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About Us

Welcome to Keystone Real Estate Group, where we shoulder the burden of property management so you can achieve your investment goals. Since our founding in 1977 in State College, Pennsylvania, we have been dedicated to serving the needs of our clients with unwavering commitment and integrity. 

Keystone Real Estate Group, LP, also known as The Apartment Store, was established with a clear mission: to serve others in pursuit of their purpose. As a State College-based, veteran-owned and operated company, we bring a culture-driven and service-oriented approach to everything we do. 

Our decades of experience have solidified our position as a trusted leader in the real estate industry, specializing in commercial and residential property management, particularly student housing. 
Meet The Team

Our Core Values

At Keystone Real Estate Group, our mission is simple yet powerful: “To Serve others in pursuit of their purpose.” This mission encapsulates our dedication to putting the needs of our clients and community at the forefront of everything we do.

Each day, we work to achieve our mission by leaning on the foundation of core values that guide our actions and define who we are:

Team

We foster a culture of mutual respect and support, valuing each team member’s time and talents. Open, consistent, and complete communication is essential as we work together to achieve common goals.

Achievement

We are dedicated to delivering exceptional results, constantly striving to exceed expectations. While we take pride in our accomplishments, we understand that success is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning, growth, and improvement.

Service

Our work is driven by a commitment to helping others, whether it’s our resident guests, property owners, or community members. We believe that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Character

We uphold the principles of fairness, honesty, and loyalty in all our interactions. Our integrity is non-negotiable, as we believe in building trust and fostering strong relationships based on transparency and authenticity.

Stewardship: Our Service Model

By embodying our mission and core values, we are able to embrace the principles of stewardship – the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

With stewardship as our service model, we build lasting relationships, drive meaningful change, and achieve success together. We are not just in the business of managing properties; we are in the business of serving people and making a difference in their lives.

Understanding and serving our primary constituents is at the heart of everything we do:

Resident Guests

We view our residents as more than just tenants; they are valued members of our community. Through a hospitality-oriented approach, we strive to create comfortable and welcoming living environments that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

The Physical Assets

We understand that our properties are more than just buildings; they are living, breathing entities that require proper care and attention. By maintaining high standards of maintenance and cleanliness, we ensure that our properties remain safe, functional, and appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Property Owners

We recognize the trust placed in us by property owners and are committed to safeguarding their investments. By providing top-notch property management services and maintaining open lines of communication, we aim to earn and maintain their trust each day.

Community Engagement

As active participants in the communities we serve, we strive to make a positive impact beyond our business operations. Whether through sponsoring scholarships, supporting local events, or volunteering our time, we are dedicated to giving back and enriching the lives of those around us.

stewarship

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team is the keystone of our success. Comprised of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds, each member brings a unique skill set to the table. Together, they provide the resources, tools, and training to our employees, ensuring we stay true to our mission and core values. Based in State College, our leadership is deeply rooted in the community and committed to excellence.

Fred Egerer

Fred Egerer

LtCol USMC (Ret) | CEO
Fred has guided our growth through visionary and action-oriented leadership since joining Keystone in 2013. Fred is a combat veteran with multiple tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has commanded at the Platoon, Company, and Battalion levels. Before coming to Keystone Real Estate Group, LP, he was the President and CEO of an advanced high-speed machining technology company. Fred earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and Master's programs from the Naval War College and the National Joint Intelligence College.​

 

Pete Hraba

Pete Hraba

LtCol USMC (R) | President
Pete is a strategist who aligns vision with action. He leads the corporate governance of aligning people, processes, ​and technology to our Mission.​​
Pete came to Keystone in 2012 with over 20 years of experience in commercial software, pharmaceutical, and consulting. He developed,  executed, and continues to monitor our strategic plan to address the changing student housing market. Pete holds an MS in the Management of IT from the University of Virginia.​​
Jason Krout

Jason Krout

Senior Vice President | Broker
Jason serves as our Broker of Record, overseeing all real estate transactions. As a State College native with extensive real estate experience, he delivers second-to-none knowledge and competence within Central PA markets. Jason joined the Keystone team in 2005 as a Leasing Agent and has worked in all facets of the organization, including operations, capital improvement planning, and budgeting. Jason earned a BS in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University and has held a Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker License since 2008.
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Shannon Burns

Shannon Burns

VP of Management
Shannon is a proven leader with over 25 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate at Keystone Real Estate Group, LP. She oversees all aspects of Property Management for Residential, Multi-family, and Commercial, with a portfolio of over 6,000 beds and more than 1 Million square feet. Shannon has led our teams in over 10 Pennsylvania markets and has performed nearly every role in our organization, including property acquisition, annual budgeting, leasing operations, strategic planning, management software implementation, and more. Shannon holds a Pennsylvania Real Estate Associate Broker License.​
Ben Heim

Ben Heim

Principal
Ben's expertise is Asset Management. He came to Keystone in 2010 with deep industry experience learned as co-founder and CEO of Tricore Group, a land development and construction management company. Before entering the real estate industry, Ben was a Captain in the United States Army, serving as the Command Judge Advocate and Trial Counsel for the 7th Transportation Group Fort Eustis, VA (Army JAG Corps), and Clerk to the Honorable Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. of the United States District Courts. Ben earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University School of Law.
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Al Pringle

Al Pringle

Development Principal
Al is the go-to expert for commercial real estate opportunities, specializing in finance, development, and construction management. As an asset manager, he oversees the debt and equity components of a $350,000,000 portfolio of real estate assets. As a construction manager, he has managed the construction of over 3,000,000 square feet of commercial property. Al came to Keystone in 2011 and has nearly 40 years of industry experience. Al received a BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
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