In 1976, Gary Holmes officially started a business that would become recognized nationwide for its unique approaches to design and development, quality management, and superb customer service and maintenance. Thirty years later, Holmes and CSM Corporation thrive due to the ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities, embrace organizational fluidity, and continuously mold long-standing real estate investments into lucrative assets.

From its roots as Colonial Apartments, Inc. to Colonial Services & Management through its growth as CSM Corporation, Holmes has used his Midas touch to raise, renovate and restore residential, commercial, industrial, and hotel properties across the United States. In addition, his philanthropic contributions to various causes and volunteer efforts complement his dedication to the communities where he does business. Holmes has also been honored by the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business with the Outstanding Achievement Award and the University of St. Thomas’ John F. Cade Award – an honor conferred upon exemplary entrepreneurs.

To date, CSM Corporation owns and manages 4,000 residential units, 8,000,000 square feet of industrial space, 2,000,000 retail square feet, a million square feet of office space, and 37 hotel properties in 16 states. It has earned awards in numerous categories from NAIOP, the Business Journal, the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, Marriott International, Carlson Companies, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

In the hotels division, CSM earned Marriott’s prestigious Developer of the Year two years in a row, the Marriott Hotel of the Year three times, the Marriott Hotel Conversion of the Year, and the Country Inn by Carlson Developer of the Year. Individual properties have been awarded honors for guest satisfaction scores, leadership, and performance.

The commercial properties’ awards are numerous as well. They were awarded the Economic Developer of the Year Award by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota, and as a fourteen-time winner of the NAIOP Award of Excellence, a three-time Business Journal Best in Real Estate award recipient, and a four-time Minnesota Shopping Center Association Starr Award, this sector of CSM illustrates the development and leasing strength of this company.

The Minnesota Multi Housing Association has awarded the residential division of CSM with Best Manager, Best Leasing Consultant (two times), Best Caretaker, Best Maintenance Team (three times), and Best Exterior Renovation awards.

Throughout the last three decades, Holmes and CSM have not lost sight of the original vision or the entrepreneurial spirit needed to develop real estate for people, businesses, and communities. Now, incorporating that vision and spirit with meticulous strategic planning, CSM Corporation is well-poised to develop current assets to their fullest potential as well as acquire new properties and expand its portfolio for the next thirty years and beyond.