Giving Back
For James Porter, owner of PorterHouse Contracting, business success means building lasting relationships and strengthening the community, not just finishing projects. That philosophy recently took center stage when Porter’s company secured the naming rights to PorterHouse Contracting Field at the former Noblesville High School football stadium, now home to Noblesville Miller Lacrosse.
Though PorterHouse Contracting is a young company, it quickly became a trusted local name. Porter founded it five years ago to pursue small-business ownership on his own terms.
“I had kind of outgrown some of my previous business relationships,” Porter says. “It just felt like the right time to take the next step and build something of my own.”
Currently, PorterHouse Contracting primarily does insurance-related restoration work, including fire, flood and mold damage, accounting for about 70% of its business. The rest focuses on kitchen and bathroom remodels. Depending on demand, the balance shifts, but both services enable the company to help homeowners with renovations or unexpected crises.
While the business continues to grow, Porter has always been intentional about keeping the company rooted in the local community. That commitment is one reason he pursued the opportunity to sponsor the Noblesville stadium.
Porter’s link to the school is personal. While not a Noblesville High School graduate, his children attend Noblesville schools and play sports, especially lacrosse. Attending stadium events inspired his decision.
“We’ve spent a lot of time there over the years,” Porter says. “When the naming-rights opportunity came up through the athletic department, we were able to put our hat in the ring.”
After demonstrating that PorterHouse Contracting was a stable, established local business, the company secured the naming rights. Porter invested $37,500 in the five-year agreement.
For Porter, it was never just about advertising.
“I’d rather put our marketing dollars into the education department and the school system than spend them elsewhere,” he says. “It’s about supporting the community.”
Funds from the naming-rights agreement are directed to a school account that supports programs across the entire district. This sponsorship ensures that if departments or activities fall short during fundraising — such as for music trips or academic events — the school can allocate those sponsorship funds, allowing students to participate without adding financial strain on families.
It’s not just a name on a stadium sign. It’s part of a broader effort to strengthen opportunities for students throughout the district. Porter and his family also stay involved through the Miller Backers program, volunteering at concession stands and assisting with athletic events.
For Porter, hearing stadium announcements referencing PorterHouse Contracting carries a special sense of pride, especially when his own children are among the student-athletes competing on the field.
“There’s definitely a sense of pride when you hear the name,” he says. “But it goes beyond our family. It’s a pride for the business and for the community.”
Porter hopes the partnership inspires students and families throughout Noblesville.
“With hard work and determination, you can build something meaningful,” he says. “And when you’re able to give back to the community that supports you, that’s really what success is about.”
For more information, visit porterhousecontractingllc.com.
