A Few Minutes with Ginger Hitzke

Ginger Hitzke, Founder/President, Hitzke Development Corporation

Click on Ginger Hitzke’s bio on her company website and up pops an image that seems to contradict the serious pursuit of building affordable housing – it’s an Annie Oakley-lookalike who could be a waitress, with the label of “Boss Lady.”

That’s Ginger, whose San Marcos-based namesake firm has become a major player in San Diego County’s affordable rental-housing efforts.

Why a waitress? “Because it’s all about service,” she says.

Rising above a difficult North County childhood where permanent housing was a constant issue for her mother, who was a waitress, Hitzke has become successful through her commitment to helping others who seek to attain the kind of upward mobility she has.

Over the past two decades or so, Hitzke, who started her career as a secretary, has taken various lead roles in developing more than 1,500 apartments and affordable homes, valued at $43 million, with many more in the planning stages.

How did you create your company’s brand message, which seems unusual for a development firm?
A number of years ago, we were brain-storming over a glasses of Chardonnay with my PR company at the time. We talked a lot about how I grew up, where I came from and where I am now.

Did you work in a restaurant as a waitress before?
No, but when I was growing up, my Mom sometimes had to work double shifts to make ends meet. It was a day-to-day struggle just to get by. I knew that her tips were good that week, we’d be OK. But when business was slow, we’d struggle. Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy success as a real-estate developer, I never want to forget the value of serving your customer.

What makes your projects unique, and perhaps a reflection of you?
I do feel our buildings are quite beautiful and thoughtfully designed, thanks to the same architect I’ve worked with for years now. Our goal is always to make our buildings part of an overall effort that noticeably improves the neighborhoods we serve.

You’ve made a point of taking public stances on controversial issues regarding affordable housing, such as building in designated fire-hazard zones. Why have you chosen to do that?
Because someone needs to. And when we don’t speak out, people continue to suffer. In California, wildfires have always been a part of life, just as earthquakes and mudslides. But this doesn’t mean we should stop growing or providing homes for our children and grandchildren. It means we work together to diminish the threat by developing thoughtful plans, utilizing advanced technologies and putting in place prevention measures that work.

Have you experienced any backlash for taking public stands?
Surprisingly, little negative happens to me when I write articles or appear in front of government agencies. I’ve always felt strongly about the value of speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

What does the future hold for your company?
I’ve learned how to borrow public monies to build housing for low-income, working people. More and more, I’m thinking about how I can use my talents to benefit even more people, perhaps by providing opportunities to gain better financing to own their own homes.