Seeing Terre Haute through the eyes of an entrepreneur and developer was easier when Greg Gibson took CEO students to the top floor of the Hulman & Co. Building at 9th and Wabash Avenue. Greg pointed out projects and properties he has had a hand in... the Terre Haute Convention Center, the parking garage, Hilton Garden Inn, the in-coming Courtyard by Marriott, plans for Old National Bank and the Morris Plan building, and his newest acquisition the Cigar Store.
Those are just projects that could be seen from the Hulman & Co. Building. Greg's development on Highway 46 has been long in the works as well. Word of the 641 Bypass several years ago sparked his interest in the northside of Interstate 70. With time, interest in a second Wal-Mart in Terre Haute and later a Meijer created quite a stir, and when they came to the eastside, other businesses followed. Just last week, news of Target coming to Terre Haute was released.
Not all of his ventures, however, have gotten the results he planned. One of his biggest heartbreaks was not landing the Hard Rock Casino in Terre Haute. Greg shared that the casino failure was a tough loss for him. It took him a while to move past it. But, it didn't keep him down.
"Failures are either wins or learning experiences," he said.
Though many think of Greg as a developer, he jokes, "I still consider myself a garbage man even though I don't own a garbage company."
But, that's where he got his start...hauling trash.
In all of his businesses, Greg shared that government's impact on business has played a significant role. Working with city engineers, area planning, county commissioners, and water sewage officials is essential to finishing a project.
Greg shared that he loves Terre Haute. He hopes that CEO students and his own children come to see the potential here and want to stay in the community. He said it has all the resources necessary to make it a great place for business and for families.
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