In the world of homebuilding, a company’s legacy is defined not just by the homes it builds, but by the people who lead it. At Miller & Smith, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in Northern Virginia and Maryland for over 60 years, we are thrilled to announce a new addition to our leadership team who embodies our core values. We are proud to welcome Gary Scola as our new Vice President of Land.
Gary brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of our region’s unique development landscape, and a personal philosophy that aligns perfectly with our mission. This isn’t just a strategic new hire; it’s a partnership rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for building communities people are proud to call home. This post will delve into Gary’s remarkable background, the story of his connection to Miller & Smith, and what his leadership means for our future.
Meet a Leader with a Vision
Gary Scola’s career is a testament to the power of expertise and dedication. He is a seasoned real estate, design, and construction executive with 31 years of experience. This journey has given him a comprehensive perspective on the entire development lifecycle, from initial blueprints to the final delivery of homes that stand the test of time.
A Legacy of Expertise
Gary’s professional background is a mosaic of high-impact roles with some of the industry’s most respected names. His recent role as Vice President of Real Estate Investments & Development for Forestar Group Inc. saw him at the forefront of residential land investment, where he was responsible for advancing residential land positions in critical growth markets. Before that, as Vice President of Operations for Brookfield Properties, he was a key figure in directing large-scale community development efforts, an experience that gave him firsthand knowledge of the intricacies involved in building communities from the ground up. He has a proven track record that includes the planning, design, and delivery of over 1,000 multifamily units and more than 3,500 single-family detached and attached homes. His work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, principles he developed early in his career as a civil engineer.
More Than a Resume
Beyond his impressive list of professional accomplishments, Gary is also a recognized leader in the homebuilding community. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a foundation that gives him a rare blend of technical knowledge and strategic insight. In 2023, he served as the President of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), a role that allowed him to shape industry standards and advocate for thoughtful development. His continued involvement on the NVBIA’s Board of Directors and as an NAHB Delegate speaks to his dedication to the profession and his desire to see it thrive. This deep, personal commitment to the industry is a key reason why we believe he is the perfect fit for Miller & Smith’s enduring legacy.
The Partnership That Came Full Circle
What makes Gary’s appointment so special is that it isn’t a new relationship. It’s a professional connection that began years ago and has now come full circle. His respect for Miller & Smith was earned through direct experience, not just reputation.
The Embrey Mill Connection
Gary first partnered with Miller & Smith during his tenure as Regional Vice President at Newland Communities. At the time, he was overseeing the planning and execution of the award-winning Embrey Mill master-planned community in Stafford, Virginia. Miller & Smith was one of the builders in the community, and it was during this collaboration that Gary first observed a level of craftsmanship and integrity that left a lasting impression. He saw a builder that was different; a company that prioritized the long-term well-being of the community and the families who would live there. His firsthand experience with Miller & Smith’s transparent and relationship-driven approach, even during difficult negotiations, built a professional respect that he carried with him for years. This mutual admiration laid the groundwork for his decision to one day join our team.
Why He Chose Us
Gary’s perspective on Miller & Smith’s philosophy is powerful and deeply personal. He explains his admiration by saying, “They take pride in their product. They focus on the end user—the families who live in their homes, not just turning and burning like some other national builders. Even when negotiations were tough, they were fair, transparent, and relationship-driven. That always stuck with me.” This quote gets to the very heart of what makes Miller & Smith unique. It’s a philosophy that prioritizes lasting quality and genuine relationships over short-term gains and quick transactions. In an industry that can often be driven by speed and volume, finding a company that shares his commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth was paramount. Gary saw a builder that was not only successful but one that was built on a foundation of ethical practices and a genuine concern for the community.
A Future of Thoughtful Growth
With Gary Scola now an integral part of the Miller & Smith leadership team, the company is poised for a future of disciplined and strategic growth. His vision is perfectly aligned with ours, and his leadership will be key to our continued success.
Aligning on Core Values
Our Chief Operating Officer, Tom Hyde, shares this excitement. “Gary is a fantastic addition to the team,” he said. “He understands the complexities of our region’s development landscape, but more importantly, he shares our long-view philosophy that quality relationships, thoughtful growth, and strong partnerships lead to better communities.” This shared philosophy is the foundation of our new collaboration. It is a belief that the best communities are not built by accident, but are the result of a deliberate, long-term approach that prioritizes quality, integrity, and the human element. Gary’s ability to understand the complexities of our region’s development landscape is a strategic advantage, but his commitment to our philosophy is what makes him a truly valuable partner. He will ensure that as we grow, we never lose sight of what makes a Miller & Smith community so special.
Scola’s Vision for What’s Next
When asked about his vision for the future, Gary emphasized his excitement for both strategy and culture. “I’m looking forward to helping grow the business, smartly. That means being selective about the right opportunities, doing the right due diligence, and adding value from the very beginning. And I’m also excited to get back in the weeds a bit, rolling up my sleeves and helping the team shape projects that make a lasting impact.” His hands-on approach and passion for thoughtful, impactful work are a perfect complement to our team. He is committed to expanding our land pipeline in a way that is strategic and sustainable, ensuring that every new community we build upholds the high standards of design and quality that our brand is known for. He understands that a 60-year legacy is a powerful indicator of a company’s integrity and that it is not something to be taken lightly.
Preserving a 60-Year Legacy
Gary recognizes the weight of joining a company with such a storied history. “A 60-year legacy means they’re doing something right,” he noted. “There are only a handful of builders I’d consider working with and Miller & Smith was at the top of that list.” This endorsement speaks volumes about the enduring reputation Miller & Smith has earned over its history. As our new Vice President of Land, Gary’s leadership will be crucial in expanding our land pipeline and supporting our sustainable growth. He is committed to preserving the design, detail, and community connection that have defined Miller & Smith for generations. As Gary so eloquently put it, “Ultimately, our job is to create places people are proud to call home. That’s the real reward and I’m thrilled to be a part of that mission with Miller & Smith.”