As part of the Gene B. Glick Company's celebration of 75 years in business, here are four key insights from an article David Barrett, Glick's CEO, wrote for Multifamily Executive Magazine that focus on the company's people-first approach to providing residents with communities built to be home.

The following article was originally published by Multifamily Executive and is available here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.