b'The Gliks retail brand has grown over the decades into a footprint spanning the Great Lakes and Midwest.But until very recently, this renowned companys corporate headquarters was tucked away in an unassuming suite in Granite City, Illinois. Despite earning an enviable reputation since their first store opened in 1897, it hadnt occurred to them to splurge. In business now for 125 years, humility in the Glik family runs at least as deep as the roots of their brand. The partnership between our families began in the early 1970s when Joe Glik took a chance on a local builder and a shopping center in Highland. Its good business tostick with what works, and in Highland, it worked. The Korte and Glik families stood together many more times as the retailer continued expanding.KORTE|YEAR IN REVIEWToday, Gliks sees the future as clearlyas anyone. To continue thriving, theyneeded to step into ecommerce with both feet. A new facility in Collinsville, Illinois combines administrative space with warehouse and distribution capacity soGliks can serve buyers far beyond itsbrick-and-mortar stores. That humble suite in Granite City didnt last, but the bond between our families sure did.P_59'