Fagan Investments Builds Internal Talent with Help from GST Michigan Works!
Located in Port Sanilac, Fagan Investments is a full-service real estate and construction company that acquires, renovates, constructs, manages, and sells properties throughout the region. With a long-standing team of employees who’ve grown through hands-on, on-the-job training, Fagan has built a strong workforce rooted in experience. Now, the company is taking that foundation to the next level—investing in professional certifications and licensures to further strengthen both its credibility and its internal talent pipeline.
“We’ve always trained from within, and that’s been key to our success,” said Wendi, Manager at Fagan Investments. “But we wanted our employees to have lifelong, transferable skills and credentials that would serve them no matter where life takes them.”
With support from GST Michigan Works!, Fagan Investments was awarded grants through both the Going PRO Talent Fund and the Industry Infinity program to support formal training for seven employees between 2024 and 2025.
Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, five employees were able to participate in industry-recognized training through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and Michigan State University. Their coursework included:
- Accredited Residential Manager
- Leading a Winning Property Management Team
- Managing Maintenance Operations & Property Risk
- Marketing & Leasing Strategies for Investment Properties
- External Market Drivers & Disruptors (MSU)
- Developing Strategic Business Models (MSU)
In addition, two employees completed Project Management certification training through the Project Management Academy, funded by the Industry Infinity grant.
With up to $2,000 invested per employee, the training has had a direct, measurable impact on Fagan’s operations. Employees who previously relied on outside guidance are now confidently making informed, executive-level decisions—eliminating costly delays and improving internal efficiency.
“This initiative has strengthened our succession planning efforts by building a skilled internal talent pipeline capable of stepping into greater leadership roles as we continue to grow,” Wendi explained.
The added skills have enabled Fagan to reduce outsourcing, increase productivity, and better prepare its next generation of managers. By aligning training with evolving industry demands, the company has built a stronger, more agile leadership team that will support its continued growth and long-term sustainability.