Maps have always been a passion for Bill Stack. Even in these days of GPS and Mapquest directions, Stack loves maps.

"With a map, you can see where you are going and where you have been," Stack said. "I might be old fashion, but I love maps."

It seems other love them too. The maps Stack produces for his clients now account for about 30 to 40 percent of Spinnaker Group's business.

But Stack got into that aspect of the business accidentally. It was after moving to Lakes of the Four Seasons that he came up with the idea. With his house located 3 1/2 miles from the entrance, and with the subdivision having 28 miles of roads, Stack realized Four Seasons can be a confusing community to travel.

"I would have to drive to the front gate and actually drive my visitors in, he said. "I knew we needed a map, but the property owners association didn't have the money for it."

A former newspaper advertising salesman, Stack owned and operated BB Graphics, a Merrillville print and design firm, from 1989 to 1999. He then sold the company and started Spinnaker Group in 2001, specializing in advertising, marketing, promotions and Web site development. He runs the business alone from his home, using freelance employees when necessary to keep costs and overhead down.

"With my advertising background, I thought we could sell ads around the outside of the map," Stack said. "I thought it could also be an excellent marketing tool for the community. The advertisers are primarily local, which reinforces community identity. Maps also tend to have a much longer ‘shelf life.'"

Since its first run four years ago, 22,000 copies of the map have been distributed.

The Spinnaker Group has also produced maps for Wheatfield, the Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District and marketing maps for local developers.

"It is especially helpful for the local chambers of commerce," he said. "A map is a distinctive marketing tool, and that is a key to its effectiveness. I hope to expand this area of my business as people realize the usefulness of this product."