Early Life
Peter Gilgan was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a middle-class family with six siblings. His father was an electrical technician, and his mother raised the family. Gilgan's early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hard work. His first job was at age 13, and he worked in a plumbing distribution company.
Rise to Success
Gilgan initially pursued a career in accounting, working for a bookkeeping company. He later became fascinated by the homebuilding industry, which led him to found Mattamy Homes in 1978. Starting with building homes in Burlington, Ontario, he expanded his business by purchasing multi-lot properties, which was the beginning of significant growth as a home developer. He introduced innovations, such as the WideLot concept and factory-built homes, to increase efficiency and adapt to market demands. Mattamy Homes expanded into the United States in 2003, and the company has since become the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America.
Key Business Strategies
Gilgan's success is attributed to several key strategies. These included adapting to market changes, such as the rise in mortgage rates in the 1980s, by reducing costs and focusing on affordable housing. He also built entire neighborhoods to create communities. Furthermore, he emphasized employee satisfaction, offering careers rather than just jobs, which led to lower turnover rates and higher quality. He also sought innovation, such as developing a JIT production line for houses.
Philanthropy
Peter Gilgan is renowned for his extensive philanthropy. He established the Peter Gilgan Foundation in 2006, and through the foundation, he has supported healthcare, education, and athletics. Notably, he has made substantial donations to hospitals, including a $100 million gift to SickKids Hospital in 2019 and a $105 million donation to Trillium Health Partners in 2022. His philanthropic efforts extend to various causes, reflecting his commitment to community betterment and improving the lives of others. Gilgan has donated over $500 million throughout his lifetime to charitable causes.
