Ben Sampson Principal
A third generation developer, Ben began developing real estate on Route 286 in Plum Borough and surrounding communities with his father, Orin, in the early 1970s.
In 1973, he formed Cano, Inc. to build a 20,000 square foot strip center, Presque Isle Plaza, as part of Plum Borough’s main shopping district. He also established Bar Development Company and The Meritage Group to manage both his and his family’s land development needs. He continues to be the driving influence behind both company’s contract work and sub-division developments located throughout Pittsburgh’s suburbs. Over the last 30 years, these and other partnership affiliated companies have developed industrial, commercial, and retail space as well as thousands of single family lots, apartments, and condominiums.
A graduate of Bucknell University and veteran of the Vietnam War, Ben is active in professional organizations that include the Urban Land Institute, Society of Industrial Office Realtors, and National Association Industrial and Office Properties.
Michael Morris CEO
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a MBA in Finance, Michael embarked on a career in real estate development with a nonprofit organization committed to buying, renovating, and selling distressed residential properties in a hopeful Pittsburgh neighborhood. In 1992, he joined Cano, Inc. as a leasing agent and financial analyst and eventually became its Vice President. In 1997, Michael and Ben Sampson formed the Sampson Morris Group to take over the management of their real estate holdings and to take advantage of additional development opportunities. On February 26, 2004, the corporate name was changed to Sampson Morris Group.
Michael is continually involved in multiple development projects from the initial analysis and mortgage acquisition to the construction management and lease-up phases. Through personal attention, quality management, and a keen sense of direction, he continues to lead Sampson Morris Group forward.
A graduate of Bethany College (BA in Economics) and the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh (MBA in Finance), Michael is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). He continues his education in real estate through various seminars held by both the Urban Land Institute and NAIOP.
Dave Sarver President
Dave joined Sampson Morris Group in 1997 as a project manager. He put his 25 years of commercial and residential construction experience to work designing and writing specifications, procuring approvals and permits, estimating project costs and developing project budgets, awarding and managing contracts, and reporting on project budgets and schedules. In 2011 he received the title of President.
Dave is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is licensed by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
Steve Rossi Chief Financial Officer
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Steve started a career in public accounting with the firm of Henry Rossi & Co. in 1980. His primary responsibilities at that firm included financial statement reporting, estate planning, business consulting services, I.R.S. representation, and tax planning and preparation. Steve passed the uniform CPA examination in 1985. He is currently a member of both American Institute of Certified Public Accountant and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.Steve joined Sampson Morris Group in August 2002 after 22 years in public accounting. His responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer include financial analyses, banking relationships, tax compliance, and the overall day-to-day financial operation of the company. He was named Pittsburgh’s 2015 CFO of the year by the Pittsburgh Business Times.Steve lives with his wife Sandy in Monroeville and has two sons currently living in the Pittsburgh area. In his spare time, he is an active participant in both obstacle course racing and cross-fit training.