The Garland Co. may not be a household name to everyone in Cleveland, but the fact is that the company has been providing roofing solutions for businesses, industrial facilities and public properties for about 115 years. "Garland has a great local story to tell," says Brain Lambert, director of products and systems. That story involves having a presence in the area since 1895, a reputation for innovation that includes green building and a common sense approach to business that has resulted in zero layoffs during tough economic times.

An employee-owned business, Garland makes products for new construction, renovation, retrofit and maintenance projects. The company also services companies through engineering, design-build construction management and computerized roof asset management. Garland has been "going green" before it was a popular thing to do. In the mid-1990s, Garland introduced a modified roofing system using post-consumer recycled tires. Garland Energy Systems, Inc., created as a subsidiary of the company in 2007, focuses solely on alternative energy solutions such as thin-film solar rooftop cells.

Being forward-thinking while respecting its strong history seems to be a successful combination for Garland, which has received numerous awards and recognitiions over the last year. Garland's Green-Lock product, a polymer-based, VOC-free flood coat, made it to the list of Top Products of 2010 by Building Operation Management magazine. Garland has also been named to the North Coast 99 list of best places to work for 11 years in a row.

SOURCE: The Garland Co.
WRITER:  Diane DiPiero