Our Story

Johnny Janosik Grand Opening

Our extensive real estate development experience began in a very simple way. Dr. Cooper, a pediatrician, desired a 2,400 square foot office space. In their spare time Dr. Cooper and Abby were considering the process of building their practice in a single freestanding building on a single lot, they quickly realized the significant investment in time and ultimate cost they would incur. With little experience in the regulatory, financing and construction fields, they found themselves without available time or patience to manage the ever changing processes.

Dr. Cooper and Abby grew frustrated with the time and money they were using by managing the development process themselves. In addition they lost revenue within their practice, they quickly realized the expenses of building the small office was too great and exceeded their budget.

In 1990 the founders of Devreco, LLC proposed a solution: On behalf of Dr. Cooper and Abby, a larger parcel of land was purchased. Economies of scale were created by combining the planning, permitting, financing, infrastructure and construction costs into a larger facility. Ultimately the Coopers’ purchased their turn-key, move-in ready suite within a professional office condominium park; start-up and long-term operational costs were reduced for our client.

The Coopers were able to save significant time and money, continue to focus on their core business functions, and not become distracted by construction and development. They no longer had to stumble through the complex and confusing process of real estate development.

This new model of turn-key development, a full service real estate solution, was new to rural areas in 1990. Our solution soon became widely recognized and accepted in the Delmarva medical and professional communities.

Doctors and professionals began to rely on our very simple and quick solution to their space needs. We offered a flexible design-build, fast-track approach and allowed our clients to choose a lease, a purchase or a lease with a pre-negotiated option to purchase.

Our services stretched beyond the traditional builder/contractor business model of just constructing a building. We combined cost effective design, economies of scale, vision, planning, streamlining regulatory processes and ease of entry into a new facility to add increased value to consumers and clients. Months, if not years, were shaved off of the development process. All while allowing our clients complete design and acquisition freedom.

Most successful doctors and professionals maximize their financial efficiencies in their career, not in real estate development; we have proven value again and again to our clients. Our extensive experience allows busy professionals to not miss opportunities within their core business by avoiding wandering around in the development and complicated regulatory process. Allowing us to implement their vision and space needs in an easy, efficient, cost effective way, creates simple economic solutions.

FOUNDERS

Tony Gilkerson

Tony Gilkerson

Mr. Gilkerson is a co-founder of Gillis Gilkerson. Tony has been in the construction industry since 1973. He has been involved with all aspects of the construction industry: estimating, purchasing, project management, as well as overseeing business management and operational functions. Gilkerson has been instrumental in the construction and development of the professional/medical office market throughout the Eastern Shore; he has successfully constructed and developed millions of square feet of real estate.

Mr. Gilkerson has built an unparalleled reputation in the Eastern Shore construction industry through being both honest and dependable, and continuously producing developments on time and within budget. Tony is actively involved with Gillis Gilkerson’s long term planning and operations, and advisor to construction related activities. Mr. Gilkerson resides in Salisbury, Maryland.

Palmer Gillis

Palmer Gillis

Mr. Gillis is a co-founder of Gillis Gilkerson. He has been in the construction and development industry for over forty years. Mr. Gillis oversees the long term planning and operation of Gillis Gilkerson and is involved and implements plans with all aspects of the construction and development process, including sales, business development, marketing, estimating, purchasing and project management. He has successfully constructed and developed millions of square feet of real estate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

Mr. Gillis has had an extensive amount of involvement in the community, including: former Salisbury City Councilman and President, past Salisbury/Wicomico Planning and Zoning Commission Member, and currently serves on the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation board. Mr. Gillis is a graduate of Salisbury University and resides in Ocean City, Maryland.

A word from our clients...

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Gillis Gilkerson team on the Wicomico County States Attorney Office. I am consistently impressed with the team in their efforts to improve our community. I have also worked with all of them individually on different projects in the area and all of them are hard-working, intelligent, and action oriented people. It was a pleasure doing business with them and I look forward to working with the Gillis Gilkerson team in the future. Thank you for all you do for our community."

"I have never worked with a better group of young professionals. The Gillis Gilkerson team cares about you and your business. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. They are great business people."

"I was looking for office space in Salisbury to relocate. I knew I wanted to be downtown because it is close to home and I like the environment. The Gillis Gilkerson property was the answer. As soon as I walked in the door – I was sold. Brad and Joey went above and beyond with keeping a historic face on an old property while renovating and freshening up the interior. I feel right in this space and connected with a thriving community."

"We as the States Attorney’s office wanted to make a statement to the community and our citizens with taking a run-down building in the heart of downtown Salisbury. We had reports that this building prior to our occupancy had criminal activities and we wanted to help fight blight in our own community that we serve. The building facade is something that our employees, visitors, and citizens can all be proud of."

"When treating children who are victims of trauma you can’t have a sterile atmosphere. We were given the opportunity to give input on the space and share our needs. They listened and now we have a kid-friendly space that is calming for the children and their families. We now have space for all advocates to come together to help these kids tell their story. It is a dream come true."