Leading financial management services provider GT Independence expanding in Sturgis

Expansion will create 84 new professional services jobs, generate more than $2M in private investment in Southwest Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Financial management services provider Guardiantrac LLC, dba GT Independence, is expanding in the city of Sturgis, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

The project is expected to generate a total private investment of more than $2 million and create 84 new pathway jobs in the long-term care industry over the next two years. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Florida.

“GT Independence’s continued expansion in Michigan will help catalyze long-term job growth for the state’s residents and further demonstrates the company’s strong commitment to the Sturgis community,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction agency, responsible for enabling long-term economic opportunity for all Michiganders.

“We’re pleased to work with Southwest Michigan First and our other local partners to support the growth of this longstanding Michigan company, and we look forward to working with GT Independence as it continues to grow and add jobs in Michigan,” Mason said.

Guardiantrac LLC, dba GT Independence, was founded in Sturgis in 2004. The company provides services as a fiscal intermediary for individuals with long-term care needs or disabilities in 11 states across the nation. GT Independence assists people in hiring and employing caregivers legally by handling all required employer and employee paperwork, payroll, tax filings and insurance concerns.

The company is experiencing additional growth as a result of a recently acquired large contract in Florida. The expansion involves the purchase of a 12,000-square-foot building adjacent to the four it currently occupies in the city of Sturgis, a project that is expected to result in a total private investment of more than $2 million and create 84 new jobs. As a result, GT Independence has been awarded a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

By expanding in Sturgis, GT Independence is able to utilize a shovel-ready site by reusing an existing facility that is in need of rehabilitation. The knowledge base from the extensive training the company provides will prepare employees with pathways to careers in the medical billing and insurance fields. The company is also considering adding a health care clinic, daycare and cafeteria for employees and the community as a whole to access and enjoy.

“GT Independence is grateful for our partnership with the city of Sturgis, Southwest Michigan First and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said John Carmichael, chief executive officer. “As we continue to pursue our mission of helping people live the life of their choosing regardless of age or ability, we see an opportunity to enhance our commitment to creating a great workplace for our over 250 locally based employees. The new facility represents our continued commitment to invest in the community I have called home for most of my life.”

In addition to MSF support, the city of Sturgis has offered a commercial rehabilitation incentive with an estimated value of $150,000. GT Independence employs more than 230 employees in owned or leased facilities in Sturgis. Individuals interested in careers with GT Independence should visit here.

“We celebrate the leadership team at GT Independence for selecting the city of Sturgis as its place of choice to create these 84 new jobs. The company’s ongoing commitments to the city and the long-term care industry it serves are visible examples of how it lives out its core values of community, integrity and self-determination,” said Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer and senior partner at Southwest Michigan First. “Thank you to our project partners in Sturgis and at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for working diligently to ensure that this investment happened here in Southwest Michigan.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.