TOLD traces its roots to March 1959, when John B. “Jack” Gilbert founded Altadena Land & Development Company to sell residential lots. At that time, Jack was growing a sheet-metal business called Zero Manufacturing from a small Burbank fabrication shop into an international enterprise that featured Halliburton luggage as its signature brand.
By 1972, Zero was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and it had operations throughout the United States. However, Jack began to miss the hands-on management and personal satisfaction he enjoyed as an entrepreneur. So he bought 40 acres of land in Newbury Park, CA and Jack left his presidency at Zero to devote more time to the newly-named, Thousand Oaks Land & Development Company.
In 1984, the company shortened its name to TOLD Corporation for simplicity. TOLD was becoming Ventura County’s premier non-residential developer and also had projects under way in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas and Washington.
The early 1990’s real estate downturn was a period of considerable difficulty. TOLD had to reduce its workforce, curtail all development projects and sell off numerous assets. Through it all, Jack Gilbert was proud to say that his company met every financial obligation and that TOLD survived.
By 1994, TOLD relocated to Camarillo while focusing on tenant retention, debt reduction and cost containment. Patience and perseverance were rewarded when the local economy rebounded.
In 2002, Rod Gilbert became President and he began looking at new avenues for growth. Two years later, the company acquired 13 acres of land formerly used as a processing plant for Clariol shampoo. TOLD knocked down the obsolete buildings, then constructed a mixed-use development featuring 88 business condominium units in nine industrial buildings and two office buildings, known as Flynn Road Business Park.
Today, the company continues to seek value-add real estate opportunities through acquisition or development. And at the same time, TOLD has directed resources to many local non-profit organizations in an effort to give back to the community that has made our company a lasting success.