ABOUT GLI
ABOUT GLI
We blur the lines between investing with and investing in people. That may be a little bit different from most firms. But we aren’t like most firms.
“We applaud the tribe and the state for collaborating on economic development projects that support our job market and provide new opportunities for small business owners here in West Michigan.”
SHANE NAPPER, President, Rockford Construction
MISSION
& VISION
MISSION & VISION
The 7 grandfather teachings drive both our Mission and our Vision.
Our mission is to create economic, employment, and individual investment opportunities that support our vision of self-sufficiency and economic diversification for the Tribal citizens of Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan.
Through wisdom, truth, love, respect, bravery, honesty, and humility, we have created a Tribal corporate culture where ideas blossom, staff are valued, and our goals are met.
STRATEGY
STRATEGY
Gun Lake Investment looks for like-minded partners who believe in the purpose and mission of GLI and the broader goals of the tribe.
We assess all opportunities individually, based on their risks and benefits, and seek those with an appropriate return.
We pair this with our fundamental criteria-set to guide our investment decisions. Since every business is different, we carefully consider each investment opportunity and analyze its potential based on the following preferences:
Operating Companies:
- Established, stabilized companies with several years of history
- EBITDA between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000; generating consistent cash flow
- Seller desires to operate for 4 +/- years post-acquisition
- Attractive opportunities that complement current investments
Real Estate:
- Partnerships with experienced operators and developers
- Beneficial to surrounding community/neighborhood
- Long-term Credit Tenant leases
- All asset types
HISTORY
HISTORY
Gun Lake Investments is the result of a long-term strategy to build a diverse and self-sufficient Tribal economy.
As a commitment to diversification, the Tribal Council created GLI to manage its non-gaming investments. To ensure proper governance and create continuity, the Tribe appointed a board of directors, allowing all investment and operational decisions to be contained within the firm. Since its inception, the 100% native-board has consisted of individuals with MBA’s, Ph.D.’s, business experience, and a long history in Tribal economic development. The board is solely responsible for approving policies and budgets, and holding management accountable for executing on its strategy. While this is the standard outside of Indian Country, GLI aspires to be the leader and role model in governance practices for Tribally-owned firms.
Since 2017, GLI has grown from just one employee to over 500. The firm received its initial funding in 2015, followed by additional funding from an agreement between the Gun Lake Tribe and the State of Michigan to fund GLIMI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLI. GLIMI will receive 15% of the revenue share between the Tribe and the State to invest in non-gaming economic development projects within Michigan. Thanks to the assistance of key strategic partners, GLI has moved quickly to grow their portfolio beyond Noonday Market, and now holds six diverse investments, consisting of both real estate and operating companies. Through the foresight of the Tribal Council, and the foundation created by the Board, GLI is realizing its mission of diversifying the Tribal economy, injecting millions of dollars of investment back into the community, and improving the lives of those around us.