Quicken Loans Key to Detroit’s Success

The Toledo Blade’s December 31 column “Detroit’s improving but still has miles to go” highlighted the Motor City’s revitalization – pointing to new political leadership as well as the significant economic investment that came with the relocation of Quicken Loans to downtown Detroit. As a Michigander who has observed Detroit's ups and downs, is impressive to me that Dan Gilbert, a Detroit native, and his family of companies have had such a positive impact on the city.

Rock Ventures, Gilbert’s umbrella company consisting of more than 100 businesses including Quicken Loans, supports more than 17,000 jobs in Detroit. It is Detroit's city’s largest employer, minority employer, and taxpayer.

From his contribution that made the city’s vision of a light rail system a reality to sponsoring local entrepreneurial programs to more than $5 billion in real estate investment across the city, Gilbert and Rock Ventures have become ingrained as strong community partners that help paint a bright future for Detroit.

Tom Paulsen is a lifelong Michigan resident and independent business owner