Overview
Gun Lake Investments (GLI) acquired NAWA Professional Services (formerly Commercial Sanitation Management Services, or CSM) in 2018 as part of its strategy to diversify and strengthen its portfolio. Since the acquisition, NAWA has become a premier provider of facilities management services, serving a broad client base in commercial properties, educational institutions, financial sectors, and industrial operations throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.
GLI’s investment has enabled NAWA to grow its workforce to nearly 300 employees while expanding its capabilities in human resources, sales, analytics, and operations. By centralizing administrative and accounting functions through GLI, NAWA has achieved greater efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced capacity to pursue large-scale contracts with clients who value diversity and minority-owned business partnerships.
The acquisition of NAWA reflects GLI’s commitment to investing in businesses that align with our mission of sustainable growth, operational excellence, and community impact.
A Year of Transformation: The NAWA Rebrand
In 2023, NAWA Professional Services underwent a transformative rebranding initiative inspired by the Anishinaabemowin word Nawajewen, meaning “ripples in the river.” This change symbolizes NAWA’s aspiration to create lasting, meaningful impacts for its clients and communities.
The rebranding process was comprehensive, designed to ensure that NAWA’s new identity aligns with its mission of excellence while honoring its roots in the Gun Lake Tribe’s cultural values.
Performance Highlights
NAWA’s continued focus on innovation and operational excellence has resulted in:
- New Management Layers: Strengthening leadership to enhance oversight and employee satisfaction.
- Improved Efficiency: Streamlined labor costs as a percentage of sales, reflecting better resource allocation.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: Creating pathways for employee growth and development across multiple departments.
Looking Ahead
As NAWA Professional Services continues to grow, it remains committed to its core principles:
- Community Impact: Strengthening relationships with clients and supporting local initiatives.
- Excellence in Execution: Delivering tailored, high-quality solutions for every client.
- Sustainability: Promoting environmentally responsible practices in facilities management.
NAWA represents a strategic investment by Gun Lake Investments, embodying our shared vision of creating ripples of positive change in every community we touch. Discover how NAWA Professional Services is creating ripples of excellence by visiting our website using the button below.