From the NFL to Construction: The Evolution of GILK

Designed by Malley Design

GILK was founded by former NFL players Garrett Gilkey and Ryan Jensen, who brought their sports backgrounds into the world of construction and design.

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and finishing his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Garrett retired due to injury and established HGC, a design-build firm focusing on luxury residential and commercial projects. Under his leadership, HGC experienced remarkable growth, expanding to over 30 employees and achieving a 270% revenue increase within five years.

Ryan Jensen, initially drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. He played a pivotal role in the team's Super Bowl victory in 2020 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 before retiring after the 2023-24 season. In early 2023, Jensen became an owner and partner at HGC, aiming to drive the company’s expansion into new markets.

As HGC continued to grow, opening offices in Denver and other major cities, the team decided to rebrand as GILK, inspired by Garrett's college nickname. The new name reflects both strength and memorability, aligning with their vision of creating a distinctive identity in the construction industry.

Malley Design collaborated with GILK to develop a new brand identity aimed at reaching athletes, entertainers, and high-net-worth individuals nationwide. The new brand combines architecture, art, and sports aesthetics, offering a refined, collaborative experience. The logo's precise angles echo dovetail joints in fine carpentry, while blueprint-inspired patterns and a bright neon accent guide attention in the design. They also redesigned the website, core identity materials, and a launch gift box for media, realtors, and potential clients.

Malley is an independent design studio located in Northeast Minneapolis that specializes in brand identity and digital design. The studio collaborates with clients to infuse brands with meaning through thoughtfully developed identities and experiences, drawing on years of expertise in the field.

From the NFL to Construction: The Evolution of GILK

GILK was founded by former NFL players Garrett Gilkey and Ryan Jensen, who brought their sports backgrounds into the world of construction and design.

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and finishing his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Garrett retired due to injury and established HGC, a design-build firm focusing on luxury residential and commercial projects. Under his leadership, HGC experienced remarkable growth, expanding to over 30 employees and achieving a 270% revenue increase within five years.

Ryan Jensen, initially drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. He played a pivotal role in the team's Super Bowl victory in 2020 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 before retiring after the 2023-24 season. In early 2023, Jensen became an owner and partner at HGC, aiming to drive the company’s expansion into new markets.

As HGC continued to grow, opening offices in Denver and other major cities, the team decided to rebrand as GILK, inspired by Garrett's college nickname. The new name reflects both strength and memorability, aligning with their vision of creating a distinctive identity in the construction industry.

Malley Design collaborated with GILK to develop a new brand identity aimed at reaching athletes, entertainers, and high-net-worth individuals nationwide. The new brand combines architecture, art, and sports aesthetics, offering a refined, collaborative experience. The logo's precise angles echo dovetail joints in fine carpentry, while blueprint-inspired patterns and a bright neon accent guide attention in the design. They also redesigned the website, core identity materials, and a launch gift box for media, realtors, and potential clients.

Malley is an independent design studio located in Northeast Minneapolis that specializes in brand identity and digital design. The studio collaborates with clients to infuse brands with meaning through thoughtfully developed identities and experiences, drawing on years of expertise in the field.