Early Life
Dwight Schar was born in 1942 in rural northeast Ohio. He graduated from Norwayne High School in 1960 and went on to study at Ashland University (then Ashland College), where he majored in education, graduating in 1964. After graduating, he initially pursued a career in teaching while also working part-time selling homes on weekends.
Rise to Success
Schar's career took a pivotal turn towards homebuilding. In 1968, he began working at Ryan Homes. In 1980, he founded NVHomes, which later acquired Ryan Homes in 1987, and the combined company was renamed NVR, Inc. Under his leadership, NVR grew rapidly, expanding into mortgage services in 1984 and going public in 1986. NVR is now the third-largest homebuilder in the United States by revenue.
Key Business Strategies
Schar's business acumen is evident in his strategic acquisitions and financial discipline. NVR's focus on homebuilding and mortgage banking has driven its success. He also made a significant investment in the Washington Commanders, demonstrating his interest in sports and business diversification. Schar's ability to adapt to market conditions and manage financial risks has been key to NVR's sustained growth.
Philanthropy
Dwight Schar is recognized for his significant philanthropic endeavors. He has donated to educational institutions, including Ashland University and Elon University, where facilities have been named in his honor. He has also made substantial contributions to healthcare organizations, notably Inova Health System, where he and his wife have supported the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and the Inova Schar Heart & Vascular Institute, with total donations exceeding $126 million.