About Great Lakes Strategic
Driven by Insight. Focused on Impact.
OUR CORE MISSION:
At Great Lakes Strategic, our mission is to deliver expert, actionable solutions that drive sustainable growth for mission-driven non-profits and thriving local government entities across the Great Lakes region. We believe that both the public and non-profit sectors deserve access to experienced, results-focused consulting that translates strategic vision into financial and operational reality.
EXPERIENCE FROM THE INSIDE:
Our firm was founded on the fundamental principle that true expertise comes from having successfully navigated the challenges our clients face.
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We offer a unique "inside-out" approach, blending high-level strategy with the intimate knowledge of day-to-day operations and fiduciary responsibilities:
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Public Sector Insight: Our leadership includes professionals with direct experience as a current Economic Development and Main Street Director and a former DDA Board Member and Treasurer. This ensures every recommendation is fiscally responsible, politically feasible, and designed for immediate implementation within a municipal framework.
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Non-Profit Expertise: Our risk-aware perspective, honed by high-level experience in Insurance and Risk Management, is combined with a Certified Non-Profit Professional (CNP) designation and a proven track record of spearheading major, sustained fundraising campaigns.
Jacob Cooper
Founder/Consultant
Jay Marks
Consultant
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Strategic Expertise: Jacob established the firm on the principle that non-profits and public entities need accessible, expert operational and resource support.
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Risk Management & Financial Oversight: He brings a unique, risk-aware perspective to the sector, honed by years of high-level experience in Insurance and Risk Management. His background includes service as a former DDA Board Member and Treasurer.
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Credentials: Jacob holds both Certified Non-Profit Professional and Project Management Professional designations.
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Municipal Leadership: Jay is currently serving as an Economic Development and Main Street Director, overseeing an entire district and collaborating with a community board.
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Capital Investment Track Record: Under his leadership, his DDA district experienced a $20M+ cumulative investment, resulting in substantial reductions in commercial vacancy and essential infrastructure improvements.
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Financial Rigor: He leverages a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Project Management to blend project execution with rigorous financial oversight.
EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTION:
Our vision is to be the most trusted strategic partner for organizations seeking to achieve long-term excellence. We achieve this by focusing on:
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Financial Sustainability: We provide the technical knowledge to manage complex, multi-year projects and build sustainable funding models.
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Flawless Execution: We combine strategic vision with the meticulous oversight of Project Management Professional principles.
WHAT GUIDES US: THE P-5 MODEL:
All of our strategic engagements are guided by our proprietary Pillars of Purpose (5-P Model), a comprehensive framework designed to assess, analyze, and optimize every aspect of organizational health.
1) PURPOSE: Mission, Vision, Values
Ensures the core reason for being is clear, compelling, and aligned with every action.
2) PROGRAMS: Impact and Delivery
Focuses on effectiveness, efficiency, and innovation to ensure programs achieve their intended outcomes.
3) PEOPLE: Leadership and Stakeholders
Assesses how well the organization engages and empowers its leaders, staff, and volunteers to achieve its goals.
4) PARTNERSHIPS: Collaboration and Networks
Examines strategic alliances, fundraising networks, and community engagement to expand reach and impact.
5) PROSPERITY: Financial and Operational Sustainability
Assesses financial health, operational efficiency, and long-term planning to ensure the organization can deliver on its mission long-term.
NEXT STEP:
Ready to apply our strategic, insider expertise to your organization's greatest challenge?
OUR MISSION
To drive sustainable excellence and growth for mission-driven non-profit organizations and high-impact public sector entities by providing expert, actionable strategy and rigorous operational oversight.
CORE VALUES:
Actionable Expertise
We eliminate the "consultant gap" by translating high-level strategy into practical, implementable solutions designed for real-world municipal and non-profit challenges.
Risk-Aware Strategy
We build resilient plans that protect our clients' public trust and assets by proactively identifying operational, financial, and legal risks.
Integrity & Transparency
We uphold the highest standards of transparency in communication, especially concerning compliance mandates like Open Meetings Act (OMA) and regulatory adherence.