Senior housing

Robert Gillette is one of the pioneers of the senior-housing business.

After working in sales for Baxter Laboratories and managing nursing homes, Gillette started renting apartments to older people in 1979. His company, American House, was formed before assisted-living facilities came into vogue.

Gillette's apartments were pioneering because units offered private rooms and baths. Until the 1970s, most senior-housing facilities forced residents to share bathrooms, Gillette says.
Through 2008, when he retired to Florida, Gillette built a portfolio of 27 senior-housing rental communities. Michigan-based Redico, headed by CEO Dale Watchowski, acquired the majority of American House in 2008 and has since expanded into Florida.