Case Study: MW Enterprises (is changing everything)
Purpose of the Company
To transform the urban and underrepresented landscapes by investing into, owning, and developing real estate, with a commitment to improving community living standards, and changing the global landscape through aesthetic, functional, and environmental awareness.
In the bustling world of real estate development, one company stands out as a shining example of how business can be a force for good. MW Enterprises LLC (MWE), led by the visionary Mel Wyatt, is not just building structures – they're constructing a legacy of sustainability, equity, and community enhancement. MW Enterprises LLC mission is to transform the urban and underrepresented landscapes by investing into, owning, and developing real estate, with a commitment to improving community living standards, and changing the global landscape through aesthetic, functional, and environmental awareness.
At the heart of MWE's success is Mel Wyatt, a leader whose unwavering commitment to bettering the community is as solid as the foundations of the buildings her company develops. Wyatt's values permeate every aspect of MWE, creating a culture where profit and positive impact coexist in perfect harmony.
“Our philosophy is simple but profound: we build structures that become integral parts of people's lives, lasting not just for years, but for decades, even centuries. But here's the twist—we're not content with the status quo. We're all about shaking things up, making our buildings not just environmentally friendly, but also more cost-effective and, most importantly, better for the people who live, work, and thrive in them.”
The Magic of MW Enterprises
What sets MWE apart is not only their impressive portfolio of projects but the transformative energy that flows through the company. From the moment you engage with their team members, you can feel the authenticity of their purpose and their commitment to innovation. Every employee is united by a shared vision of creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet.
MWE's approach to real estate development is nothing short of revolutionary. They are nurturing ecosystems of sustainability and community. Each project is intentionally designed to incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and community-centric planning. It's as if every brick laid and every nail hammered is infused with the company's commitment to a better future.
The Opportunity We Activated
We had the pleasure of meeting Mel and the incredible MWE team through the LEVEL program, a truly inspiring initiative hosted by B Lab U.S. & Canada. The LEVEL program is dedicated to uplifting businesses led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), especially women, by providing them with vital resources to measure and enhance their impact. It empowers these entrepreneurs to navigate the B Corp Certification process and adopt stakeholder governance practices, fostering a collaborative environment that builds capacity and deepens relationships among historically marginalized leaders.
As original consultants involved in the LEVEL program, we find our work to be immensely fulfilling and joyful. The program not only enables businesses to share their unique stories and achieve certification but also plays a crucial role in advancing the broader movement for racial equity and economic justice. We are proud to be part of a vibrant community that champions inclusivity and strives to create a more equitable economy for all. Together, we are sparking change and paving the way for a brighter future!
B Corp Certification: A Testament to Excellence
In a stunning validation of their efforts, MW Enterprises LLC achieved B Corp Certification with an astounding score of 179.4 points – one of the highest scores ever recorded. This exceptional achievement places MWE in the upper echelons of socially responsible businesses worldwide.
To put this into perspective, the minimum score required for B Corp Certification is 80 points. MWE more than doubled this threshold, showcasing their extraordinary commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
How MW Enterprises and Decade Worked Together
The Journey to B Corp Excellence
Decade’s work with MWE started with an in-depth analysis of the entire company to understand where impact currently existed and to identify what opportunities there were, in the short and long-term, to build more socially and environmentally responsible practices into the business. Decade used two lenses to identify opportunities: 1) what activities best aligned with points in the B Impact Assessment; and 2) what actions were most strategically aligned with MWE’s mission, vision, and values.
Once this impact baseline and roadmap to certification was established, Decade Impact provided a holistic solution through policy development, impact measurement, and engagement strategies. Our services included:
Conducting a gap analysis to identify areas for improvement.
Developing a suite of policies and documentation ranging from worker support to environmental stewardship.
MWE's journey to B Corp Certification was not just about ticking boxes; it was a transformative process that touched every aspect of the company. MWE faced the challenge of effectively documenting how they integrate sustainability and equitable practices into their business model and operations. Despite their commitment to positive impact, there was a need for a structured approach to documenting, measuring, and enhancing their social and environmental contributions. Specific issues included the lack of comprehensive policies for worker support, community engagement, and environmental management, which hindered their ability to fully realize their vision and mission.
In collaboration with Decade Impact, MWE embarked on a holistic approach to documenting their business practices:
Comprehensive Policies: From worker support to environmental stewardship, MWE has developed a suite of policies that ensure every aspect of their operations aligns with their core values.
Inclusive Workplaces: Diversity and engagement surveys have been implemented to foster a more inclusive workplace, ensuring that all employees feel valued and empowered.
Virtual Office Stewardship: Even in remote work settings, MWE promotes sustainability through a virtual office stewardship program, encouraging employees to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Supplier Code of Conduct: By embedding ethical and sustainable practices within their procurement process, MWE ensures that their impact extends beyond their immediate operations.
Enhanced documentation and frameworks for ongoing impact measurement and improvement.
Our collaborative efforts led to the development of comprehensive KPI metrics, focusing on diversity, sustainability, and local engagement within their supply chain. We crafted targeted metrics to monitor and improve supplier diversity, waste management, water conservation, and electricity usage.
This process wasn't just about achieving certification; it was about igniting a collective passion for change within the organization. Every team member became an integral part of this transformative journey, feeling empowered and valued in their role as agents of positive change.
“Our journey to B Corp Certification was truly transformative, beyond meeting requirements. It brought our team closer, rallying around our core values in a way we hadn't experienced before. We owe so much to Decade for guiding us through this process. Their unwavering support and expertise helped us achieve certification and deeply ingrained sustainability and equity into our daily operations. We are immensely grateful for their partnership and couldn't have done it without them. Thank you, Decade, for being an integral part of our journey and helping us become a better, more responsible company.”
MW Enterprises: A Leader in Sustainable Real Estate
MWE's is pioneering innovative practices in construction waste recycling, hazardous waste disposal, and local supplier engagement. Their new supplier code of conduct ensures that ethical and sustainable practices are embedded deep within their procurement process.
But perhaps the most magical aspect of MWE is how they've managed to make sustainability not just a corporate policy, but a way of life. Employees speak of their work with a gleam in their eyes, proud to be part of a company that's actively shaping a better world. Clients and partners are drawn to MWE not just for their exceptional services, but for the opportunity to be part of a movement towards a more equitable and inclusive future with both people and planet in mind.
MWE is not just a real estate developer; it's a beacon of hope and transformation in the communities it serves. Under the visionary leadership of Mel Wyatt, MWE has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to sustainability, equity, and community enhancement, setting new standards in the industry through the following initiative:
Affordable Housing in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, California, MWE has taken significant steps to address housing affordability in some of the city's most economically challenged areas. By providing under-market rent for residential tenants in East Bakersfield, Central Bakersfield, and Southeast Bakersfield, MWE is making a tangible difference in the lives of low-income families. These neighborhoods, which have historically faced economic hardships, are now benefiting from MWE's dedication to creating accessible and affordable housing options. This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens for residents but also fosters a sense of stability and community in these areas.
“By enhancing living standards and offering residences below market rates, we aim to ensure that the diligent workforce of Bakersfield has access to quality homes within their means. Cultivating a sense of community is at the heart of our objective - creating an environment where families can flourish, assured of stability and support. Committed to shaping Bakersfield into a place where every resident, irrespective of income level, can discover a home and forge a brighter tomorrow.”
Progress Doesn’t Erase History, It Enriches It
MWE’s focus is on improving community living standards and driving positive change on a global scale.
To achieve this, they prioritize several key aspects:
Historical Preservation and Aesthetic Enhancement: MW Enterprises LLC places great importance on preserving the historical charm of the areas they develop.
Smart Home Integration: The company's approach involves combining historic preservation with modern advancements. By integrating smart home technology into their properties, MW Enterprises LLC aims to provide residents with enhanced convenience and connectivity.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: One of the standout features of MW Enterprises' approach is an emphasis on the importance of responsible development practices by incorporating eco-friendly and energy-efficient building methods.
Positive Impact on Communities: MW Enterprises LLC differentiates itself from competitors by prioritizing the well-being of the communities they serve. By building vibrant, innovative, and eco-conscious real estate, MWE contributes to positive transformation within the neighbourhood.
Social Responsibility: MW Enterprises LLC goes beyond traditional real estate development by positioning themselves as agents of positive change. MWE aspires to create living spaces that not only provide shelter but also contribute to the overall social and environmental welfare.
Global Perspective: MWE aims to make a global impact by setting a precedent for responsible, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing real estate development practices. This perspective drives their commitment to innovation and positive change on a larger scale.
A Legacy of Positive Change
As MW Enterprises LLC continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: they are not just building for today, but for generations to come. With their B Corp Certification as a guiding star, MWE is poised to continue leading the charge in sustainable, equitable, and community-focused real estate development.
And with their extraordinary B Corp score as proof, it's clear that MW Enterprises LLC is not just talking the talk – they're building a better world, one sustainable structure at a time.
In the words of Mel Wyatt herself,
"We're not just developing properties; we're cultivating a future where business success and societal benefit are one and the same. Our bottom line? We don't separate our impact on people and the planet from our business interests. They go hand in hand. That's why MW Enterprises LLC is all in when it comes to supporting initiatives that envision cities and communities as inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable places for everyone.”
Decade’s Reflections
We believe MWE is well-positioned for future success, with a solid foundation to continue driving industry change. Our work has not only addressed immediate challenges with getting certified but also equipped MWE with the tools and frameworks to sustain and expand their impact. Ongoing improvement in engagement and sustainability practices will further enhance their leadership in the field. As part of our work together, MWE built empowering systems that will support their continued progress and purpose.
Working with MWE allowed us to touch a little bit of history. Both the history they are reconciling and the history they are creating through the entirety of their portfolio of projects. Mel Wyatt and her team continue to be a source of inspiration for us and have allowed us to grow in our own practice. After 90 B Corp certifications, the act of working to measure MWE’s impact stretched our own limits and those of the B Impact Assessment.
Mel Wyatt is in the process of making history and we are here for it.
MW Enterprises’ Reflection
“Embarking on the journey towards B Corp Certification proved to be a truly transformative experience for us, extending far beyond mere compliance with requirements. It served as a unifying force for our team, strengthening our bond around our fundamental values in an unprecedented manner. Decade played a pivotal role in this journey by providing invaluable guidance every step of the way. Their consistent support and expertise not only paved the path to certification but also embedded principles of sustainability and equity deeply into our daily operations.
Collaborating with Kate and Kristy has been extraordinarily beneficial beyond measure. Their steadfast commitment was instrumental in our success, and we are profoundly grateful for their contributions. The partnership with Decade has been instrumental to our achievements, and we express heartfelt gratitude for their essential role in shaping us into the more responsible company that we are today.
Thank you, Decade, for your integral part in guiding us through this transformative journey.”
- Mel Wyatt, Principal, MW Enterprises LLC.