At The Schuster Group, we create spaces where people thrive – combining expertise, innovation and sustainability to create exceptional environments for living, working and recreating. With an owner’s mindset, we bring a unique focus to each project, ensuring continuity and maximizing value.
Backed by 35+ years of real estate experience across diverse property types, we handle everything from investment to management. Our vertically integrated approach ensures seamless execution from start to finish.
Our reputation is built on quality, visionary design, flawless execution, and financial stewardship. Every project begins with a focus on brand and vision, orienting everything we do around strengthening that brand to create innate value on behalf of our clients.
We employ proprietary processes to maximize performance in design, construction, and management. Our track record speaks for itself-consistently resetting market standards and achieving record-breaking financial results.
With over three decades of experience, The Schuster Group is known for its commitment to trust, integrity, and client success, operating with the highest fiduciary standards.
Founded in 1989, Mark Schuster started the company at the age of 22 after gaining a foothold and interest in Real Estate in his teens, including being the youngest licensed real estate agent in the state of Washington. Initially, the company focused on consultation services, helping regional and national clients with land acquisition and leasing. Mark’s vision soon led to the expansion of services into third-party commercial brokerage and property management. By age 26, Schuster had achieved a significant milestone: he completed his first investment syndication, partnering to purchase a 40-unit apartment building in Tacoma, WA.
Over the next decade, The Schuster Group continued to evolve, managing a diverse range of commercial properties through various syndications. As the company grew, it began forming large private equity funds dedicated to the acquisition, development, and management of diversified real estate portfolios. This strategic expansion allowed the company to acquire and develop properties in seven Northwest counties, including developing some of the most acclaimed buildings in the nation.
The company earned accolades for its commitment to green building practices and high-quality buildings. It gained recognition not only for its innovative approach but also for its exceptional financial performance, delivering impressive returns on its investments. Through meticulous management of every project, The Schuster Group built a reputation for fiscal acumen and superior results, solidifying its position as a leader in the real estate industry. As the company grew and evolved over the decades, it facilitated the acquisition, management, development, and disposition of over half a billion dollars in assets.
Serendipitously, at age 22, Holly Gardner was hired by Mark as his executive assistant. Over the next fifteen years, she worked side-by-side with Mark, demonstrating extreme talent, acumen, intuition, and work ethic in her abilities and knowledge of real estate and the company’s endeavors. Holly worked her way up in the company, to become a Project Executive, then Vice President, In 2017, she succeeded Mark as President and Managing Principal after he retired from the day-to-day operations of the company. Over twenty years with the company, Holly has become one of the most respected experts and leaders in the Pacific Northwest real estate industry, building a reputation of risk mitigation, creative problem solving, collaboration, and dedication through numerous successful projects on behalf of our clients, and continuing the company’s tradition of being recognized through industry awards.
In 2016, the company refocused and returned to its roots as primarily a consulting firm, and since that time has successfully represented dozens of clients and projects in various capacities in the Seattle region, including large-scale developments for institutional investor groups, non-profit organizations, governmental jurisdictions, and private owners.
The team members at The Schuster Group provide a wealth of experience, expertise and prove results. We practice our values of trust, integrity, transparency, innovation, and constant improvement every day to produce the highest quality product and experience for our customers and clients.
President & Managing Principal
President & Managing Principal
As President and Managing Principal, Holly Gardner leads operations at The Schuster Group, its consulting division, and affiliated investment companies. With nearly two decades of experience in real estate, she oversees all facets of the business, including asset and development management, acquisitions and dispositions, marketing, finance, private equity, and public relations.
Holly’s expertise has been instrumental in numerous award-winning developments and consulting projects such as Mosler Lofts, Joseph Arnold Lofts, Muriel’s Landing, Walton Lofts, and The Residences at Rainier Square. Her leadership and vision have made her a sought-after consultant and speaker at key industry events, including Bisnow and the Annual Interface Seattle Multifamily Conference.
Holly’s extensive experience spans commercial multifamily developments—from affordable to high-end housing—office, retail, mixed-use, and master planning. Her recent achievements include collaborating with governmental agencies like the Port of Everett and the Port of Skagit to bring private-sector efficiency and quality to affordable housing.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Holly is deeply committed to community service. She serves two boards, Pacific Real Estate Institute (PREI) and Uplift NW, where she was formerly Chair, and co-founded Elphie’s Animal Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to animal rescue. She also contributes to various organizations supported by the Schuster Foundation and remains actively involved in the Pacific Real Estate Institute.
Founder & Chairman
Founder & Chairman
Founder and Chairman of The Schuster Group, Mark is a recognized expert and leader in the real estate and green building industry.
Mark began his real estate career when he was only 18 and formed The Schuster Group at the age of 22. Over the next two decades, Mark grew the one man shop into a multi-faceted group of companies and one of the most successful private equity investment and development firms in the Pacific Northwest.
A passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mark created a formula for success that connects successful business practices with community enhancement. This approach has served as the catalyst for several of the company’s landmark projects over the past twenty years, establishing an exceptional track record within the real estate and private equity industries along the way.
Mark’s visionary leadership led to the creation of Mosler Lofts, the first LEED® Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified high-rise condominium building in Seattle. Mosler Lofts ultimately became the most nationally acclaimed “green” residential high-rise building of 2008. Noted for its exceptional design, Mosler Lofts received over 60 forms of awards, recognition and accolades, including top awards from the National Association of Home Builders and sweeping the Gold Nugget awards at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference.
Since Mosler, Mark has built The Schuster Group reputation as one of the premier residential developers in Seattle with the development of Joseph Arnold Lofts, Muriel’s Landing, and Walton Lofts. His talent for visionary design has redefined Seattle’s definition of downtown living and created communities that thrive and maintain unprecedented value for generations to come.
Mark’s personal commitment to community enhancement extends beyond environmental practices. He has served on several non-profit Boards including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), MAZON-A Jewish Response to Hunger, and is a founding member of the Seattle Advisory Council for UNICEF. Mark has been recognized on numerous occasions by the community for his business acumen and civic involvement, and is the recipient of several regional and national awards. Published in 2010, Mark is the author of the business memoir, Lofty Pursuits—Repairing the World One Building at a Time. Lofty Pursuits was the recipient of the Eric Hoffer Book Award and Reader Views Choice Award.
Sr. Development Manager
Sr. Development Manager
Chad Mathis brings extensive experience to The Schuster Group, beginning his career as a Civil Engineer Officer in the military, where he managed government construction, design, and capital improvement projects after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. With over thirty years in real estate, his expertise spans construction, design, development, facilities, and operations management in both the public and private sectors.
After selling his general contracting business in 2013 and moving to Washington state, Chad led the development of notable Seattle projects, including Nexus, a 41-story condominium with 389 units and seven floors of below-grade parking, and Ren, a 41-story mixed-use tower with 457 residential units, ground-level commercial retail, and below-grade parking. He also directed the Belltown on First project, a 14-story mixed-use high-rise with 221 residential units and ground-level retail. These projects collectively represent an investment of over $722M. At The Schuster Group, Chad has served as an owner’s representative for affordable housing projects and a non-profit, along with other construction projects meeting our clients’ needs.
Property Manager
Property Manager
Cheri Pajuluoma brings over five years of dedicated experience in residential high-rise and commercial property management to The Schuster Group. Her background includes overseeing contractor and buyer turnover while fostering smooth, positive tenant relations. Known for her quick-thinking and resourceful problem-solving, Cheri thrives in high-paced environments, managing the complexities of property management with a calm, capable approach.
In previous roles, Cheri demonstrated her ability to juggle the demands of high-volume projects, skillfully coordinating among contractors, realtors, tenants, and warranty companies to ensure seamless operations under pressure. Her communication and organizational skills are the backbone of her work, making her a trusted go-to for both tenants and the team.
Cheri’s deep understanding of the property management industry, paired with her proactive, hands-on approach, enables her to handle everything from detailed bookkeeping to property upkeep with efficiency and precision. Her well-rounded expertise and forward-thinking attitude make her an invaluable asset to The Schuster Group as Assistant Property Manager.
Accounting Director (CPA)
Accounting Director (CPA)
With over 22 years of accounting experience, Christine brings a comprehensive skill set and a deep passion for the field. Her expertise spans a wide range of financial functions, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and Payroll. She has held roles as both an Operations Controller and a Corporate Controller, developing a diverse background that includes managing complex transitions between software systems and overseeing the financial aspects of business acquisitions.
Throughout her career, Christine has worked across multiple industries, from a WIP-driven cellular-tower infrastructure company to healthcare and non-profits. This breadth of experience has enriched her ability to adapt and perform across different financial environments with precision and focus.
Beyond work, Christine enjoys spending time with animals, reading, and watching films, bringing the same commitment and enthusiasm to her personal interests as she does to her professional pursuits.
Executive Assistant to the President
Executive Assistant to the President
Kim is an experienced executive assistant and administrative professional, known for her efficiency and attention to detail. Her proactive approach and ability to anticipate needs make her a key part of our team.
She has held leadership roles at organizations like Summit Public Schools, Green Dot Public Schools, and Camp Fire Orca. These positions have given her strong skills in managing operations, working with teams, and solving complex challenges.
– Terrie Battuello, Port of Everett
