It’s a challenge to make it 75 years as a company, but the Gene B. Glick Company, an Indianapolis-based, family-owned business with more than 21,000 units in 13 states, including both affordable and conventional properties, is celebrating that milestone this year. Here are four key insights into the company’s people-first approach to providing residents with communities built to be home.

1. Live Your Core Values

Operating by a set of core values is essential to running and growing a successful company—and they can help guide how you do business. Whether supporting those in need or offering best-in-class customer service, a company must choose its “north stars” to create a foundation and shape future decision-making.

Eugene (Gene) Glick founded the company in 1947 in Indianapolis, and by the early 1960s it was the largest single-family home builder in Indiana. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company
Eugene (Gene) Glick founded the company in 1947 in Indianapolis, and by the early 1960s it was the largest single-family home builder in Indiana. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company

2. Build Your Community

Building a community requires cultivating relationships with teams and residents and striving to meet their needs. Consider how you can best support your team members with industry-leading benefits, volunteer opportunities, and a culture of excellence and support. Allow residents to be the central focus of your community by thinking about how you can support them with resources to obtain employment, improve financial literacy, access education, or age in place.

Glick's first Resident Success Center opened in June 2019, aimed at fostering a sense of community for our residents and helping them achieve their goals, the Center focuses on four key areas: basic needs support; youth development; workforce development; and community engagement. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company
Glick's first Resident Success Center opened in June 2019, aimed at fostering a sense of community for our residents and helping them achieve their goals, the Center focuses on four key areas: basic needs support; youth development; workforce development; and community engagement. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company

3. Focus on Giving Back

Our industry provides individuals and families with basic human needs, but we all must strive for the greater goal of building community and creating opportunities where we operate. We can build tremendous value by investing in the needs of our team members, residents, and the communities we serve. For example, since 1982, Glick Philanthropies has awarded more than $275 million to charitable causes, including $3.5 million through its Community Relief Fund aimed at organizations working on expanding access to basic needs for individuals still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glick team members and families give back to their community though Glick Cares. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company
Glick team members and families give back to their community though Glick Cares. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company

4. Aim for Continuous, Smart Growth and Expansion

Steering any business to 75 years requires smart, strategic decision-making with growth in mind. Steady expansion is achieved by prioritizing long-term growth over short-term gain. An intentional strategy can pay dividends for a company's longevity and employee base.

Outside of one of Glick's properties. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company
Outside of one of Glick's properties. Credit: Gene B. Glick Company

As a company with a long tenure, Glick has weathered ups and downs, but these key priorities have led our business to success in challenging times. As Glick celebrates its 75th anniversary and looks to the future, we hope these tips can help other companies grow with the communities they serve top of mind. Learn more about our winning strategy here.