Cameron Wind, MLCV’s Senior Construction Project Manager

MLCV is a Tribal owned, community-focused organization. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has entrusted us with overseeing their business operations, but our impacts go beyond business. We are committed to cultivating a secure economic ecosystem and improved holistic well-being spanning generations. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is our foundation, constant inspiration, and vision for the future.

Within our portfolio, we are upheld with trailblazers of the Mille Lacs Band. Their experiences, innovation, and resilience have defined our story — and led us to milestones so ingrained with fortitude, their impacts could never be erased.

We’ve developed a series introducing our Mille Lacs Band Member Associates and illuminating their stories, just as they have to ours.

September 2023 Feature: Cameron Wind, MLCV’s Senior Construction Project Manager

A Career Origin Story

Selfless. A word of eight letters, six consonants, and two vowels. A term used since the early 1800s, worn as a humble adjective. Now as you continue through this story, store that word in the front of your mind. Consider the meaning it conducts. And ponder its connection to Cameron Wind. (Spoiler alert — it’s an extraordinary reflection of his character).

Cameron’s career in carpentry began before most even started to think about their professions. He was introduced to Nor-Son, a custom building and construction company, in high school. He enrolled in the school-to-work program and began clocking hours mid-school day, earning credits and cash. It was an early opportunity for hands-on knowledge-building you can’t just find in any textbook, which he gratefully admits was impactful along his career route and into the destination of the present day.

Upon graduation, Nor-Son quickly presented Cameron with a full-time position as a Carpenter. For over a decade, he stayed put, thriving in the various construction fields they offered. For instance, his handprint touched nearly every step of building a home in residential work — from crafting foundations to assisting concrete crews and masons to finishing cleaning touches. Or in commercial construction, mastering steel studs, block wall framings, and more.

Cameron Wind and Grand Casino Associates

Through these years of strengthening his building and leadership skills, Cameron arrived at a pivotal point in his career. A carpenter position opened at Grand Casino; he applied and was on the road to serve the Mille Lacs Band in a way that spoke to him. While at Grand Casino, Cameron worked on cabinetry, trim, and even wood boats at Eddy’s Resort. He shared his passion for being efficient and resourceful with the organization’s needs, saving them time and money. This, combined with his extensive experience, led him to a promotion to Project Manager and eventually VP of Operations.

At this point in Cameron’s career story, speeds really started to pick up. Within the four years of holding the title of Project Manager and just over two years as VP of Operations, Cameron made significant headway with managing facilities, grounds, security, and list management responsibilities.

It was in the Project Manager position that he deems one of his proudest accomplishments… so far (something tells me there will be more). He shares, “I directly oversaw the remodel construction of our MLCV HQ Building from start to finish. Because we needed to move staff out and into temporary office trailers, complete the project, and move staff back in – it was a lot of moving parts. But it went off very smoothly.”

And just a few short months ago, Cameron applied for and was accepted as the Senior Construction Project Manager at MLCV. Here, we now reflect, recognize, and celebrate his achievements as a Mille Lacs Band Member Associate and the trek that led him to this moment.

A Day in the Life

Cameron Wind and Colleagues at the Mille Lacs Corporate Venture’s Leadership Development Conference

As Senior Construction Project Manager, Cameron finds himself in a fast-paced leadership role, where his expertise shapes the outcomes of meaningful projects. The decisions he makes are all his. And that’s something Cameron cherishes about his leadership in this new role. He explains, “They empower me. They say we trust you, Cameron, on doing what’s right for this company.” Whether that’s him communicating with contractors on completion status or suggesting looking for a more economically sustainable product, he commends them for allowing the space for decision-making to grow even further as a professional and as a person.

And grown he has. His current undertakings are huge. He handles the construction management of our workforce housing properties. First, Red Willow Estates in Onamia, a now completed affordable townhome housing with full occupancy. And the upcoming affordable market rate Sugar Maple Crossing in Hinckley will innovate apartment-style living in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy — including 40 units, solar panels, and family-friendly amenities while targeting middle-class households, not often served by tax credits. Cameron is eager to share that the foundation will be underway early next year. His work addressing housing shortages continues as he leads the construction process on our Ventura Project. The South Minneapolis property will boast a four-story, 20-unit apartment building with underground tenant parking — one Cameron esteems an adventurous oversight.

Another responsibility under Cameron’s belt as Senior Construction Project Manager is creating and revitalizing incubator spaces for entrepreneurs looking to open or expand their businesses in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy. Two confirmed locations, one in Onamia and one in Hinckley, will be capable of serving trades ranging from retail to salon.

Really, Cameron will oversee the building on all MLCV’s development projects, which (another spoiler alert) there are a few large ones on the way!

Within each of his assignments, Cameron stresses the importance of communication. He often works with contractors, ensuring contracts are withheld, and those deliverables are delivered. First and foremost, he emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind his position. Cameron explains, “It’s important to me to be mindful of pricing and product quality. If we can get the same or better quality for cheaper, we should always explore that route.” He says, “It’s just being a good steward of the Band’s money.” A value he’s held his entire career.

Up Close and Personal

When Cameron told me the advice he would give to others considering a similar career path or role, I immediately knew where I would place his answer in this story. But only because his wisdom feels so closely connected to another, much more personal, role — that of a parent to seven children, four of whom are adopted. The advice? “If you have the opportunity, make sure you take it.”

Cameron and his wife did not let a moment pass when they could be parents. It was when their three children were coming to an age of independence that they officially became foster parents. He tells me there weren’t necessarily onset intentions to adopt, but instead serve their community, supporting families in need. And yes, there have been heartbreaking moments and challenging hurdles, but he quickly told me, “I wouldn’t want it any other way; it’s super fun and exciting.”

When Cameron shared why he and his wife decided to begin this quest, his answer rang a bell. “Because we heard there was such a need.” By now, readers may not be surprised to know that he shared the same sentiment regarding why he pursued his career and latest position with MLCV.

Mille Lacs Band Member Impacts

Cameron’s inspiration in life and work stems from his drive to provide for people — his family and community. And as a Mille Lacs Band Member, he feels the two intertwine. He is committed that his children feel the same. This became apparent through a grown friendship with the District II Representative, where he has helped at holiday parties, bringing excitement to children. He shares, “I pull the kids on a sleigh ride, which is just a four-wheeler and a trailer, but they think that’s the coolest thing ever.” Moments like these, surrounded by his loved ones and neighbors, bring his children and himself joy and comfort. And it brings me (and I’m sure quite a few readers right about now) absolute confidence that Cameron is fulfilling his meaning behind being a Mille Lacs Band Member, “To provide a better, brighter future for the next generations of Band Members.”

Conclusion

As business keepers of the Mille Lacs Band, we, too, find ourselves equally as ambassadors — who place substantial value in celebrating the voices of our brand. One common theme held true throughout Cameron’s career story: the gratification he absorbs from being a part of others. When we talked about what he loves about his profession, Cameron told me, “It’s my passion. I love to build. I love to help give people what they want, whether that’s a space they can feel comfortable in or a physical structure that will last for years to come.” And that last sentiment really sealed the deal.

We encourage readers to follow along and support our trailblazers of the Tribe as we tell their stories embedded within ours.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.