MacLellan recently unveiled a new mural and legacy installation at its Lexington, KY office, marking a momentous milestone in the company’s continued commitment to celebrating its people, values, and shared history.

The installation had been concealed for several weeks before its official unveiling and centers on a concept that has long been part of MacLellan’s culture: Be a Bison. The phrase reflects how the organization approaches challenges and change, through resilience, accountability, and collective effort.

“The idea behind Be a Bison is rooted in how we choose to respond when challenges show up,” said Bill Wilkins. “We face them directly, together, and with purpose. That mindset has been part of MacLellan for a long time, and this mural brings it to life in a powerful way.”

The bison imagery carries specific meaning. In nature, bison herds are known to walk directly into storms rather than away from them, allowing them to move through adversity faster as a group. That behavior serves as a metaphor for MacLellan’s mindset when facing challenges by addressing them head on, together, and with commitment.

To bring this concept to life, MacLellan commissioned a local artist to create a large-scale mural depicting a herd of bison pressing forward into an approaching storm. The artwork serves as a visual reminder that while the right is not always the easiest, it is often the most responsible and productive.

Complementing the mural is a legacy timeline created to tell the story of MacLellan’s people. It recognizes employees who have reached 20 or more years of service, along with retirees whose contributions helped shape the organization. Rather than simply marking milestones, the timeline highlights the lasting impact of these team members and the role they played in building the company’s foundation.

“Each name on the timeline represents dedication and perseverance through both calm times and storms,” Wilkins said. “Their legacy stands in front of us and continues to support who we are as an organization today.”

That sense of legacy is reflected in the experiences of long-tenured team members. Alan Lyndon, who has been with MacLellan for 33 years, shared his perspective on the importance of recognizing employees in this way.

“Seeing long-tenured employees recognized says a lot about MacLellan. It’s a company where people build lasting careers, shape the culture, and make a meaningful impact over time,” Lyndon said. “I find that especially motivating because it shows the company values commitment, people, and the contributions made along the way.”

The project came together through collaboration across teams and partners, built on best practices and adapted to fit MacLellan’s environment and employee experience.

“This space really helps cement our legacy,” said Mike Sausman. “It tells the story of the people who helped build MacLellan and reminds us that no one accomplishes this work alone. It takes a herd. It takes a team.”

In addition to honoring long-tenured employees and retirees, the space is designed to evolve. It will be used to highlight departmental contributions and achievements over time, reinforcing how individual and team efforts connect to the broader goals of the organization.

Beyond its visual presence, the installation will serve as a storytelling and onboarding tool, helping explain what it truly means to be part of the MacLellan team. The unveiling represents more than an addition to the Lexington office. It reflects MacLellan’s commitment to honoring its people and continuing to move forward by facing challenges together.