Maryann Misiolek is a real estate investor, industrial engineer, and entrepreneur who has built her career around discipline, structure, and a commitment to improving her community. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, Maryann learned the value of hard work early while watching her family run a local auto business. She carried those lessons with her into her education at Lehigh University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 1999 and a Master’s degree in Management Science in 2000.
After graduating, in 2001, she founded MarDav Enterprises, LLC with her husband, Dave. For more than two decades, they have restored and rehabilitated distressed homes across Central Pennsylvania. Their work focuses on quality, efficiency, and long-term value — principles Maryann applies through her engineering training and her hands-on approach to every project.
Throughout her career, Maryann has defined success as steady progress. She believes in consistency, thoughtful planning, and staying close to the work itself. Whether she’s mapping out a property renovation, managing rental operations, or reviewing budgets, she brings the same level of focus and organisation to each task.
Outside of business, Maryann is deeply involved in community work through St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church and local youth athletic programmes. She lives by the idea that success means building a meaningful life — one that balances work, family, growth, and service.
Q&A with Maryann Misiolek
How do you define success at this stage of your life?
Success, to me, feels like having control over how I spend my time. Early in my career, I chased titles, deadlines, and long hours. Now success looks more like balance — being present with my family, building a business that runs on structure instead of chaos, and being able to contribute to my community in a meaningful way.
Was there a turning point that changed how you viewed success?
There was. I remember being on a renovation site with my phone buzzing nonstop. My children were little at the time, and I was juggling school schedules, budgets, and contractor questions all at once. It made me stop and ask myself whether this was the life I wanted. That’s when I shifted toward the mindset of working smarter — not harder — and building systems that supported the life I wanted, not the other way around.
What role has education played in your overall success?
My education at Lehigh shaped how I think. Industrial engineering taught me how to break large problems into smaller, manageable steps. Management science taught me how to organise processes and people. I use those skills every day at MarDav. Whether I’m mapping out a renovation timeline or reviewing financials, I’m always leaning on that training.
Is there a specific habit that has contributed to your long-term success?
Absolutely. I plan the next day before I go to sleep. I make a short list of the three things I must accomplish. Keeping it small helps me stay consistent. It also stops me from waking up feeling overwhelmed.
What is one belief you have about success that most people don’t share?
That leaders should be hands-on. I’ve painted walls, torn up carpet, and fixed plumbing. I believe doing the work yourself helps you lead better because you understand the details. Many people want to skip straight to managing, but I think credibility comes from experience.
Can you share a moment when you brought an idea to life?
A few years ago, I started experimenting with reusing materials from older homes — old beams, solid wood doors, original fixtures. Instead of throwing them away, we repurposed them. It gave our renovated homes more character and reduced waste. That idea started as a simple thought during a demolition day and slowly became part of our regular process.
What’s one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Collaboration. Working with my husband, Dave, who is also an engineer and my sister, Trudy Stewart, who’s a realtor, has been a major advantage. We call ourselves the “Sold Sisters.” Combining her sales insight with my engineering background creates balance — she knows the market, I know the mechanics.
What’s one failure that shaped your career?
I did a fellow small business owner a favor and rented to one of his employees without doing a full background check. I trusted the colleague, but the rental situation turned into a complete disaster. Our property was destroyed, they caused many disturbances that required police intervention. It took us several months to evict and remove them from our property. We lost several thousand dollars, and the colleague took no responsibility and refused to help us. We eventually got them out of our property, but it was one of the most stressful situations we’ve had since owning our rental properties. Luckily the neighbors of our property, who we have a great relationship with, were very understanding!
What do you do when you feel unfocused or overwhelmed?
I run or do power yoga. Exercise clears my head and progress calms me. Refocusing on my to-do list, and ultimately crossing things off that list, helps tremendously.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start earlier. Invest earlier. Learn earlier. Your twenties are full of energy and opportunity — use them.
What is one simple thing you recommend everyone do to move toward success?
Do one small task every day, even on days when you don’t feel motivated. Success builds slowly.