Do Good Work for Good People | Waypoint Strategies

Why values alignment is at the heart of every project we take on

“Be a good person who does good work for good people.”

That’s it. That’s the mantra.

This mantra has shaped every chapter of my career—whether I was managing campus operations at Marian University, leading complex initiatives at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, or now, helping guide Waypoint Strategies, a division of Schmidt Associates.

It’s more than a personal compass—it’s become a foundational mindset for how we choose our partners, how we show up for our clients, and how we lead projects, especially when the work gets hard.

Our first client showed us exactly what this looks like in action.

The very first project Waypoint Strategies ever took on was with Near North Development Corporation (NNDC), a nonprofit serving neighborhoods on the north side of downtown Indianapolis.

At the time, they were emerging from a tough chapter, armed with renewed energy and the kind of funding that could make a real dent in the affordable housing crisis in their area. They quickly jumped from a handful of small initiatives to a full pipeline of high-impact, large-scale housing projects.

For them, it wasn’t about the buildings alone, it was about restoring stability, opportunity, and dignity for their community. That’s the kind of mission you feel in your gut. And that’s exactly the kind of partner we want to work with.

We don’t just say yes to any project.

At Waypoint, we choose our work intentionally. Not because we’re picky but because we care about showing up in ways that matter. That means partnering with teams who value transparency, empathy, and shared purpose just as much as we do.

We want to work with people who are passionate about the impact they’re creating, treat their partners with respect and trust, and understand that success isn’t just measured in square footage or savings, but in how the work serves real people.

When those values align, the work is not only more fulfilling, it’s also more effective.

The value of alignment can’t be overstated.

We’ve found that when the right people are at the table, the tough moments get easier. There’s more grace. More accountability. More collaboration. And ultimately, a better project outcome.

And no, that doesn’t mean every project is perfect or conflict-free. But it means that when issues arise (and they always do), the response is rooted in partnership, not posturing.

That’s the power of working with good people.

The takeaway?

Doing good work starts with who you choose to do it with. We’re proud to work with mission-driven organizations, bold thinkers, and community leaders who care deeply about what they’re building—and why. If that sounds like you, we’d love to be part of your next chapter.

Let’s talk about how Waypoint Strategies can help bring your vision to life.

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