Welcome to Winston Development Group (WDG), your premier business development consulting firm specializing in commercial real estate and government affairs. Based in Lansing, Michigan, we cater to businesses in regulated industries looking to expand. While our primary region includes Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Jackson Counties, we maintain a network of contacts, partnerships and access to data throughout the Midwest.
At WDG, we offer a comprehensive suite of services, including government lobbying, regulatory affairs and compliance, state or local permits and licenses, site selection, zoning approvals, industrial and commercial real estate appraisals and brokerage, and construction project management.
Our team at WDG possesses a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses in regulated industries. We specialize in fostering relationships within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), including the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Liquor Control Commission (LCC), and Professional Licensing. We also have experience working on projects with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).
With more than 30 years of Combined experience working in real estate and with all levels of government, WDG’s partners bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Our extensive background equips us with a unique perspective on how to effectively work with and communicate to government agencies, maximizing the success of business growth objectives.
If you are a business owner in the healthcare, energy, oil and gas, marijuana, or property management industry seeking a knowledgeable and reliable partner to guide you through the complexities of expansion, WDG is here to assist you. Contact us today to explore how we can contribute to the growth and success of your business.
Winston Development Group was founded by Marcus Braman and Joe Neller out of a shared interest to take on complex projects and to help business and public sector leaders solve complicated problems.
Marcus Braman is a licensed Real Estate Broker and a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. Marcus offers experience in a wide variety of industries from industrial and commercial real estate, gas and oil, to cannabis, where he has written several municipal ordinances. He spent 8 years in public office, serving in multiple positions at the municipal level ranging from Board of Review Chair, Economic Development, Zoning Administrator, Trustee and Supervisor. In addition, Marcus served on the Steering Committee for the Lansing Area Economic Partnership and eventually as the President of Braman Services, a full-service real estate firm, where he assisted in the development of several cannabis manufacturing and retail facilities.
Joe Neller is an accomplished government affairs professional with more than 15 years of experience working in municipal, state, and federal issues. Joe began his lobbying career in the healthcare industry, where he represented doctors and health systems, and at a young age, was voted as one of the most effective lobbyists by Lansing insiders. In 2017, he left traditional healthcare to enter the medical cannabis industry and became a Co-Founder of Skymint, which would become one of the largest vertical operators in Michigan. During his time at Skymint, Joe was responsible for all municipal “opt-in” efforts, completed hundreds of medical and adult-use license applications, and ran a wholesale division with revenues of $50 million annually. Joe departed Skymint at the end of 2020 for personal reasons and was consulting in states across the country as they contemplate a licensed medical or adult use cannabis market.
Thank you for considering Winston Development Group as your business development partner. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.