Over the course of three decades the firm grew from a 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. Having developed several of Seattle’s most admired residential developments in the past decade, The Schuster Group now leverages its experience, brand, and reputation on behalf of private equity partners and third-party clients.
In 1989, at the age of 22, Mark Schuster formed The Schuster Group. At its origins, the firm was focused on third-party management, and real estate partnership syndications with value-add components. Through these efforts the company owned and managed small to mid-size properties throughout five counties in the Pacific Northwest, including: multi-family, retail, office and mixed use. The company focused on re-tenanting, re-branding, and updating these assets to maximize value and they were extremely successful, both for the communities in which the properties resided and financially for the investment partners. In 2000, the firm then expanded into private equity to create portfolio-based investments for groups of experienced high net-worth real estate investors. These portfolios included some of the firm’s first ground-up high-rise developments which went on to become nationally acclaimed assets, and established the firm as one of the most respected real estate companies in the Seattle region.
The Schuster Group aims to create exceptional environments and experiences for people to live, work, and recreate by leveraging expertise, innovation, and sustainability. As Charles Eames once said “The details are not the details. They make the design.” The entire essence of The Schuster Group’s culture is focused around the concepts of design and attention to detail. We believe that it is the small, seemingly intangible details that, when combined to form the full fabric of a community, create value and lasting quality. However, as Steve Jobs said: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works” therefore at The Schuster Group, we combine good design with effective functionality for our end-use customers, taking our projects to the next level of extraordinary.
The executive leaders at The Schuster Group provide a wealth of experience, expertise and proven results.
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.
President
President
As President, Holly oversees the general operations of The Schuster Group, the consulting division – “Full Scale,” and its affiliated investment companies. In this capacity she is responsible for asset and development management, acquisitions and dispositions, corporate and project marketing, finance and private equity, and public relations. Over the past sixteen years, Holly has played an integral role in many of the company’s developments including Mosler Lofts, Joseph Arnold Lofts, Muriel’s Landing, and Walton Lofts. Through her experience, she has become a renowned real estate professional in the Seattle region who is regularly invited to speak as an expert at real estate industry events, and frequently sought after for advice from major local and national clients.
As a LEED® Accredited Professional, Holly not only assisted in the certification of Mosler Lofts (the first LEED residential high-rise in Seattle) but led the team responsible for the LEED certification of the State of Washington’s first dual certified office building in 2008 – the company’s former headquarters. Holly directed the marketing and leasing program, as well as the management of Muriel’s Landing and Joseph Arnold Lofts, of which both properties won numerous awards and set a new benchmark for financial success in performance. As Project Executive for Walton Lofts, the development was completed on time and on budget, and achieved the highest rents per square foot in the city of Seattle. Most recently, she has consulted with clients such as Wright Runstad on the development, management and lease-up of the residential portion of their iconic mixed-use high-rise – Rainier Square, the Port of Everett on the development of their master planned community, Waterfront Place, and Mt Baker Housing on the development of their affordable housing projects in Seattle. Holly regularly consults with clients on strategy, investment and development and in her role as project executive for the company’s various developments; and provides clarity, vision, and leadership during the development and construction process.
In recent years, she has consulted with clients serving a range of market segments, such as Wright Runstad on the development, management, and lease-up of the residential portion of their iconic mixed-use high-rise- Rainier Square, the Port of Everett on the design, vision, and development of their master planned community- Waterfront Place, and Mt Baker Housing on the development of their affordable housing projects in Seattle. Holly offers consulting services on strategy, investment, and development to provide clarity, vision, and leadership as a project executive during each stage of the construction process.
Outside of the office, Holly serves on, and is the former Chair of, the Board of Uplift NW (formerly the Millionair Club), one of Seattle’s oldest non-profits that is dedicated to helping Seattle’s at-risk population by removing barriers to employment and helping them become job ready. She is the co-founder of Elphie’s Animal Alliance, a nonprofit animal rescue organization working closely with the local and national rescue community. Holly is also a former member of the Metropolitan Improvement District Board at the Downtown Seattle Association, a current member of the Pacific Real Estate Institute, and is actively involved in the organizations supported by Schuster Foundation for which she serves as an officer. Holly is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Howard has two decades of experience in real estate accounting and finance management, working with clients ranging from institutional funds to individual investors. As Chief Financial Officer, Howard is responsible for the oversight of all financial matters related to the company’s various entities, properties, private equity funds and lending relationships. As fiduciaries, Howard’s stewardship and systemized approach to financial management continues to provide the company’s investors and strategic partners with the highest level of confidence. Prior to joining The Schuster Group Howard worked for Trammel Crow Company overseeing a portfolio of 150 projects totaling over 20 million square feet. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Seattle University.
