About us

Midwest Roots. National Growth.

Established over 50 years ago in Wisconsin, Investors Associated has expanded nationally while continuing to prioritize our strong sense of community and the importance of putting people first.

THE STORY OF

OUR HUMBLE BEGINNING

It all began in 1970 with a group of Wisconsin physicians who wanted to invest in and own the clinics where they practiced. They had a deep connection to their communities and believed that by investing in properties, they could improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to the economic development. This philosophy proved to be prudent, and the group grew and branched out to investing beyond their medical field and into both commercial and residential properties.

Sr. Vice President of Investor Relations Jamie Stefan, MBA speaks with a team member at her desk.

THE SUCCESS OF

WHERE WE ARE NOW

Today Investors Associated has over 250 Partners and owns more than 50 properties in 7 states, totaling over $420 million in assets. With keen attention to detail, we focus on creating unprecedented value for our investors, our tenants, and the communities. Together, we are a team who loves to explore the possibilities and celebrate our successes as we remain dedicated to partnership, vision, growth, and the communities in which we invest.

Director of Commercial Property Management Rich Marvin sits smiling and speaking to a team member.

Meet the Team

The people of IA are the bedrock of our mission and continue to play a vital role in propelling our growth and vision for the future.

Executive Committee

Management

Michael D. Schutte

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner

Mr. Schutte has over 50 years in the real estate industry as a contractor, developer, and owner of commercial real estate. He joined Investors Associated in 2008 as Managing Partner and took the role of President and Managing Partner in 2016. As President, he established a team that handles the management of the Partnership and the maintenance and leasing of all our properties. He has overseen the acquisition, management, and disposition of more than $500,000,000 worth of property. Mr. Schutte became Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner in 2023.Read Bio

Patrick F. Carroll, JD, MBA

President and General Counsel

Mr. Carroll joined Investors Associated in 2016 as General Counsel and took on the role of President in 2022. He identifies and oversees legal issues in the management of the Partnership’s assets and developments. Mr. Carroll also assists with the management of the real estate portfolio and development process, including acquisition, lease management and design and value engineering. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Marquette University, his JD from Marquette University Law School, and his MBA in real estate (James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Read Bio

Shawn Swenson

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Swenson brought 20-plus years of experience in real estate finance to Investors Associated when he joined the company as CFO in 2020. His focus is expanding and optimizing the capital base of IA and assisting in strategic decision-making. His career has included 15 years in commercial real estate lending and five years as a Wisconsin hotel developer. Mr. Swenson received bachelor’s degrees in real estate (James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate) and finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Read Bio

Rachel Govin, JD, MS

Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Counsel

Ms. Govin joined Investors Associated in 2016. Her experience in property management and as in-house counsel dates to 2007 and has served her well as IA’s COO and Corporate Counsel, a role that involves a great deal of team building and management. Ms. Govin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, JD, and MS in real estate (James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate). She also holds a Wisconsin Real Estate Broker License.Read Bio

Jamie M. Stefan, MBA

Senior Vice President of Investor Relations

Ms. Stefan began with Investors Associated in 2014 on a part-time basis, and the work quickly grew into a full-time position. She is responsible for managing investor relations and the marketing functions of the Partnership. Ms. Stefan also coordinates the administrative duties for the Executive Committee. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and her MBA from Carroll University.Read Bio

Ben Hurd

Vice President of Commercial Leasing

Mr. Hurd has over 30 years of commercial real estate experience, most of which has been focused on landlord representation and acquisition and disposition of owned assets. Mr. Hurd earned his bachelor’s degrees in history and international studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He holds a Wisconsin Real Estate Broker License, and Real Estate Salesperson Licenses in Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia.Read Bio

Ron Schwoerer, FMP

Vice President of Facilities Management

Mr. Schwoerer has over 30 years of experience in facilities management and mechanical operations, and over eight years of experience as a site operations manager. He is a certified Facility Management Professional (FMP). A proud and decorated veteran, Mr. Schwoerer served as an active-duty enlisted member of the US Air Force from 1988 to 1992. His service included installations in South Dakota, the Philippines, and Montana, where he was part of the Elite Control Sentry Group.Read Bio

Stacey Schenone

Controller

Ms. Schenone joined Investors Associated as Controller in 2020 with eight years of experience in accounting with a focus on real estate. She has previously held titles of Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller, and Senior Property Accountant. At IA, her areas of focus are accurate financial reporting, process improvement, and internal controls. Ms. Schenone earned her Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and is a Certified Public Accountant.Read Bio

Rich Marvin

Director of Commercial Property Management

Mr. Marvin has over 15 years of experience in property management. He joined Investors Associated in July 2017 as Commercial Property Manager and became Director of Commercial Property Management in 2021. In the past, he has held the roles of Residential Property Manager, Property Representative, and Leasing Agent. Mr. Marvin is an Institute of Real Estate Management Certified Property Manager and received the Property Manager of the Year Award in 2016.Read Bio

Kim Hill

Director of Residential Property Management

Ms. Hill joined Investors Associated in November 2016 as Assistant Manager and after two years was promoted to Property Manager, focusing specifically on multi-family properties. In 2021, she became Director of Residential Property Management. Her experience includes roles as a Leasing Manager, Leasing Consultant, and owner and operator of a small commercial cleaning company. Ms. Hill graduated with an associate degree in business administration and marketing from Northwest Mississippi Community College.Read Bio

Steve Weber

Director of Maintenance

Mr. Weber brought 20 years of experience with him when he joined Investors Associated in February 2018. He began in the position of Maintenance Supervisor and was promoted to Director of Maintenance in 2020. His main duties include day-to-day facilities operation, leadership of safety and compliance programs, team member development, and project management. Mr. Weber holds an EPA Universal certification, is a Certified Pool & Spa Operator, is a Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician, and has earned several AASCW/AOMA Maintenance Tech of the Year and Property of the Year awards.Read Bio

Caroline Faust

Director of Operations

Ms. Faust joined Investors Associated in June 2017 after previously working as a Community Manager. Her focus at IA is finding areas of opportunity to streamline processes, project management (finding, implementing, and rolling out new software), overseeing IT management, and assisting in marketing solutions. Ms. Faust earned a liberal arts associate degree from Madison College and holds a Project Management Certificate and Real Estate Salesperson License.Read Bio

Clyde M. Chumbley, MD, MBA

Chairman

Dr. Chumbley has been a member of the Executive Committee since 1995. He has over 25 years of executive and management experience in complex multi-specialty medical groups and integrated healthcare delivery systems. He has an MD from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Dr. Chumbley was the CEO of the Wisconsin Medical Society for several years and continues to serve in numerous professional organizations and business groups.Read Bio

Robert Brodish, MD, FACS

Executive Committee Member

Dr. Brodish has been a member of the Executive Committee since 1997. Recently retired, he worked for nearly 30 years as a staff physician at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dr. Brodish received his MD from the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and serves in numerous professional organizations and business groups.Read Bio

Karl J. Bertram, MD, FACS

Executive Committee Member

Dr. Bertram has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2001. He is a General Surgeon at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic-Agnesian Healthcare. Dr. Bertram has an MD from the College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Ohio. He also serves as a volunteer instructor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University and is a member on other community boards.Read Bio

Brian G. Carroll, JD

Executive Committee Member

Mr. Carroll has been a member of the Executive Committee since June of 2015. He is a shareholder in the law firm Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren and has more than 30 years of experience advising clients on real estate matters, transactions, and financing, as well as business law matters. Mr. Carroll has a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a JD from Marquette University Law School.Read Bio

Mary Kowarick

Executive Committee Member

Ms. Kowarick joined Investors Associated in 2018 with 30 years of combined experience in foreign exchange, capital markets, private banking, and family office advisory. She is currently a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. She received her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and completed a General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Ms. Kowarick serves on the Marquette University College of Business Administration Leadership Council.Read Bio

Being connected to some of the best in the business makes our business even better.