Early Life
Peter Gilgan was born in Burlington, Ontario, in 1951, and grew up in a middle-class family with six siblings. His father was an electrician, and his mother raised the family. After graduating high school, Gilgan pursued a career as a chartered accountant.
Rise to Success
Gilgan's entrepreneurial journey began when he founded Mattamy Homes in 1978. The company's name is a portmanteau of his two oldest children's names, Matt and Amy. Mattamy Homes has since grown to become the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, building over 135,000 homes across Canada and the United States. Gilgan's vision extended beyond building houses; he aimed to create complete communities fostering connection and thriving through the decades. In 2018, he established Mattamy Asset Management Inc. to diversify into other asset classes.
Key Business Strategies
Gilgan's success stems from several key strategies. He focuses on building entire neighborhoods and emphasizes innovation within the industry. Mattamy Homes handles all aspects of construction, from land acquisition to design and assembly, ensuring quality control. The company’s operations include land acquisition, community design and development, and housing and parkland design and construction, with a particular emphasis on creating complete communities of enduring value to homeowners.
Philanthropy
Gilgan is known for his significant philanthropic contributions. Through the Peter Gilgan Foundation, established in 2006, he supports initiatives focused on health care, education, and community building. His lifetime charitable donations total over $370 million. Notably, he made a historic $105 million gift to Trillium Health Partners, the largest donation to a hospital in Canadian history, and a $60 million donation to St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto.