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The Legacy of
S. Dale High

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We seek to be servant leaders, recognizing that for all we are given, whether in assets, leadership influence, or opportunities of other sorts, we are accountable to and responsible for others. Service to others is what it means to be a leader.”

— S. Dale High

HIGHER PURPOSE

A visionary by nature, S. Dale High’s commitment to people and place have always been a driving force for his success as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. In that spirit, in 2022, Dale emboldened High Foundation through an extraordinary act of business leadership and philanthropic innovation that will benefit our community for generations to come.

 

Watch Dale's personal message below.

The Legacy of S. Dale High

An entrepreneur with impact

S. Dale High joined his father and brother in the family business in 1963. In the years since, Dale has strategically expanded the enterprise into 10 businesses with more than half a billion dollars in revenues. Today, High companies have nearly 2,000 coworkers operating 38 facilities in eight states.  
 

High has become an industry leader—for excellence in serving customers, quality and innovation in its products and services, personal and corporate integrity, dedication to sustainable design and environmental responsibility, and a strong commitment to coworkers and community.

High Companies

A Commitment to

Coworkers and Community

Dale has always believed that using the power of business for the good of the community is a lasting commitment the High companies must uphold. Under his leadership and the guiding principles of The High Philosophy, defined early in his tenure with input from coworkers, High developed a culture of respect, trust, and community connection. High's impact on the communities in which the High companies do business takes shape through a visionary and catalytic approach to corporate social responsibility, equality, and environmental consciousness.

In 1980, High Foundation was formed to support community growth and vitality and improve the lives of people who live and work in Lancaster. Since then, the Foundation has invested more than $30 million in transformative organizations and initiatives. In his leadership roles at both High companies and High Foundation, Dale brings people together to share his expertise and pursue ideas and programs that ensure the economic vitality of Lancaster City, County, and beyond.

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A Leader in Using Business for Good

To honor his legacy as a servant leader, in 2017 the High Family opened The S. Dale High Leadership Center as a place for collaboration and an incubator for ideas to solve community issues. The Leadership Center represents the entrepreneurial mindset, innovative spirit, and collaborative culture embraced by the High Family over many years. The Center upholds Dale's belief that business has a role in solving community problems, and that the role is fulfilled through servant leadership.

S. Dale High Leadership Center

The High Story

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Three Generations of Servant Leadership

Spanning three generations, High companies is a family business that has grown to become a leading Central Pennsylvania employer with roots that run deep.


The High story is framed by entrepreneurship and values. Sanford H. High founded High Welding Company in 1931 with a keen focus on innovation and serving his customers well. This became the inspiration for The High Philosophy. Today, these founding principles permeate High companies and continue to be the guiding force behind the companies’ growth as they serve their customers and continue to be innovative leaders.

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The partnership of High Foundation is very meaningful because Dale High’s father, Sanford High, was one of the founders of Landis Homes. High Foundation’s support continues their legacy of service to aging adults and funding for affordable housing options for seniors in the greater Lancaster community.”

— Beth Trout, Vice President Advancement/Communications, Landis Communities

The High Philosophy

High coworkers are committed to two great tasks:

1. Building Trustworthy Relationships.

2. Being Innovative Leaders.

"We give good measure."