40 Under Forty

January 31. 2012 3:17PM

David Schleyer is amassing a real estate empire with Elm Grove Properties

Staff Report

David Schleyer

David L. Schleyer, 36

Home: Manchester
Birthplace: Marlborough, Mass.
Family: Father, Norman Schleyer; mother, Rae Marie Mackay; stepfather, Jim Mackay; sister, Michelle Peterson; brothers, Chris Schleyer and JD Mackay.
High school: John Stark Regional High School, Weare, 1994
Current job: I have been working in Real estate since 1997 when I bought my first multi- family home. I am currently an owner of Elm Grove Companies. We own and manage residential and commercial real estate all around NH. We buy and sell single Family homes after performing significant renovations .
Volunteer activities: I am involved in the mason's or Washington lodge #61 in Manchester, I am on the V.O.P.A.R board ( Manchester School of technology). I serve on the Intown Manchester board of trustees. I serve on the Masonic Charitable foundation. I work Closely with the Way Home, my wife Kerry Schleyer and I support the Manchester music School, the palace theater, Stark park Easter seals (seniors count) and many other local organization. I am a 2010 graduate of leadership Manchester.
Most admired person (outside your family): No one person stands out to me as someone that I most admire. I admire people who are selfless, honest and hard working. I suppose I have surrounded Myself with people with the traits I admire most. I admire so many of my employees for their loyalty and work ethic, and for taking personal pride and ownership in our Companies success. I admire my peers and partners in business and charity and I believe that my success has come from surrounding myself with such visionary and supportive people. I of course admire those that have succeeded before me in a manner that is honest, ethical and creative. Combined, they provide me the support, motivation and vision to reach my personal and professional goals.
Key current professional challenge: I am currently challenged by the exciting growth of my Companies. I strive to develop a vibrant and diverse organization in a time of rapid growth and change. Building an infrastructure that allows for smooth and steady growth in a manner that is economically feasible is a constant concern, but one that my partners and my employees enjoy every day.
Last major achievement: My last achievement, and one that I most proud of was completing the Hanover and Hall Project; a public/private partnership to develop housing for veterans and their families who are at risk of homelessness.
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: The greatest problem facing NH is in preserving the rural NH landscape and way of life, while building an economic foundation that will support a high quality way of life for our residents well into the future.
Favorite place in New Hampshire: My favorite place is the white mountains of NH. My goal is to hike all of the famed 4000 foot mountains.
What book are you reading now? I am currently reading “Thomas the Train” with my daughter Emma!
How do you relax? I do not spend enough time relaxing, but when I do, I enjoy travelling and hiking. I also enjoy making improvements to my home.
What web sites do you visit most often? I search the web mostly for real estate deals and state and local codes.
Favorite TV show, radio station or musical artist: My favorite TV programming is the History Channel. I listen to NPR on the radio and enjoy artists such as Jack Johnson, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and John Prine.

MANCHESTER - In the mid-1990s, a 22-year-old David Schleyer stood outside the Uptown Tavern, where he was working as manager. Alongside him was the landlord of the Elm Street building, and Schleyer mentioned he'd soon be quitting.

Moore wanted Schleyer to stay with the Uptown — it had never been managed so well, Schleyer recalled him saying. But when he couldn't convince Schleyer, he offered him something better.

Stick with Moore, and Schleyer would be a millionaire within five years, the landlord said.

Three years later, Schleyer and Moore owned some 50 apartment units between them. While Schleyer didn't have $1 million cash in hand, he had that much in real-estate equity.

Today, Elm Grove Companies owns and manages 500 units and has offices in Manchester, Pittsfield and Franklin. And in the past two years, Elm Grove has bought and sold 150 homes.

In December, Elm Grove partnered with the Way Home to open a nine-unit building on Hanover Street earmarked for homeless veterans.

“We provide affordable housing for everybody,” Schleyer said.

“While Dave aspires to be a leader in real-estate development, he also understands the plight of those who are are in need. This is an exemplary quality in a future leader,” wrote Stephanie Lewry, head of Intown Manchester, one of 10 people to nominate Schleyer.

Schleyer, who never attended college, grew up in Weare, the son of a mechanical engineer and school bus driver.

He is optimistic about the center city and chuckles when he hears Manchester aldermen complain that too many people live in the city.

“That's what all cities need. Cities need to grow,” he said. “That's why we have cities.”