Thrive Companies Culture: A Community-First Approach

Our Culture

A legacy of building communities, a culture of innovation and impact
Thrive Companies volunteer at community philanthropy event
For over three generations, the Wagenbrenner name has been synonymous with reshaping Columbus through thoughtful, transformative real estate development. From building the foundations of community in schools and churches during the 1940s to reimagining neighborhoods like Grandview Avenue in the 1970s, our legacy reflects a commitment to creating spaces where people can live, grow, and thrive. In response to a changing world, we evolved into Thrive Companies to continue this mission with a focus on mixed-use urban development and high-quality living experiences.

Today, our culture reflects this enduring commitment. We are driven by a shared passion for community-building, innovation, and collaboration. Our purpose transcends just development; we roll up our sleeves and turn bold ideas into impactful realities. We create from a place of grit and dedication, working with our partners, residents, and neighborhoods to achieve meaningful progress together. At Thrive Companies, we don’t just build properties—we build lasting connections and spaces for people to flourish.
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A spacious indoor food court with people dining, featuring modern decor, tables, chairs, and food stalls under a large glass ceiling.
A spacious indoor food court with people dining, featuring modern decor, tables, chairs, and food stalls under a large glass ceiling.
People drinking and talking around a wooden table in a bar, with glasses of beer and cocktails visible.
People drinking and talking around a wooden table in a bar, with glasses of beer and cocktails visible.
Aerial view of a grassy area with people playing cornhole outside a building named The Little Grand. There are tables, chairs, and landscaping surrounding the playing area.
Aerial view of a grassy area with people playing cornhole outside a building named The Little Grand. There are tables, chairs, and landscaping surrounding the playing area.

Building Community

More than just a beautiful place to live— we are committed to creating vibrant spaces for community to thrive.
Explore Our Communities
Smiling patron holding drink at Bada Bean coffee shopModern apartment complex with large green space
A small dog sits with a paper cup on its nose while a person crouches nearby on a dark floor.
A small dog sits with a paper cup on its nose while a person crouches nearby on a dark floor.
Six people standing outdoors on a stone path, smiling, with houses and trees in the background.
Six people standing outdoors on a stone path, smiling, with houses and trees in the background.
A person wearing a mask is carrying a large box from a vehicle in front of a building with a sign that reads EMERGENCY.
A person wearing a mask is carrying a large box from a vehicle in front of a building with a sign that reads EMERGENCY.
A group of eight people wearing matching jerseys with thrive logos poses together in front of a large thrive sign.
A group of eight people wearing matching jerseys with thrive logos poses together in front of a large thrive sign.
A dog with a red collar licks whipped cream from a cup labeled Soda held by a tattooed hand.
A dog with a red collar licks whipped cream from a cup labeled Soda held by a tattooed hand.
Construction workers in safety gear stand in line near a food truck at a building site.
Construction workers in safety gear stand in line near a food truck at a building site.

Awards and Accolades

Cityscape of Columbus, Ohio, showcasing tall buildings like the LeVeque Tower against a clear blue sky, with lush trees and a shimmering river in the foreground—a perfect setting to appreciate the thriving developments by companies such as Thrive Companies Ohio.
Cityscape of Columbus, Ohio, showcasing tall buildings like the LeVeque Tower against a clear blue sky, with lush trees and a shimmering river in the foreground—a perfect setting to appreciate the thriving developments by companies such as Thrive Companies Ohio.

Best Places to Work Award in 2024, 2023, and 2022

Columbus Business First
Aerial view of a city at sunset with tall Thrive Companies buildings rising majestically, and Ohios winding river visible in the background.
Aerial view of a city at sunset with tall Thrive Companies buildings rising majestically, and Ohios winding river visible in the background.

Top Workplaces in 2024 and 2023

Columbus CEO
Modern homes by Thrive Companies dot the Ohio landscape, featuring sleek gray metal roofs beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Modern homes by Thrive Companies dot the Ohio landscape, featuring sleek gray metal roofs beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Quarry Trails: Project of the Year

2024 Building Columbus Awards — Columbus Business First
Gray slanted parallel lines create a geometric pattern on a flat surface, reflecting the modern aesthetic often seen in Thrive Companies projects across Ohio.
Gray slanted parallel lines create a geometric pattern on a flat surface, reflecting the modern aesthetic often seen in Thrive Companies projects across Ohio.

Columbus Business Firsts Power 125:

Mark Wagenbrenner
A row of modern, multi-story apartment buildings developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio boasts balconies and a mix of brick and light-colored exteriors. Trees adorn the foreground, set against a backdrop of a partly cloudy sky.
A row of modern, multi-story apartment buildings developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio boasts balconies and a mix of brick and light-colored exteriors. Trees adorn the foreground, set against a backdrop of a partly cloudy sky.

2024 CoStar Impact Award: Jeffrey Park

Multifamily Development of the Year
A modern glass and steel masterpiece by Thrive Companies Ohio, with large windows, is captured from a low angle against a cloudy sky.
A modern glass and steel masterpiece by Thrive Companies Ohio, with large windows, is captured from a low angle against a cloudy sky.

Grandview Crossing Office Building: 2023 Best New Office Project

Columbus Business First
Modern two-story house with a metal roof, large windows, and a wraparound balcony, designed by Thrive Companies Ohio. Surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky, this home represents the finest in contemporary living.
Modern two-story house with a metal roof, large windows, and a wraparound balcony, designed by Thrive Companies Ohio. Surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky, this home represents the finest in contemporary living.

2023 Featured Community: Quarry Trails

BIA Parade of Homes
A modern living room by Thrive Companies Ohio features a gray sectional sofa and an orange chair, accented by a patterned rug and wall art. A lamp and green potted plant complete the decor, while a sliding door opens to reveal a spacious balcony.
A modern living room by Thrive Companies Ohio features a gray sectional sofa and an orange chair, accented by a patterned rug and wall art. A lamp and green potted plant complete the decor, while a sliding door opens to reveal a spacious balcony.

2023 Smart 50 Award

Kevin Zeppernick
The outdoor apartment complex courtyard, developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio, features a central swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and striped umbrellas, with multi-story buildings elegantly framing the scene in the background.
The outdoor apartment complex courtyard, developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio, features a central swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and striped umbrellas, with multi-story buildings elegantly framing the scene in the background.

2023 CoStar Impact Award: Grandview Crossing

Multifamily Development of the Year
The modern brick residential building, developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio, showcases multiple windows and a beautifully landscaped garden, all set against a clear blue sky.
The modern brick residential building, developed by Thrive Companies in Ohio, showcases multiple windows and a beautifully landscaped garden, all set against a clear blue sky.

2023 BIA Builder of the Year

Thrive Companies
On a sunny street, a child with a pacifier eagerly reaches for bubbles, guided by a smiling adult in a hat. Its moments like these that showcase the thriving community spirit fostered by Thrive Companies Ohio.
On a sunny street, a child with a pacifier eagerly reaches for bubbles, guided by a smiling adult in a hat. Its moments like these that showcase the thriving community spirit fostered by Thrive Companies Ohio.

Forty Under 40: Steve Bollinger

2022
Thrive Companies leadership visiting construction site
COMING SOON

Collaboration with Purpose

Just as past generations collaborated to create landmarks, we believe collaboration fuels our success today. From leadership to every team member, we establish an open culture where ideas are exchanged, challenges are tackled together, and goals are achieved through teamwork.

COMING SOON

Innovative Spirit

Our commitment to innovation is a natural evolution from our history. Thrive Companies seeks new ways to redefine urban living, creating spaces that are forward-thinking and uniquely designed to enrich lives. We empower every member of our team to think creatively and courageously, just as our predecessors reimagined forgotten spaces decades ago.

Future real estate professionals visiting Thrive Companies site
Thrive Companies leadership presenting for future real estate professionals
COMING SOON

Well-Being and Support

True impact comes from a strong foundation. We nurture an environment that supports and uplifts each of our team members. By offering personal development opportunities, wellness programs, and a culture of respect, we enable our people to thrive. When our team is fulfilled, our communities are, too.

Life at Thrive Companies

A People-First Approach

Our people-first approach means that every decision we make is centered on our team members' well-being and growth. We offer opportunities for career advancement, encourage ongoing learning, and provide a workplace where every individual is valued and empowered to make an impact.

Thrive Realty team in front of a courtyard of homes

Making a Difference Together

Thrive Companies is more than just a place to work—it’s a community of people committed to making a positive difference. Whether it’s through team-building events, community outreach programs, or celebrating milestones together, we value the experiences that bring us closer as a team.

Construction team lining up for Thrive Cos vendor lunch

Join Our Team

Thrive Companies is always looking for passionate, talented individuals who share our vision of building vibrant communities. If you’re ready to be part of a culture that values collaboration, well-being, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

Four-story brick apartment building with large windows and balconies, surrounded by young trees and greenery, under a clear blue sky.

Ready to thrive with us?

Join our team and be a part of creating spaces that inspire and connect communities.