Joseph and Susan Bobeck founded The Great Lakes Companies in 1989, and the Bobeck family remains at the center of the Cleveland-based firm. What began as a mortgage banking business grew into an organization focused on building and preserving housing communities, with work spanning more than 200 communities and 20,000-plus units across the Midwest. Its affiliates support housing partners through development and management, while the company brings more than $3 billion in real estate activity to that long-term mission.
The Klar OrganizationFounded by Henry Klar in 1947, The Klar Organization develops and sells residential communities across Long Island and the greater metropolitan area, handling projects from design through marketing. Under Steven Klar’s direction since 1974, the East Meadow firm has helped more than 60,000 homebuyers find residences ranging from affordable homes to luxury properties, and it also takes on troubled developments for other builders.MILL NECK, NY
Osborne Companies IncOsborne Companies Inc. traces its roots to Jerome T. Osborne, who founded the company in 1947 after starting out in custom farming with one truck and a large debt. Based in northeast Ohio, the family-built business has grown into 19 corporations serving residential and commercial construction, while retaining its original focus on ready-mix concrete.GRAND RIVER, OH
Champion HomesChampion Homes builds factory-built housing, including manufactured and modular homes, and commercial modular buildings. Founded in 1953 as a single facility in rural Michigan, the company says its builder family has sold more than 3 million homes and operates facilities throughout North America. Its offerings also include park models and cabins.STRATTENVILLE, PA
R. W. Clark CompanyFounded in 1981 by Bob and Jane Clark, Cleveland’s family-owned R. W. Clark Company is a general contractor and construction manager known for restoring historic buildings and their hard-to-replace components. Its in-house shop grew from a late-1980s need for commercial window restoration and now supports detailed wood and metal restoration, custom millwork, and related fabrication. The company’s principals estimate and directly manage every project, from new construction to technically challenging renovations.CLEVELAND, OH