locations with Nancy Kennedy, a friend and architect. Then, Kuzma called him about the space on Broadway. Barrett met with the owner and later bought the building “via text.”

Kennedy and Kuzma worked on specs, which they turned over to Stumpf Bros. Renovations just as COVID hit.

The BBG, Inc., office space, designed by Kennedy Design, LLC, is on the site of a former bar and grill.
Mary Szel The BBG, Inc., office space, designed by Kennedy Design, LLC, is on the site of a former bar and grill.

Barrett says “the timing was perfect,” noting that the crew could work without restraints that may have thwarted a home remodel.

“Amazing things happened along the way.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

BBG offices feature an attractive space for conversation or breaks from routine.
Mary Szel BBG offices feature an attractive space for conversation or breaks from routine.

For example, when someone suggested skylights, the team added them, bringing light to the already fresh, airy, calm space.

Now that the team is settled in, Barrett says employees enjoy walks in the neighborhood and nearby parks. Clients have even asked whether a move to Bedford might serve their own businesses.

“I just wanted to be a good citizen to Bedford,” Barrett says.

Clearly, he’s done just that.

Not part of the original design, skylights were added at the suggestion of the client, adding light even in gray Bedford winters.
Mary Szel Not part of the original design, skylights were added at the suggestion of the client, adding light even in gray Bedford winters.

BBG, Inc.
593 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, Ohio
(866) 845-8600
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 6:00pm