Maryann Misiolek is an accomplished real estate investment professional, industrial engineer, and finance manager based in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
She is the owner and operator of MarDav Enterprises, LLC, a property rehabilitation and management firm she founded with her husband, J. David (“Dave”) Misiolek, in 2001. For over two decades, the company has revitalised homes and neighbourhoods across Central Pennsylvania, specializing in the restoration, rental, and resale of distressed properties.
A graduate of Lehigh University with a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Management Science, Maryann began her career with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. Those early skills now underpin the logistical precision and financial strategy that guide her work at MarDav.
Maryann’s approach to business blends technical discipline with community awareness. She believes success is built on consistency, trust, and purpose. “You can’t fake hard work,” she says. “You have to show up every day, even when it’s difficult.”
Beyond business, Maryann is a dedicated volunteer and community leader. She serves as Chairperson of the Helping Hands Committee and on the Finance Council at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg. She also supports local youth sports and charitable initiatives throughout the region.
Driven by values of integrity, perseverance, and service, Maryann continues to shape her local community through action and example. Her work proves that meaningful success is measured not just in profit, but in the positive impact one leaves behind.
Q&A with Maryann Misiolek
How did your journey in real estate begin?
It started in 2001 when my husband Dave and I decided to combine our skills. He and I have very similar backgrounds, so we blended our engineering, operations and finance knowledge to build a company of our own. We saw neglected properties around Central Pennsylvania and thought, “Why not turn them into homes again?” That’s how MarDav Enterprises began. We started small, one project at a time, and built from there.
You’ve been restoring properties long before it became a television trend. What drives that passion?
We’ve always believed in the value of hard work and transformation. Long before the renovation shows came along, we were already doing it. For us, it’s not about glamour or profit — it’s about improving communities. When we finish a project and see a family move into a once-abandoned house, that’s the reward.
How has your background in engineering influenced your business?
Engineering taught me how to think critically. At Lehigh University, I studied Industrial Engineering and Management Science, which trained me to manage systems and people effectively. That structure helps with planning, budgeting, and logistics in every project we take on. It also taught me to approach challenges with calm and precision.
What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt as a business owner?
Consistency matters more than talent. You can’t fake commitment. There are days when the work is tough, but showing up makes all the difference. I also learnt that integrity builds trust — with clients, tenants, and partners. Without trust, there’s no long-term success.
You’ve mentioned working closely with your sister, Trudy Stewart. What’s that like?
Trudy’s a brilliant realtor, and we make a great team. We even joke that we’re the “Sold Sisters.” My husband and I find opportunities, and handle the transformation side, and she is there to connect us with the property’s new owner. It’s a family effort, which keeps things fun and grounded.
MarDav has rehabilitated many homes in Central Pennsylvania. How do you choose which projects to take on?
We focus on properties that have good bones but have been neglected. Some of them sit empty for years. When we see potential, we step in. We work from the ground up — repairs, design, and sometimes even landscaping. It’s about creating lasting value, not just flipping a house for a quick return.
Outside of business, you’re very active in your community. Why is that important to you?
Community service gives life balance. I’m the Chairperson of the Helping Hands Committee and part of the Finance Council at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church. We organize outreach for local families and support charitable projects. I’ve also been involved in youth basketball, soccer and tennis clubs. It keeps me connected to what really matters — my children and others in the community.
How do you balance work, volunteering, and family life?
I live by the motto: “Work to live, not live to work.” That’s taken years to learn. My motivation used to come from within, but now it’s my family that drives me. My husband and our three children remind me that success means having time for the people you love.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting out?
Don’t waste your twenties. That’s your time to work hard, learn, and set up your future. Time really is your biggest advantage. If you invest in yourself early, you’ll have the freedom later to live life on your own terms.
What’s next for you and MarDav Enterprises?
We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done — improving homes and helping our community grow stronger. The work is never finished, but that’s what keeps it fulfilling.
For more about Maryann Misiolek and her community work, visit St. Ann Byzantine Helping Hands.
Read more:
Inside the Mind of Maryann Misiolek: Building Homes and Hope