The Inland Real Estate Group of Cos was started in 1967 by four Chicago-area teachers (above): Bob Parks, Dan Goodwin, Joe Cosenza, and Bob Baum. Inland had an office in the city near Oak Park, and the 1979 move to Oak Brook was conceived at the closing table, Joe tells us. They were purchasing an apartment complex in Downers Grove, and the sellers mentioned they were building two small office buildings in Oak Brook, which the principals then combined into one office building.

He and the other principals jumped at the chance of a short commute, says Joe (snapped above in a "now" shot, second to left, with Bob P., Bob B., and Dan). Hundreds of thousands of square feet later, the company eventually sold everything and bought its current complex at Butterfield and Midwest Road, still in Oak Brook. Most of Inland's employees are located in the 'burbs, and free parking doesn't hurt. "We're all gonna die here," Joe jokes. "There's no reason to leave."