CONTINENTAL REALTY

Continental Realty Corporation, led by CEO J.M. Schapiro, has built a 66-year legacy as a privately held real estate investment company specializing in acquiring and operating retail and multifamily properties nationwide. The company now manages more than 8 million square feet of retail space and more than 10,000 apartments across 15 states.

Marvin S. Schapiro founded Continental Realty Corporation in 1960 with a simple guiding principle: keep your promises. His vision was to create a family-run real estate company built to endure for generations, beginning with acquiring and leasing Baltimore City row homes while improving neighborhoods through integrity and reliable service.

Strategic milestones mark the company’s growth from 300 Baltimore row homes through its first major multifamily purchase with Brooklyn Apartments in 1972, Fairfax Square in 1978 and the 1,400-unit Kenilworth portfolio in 2000. Continental Realty Corporation launched Continental Realty University in 2013, then entered lifestyle centers with Mount Pleasant Towne Centre in February 2020. The company now pursues its 10-20-30 vision: 10 million square feet of retail and 20,000 apartments by 2030.

Core values of integrity, accountability and long-term stewardship shape operations. The company hires for values, develops talent and encourages team members to operate like owners, earning recognition including Fortune Best Workplaces in Real Estate 2025, Great Place to Work Certified 2025-2026, Top Workplaces USA 2020-2025 and Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces 2012-2024.

Continental Realty Corporation adapts through disciplined, data-informed underwriting, off-market sourcing via deep relationships and fixed-rate, long-term financing. Investments in Continental Realty University and technology support operational efficiency across diversified portfolios.

Community engagement has remained central since the company’s founding.

Team members support organizations through board service, including J.M. Schapiro’s co-founding of Baltimore Homecoming. Ongoing efforts such as the Red Shoe Shuffle reflect a relationship-driven culture and commitment to the communities the company serves.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honoree and other resources. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record editorial staff.

This profile is part of The Daily Record’s In the Lead: Best Legacy Businesses list for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at origintdrdev.wpengine.com.