Partner Perspectives: Why Nakupuna Companies Keeps Building with Wish for Wheels

When Nakupuna Companies first partnered with Wish for Wheels back in 2018, the idea was simple: find a meaningful way for leadership to give back during a strategic off-site. What unfolded that day, and in the years since, has been remarkable.

In a recent conversation between Jason Greenawalt, CEO of Nakupuna Companies, and Lori Davis, Managing Director of Wish for Wheels, we revisited the beginnings of this powerful partnership, how it’s grown, and why it continues to energize and connect employees across the country.

Jason remembers that first bike build vividly. “It was just an unbelievable experience,” he said. “Our leadership team was inspired by giving back to kids and seeing the impact on them right away.”

That visible, immediate impact made has become one of the most compelling aspects of the Wish for Wheels experience for Nakupuna employees. 

“There's a lot going on in the country at the moment; budgets are being impacted, companies are trying to figure out how to manage their supply chain,” he said. “And I think doing these types of events, both to bring your team together and to center them on doing something more meaningful in our community, I think it helps bring us together, and I think it's what we all need right now.”

The impact of these events doesn’t end when the last bike is handed over. For Nakupuna employees, the experience leaves a lasting impression. Team members often share photos and reflections on social media, talk about the event with new hires, and look forward to it as a highlight of their year. It has become a defining part of company culture and something employees genuinely value and anticipate.

In fact, the popularity of the program has led Nakupuna to expand it to every location where they have a significant workforce, from Virginia to Hawaii. And every time, it’s met with enthusiasm.

“It doesn't matter what else is going on during the week or, how much of a strain it is on your schedule,” Jason explained. “When you get to come and build the bikes and give back to the kids, it's a transformative experience.

One of the biggest hurdles companies face when considering a give-back program is the logistics. Is it hard to coordinate? Will people feel comfortable participating? Will it really land?

According to Jason, Wish for Wheels removes all those barriers.

After years of participating, expanding, and witnessing the impact firsthand, Jason has a clear message for other companies who might be on the fence:

“If you’re even remotely considering a community service project with your workforce, you should absolutely consider Wish for Wheels,” he said. “Your employees will love it. The community will feel it. And your team will grow stronger because of it.”

At Wish for Wheels, we believe in the power of bikes, but more importantly, we believe in the power of people coming together to create change. Nakupuna Companies exemplifies what’s possible when purpose meets action. We are grateful for their partnership over the past seven years and look forward to many more years of partnership in the future! 

Interested in learning more about having your own Team Build & Give experience? Contact us today to learn more.