mellc.co
MANDAREE ENTERPRISES IS GROWING. Founded in 1990 as Mandaree Technology Company, the once five-person manufacturing company now has 500 employees on the payroll. Not only has it grown, the New Town, N.D.–based organization has diversified. There are now eight active business units, home to a wide variety of companies, with income from federal contracts as well as commercial activities.
During the past 30 years, Mandaree Enterprises has been continuously owned and operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara (MHA) Nation. The CEO answers to the tribal council. Darnell Baker, a member of the MHA Nation and an employee who works in administrative support, appreciates the tribal connection. “Mandaree Enterprises is a well-run organization,” he says. “It’s a testament to Indian enterprises — that they are able to be successful in a lot of different areas.”
One of those successful areas is represented by Vel Tye, a tactical gear company that is part of a larger push toward commercial diversification. Another is POEM (People of Earth Matter), a commercial business focused on pursuing projects, businesses, and opportunities that benefit all people, including those who are disadvantaged. POEM Design, one of the companies under the broader POEM initiative, uses laser and 3-D capture technology to create unique and custom pieces.
Mandaree Enterprises prioritizes employing members of MHA Nation or other tribal members and has an executive development program that has seen two member-employees rise to the level of president in different companies. Each of the business units under the umbrella of Mandaree Enterprises is also led by members of MHA Nation or other tribal nations. What’s more, the organization is a destination workplace for non-Indigenous employees as well. “Mandaree Enterprises is known as a good employer on the reservation, someplace you want to be employed,” says Baker.
Jennifer Colosimo, a proposal manager, came to Mandaree from a background in academia and finds great value in the work. “I learn a lot and get to talk to very interesting people with different life experiences,” she says, “not just tribal members, but people with all different educations and experiences, all put together to work on a project.” Marketing Manager Scott Larkin, who worked at an ad agency previously, also has a strong sense of satisfaction. “You know that the work you do is benefiting the tribe and its people, not just the CEO of a private company,” he says.
Larkin points out that the company is making an effort to offer opportunities to younger STEM professionals. “Hiring, attracting, and retaining young employees has been a focus for the last couple of years,” he explains. “It’s a good company to work for, very loyal and supportive. We want people to succeed.” In describing the type of loyalty felt, in turn, by employees, Colosimo says the company is truly “a community business” and “multigenerational.”
Like Larkin, Baker has been gratified by the company’s openness to employing young people. “It’s about the next generation,” he says. “We need young entrepreneurs who want to achieve success, to help grow their communities.” He views Mandaree Enterprises as somewhere you can get that experience. Baker’s own goals are centered close to home. “I want to help this company be successful for my community,” he explains. “When oil money dries up, the company will still be there and able to provide.”
— Kyle Coulon