AWARDS & HONORS

On June 7, 1995, Kimberly and Bill Guska were the privileged home buyers whose newly constructed home in Orland Park commemorated with the laying of Gallagher & Henry's 100th million brick. For those not familiar with the Countryside, Illinois based builder, Gallagher & Henry is probably the only home building company in the Chicagoland area that can boast of this achievement. No other homebuilder in this metropolitan and suburban area has used as many bricks in the construction of single-family homes as Gallagher & Henry.

Using brick on all four sides of a home is the trademark that distinguishes a Gallagher & Henry home from the company's many South, Southwest and West suburban competitors, along with traditional and functional floor plans and the use of superior products in all areas of construction.

According to Robert Gallagher, president of Gallagher & Henry, the company has been steadfast in its commitment to construct only quality brick homes throughout the course of its history of nearly five decades.

"Since we started building homes in 1953, 98 percent of the approximately 14,000 homes we have constructed have been brick homes," Gallagher said. "Buyers in the south and southwest suburbs have long considered brick construction to be an important feature in a quality home. We have kept the price as affordable as possible to ensure that all of our buyers, regardless of price, can have brick homes. When we entered the west suburban market of Darien, Downers Grove and Woodridge over 25 years ago, we continued this tradition."

Gallagher & Henry uses between 12,000 and 14,000 bricks on each of their homes, according to John Schrey, a sales representative for the Illinois Brick Company, a major supplier for the company. For its dedication to the use of brick, Gallagher & Henry was named "Brick Builder of the Year" in 1994 by the National Association of Brick Distributors.

"Gallagher & Henry was awarded this prestigious designation not only because of the company's extensive use of brick but also because it is committed to actively promoting masonry construction," said Schrey.

The advantages of brick construction are impressive, according to Gallagher. "Brick may cost more than some other building materials, but over time the homeowner saves money," he said. "Brick homes have been proven to save energy while reducing utility costs. And, brick doesn't burn, so a brick home is safer, consequently, insurance premiums are lower representing another savings. Also, exterior upkeep is greatly reduced saving time and money. In addition, brick homes represent quality, long-term value and comfort."

According to Charles Ostrander of Illinois Masonry Institute, only 15 percent of the builders in the Chicagoland area use brick as marketing advantage the way that Gallagher & Henry does. "Nationally only 30 percent of exterior opaque wall surfaces are brick, yet brick is the most desired exterior material among consumers," said Ostrander. "Too many consumers believe that brick is not affordable. Gallagher & Henry makes a brick home affordable by using brick as a sales tool for the quality-conscious buyers, not as a profit center."

The quality and long-term value of each of the over 14,000 homes built since Gallagher & Henry's founding, and the continued desirability of all its established communities for strong resale value, are the major factors contributing to Gallagher & Henry's reputation which has always stood on its own proven merit. In fact, many people living in Gallagher & Henry communities have owned other Gallagher & Henry homes, moving from one to another, as their lifestyle needs changed.

"We are now selling to many second and third generation buyers who grew up in a Gallagher & Henry home and now are buying their own Gallagher & Henry home," stated Mr. Gallagher. "The long-lasting quality of the home they grew up in is the best credibility of our commitment to quality that we can give."

It is not uncommon to hear young couples who visit Gallagher & Henry's sales models talking about their grandparents' Gallagher & Henry home and their parents' Gallagher & Henry home, or their aunts', uncles' and friends Gallagher & Henry home. Since all of these homes have withstood the test of time, they trust the name. That is why they trust the construction quality of a Gallagher & Henry home.

It's no surprise why Gallagher & Henry has become a Hallmark name throughout the South, Southwest and Western suburbs for nearly fifty years and why generations of families continue to purchase Gallagher & Henry homes. It is a company based on traditional family values which are the foundation of the company and which are reflected in every home it builds.