Gro Development

What Gro Development does

Gro Development is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, focused exclusively on the built environment of cause-driven non-profit organizations, primarily YMCAs and youth-serving community facilities. The firm operates six integrated practice areas: Real Estate & Development Advisory (REDA), Architecture & Experiential Design (AxD), Capital Formation & Planning (CapForm), Facility Management Consulting (FM), the GroPro procurement platform, and Camp Development (CampDev). Service delivery spans strategic real estate advisory, architectural and interior design, capital stack sourcing (philanthropy, municipal, state, private partners), and ongoing facility management thought leadership, with flagship projects including the $45 million, 140,000 sq ft Schottland YMCA in Rochester (the second-largest YMCA in the United States) and Project Aspire in Asheville, a 10-acre multi-use development combining hotel, residential, and a new YMCA with First Baptist Church.

Revenue is generated primarily through fee-based professional services engagements at the project level, with an additional transaction-fee layer derived from the GroPro procurement platform. GroPro is offered at no cost to non-profit participants and connects a portfolio exceeding 3,000 existing community facilities and nearly 100 new YMCA constructions annually to more than 100 vetted national suppliers (Dal-Tile, Sherwin Williams, Thor, Shaw, Landscape Structures, Takeform and others), generating revenue through negotiated volume discounts of 15-40% on materials and equipment. The go-to-market motion is enterprise field sales targeting non-profit executive leadership and boards, supported by thought leadership content, conference participation, and direct project showcases on the firm website. Geographic operations span the United States and parts of Canada, with a distributed leadership model and offices in New York, Winston-Salem, Colorado, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Annapolis.

Customer concentration is heavily skewed toward the YMCA movement, leveraging a national partnership with Y-USA and deep relationships with regional YMCA associations. Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward larger and more complex mixed-use co-location developments, integrating healthcare systems (University of Rochester Medicine, Ascension St. Vincent), housing partners (Greystar, Blake Investment Partners, Giarrantana), municipal libraries, school districts, and faith institutions into single YMCA-anchored developments. Across more than a decade of operation, the firm has remained private and founder/management-owned, growing organically without disclosed external institutional investment.

Name

Gro Development

Legal name

Gro Development

Website

https://gro-dev.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gro Development is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm founded in 2014 that exclusively serves non-profit organizations, primarily YMCAs, across six practice areas including real estate advisory, architecture, capital formation, facility management, procurement (GroPro), and camp development.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-profit Facility Development & Management Consulting

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541), Engineering Services (541330), Other Specialized Design Services (54149)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

ESG, Sustainability Reporting & Compliance (BPAEAPAM)

Keywords

• Nonprofit facility consulting
• Real estate advisory
• Architecture design services
• Capital formation planning
• Facility procurement program

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Services - Real Estate & Development Advisory (REDA): Strategic real estate consulting including portfolio analysis, site selection, market studies, property disposition, and development advisory services for non-profit organizations seeking to optimize their real estate assets.
2. Architecture & Experiential Design (AxD): Comprehensive architectural design and interior design services for community facilities including programming, schematic design, construction documents, and design consulting for YMCA and non-profit projects.
3. GroPro Procurement Program: Procurement services providing discounted access to vetted suppliers and manufacturers for construction materials, finishes, and facility equipment. No cost for participation; revenue generated through negotiated volume discounts and supplier relationships.
4. Capital Formation & Planning (CapForm): Advisory services guiding non-profit leadership in securing funding for capital projects through philanthropy, municipal sources, state programs, private partnerships, and non-profit co-location arrangements.
5. Facility Management Consulting (FM): Thought leadership and consulting resources for community-based, faith-based, and educational non-profits regarding facility operations and asset management.
6. Camp Development & Planning (CampDev): Specialized consulting for YMCA overnight camps and conference centers including site master planning, land use analysis, inclusive design, and facility management for camp properties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gro Development is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm that advises non-profit organizations (primarily YMCAs) on their built environment across six practice areas: Real Estate & Development Advisory (REDA), Architecture & Experiential Design (AxD), Capital Formation & Planning (CapForm), Facility Management Consulting (FM), the GroPro procurement program, and Camp Development (CampDev). Services span portfolio analysis, site selection, architectural and interior design, capital funding strategy, facility operations consulting, and procurement of construction materials and equipment through a network of 100+ vetted suppliers. GroPro participation is free for non-profits, with revenue generated via negotiated supplier volume discounts.

Product overview

Gro Development is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm offering six interconnected practice areas for non-profit organizations: Real Estate & Development Advisory (REDA), Architecture & Experiential Design (AxD), Capital Formation & Planning (CapForm), Facility Management Consulting (FM), the Procurement Program (GroPro), and Camp Development (CampDev). The core offering centers on advising non-profits on their built environment—from real estate strategy and architecture to funding and facility management. GroPro serves as the firm's procurement platform, providing non-profits access to over 100 vetted suppliers and manufacturers for facility-related needs, enabling discounted pricing through collective purchasing power. The practice areas are designed to work together holistically, with REDA informing site selection, AxD providing design services, CapForm securing funding, FM ensuring operational efficiency, GroPro managing procurement, and CampDev supporting camp-specific projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• REDA: Real Estate & Development Advisory - strategic real estate solutions for non-profit organizations
• AxD
• GroPro
• CapForm
• FM
• CampDev

Products and services

• GroPro Procurement Program Facility-related procurement platform that leverages economies of scale to deliver construction cost savings and reduced facility operating expenses to North America's non-profits. Provides free access to over 100 vetted sources and suppliers spanning HVAC, roofing, lighting, furniture, finishes, and equipment.
• Real Estate & Development Advisory (REDA) Strategic real estate consulting practice guiding non-profit organizations on portfolio analysis, optimal site selection for new facilities, evaluation of existing branch conditions, and timing real estate initiatives to align with overall financial condition.
• Architecture & Experiential Design (AxD) Architecture and design practice creating experiential community spaces, encompassing programming, schematic design, and interior design services for YMCA and non-profit facilities, with emphasis on human-centered design and sustainable practices.
• Capital Formation & Planning (CapForm) Capital formation advisory practice guiding non-profit staff and board leadership in identifying and securing funding sources for capital projects, including philanthropy, municipal and state funding, private sources, and non-profit co-location partnerships.
• Facility Management Consulting (FM) Facility management consulting practice providing thought leadership and resources to community-based, faith-based, and educational non-profits on facility operations and asset management for both general needs and specific initiatives.
• Camp Development & Planning (CampDev) Specialized consulting services focused on site master planning, land use, inclusive design, and facility management for YMCA overnight camps, day camps, and conference centers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Discounted pricing ranging between 15% and 40% on performance flooring through GroPro
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of Rochester MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership at Schottland YMCA (Rochester) includes a state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot outpatient hospital staffed by six physicians, offering wellness programs, health lectures, and collaborative initiatives. Also partnered at Canandaigua Sands Family YMCA for primary medical care facility.
• Giarrantana (Developer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with leading Nashville developer for Downtown YMCA project alongside a 60-story residential tower. Giarrantana developing the mixed-use project with the YMCA on the same site as the original facility.
• Blake Investment PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Jim & Heather Gills YMCA (St. Petersburg, FL) transformation. Partnership involves selling approximately 4.5 acres with proceeds funding YMCA renovation.
• Greystar Real Estate PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for St. Petersburg YMCA project, creating dynamic multi-use development with 425 new apartments, outdoor retail plaza, and parking garage alongside YMCA.
• Y-USA (YMCA of the USA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerY-USA partnership for Camp Cohort programs. Gro's CampDev Director Zayanne Thompson served as project manager for several cohorts serving over 50 camps. Collaborative relationship supporting national YMCA initiatives.
• Boise Downtown YMCA PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with public and private entities for Boise YMCA project including affordable and senior housing development through the new facility.
• Ascension St. Vincent (Hospital System)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partner for Westfield, IN YMCA. Ascension St. Vincent sponsors the aquatics center and healthcare-integrated programming at the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA.
• Greater Indianapolis YMCA / Public School DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-party collaboration in Westfield, IN including YMCA, public school system, city, and hospital system. School district's swim facility shares the aquatics center managed by the Y.
• YMCA Camp Zehnder (Greater Monmouth County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaster planning engagement to transform 135-acre summer camp into year-round daily-visit YMCA facility serving up to 400 kids, with incremental build funded by grants and philanthropy.
• Ottawa YMCA Healthy Living CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Ottawa, IL YMCA project as part of NMT Coalition initiative.
• Dal-TilecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBest-selling tile brand in the US providing flooring, wall tiles, countertops, outdoor pavers, and facade solutions. Gro negotiates volume-based price discounts for clients through ongoing relationship.
• Sherwin WilliamscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading paints and coatings company providing design and technical support services through Gro. Discounted pricing negotiated through volume specifications. Products suited for various environments including flood-vulnerable climates.
• ThorcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformance flooring provider. More than 500,000 square feet installed at YMCA facilities since 2021 (equivalent of 119 high school basketball courts). Gro-negotiated discounts of 15-40%.
• Shaw Floors (Shaw Contract)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarpeting and flooring provider for multi-functional community and fitness hubs. Offers cradle-to-cradle and reclamation programs for sustainability. Gro provides discount pricing and shipping/installation coordination.
• Landscape StructurescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-brand provider of commercial playground equipment, water/splash play, and commercial shade products. Gro helps with product selection, manages delivery and installation, and achieves optimal pricing for clients.
• TakeformcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWayfinding and experiential graphics provider. Created signage and branding for more than 30 YMCAs. 100% renewable energy from Niagara Falls. Free design services through Gro partnership.
• GridminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformance fitness flooring and lockers provider with in-house design, branding, project-specific layouts, and longest warranties in industry. Gro provides discount pricing and buyer expertise.
• Workplace ResourceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvider of contemporary furniture and interior elements for community hubs. Gro helps with optimal pricing, service, delivery terms, and warranties. Provides repair and decommissioning services.
• CSO Architects, AECOM Hunt, TLF Inc.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProject team for Ascension St. Vincent YMCA (Westfield, IN) including architectural firm, construction company, and engineers.
• Studio 483, IMEG, Russell ConstructionmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal design and construction partners for Davenport YMCA project, combining national YMCA standards with local expertise.
• First Baptist Church of AshevillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCombined 10 acres of prime real estate with YMCA for Project Aspire - a multi-faceted development including hotel, residential, office, commercial, new YMCA, and parking. Historic church preserved.
• City of Edmond / Municipal Library SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-location partnership for Edmond, OK YMCA. Library adds books and learning to exercise, mixed-use, and conference facilities. Partnership expands programming and provides access to financial resources.
• FleischmanGarciaMaslowski, Creative Contractors, Real Building ConsultantsmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProject team for Tampa Spurlino Y including architect-of-record, construction firm, and building consultants.
• Wight & Co., Lopez + Brosnan AdvisorsmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm and project manager partnership for B.R. Ryall YMCA (Glen Ellyn) renovation modernization project.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wight & Company: Architecture and engineering firm with deep YMCA project experience (listed in Gro's own data as a project implementation partner on the B.R. Ryall YMCA). Provides architectural and engineering services for community facilities, comparable in client base and project type to Gro's AxD practice.
• Brailsford & Dunlavey: Non-profit program management and facility consulting firm with extensive YMCA client portfolio. Provides owner's representation, program management, and real estate advisory services to non-profits and public sector clients, directly comparable to Gro's multi-disciplinary non-profit consulting model.
• Legat Architects: Architecture firm with significant community and recreation facility portfolio including YMCA work. Provides integrated design services comparable to Gro's AxD and REDA practices, with similar non-profit/community client focus and project types.
• CSO Architects: Indianapolis-based architecture firm specializing in YMCA and community facility design (listed in Gro's data as project partner for Westfield IN YMCA). Provides architectural services for community/recreation facilities, directly comparable to Gro's AxD practice and overlapping client roster.

Broad incumbents

• DLR Group: Integrated design firm with recreation/community practice and significant YMCA project experience. Provides architecture, engineering, and planning services at scale, broader than Gro's niche focus but overlapping in YMCA and community facility projects.
• Moody Nolan: Largest African-American-owned architecture firm in the US with recreation/community practice. Serves non-profits, municipalities, and recreation clients including community centers, comparable to Gro's YMCA-focused work but with broader client base and geographic reach.
• AECOM: Global design, engineering, and construction services firm (listed in Gro's data as a project partner for YMCA work). Provides architecture, engineering, and program management services, broader than Gro but with overlapping capabilities in non-profit and community facility projects.
• CannonDesign: Large national architecture firm with recreation and community practice serving YMCAs, universities, and municipalities. Broader scope than Gro but overlapping client base and design services, particularly for large-scale community and recreation facilities.
• SmithGroup: National architecture and engineering firm with recreation/community practice. Serves non-profit and public clients with community facilities including recreation centers, comparable to Gro's architecture and planning work but with broader geographic and sectoral reach.
• JLL: Global commercial real estate services firm providing real estate advisory, capital markets, and project management services. While not focused exclusively on non-profits, JLL's REDA-equivalent services overlap with Gro's real estate advisory practice, particularly for institutional and non-profit clients seeking portfolio optimization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gro Development