The Grupe family has played an important role in the growth of Northern California since the Gold Rush. John Carsten Grupe came to California in search of gold in 1849. When mining proved less than lucrative, John established a successful freight line from Stockton to the Mother Lode. Part of his farm, in Linden and deeded to the family from Captain Weber in 1853, is still owned by Phyllis and Fritz Grupe.

The land in Linden allowed growth into farming and ranching. In 1917 the Grupe family recorded the G (G Bar) brand for their cattle. As brand registry in California began in 1915, the G brand continues to be one of the oldest recorded brands still in use in the state. Before turning to real estate, Fritz and Phyllis lived on the family farm in Bellota and raised cattle, a tradition the family still carries on.

Since 1966, The Grupe Company has built award-winning single-family communities. The company has created 12 master-planned communities and more than 50,000 homes in 35 cities nationwide.

Since its beginnings, the Company has demonstrated an extraordinary sensitivity to environmental concerns. The Grupe companies take extraordinary pride in creating environments throughout the United States in which nature and people can flourish together.