On the evening of Saturday, February 28, the lakeside setting of Pilot Point played host to one of the town’s most anticipated gatherings of the year — the Masquerade on the Lake Annual Gala, presented by the Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce.

Under evening lights and masked celebration, business owners, community leaders, and longtime residents came together to recognize the entrepreneurs helping shape the future of this historic North Texas town.

Among the evening’s honors, one moment carried particular significance for the local design and craftsmanship community.

Kelly Eggers, founder of The Original Windmill Ceiling Fan & Lighting Co. and Ranch & Co. Interiors, was awarded the Chamber’s 2025 New Business of the Year Award, recognizing the remarkable impact her two companies have made in a short time within Pilot Point.

The award acknowledged not only the growth of the businesses themselves, but the way they have helped bring new attention — and new visitors — to the town’s historic Square.

A Celebration of New Energy in the Community

Each year, the Pilot Point Chamber recognizes businesses that are helping strengthen the local economy and bring fresh energy to the community.

This year’s nominees represented an impressive group of new additions to the area, including Papa D’s Mexican Cuisine, Methodist Celina Medical Center, Ephesians Six Jiu Jitsu, 3 555’s Maintenance, and Pilot Point Print Shop.

Each has played a role in shaping the evolving business landscape of Pilot Point.

Yet it was the combined vision behind Windmill Ceiling Fans & Lighting Co. and Ranch & Co. Interiors that ultimately earned the honor.

Together, the companies have created something rare for a small Texas town — a destination design showroom rooted in Western heritage, craftsmanship, and the culture of ranch life.

A Destination on the Square

Since opening her storefront on the Pilot Point Square, Eggers has introduced a space that feels both distinctive and deeply connected to the character of the region.

Visitors step inside to discover custom ranch furniture, handcrafted leather and cowhide pieces, mesmerizing chandeliers, and the brand’s iconic American-made windmill ceiling fans.

The experience reflects the culture that surrounds the town — where horses, ranch land, and Western heritage continue to shape everyday life.

As one nomination shared during the award presentation:

“This business owner attracts people who might not normally visit our town. The ranch interior style furniture is a true statement and representation of the culture in Pilot Point. In the short time she has been open, she has hosted events and participated in community events with excitement. I am so happy she chose Pilot Point to open her storefront.”

In other words, the showroom has become more than a retail space.

It has become a point of arrival.

A Ripple Effect Across the Square

The impact has extended well beyond the doors of the showroom itself.

Another nomination highlighted how the businesses have helped generate new activity throughout the entire downtown district.

“All of the businesses on or around the Square benefit from this interest,” the nomination noted.

“After parking their vehicles and shopping this destination business, new customers will walk the Square, curious to see what else may interest them.”

Visitors who initially come to explore the custom furnishings and lighting often continue their afternoon discovering nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions — including the Pilot Point Museum.

For those who regularly welcome guests to town, the effect has been easy to see.

“Having new businesses open on the Square is always good for the entire city,” another nomination explained.

“As someone who welcomes visitors to town, I interview them and point out other businesses and features they may be interested in checking out. This has given me a unique point of view to the importance of a thriving Square.”

It is a reminder that when one business succeeds, it often creates opportunity for many others.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Horse Country

For Eggers, choosing Pilot Point as the home for her companies was never accidental.

Known as the Horse Capital of Texas, the town sits at the heart of a thriving equestrian community — a landscape of ranches, arenas, and horse farms that stretches across North Texas.

But for Kelly, Pilot Point is more than a place to do business.

It is home.

Living and working in the same community that inspires her designs has allowed the brands to grow organically within the culture that surrounds them. The land, the horses, and the people who care for them continue to influence the materials, textures, and craftsmanship found in every piece created through Windmill Ceiling Fans & Lighting Co. and Ranch & Co. Interiors.

Windmill Ceiling Fans & Lighting Co. produces its signature American-made windmill ceiling fans and custom chandeliers, handcrafted on the family ranch just outside town.

Through Ranch & Co. Interiors, Eggers designs custom artisanal interiors from beam to barn, blending handcrafted furniture, heirloom materials, leather and cowhide textures, and lighting designed to anchor the architecture of a home.

Together, the companies create environments that reflect the rhythm of ranch life and the enduring traditions of Western craftsmanship.

Today, their Pilot Point showroom and design studio welcomes visitors exploring custom furniture, chandeliers, and windmill ceiling fans designed and built locally.

An Evening That Reflected the Spirit of the Town

The Masquerade on the Lake Gala is known not only for its celebration of local business, but for the sense of pride and community it brings to the town each year.

Guests arrived dressed for the occasion, embracing the masquerade theme with elegant attire and festive masks as the lakeside venue filled with conversation, laughter, and anticipation for the evening’s awards.

For the Ranch & Co. Interiors and Windmill Ceiling Fans team, the night carried a special excitement. Friends, colleagues, and supporters gathered together — many of them proudly cheering for Kelly as the awards were announced.

When her name was called for New Business of the Year, the room erupted in applause.

It was a moment that reflected not only the success of two growing businesses, but the admiration and respect of a community that has watched them take shape.

Behind every chandelier, every piece of furniture, and every windmill ceiling fan is a team of talented craftspeople, designers, and collaborators who bring these designs to life each day.

For those who work alongside our team, the recognition felt especially meaningful.

It was a moment to pause, celebrate together, and reflect on the vision she has built — and the creativity she continues to lead.

We are incredibly proud of Kelly and grateful to work alongside her in creating so many extraordinary pieces together.

From heirloom furniture and custom chandeliers to American-made windmill ceiling fans crafted right here in Texas, the work produced through these brands continues to grow in both scale and artistry.

And for the team behind it all, the award felt like a shared celebration of the craftsmanship, collaboration, and dedication that make it possible.

Where Craftsmanship and Community Meet

In many ways, the recognition represents something larger than a single award.

It reflects the unique character of Pilot Point itself — a place where heritage, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship continue to intersect.

Within the town’s historic Square, the presence of businesses like Windmill Ceiling Fans & Lighting Co. and Ranch & Co. Interiors adds a new chapter to that story.

Visitors now travel to Pilot Point to experience designs rooted in Western culture and handcrafted artistry — often discovering the charm of the town itself along the way.

And for those who know the community well, the recognition feels fitting.

Because in a town shaped by land, horses, and hard work, craftsmanship still matters.

And when it is done well, the entire community shares in the pride.