Bill Oesterle, Co-Founder of Angie’s List, Dies at 57

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We are saddened to share the news of Bill Oesterle’s passing. Oesterle, co-founder of Angie’s List, passed away on March 16th, 2021 at the age of 57. His legacy in the world of entrepreneurship and business will not be forgotten. We are deeply inspired by his commitment to his company and the community he served.

Bill Oesterle was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he lived a full life of entrepreneurship. He attended the University of Southern Indiana, where he studied political science, before serving in the Indiana State Legislature between 1996 and 2003. In 1995, he co-founded Angie’s List with Angie Hicks, and since then has been a powerful force in the development and growth of the company.

Angie’s List, a digital marketplace connecting consumers with service professionals for home improvement and other services, has grown exponentially under Oesterle’s leadership. His passion for the business was evident in the way he interacted with employees and customers alike. He was known for his generosity and commitment to ensuring the success of Angie’s List.

Oesterle’s impact extended far beyond the walls of Angie’s List. Recognizing the need for change in Indiana’s political landscape, he founded the nonprofit organization, The Indiana Campaign for Change, in 2008. The organization focused on advancing a progressive agenda and supporting Democratic candidates at the state level. He was a dedicated community leader, always willing to lend his voice and financial resources to causes he believed in.

Throughout his life, Oesterle demonstrated the importance of staying true to one’s values. This held true in his decision to step down as CEO of Angie’s List in 2015, when the company decided to halt their plans to expand their headquarters in Indianapolis due to the state’s controversial “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” Oesterle, who was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, saw this as a direct contradiction to his values and principles.

Despite his departure from the company, Oesterle’s impact continued to be felt. In 2017, Angie’s List merged with HomeAdvisor, creating one of the largest digital home services platforms in North America. His vision for the company and dedication to service professionals and consumers alike continue to shape the company’s future.

Bill Oesterle was a shining example of what it means to be a successful entrepreneur and community leader. His commitment to his values and dedication to the growth of Angie’s List was admirable. His passing is a great loss, not only to the company he co-founded but to the community he served.

In closing, we encourage all entrepreneurs to admire Oesterle’s dedication to his values and principles. We can all learn from his example of how to be successful in business while staying true to what we believe in. We extend our deepest condolences to Oesterle’s family, friends, and colleagues at Angie’s List. He will be remembered always for his contributions to the company, Indiana, and the broader community.