CORE VALUES

Integrity

The heart of The Gerken Companies.

Success without integrity is failure

As a multi-generation family business, acting with integrity has always been the cornerstone of our company. Doing what’s right might stall growth, but we’ll always stand by our work, our products, and our word.

From The Gerken Companies Core Values

In a world where the fast-paced nature of business often encourages shortcuts and compromises, integrity stands tall as a core value that can make all the difference. At The Gerken Companies, integrity is not just a trendy term; it is the foundation of our operations, guiding every project we undertake across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Building Trust Through Honesty

At the heart of our commitment to integrity is transparency in our relationships with clients. Unlike many companies that might offer enticing bids only to change the terms once the project is underway, we prioritize honest and accurate estimates from the start. We’re convinced that enduring relationships are forged through trust, and that trust begins with clear communication and uncompromising honesty. Our clients can count on Gerken to deliver on our promises, maintaining a standard of reliability that sets us apart in the construction industry.

One of the pivotal ways we uphold our integrity is by strictly adhering to our contractual agreements. We understand that meeting deadlines and project specifications is not merely about following rules; it’s about instilling confidence in our clients. When we commit to completing a project by a given date or within a specified budget, we mean it. That unwavering commitment fosters long-term partnerships based on mutual respect and demonstrates our dedication to integrity in every aspect of our work.

Quality Control That Speaks Volumes

Our commitment to integrity is also reflected in the quality of our work. The Gerken Companies proudly operates a central quality-control testing laboratory in Napoleon, Ohio, as well as additional field labs at our asphalt plants. This rigorous approach ensures that our materials not only meet but exceed the stringent standards set by the Ohio and Michigan Departments of Transportation, as well as federal regulations.

While some companies might cut corners to save costs, we choose to invest in quality, knowing that our reputation depends on the safety and reliability of our services.

Our devotion to workplace safety reflects our commitment to integrity. We recognize that the construction industry carries inherent risks and responsibilities, and we take that seriously. Our culture empowers employees to voice any safety concerns, ensuring that we maintain a work environment that prioritizes accountability and shared responsibility. Furthermore, our strict adherence to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations underscores our commitment to fostering a safe workplace and protecting both our valued employees and cherished customers.

A Vision for the Future

At The Gerken Companies, we know that integrity not only strengthens our brand but also positively impacts the communities we serve. In an industry often criticized for prioritizing profit over ethical practices, our unwavering dedication to integrity serves as a model for others. We are proud to inspire our employees, clients, and even competitors to strive for the highest standards of ethical business conduct.

As we navigate the challenges of the construction sector and beyond, The Gerken Companies remains steadfast in our belief that doing the right thing pays off in immeasurable ways. We invite you to join us in embracing integrity, a value that shapes our future and strengthens our relationships with clients, partners, and the communities we hold dear. Together, let’s build a legacy grounded in trust, quality, and safety—one project at a time.

GERKEN CORE VALUES

Integrity

As a multi-generation family business, acting with integrity has always been the cornerstone of our company. Doing what’s right might stall growth, but we’ll always stand by our work, our products, and our word.

Safety

We focus on safety because everyone at Gerken is family. And everyone wants to keep their families safe. We continually improve our safety programs to meet and exceed industry standards.

Shared Success

We endeavor to help others succeed by providing customers with excellent service, quality work, and technical expertise, and offering rewarding and stable livelihoods to our employees and their families.

Professional Development

We believe in empowering, training, and trusting our team members. We foster an atmosphere that makes individuals feel part of something steady and stable, with plenty of room to grow.

Community Support

We do more than work in the communities our companies serve; we live here, too. We promote community involvement and environmental awareness while supporting local organizations that improve the world.