Published June 2, 2025
By Lauren Lawley Head – Contributor to Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal
Ayo Awoleye has never shied away from hard work.
Growing up in Nigeria, he watched his parents run small shops to make ends meet, which gave him an early understanding of the challenges of entrepreneurship and a desire to carve his own path.
One day he met the owner of a large business who offered him words of encouragement.
“He told me, ‘You can do this too. Just focus, work hard and keep your head down,’” Awoleye said.
Humble beginnings in Nigeria
Awoleye jumped into action.
He started a small farming business of his own and began buying eggs from a nearby farmer to sell in his community. With just a few dollars’ worth of inventory and as his cash flow allowed, his business grew steadily.
Eventually, he was distributing eggs by the truckload. During the holidays, he also sold chickens.
When Awoleye moved to the U.S., he had a green card, a desire for an advanced degree and a passion to follow an entrepreneurial path. Farming in the U.S. would require more capital than was practical, so he set his sights on real estate and healthcare management. Awoleye worked multiple jobs—by day in a mortgage office, by night as a certified nursing assistant, and also in construction operations.
Working in the mortgage and real estate industry, health care facilities and construction sites gave Awoleye the exposure he needed to learn how to navigate these industries and become successful in them.
“I was juggling three jobs,” he said. “No girlfriend, no parties, no alcohol. Just laser-focus on working and saving money for years.”
With the money he saved, Awoleye began purchasing inexpensive properties, fixing them up and turning them into rentals. Like his childhood egg business, this effort began to scale.
The next big move: Developing Angels Living in Brooklyn Park
With experience in community service, real estate development and health care, Awoleye’s next step was to pull it all together. He acquired Nagomi Inc., now Maple Care Homes, a small assisted living and memory care business with various locations throughout the Twin Cities.
At the time, Nagomi Inc. was barely breaking even, but Awoleye saw potential. He focused on improving the operations and building a strong team. Within a short time, he doubled both the business’s cash flow and its staff.
In August 2024, Awoleye embarked on his biggest project yet—Angels Living. He began constructing a 28,000-square-foot assisted living and memory care facility designed to accommodate up to 50 residents. The facility will include 34 units, with 20 dedicated to memory care. Residents will also have access to a fitness center, salon, and multi-purpose room for events and gatherings. It’s on track to be completed in September, and Awoleye is already fielding requests for spots.
A trusted partnership with Highland Bank and securing an SBA loan
Awoleye credits much of his ability to take on the project to his partnership with Highland Bank, a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. The bank provided a construction financing loan, which will convert into permanent financing once the facility is complete.
Before partnering with Highland Bank, Awoleye had conversations with three other banks. It was Highland’s personal touch that stood out. He met multiple times with his commercial banker, learning about the construction loan process and exploring growth opportunities in more detail.
“When I’m dealing with a bank, I want to have a one-on-one relationship,” Awoleye said.
That one-on-one approach is central to Highland Bank’s philosophy. The bank is dedicated to helping small and mid-size business owners realize their dreams, grow their companies, build wealth and bring their families into the business.
Awoleye had a dream of building a thriving business that serves his community—and with the support of Highland Bank, that dream became a reality. The partnership has been more than just a business transaction. The Highland Bank team has provided guidance and insight throughout the project, helping Awoleye navigate the complexities of financing and development.
“Each time we meet, I’ll listen and learn something,” Awoleye said. “The relationship has been very strategic and grounded.”
Vision for the future includes five more assisted living facilities
Looking ahead, Awoleye has big plans for the next three to five years. His goal is to open five more assisted living facilities within a 25-mile radius, creating new opportunities for his team and expanding the impact of their work in the community.
The current project is a testament to Awoleye’s abilities and the strong support of Highland Bank. It’s exciting to see all the years of hard work come together.
Awoleye also wants to encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs, just as someone did for him so many years ago.
“Believe in yourself,” he said. “You can do the unthinkable.”
Learn more about how Highland Bank is making a big impact on small business success at highland.bank/business/sba-loans.
Maple Care Homes is a warm, family-run provider of assisted living in the Twin Cities. Since 2007, they’ve offered 24/7 personalized care in cozy home settings—supporting daily needs, memory care, and mental health with compassion, comfort, and connection at the heart of everything they do.
Lauren Lawley Head is a freelance writer for The Business Journals Content Studio
