GPD Group was founded in 1961. Five men from different architecture and engineering specialties came together because of their shared values: family and work fulfillment. Cordell Glaus, Bruce Pyle, Bob Schomer, Mel Burns and Bill DeHaven, with their combined skills, created the holistic approach that is still in practice today. Many years have passed since the days of our founders, but GPD Group maintains its passion for creating quality, functional solutions that enrich and enhance the lives of those we serve.
When our five leaders retired in 1986, the employees of GPD Group came together and bought the company. The company was then structured to become the broad-based employee-owned firm it is today. Each of us is vested in the company, whether we’re an entry-level employee or a vice-president. We’re all working together to grow and prosper as one.
Over the years, we’ve worked diligently to grow without sacrificing our founding values. We’ve acquired firms with like-minded values that complement our holistic approach. We mentor students and entry-level employees to provide them with a strong foundation along their career paths, and we place people where they’ll succeed.
Due to our strong family values, we place a high value involving ourselves within the communities we live in and serve. GPD Group has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House, United Way and Habitat for Humanity for various fundraisers throughout the years. We have also participated in several 5K walks and runs for numerous charities. For many years, charities involving children have struck a chord in our hearts and we have had some wonderful opportunities to involve ourselves with the children within our communities. For decades, GPD Group has participated in donating to the Akron Children’s Hospital during the holidays by purchasing, wrapping and delivering new gifts to children enduring medical challenges. We also continue to have the pleasure in participating weekly in the “Akron Reads” program which allows us to have one on one time with students in developing their reading skills as well as tutor students in mathematics.
In 2014, GPD Group established a 501(c)(3) medium named the “GPD Group Employees’ Foundation, Inc.” to aid in channeling donations that will enrich the K-12 public education experience and support at-risk children and those with medical and special needs. By focusing our efforts on improving the lives of children, we are developing a long-term commitment to investing in communities in which we serve.