Celebrating 100 Years of Building Excellence: The Gleeson Legacy

On June 21, 2024, C.E. Gleeson Constructors commemorated a century of success with a special celebration attended by 250 of our closest friends, clients, family members, and partners. The event was a remarkable reflection of our journey, bringing together family members from the original Gleeson brothers, long-time clients who have since retired, and new clients representing the 4th generation of our legacy. Hosted by Charles Gleeson III, who welcomed guests with an opening speech, the night was filled with joy, laughter, and reflection. Guests enjoyed exquisite dinner stations and live entertainment from a magnificent orchestra led by Mark Randisi. We were honored by speeches from Congressman John James of Michigan's 10th District, a great friend and supporter, and Linden Nelson, a loyal client of over 20 years. Charles Gleeson II delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the history of our company, followed by a short video showcasing key milestones throughout our 100-year journey.

As we step into 2024, C.E. Gleeson Constructors proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of excellence in the construction industry. From our humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming a national leader in construction, our journey is a testament to the vision, hard work, and enduring legacy of four generations of the Gleeson family. Here’s a look back at the milestones that shaped our storied history.

• 1924: The Foundation In 1924, Clarence Gleeson, a skilled mason contractor, emigrated from Canada and founded Clarence Gleeson, Inc. His craftsmanship brought rugged beauty to many of Detroit's iconic churches, establishing a reputation for quality and precision that set the tone for the future.
• 1944: Supporting the Auto Boom During the post-war auto boom, Clarence Gleeson, Inc. played a pivotal role in the construction of key infrastructure for the automotive industry, most notably Chevrolet Motor and Gear. The company’s contributions helped drive the industrial growth of Detroit, strengthening its ties to the community.
• 1950s: A Family Legacy Emerges Under the guidance of Clarence Gleeson’s eight sons, the company flourished. Each son contributed unique talents and perspectives, driving the business forward and honoring their father’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This period marked the beginning of the multi-generational leadership that continues today.
• 1960s–1970s: Community Builders As the company grew, so did its impact on the local community. Clarence Gleeson, Inc. focused heavily on building schools and churches, completing over 40 community projects throughout Metro Detroit. This era solidified the company’s role as a trusted local builder.
• 1980s: Overcoming Adversity The 1980s brought challenges, as the construction market collapsed during the recession. Forced to reduce operations, the company pivoted to focus on masonry work. Despite these difficult times, the Gleeson name remained resilient.
• 1990: A New Beginning In 1990, Charles E. Gleeson II restored the family’s status as a General Contractor by founding C.E. Gleeson Constructors, Inc. This marked a new chapter in the company’s history, combining the traditional values of quality and service with a fresh vision for the future.
• 2000s: National Expansion The 2000s brought remarkable growth for C.E. Gleeson Constructors. In 2004, we completed our first project for Walgreens, eventually building over 105 stores for the national retailer. This success expanded into other sectors, with projects for Fresh Market, Fresh Thyme, and LA Fitness, establishing Gleeson as a trusted builder across the Midwest and Southeast.
• 2012–2018: Expanding Horizons With the opening of new divisions in Charlotte, NC, and Austin, TX, in 2012, Gleeson’s operations expanded into the Southeast and Southwest regions. By 2018, we further diversified by adding a Multi-Family and Assisted Living division, meeting the evolving needs of our clients.
• 2020s: Growth and Leadership As our business grew, so did our leadership team. In 2020, we expanded our executive team to support this growth, and by 2023, we had opened an office in Delray Beach, FL. Charles Gleeson III, alongside VP of Operations Brad Baker, joined as Director of Business Development to continue building on the Gleeson legacy.
• 2024: Celebrating 100 Years This year, we celebrate a century of building excellence, driven by the dedication of our team, the trust of our clients, and the vision of four generations of Gleesons. From our origins in Detroit to our national footprint today, we remain committed to delivering quality, innovation, and service to every project.
• As we look to the future, we are excited to continue building for the next 100 years, honoring the legacy that started with Clarence Gleeson in 1924 while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

Here’s to the next century of construction excellence with C.E. Gleeson Constructors!