Our Story

John Griffith opened his real estate business in 1903 after immigrating to the United States from Wales. His close association with legendary business leaders in Chicago, which followed his employment with the Swift family, allowed him to leverage his keen business acumen and he became an active participant in the development of estates in the area. He worked closely with famed architect, Howard Van Doren Shaw and oversaw the development of Market Square. John moved his office into Market Square upon its completion and his office remained in the same space for nearly 100 years.

John Griffith's nephew, Melville Lackie joined the firm in 1922. under their leadership, John Griffith, Inc. helped facilitate the growth of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and surrounding communities. During the 1920s and 1930s, incredible new estates were built, neighborhoods were formed and subdivisions were planned and executed. The company also managed Market Square for the Lake Forest Improvement Trust from 1917 to 1968, collecting rent, coordinating with tenants, and overseeing repairs.

Melville's son, Gordon Lackie, joined the firm in 1950 after serving as an officer in the Navy. Gordon recognized the value of local real estate expertise and helped to develop a team of local practitioners who shared his commitment to providing the highest level of quality service while never losing sight of the values instilled in him by those who preceded his leadership.

John Griffith, Inc. opened a second office in Lake Bluff in 1955. With two offices and a team of professionals, John Griffith's legacy was securely intact and with his descendants at the helm, the business embraced it's position as business leaders in the communities they served.

Gordon's son, Scott Lackie, was recruited to join the firm soon after his graduation from college. A well known and admired veteran of the real estate industry, Scott has over 42 years of experience. Scott works closely with the brokers in the office to develop their talent and assist with their success and professional development. Scott was named Realtor of the Year by the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors in 2005.

Looking to expand and further the reputation as local market experts, John Griffith, Inc. acquired and merged with a competing brokerage led by Thomas Grant. After completion of the transaction, the firm changed its name to Griffith, Grant and Lackie Realtors.

Brad Andersen joined the office in 1994 after a 20 year career in building industry. After several years working as a broker in the business, Brad purchased interest in the company and became Scott Lackie's business partner. Brad understands the importance and merit of managing a family business with deep roots in a community he has always called home.

GGL affiliates with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International. The partnership with Leading RE and Luxury Portfolio further elevates the status of the firm.

The Illinois State Historical Society recognized Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors as a Centennial Business Award recipient after the office celebrated 100 years in business. GGL Realtors is the longest continually operated family business in both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Our new office in Lake Bluff was built on the site of our original, Lake Bluff office. GGL worked in tandem with the Village of Lake Bluff and a local developer to help reshape and enhance the central business district. Today, GGL is the only brokerage with an office location in the Village of the Lake Bluff and Lake Forest.

Community service has always been a hallmark of our company and continues to be extremely important to all of the brokers who work with our firm. In 2013, The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce awarded GGL the Community Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding commitment and service.

The Office continues to grow and prosper and in 2014 expanded into a new office location at 280 E. Deerpath Road, nearly doubling its footprint. The new space was designed to meet the needs of the office's top producing brokers.

Brady Andersen, Brad's youngest son, joins the office after working for several years in logistics. His techonological experience and dedication to his craft has proved extremely beneficial in the real estate industry. Brady is a fifth generation family member working with the office.

On May 17th, 2021 Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors partners with Compass Real Estate to become The GGL Group. Through our partnership with Compass, we are part of a network of 25,000 of the top agents across 300+ offices in 150+ cities, which provides expanded national and international exposure for our valued clients, sales associates, and listings.