Early Life and Career
Dwight Schar was born in rural northeast Ohio and graduated from Norwayne High School in 1960. He then attended Ashland University (formerly Ashland College), where he majored in education, graduating in 1964. After graduating, he briefly taught and began selling homes on weekends. He transitioned from teaching to homebuilding, starting his career with Ryan Homes in 1968.
Rise to Success
Schar's career took off when he founded NVHomes in 1980. In 1987, he acquired Ryan Homes, his former employer, and renamed the company NVR, Inc.. Despite facing challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1992, Schar successfully led NVR to become one of the leading homebuilding companies in the United States. NVR operates under the brands Ryan Homes, NVHomes, and Heartland Homes.
Key Business Strategies
NVR distinguishes itself by acquiring finished land lots ready for building, mitigating development risks. The company focuses on homebuilding and mortgage banking operations, which has changed the homebuilding industry. Schar served as CEO until 2005 and remained Executive Chairman until his retirement in 2022.
Philanthropy
Dwight Schar is a dedicated philanthropist, focusing on education, healthcare, and children. He has donated to various universities and medical institutions. Significant contributions include the Dwight Schar College of Education at Ashland University, the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, and the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and Inova Schar Heart & Vascular. In 2023, he and his wife donated $75 million to Inova Health System's Heart and Vascular Institute.
