Our Story

Shared Vision

NWI Development Group was founded by its Principals and their affinity for the tremendous area amenities, growing economic landscape and thriving communities in the region of Northwest Indiana.

Redefining Expectations

Our team of seasoned real estate professionals recognize that every development is unique. Unique in its location, unique in its presence and history, and moreover unique in its potential to add value to the many stakeholders involved. NWI approaches every development with the intent to create exceptional real estate, from design to execution while maintaining collaborative relationships to achieve our vision.

Meet the Team

Robert W. Harte

President

Rob has been an at risk entrepreneurial real estate developer for over 30 years, conducting the acquisition, financing, development, management, and disposition of real estate properties with an estimated total development valuation in excess of $2 billion USD. He serves as a manager and co-founder of NWI Development Group, LLC, UpperCross Development Group, and South Swell Development Group, as well as President and founder of Beachwalk Vacation Rentals. From 1990 to 2016, Rob co-founded and served as managing member and president of Chicago based international resort real estate developer PRM Realty Group, LLC (“PRM”), during which time he oversaw all aspects of PRM’s worldwide daily operations which spanned from Southeast Asia, through the Hawaiian Islands, the Hudson valley of New York, the Caribbean and Europe. Rob graduated from Quincy University with a degree in Business Management and is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, NWI Forum and One Region.

You can contact him at rob.harte@nwidevelopment.com

Randall G. Hill

Executive Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Randy has worked in the real estate industry for over 35 years specializing in: acquisitions, dispositions, due diligence, underwriting, property management, asset management, portfolio management and private equity investment management. He has extensive experience in all asset types in both acquisitions and ground-up development.

Prior to founding NWI Development Group, Randy was Senior Vice President & Portfolio Manager at Blue Vista Capital Management, Chicago, IL. His duties included managing the day-to-day operations of Blue Vista Sponsor Equity Fund I & II ($270M) including investor communications, acquisitions, and dispositions, underwriting and closing equity investments. Prior to BVCM, Randy was Vice President at PRM Realty Group, LLC. Chicago, Illinois where he was responsible for analyzing, structuring and closing property acquisitions and dispositions. Prior to PRM, Randy was Vice President at RBG Financial, Inc. Chicago, Illinois where he was responsible for sourcing, underwriting, negotiating and closing equity and debt investments in single family and multifamily residential development projects. Prior to RBG, Randy held acquisition and asset management positions at Ambassador Apartments, Equity Residential Properties Trust, Equity Assets Management, the Zell/Merrill Lynch Opportunity Funds and VMS Realty Partners. Randy received a B.S. from Kelley School of Business Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

You can contact him at randall.hill@nwidevelopment.com

Sharon Harte

Executive Vice President, Operations & Asset Manager

Sharon Harte is the Executive Vice President, Operations and Asset Manager at NWI Development Group, where she leads operations, and strategic marketing with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and empowering teams to thrive.

Sharon’s career began in Human Resources with Cooperative Marketing, where she played an instrumental role in successfully restructuring the human capital during the company’s acquisition by FCB Direct. After that milestone, she chose to step away from her career to focus on raising her three children—an experience that continues to shape her leadership style.

Upon returning to the workforce, Sharon transitioned into Operations, serving as an Officer for American Chartered Bank, where she played a key role in the merger during the bank’s acquisition by Fifth Third Bank.

Sharon is also passionate about hospitality and was instrumental in the rebranding and development of The Wanderluxe Collection, a curated group of brands including Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, IN the Dunes, and South Shore Vacation Rentals. She continues to lead the company’s marketing initiatives from concept through execution.

In addition to her professional achievements, Sharon has remained committed to her community. She was an active member of the St. Joseph School Athletic Board, supporting youth programs and school initiatives. She is also involved in the Michigan City Marketing and Branding Steering Committee, One Region, and the NWI Forum.

Sharon holds a B.S. in Human Resources from Quincy University.

Contact Sharon at sharon.harte@nwidevelopment.com.

Michael J. Passarelli

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

A Principal and member of the leadership team, Michael is responsible for the financial infrastructure for the portfolio including all accounting, tax compliance and financial reporting.  His role extends to the financial feasibility and structure of all transactions and securing capital for the enterprise.  Prior to joining NWI Development Group, he held CFO roles in the private equity space where he led various financial and leadership teams to success navigating through financial operations and successful exits. Over the years he led the start-up and turnaround of multiple companies’ commercial and financial operations in real estate, construction, and waste and recycling industries. Michael has a total of eleven years’ experience in the public accounting space, including eight with Plante Moran serving clients in the areas of accounting, assurance, tax, finance, and workouts for troubled companies with a primary focus in the construction and real estate industries. Michael is a C.P.A. graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BS in Accounting and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Other affiliations include Board Member at De La Salle Institute, and School Board President and Finance Committee Chair at St. Jerome Parish.

You can contact him at mike.passarelli@nwidevelopment.com

Kyla Yañez

General Manager of Barrelhouse The Venue and The Reserve a Grand Venue

As the General Manager, Kyla oversees all aspects of marketing, sales, and event management for both venues. Her role involves converting leads into successful events, managing client and vendor relationships, and ensuring smooth communication between all parties involved. From organizing venue tours and coordinating event details to managing budgets and vendor contracts, she works to ensure every event is executed seamlessly.

Prior to joining the NWIDG Team, Kyla worked as a Marketing and Event Coordinator in the insurance industry and earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance and Economics.

You can contact her at kyla@nwidevelopment.com

Alan Schachtman

Strategic Development Partner

Alan is a real estate developer and is partnering with NWI Development Group on a number of projects. He has been involved in design, construction and development since 1979. He has focused on multifamily development since 1998 and has developed over 5,000 units in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Honolulu since then. He manages his own development company and works with various partners on different types of projects across the country. His partnership with NWI Development Group dates back to 2019, stemming from a shared interest and vision for Northwest Indiana, where Alan has had a home for many years.

Highlights below:

  • Clayco – 2016 to 2020 – Started and was head of Residential business unit.
  • 1980 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, 140 units, 4555 N. Sheridan, Chicago, 150 units
  • Fifield Companies – 2004 to 2016
  • 8 high rise multifamily towers totaling 3,300 units in the Chicago area, 2 low rise projects, 100 units
  • 7 multifamily projects in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Honolulu and Hallendale Beach, FL
  • US Equities Realty – 1994 to 2004
  • 14 projects worth $2 billion in value, including Grand Plaza, a 2 tower, 764-unit project in River North.
  • ULI, Urban Development Mixed Use Council, Home Builders of Chicago Affordable Housing Task Force.

You can contact him at aschachtman@gmail.com

James Jewison

Portfolio Accountant

James’s role includes performing all day-to-day accounting for the portfolio of assets as well as management entities.  He is charged with oversight and execution of all accounts payable, billing and treasury management tasks.  His responsibilities extend to reporting and tax compliance for the enterprise. His aptitudes are complimented by his passion for seeing the restoration and further development of Northwest Indiana come to fruition. Prior to joining the NWI team, James was in the public accounting arena after having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in financial management in 2020 from Purdue University.

You can contact him at james.jewison@nwidevelopment.com.

Johnny Roder

Marketing Associate

As a Marketing Associate, Johnny develops and executes marketing strategies to strengthen brand awareness and engagement. His role includes content creation, social media management, advertising, media outreach, community engagement, and brand reporting. He works to ensure cohesive messaging across platforms while analyzing performance metrics to refine marketing efforts.
Before joining the NWIDG team, Johnny was an Account Executive in the digital marketing industry, where he gained extensive experience in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), social media, and digital advertising. He earned his B.S. in Marketing and is actively involved in the community through various Chambers of Commerce.

You can contact him at Johnny.Roder@nwidevelopment.com

Alex Magana

Portfolio Associate

As a Portfolio Associate, Alex supports the daily operations of the office, working closely with the General Manager of Barrelhouse The Venue and The Reserve a Grand Venue. She assists with venue operations, scheduling, and internal communications, while also providing support to the finance and accounting department. Her role spans multiple departments, and she often serves as a fresh perspective and an additional resource wherever needed most.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing from Purdue University Northwest, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and an Advanced Leadership Certificate from Indiana Bible College. She brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning to every aspect of her work.

You can contact her at alex.magana@nwidevelopment.com