ABOUT US

Our mission is to grow the economy and legacy of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

We are planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, contractors, project managers, and problem solvers. We serve Indigenous, public, and private clients through our three service branches and six Bodwé companies.

Our success enhances quality of life and cultural sustainability for current and future generations of Pokagon citizens

Bodwé is the Professional Services Group of Mno-Bmadsen, the investment enterprise and a wholly owned instrumentality of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Mno-Bmadsen, which means “the good path,” was formed in 2012 from the Tribal mandate to diversify business interests, revenue streams, and wealth for future generations. Under Mno-Bmadsen, the Bodwé family of companies works to serve the Pokagon Band and its people, increasing resources for continued growth and sovereignty. Bodwé Group is comprised of Seven Generations A+E, The Steelhead Engineering Company, Blue Star Integrative Studio, WBK Engineering, Bodwé Technology Solutions, and Bodwé Federal Services.

Our philosophy and values

As a tribally-owned group of companies on mission to grow the economy and legacy of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, we fuel our work through our shared values. The Pokagon Seven Generations philosophy instills in us the value of working together to plan for our shared future and for what may come for generations we will never meet. This is not a plaque on our wall, our values are embedded in how we work and relate to each other and our clients and partners.

Wisdom | Mbwakawenewen

To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people.

Love | Debandewen

To know peace is to know Love. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most.

Respect | Wdetenmewen

To honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.

Bravery | Wedasewen

Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.

Honesty | Kwekwadzewen

Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others.

Humility | Edbesendowen

Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. You are equal to others, but you are not better.

Truth | Debwewen

Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.

OUR HERITAGE

Our name inspires how we serve our Indigenous, federal, municipal, transportation, and community clients

The Bodewadmi people, or Potawatomi, have long been identified as the keepers of the fire. Our name, Bodwé, comes from their rich history and language, and from our ties to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, whose Tribal land is found in southwest Michigan. Bodwé means to light a fire for someone; or in other words, to meaningfully serve another. As a family of companies offering professional services in partnership with many diverse clients, the name Bodwé suits us perfectly. You will find Indigenous tradition woven into our brands and identities and, more importantly, our values and ways of working.

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the clients we serve in the video below.

WHO WE ARE

The Bodwé leadership team

At Bodwé, each member of the team is valued for their experience, perspective, and unique skill set. We work alongside leadership at 7GAE, Steelhead, and Blue Star, and WBK to collaborate on meaningful projects that better shape our built environments and our communities.

Jeremy Berg
Jeremy Berg
Chief Operating Officer
April Hawkins
April Hawkins
Human Resources Director
Emily Davison
Emily Davison
Finance Director
Karl Kowalske
Karl Kowalske
President - Buildings Services Branch
Greg Chismark
Greg Chismark
President - Infrastructure Services Branch
Brett Hysinger
Brett Hysinger
President - Federal Support Services Branch
Norman Wixon
Norman Wixon
Vice President - Federal Support
Katy Velten
Katy Velten
Marketing & Communications Director
Nicole Speedy
Nicole Speedy
Business Operations Director

Awards & Recognitions

We are honored to be recognized by other organizations for our innovative solutions. Here are a few.

2025

Public Works Project of the Year (Transportation)

American Public Works Association
Clearmont Drive Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
2025

Medium Firm of the Year

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois
WBK Engineering
2023

Honor Award (Built Project)

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southwest Michigan
Indian Health Service Oyate Health Center

Contact us

If you are interested in beginning a new project, you are a potential teaming partner, or you just want to chat about great architecture and engineering, please drop us a note in this form.

If you have an RFQ/RFP to submit for consideration, please email us at marketing@bodwegroup.com.

Michigan Offices

Illinois Office

116 W. Main St., Ste. 201, St. Charles, IL 60174
630-443-7755

Oklahoma Office

320 S. Boston Ave., Ste. 1710, Tulsa, OK 74103
918-359-5640

Texas Office

3463 Magic Dr., Ste. T15, San Antonio, TX 78229

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