About Us

Our Company

Gardner Management Company was established in September of 1980 for the purpose of developing and managing real estate throughout the State of Michigan. Since our inception, the company has grown steadily and is now recognized as one of the largest professional management firms in western Michigan.

Gardner Management currently manages over 4000 units of residential and condominium property. We are also responsible for approximately 1,000,000 square feet of commercial retail/office space throughout southwest Michigan.

Ryan C. Gardner, Principal

Ryan C. Gardner is a 2001 graduate of the University of Kentucky. Mr. Gardner is responsible for the condominium portion of the Gardner Management portfolio. He is also responsible for the daily operation of the main office and works as a consultant for Associations outside the Gardner Management portfolio. Mr. Gardner is also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of Michigan.

John M. Novak, Principal

John M. Novak has been with Gardner Group since 2014 and is a shareholder of the Company. Mr. Novak has practiced corporate and real estate law in Michigan since 1996. Mr. Novak is and has been a member of various for-profit and non-profit boards of directors. John M. Novak is a graduate of Purdue University and the Loyola University – Chicago School of Law and also holds a Michigan Real Estate Broker License.

Julie L. Novak, CFO

Julie has served as Chief Financial Officer of Gardner Group since 2018, overseeing financial strategy and operations for the company’s real estate management and maintenance businesses. Prior to joining Gardner Group, she spent 25 years in the accounting industry, with experience spanning both public and private companies. In addition to financial expertise, Julie brings more than 12 years of human resources experience, supporting organizational growth and operational effectiveness.  Julie graduated from Western Michigan University’s College of Business in 1989.  Julie earned a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation while working in public accounting and obtained the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2017.