Mno-Bmadsen grows regional portfolio, generational wealth with ‘good way of living’
Diversifying assets is always a sound strategy when investing for the future. Thanks to an organization called Mno-Bmadsen, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has a firm with precisely that goal.
“Our mission and purpose is to diversify the tribe’s revenue streams and build wealth for future generations,” CEO Julio Martinez said.
Mno-Bmadsen is a combination of Pokagon words meaning “good” and “way of living.” The firm invests in businesses in the construction, manufacturing and commercial real estate industries — as well as architecture, engineering, land-use planning and environmental mitigation — with a “buy-hold-grow” strategy, Martinez said. The goal is to expand economic self-sufficiency for the Pokagon Band — beyond revenues solely from gaming at the tribe’s Four Winds Casinos.
“These companies are being built to grow, to add value, to create a place, or a portfolio, where tribal citizens into the future — and generations into the future — will have a diverse stream of revenues.”
Based in Dowagiac, Michigan, Mno-Bmadsen includes 18 operating companies with about 600 employees — about 25 are Pokagon citizens, said Martinez, who has spent his entire career working for tribal businesses.
An acquisition can be intimidating. But an investment firm that shares your values and cares about their employees can be positive for all.”
Its holdings cross into the Region, with Rolling Prairie-based mechanical contractor D.A. Dodd, as well as Mishawaka-based Cressy Commercial Real Estate and OJS Building Services, among its family of companies.
Guided by the Pokagon seven generations philosophy and by values central to the tribe, Mno-Bmadsen operates under a “very long-term, patient investor model,” said Martinez, of St. Joseph, Michigan.
The seventh generation principle encourages people to make decisions that will result in a sustainable world for future generations.
“The reason we’re different is our strategy is to buy, hold and grow. What’s missing from that is the traditional ‘sell,’” Martinez said. “That all lines up with our seven generations philosophy of investing for the tribe’s future.”
‘The good path’ to growth
Mno-Bmadsen started diversifying assets for its founding tribe in 2012, when the firm was chartered under Pokagon law. It is governed by its own board of directors, with a “purposeful separation” between investment firm operations and Tribal Council decisions, Martinez said.
Mno’s acquisition in 2015 of D.A. Dodd serves as a telling illustration of how the firm generates revenue by helping its companies grow, Martinez said.
When D.A. Dodd’s founders were planning an exit strategy for their retirement, current company President Jason DeMeyer said they looked to Mno as a potential buyer. Dodd had worked with the Pokagon Band through contracts at Four Winds Casino and wanted new ownership that matched its values of integrity, commitment, respect and a family focus.
“Their motto has always been value growth, and they definitely stand behind that,” said DeMeyer, 40, of Rolling Prairie. “I always appreciate Mno’s focus on ‘the good path,’ and that they’ll continue for future generations, putting an emphasis on what you do today and how it will prosper in the future.”
Streamlining costs, services
While D.A. Dodd needed a buyer, Mno was looking to acquire a business skilled in piping prefabrication. Dodd brought that know-how, along with expertise in plumbing, sheet metal, heating, ventilation and cooling.
Once Mno acquired D.A. Dodd, it began to streamline costs through “high-level oversight and strategic oversight, in terms of business expansion and performance,” Martinez said — the same benefits it provides all companies within the Mno family.
This means handling necessities such as insurance, retirement plans and banking at the Mno level, paving the way for each business to do what it does best.
These companies are being built to grow, to add value, to create a place, or a portfolio, where tribal citizens into the future — and generations into the future — will have a diverse stream of revenues.”
When Dodd needed more space for the sheet metal side of its business, Mno made that possible through the acquisition last summer of OJS Building Services. That brought in several talented technicians and more space in Mishawaka.
All the while, DeMeyer says, his monthly meetings with Martinez, quarterly reports to the Mno board and quarterly executive meetings with leaders of all Mno companies help his business stay nimble.
“Having open communication and trust allows us to make those decisions and stay ahead of the curve,” DeMeyer said.
Shared values
The buy-hold-grow strategy is working well for Mno, Martinez says. The company generated $200 million in revenue in 2024 and is proud to pass along distributions to the Pokagon Band, serving as an economic engine to help tribal citizens meet their needs.
Mno-Bmadsen is actively pursuing companies for purchase, mainly in architecture, engineering and construction management, Martinez said. Sourcing of these companies retains a Midwest focus, but the firm is also open to expanding geographically and already has a presence in Oklahoma and Texas.
“An acquisition can be intimidating. But an investment firm that shares your values and cares about their employees can be positive for all,” DeMeyer said. “It just comes down to good people wanting to do good business.” •
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