Gerald D. Ogier, Chairman of the Board and Partner

As Chairman of ContraVest Development, Gerald Ogier oversees all site acquisition and development decisions.

In 1986, Ogier joined with John H. McClintock, Jr. to found ContraVest, Inc., in Orlando, Florida. Prior to that, Ogier, a registered real estate broker in Florida, was a partner in Orlando-based Heavener-Ogier, Inc., the master franchiser for ERA (Electronic Realty Associates) in the Southeast, with more than 300 franchises. During that period, Ogier also co-founded Chesapeake Production Company, an oil and gas exploration company based in Oklahoma City, and served as a general partner in more than 20 oil and gas drilling partnerships.

Previously, in 1972, Ogier was named a partner in Epoch Properties, a multi-family development and management firm in Orlando, with properties throughout the Southeast. He began his career with Koger Properties, Inc., a Jacksonville-based developer of suburban office parks across the country, becoming a Vice President before leaving in 1972.

Ogier graduated in 1965 from The Citadel, receiving a B.S. degree in Business Administration. He is a member of The Citadel Business School Hall of Fame, a 2006 recipient of the Leader of Principle Award and serves on the Business School Advisory Board. His military experience includes service in the United States Army in Germany as an Armor Officer, and he was discharged in 1967 as a Captain.

John A. Schaffer, C.P.A., Partner, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Schaffer's background encompasses over 30 years of experience working in real estate investment, operations and real estate workouts and development. Schaffer joined ContraVest in 1993 as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing accounting and financial operations including corporate cash management and tax planning. Schaffer participates in the analysis, structuring and closing of all real estate developments, joint ventures, partnerships and sales transactions. In addition, he is responsible for securing project financing. 

Schaffer previously worked for Prudential Life Insurance Co. in its real estate investment office, as well as BJF Development, Inc., Cardinal Industries, Arlen Realty Co. and the FDIC. His responsibilities included asset management, financial analysis, acquisition analysis and other accounting duties. Schaffer received his Bachelors Degree in accounting in 1976 from the University of Florida, and a Masters Degree in accounting from Florida International University, Miami, in 1980 and is a Certified Public Accountant.  John is a member of the University of Florida's Real Estate Advisory Board.

Mark Ogier, CPM, Partner, Executive Vice President

Mark Ogier joined ContraVest in 1995 as the Property Management and Construction Coordinator.  He became the Director of Property Management in 1997, and an Executive Vice President in 2006.  He has overall responsibility for the operations and strategic direction of the ContraVest development program and the property management portfolio.  He is responsible for site acquisition, project development, equity relations and portfolio performance.  Over the years, Ogier has gained valuable insight into the needs of various ownership structures including REIT’s, TIC’s, life insurance companies, pension funds and private investors.

In addition to his duties with ContraVest, Ogier currently serves as a delegate to the National Apartment Association (NAA) and is a Past President of the Florida Apartment Association (FAA) for 2007-08.  He is also a past President and Executive Committee member for the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, keeping him in the forefront of the issues facing the apartment industry.

Ogier received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1990 from the University of Colorado.  His military experience included 4 years of service in the United States Army as a Field Artillery Officer and General’s Aide in Germany.  He is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Community Association Manager (CAM) and a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Florida.

Steven D. Ogier, CCIM, Partner, Executive Vice President

Steve joined ContraVest in 2000 and his primary responsibility is apartment development and site acquisition.  As a licensed General Contractor in multiple states, he also has supervisory responsibility as the partner in charge of the construction operation and its profitability as a business unit. 

In the past decade Steve has been personally involved in the development and construction of over 5,000 apartment units. 

Before working with ContraVest, Steve spent five years as a sales professional in the medical and financial services industries. After graduating from The Citadel in 1990, receiving a B.S. degree in Business Administration, Steve served five years in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger qualified Armored Cavalry Officer stateside and in Germany.  In 1995 Ogier was honorably discharged as a Captain.