Leo Max Sandler and Eva Sherman came to America in the early 1900s, starting their business selling fish from a pushcart in downtown Norfolk, VA. Their sons Sam and Harry Sandler joined and grew the business following WWII, along with Sam’s wife, Reba. By the 1950s, Sandler Foods entered the wholesale food distribution business servicing the military and the up-and-coming restaurant industry, becoming industry leaders by the late 1960s through perseverance and integrity and always giving back to the community.

The third-generation, brothers Steve and Art (sons of Sam and Reba) joined the business in the 1970s, working tirelessly to grow the business and live up to the high standards set by their parents. By 1989, the brothers had grown the business thirty-fold and were recognized as a regional and national powerhouse. Sandler Foods was the fourth largest privately owned food service distributor in the country.

Sara Lee Corporation, a publicly owned American institution, acquired a stake in the family business in 1989. The venture was operated as Consolidated Foodservice Companies until 1994, when the remaining Sandler interest was sold to Sara Lee. Holdings from the sale were diversified into new business endeavors in real estate and financial services, continuing to build on their legacy. The Sandlers continued to grow in their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to success.

In recent years, the Sandlers have grown their real estate portfolio through the development and acquisition of multifamily, build-to-rent, and self-storage. This portfolio diversifies and complements their extensive history in for-sale homebuilding through Chesapeake Homes. With this experience comes a wealth of company knowledge used to strategically position itself and create value in any market environment.

The Sandlers continue to build on long-standing banking and equity partnerships, as well as in-house expertise in a variety of asset classes, leading to a growing pipeline that will fulfill the need for middle-market housing and storage up and down the East Coast. The privately owned company recognizes its obligation to family, employees, and community. The Sandlers know who they are and where they came from, carrying forward a history of excellence through building and developing a talented and motivated management team.