Frank J. Polzler, Chairman and Co-Founder

A native of Graz, Austria, Frank J. Polzler has over 50 years experience in the real estate industry. Polzler’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision have been a driving force behind the expansion of the RE/MAX business model in Europe. Polzler provides constant leadership to thousands of franchisees and sales associates who look to him for guidance.

Frank Polzler was a major force in the expansion of RE/MAX into Canada. In 1980, he and Schneider established RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, laying the groundwork for RE/MAX growth outside the US. Along with the offices he (co-)founded in New England and the Mid-West, Polzler substantially contributes to the growth of the North American real estate industry.

Polzler’s expertise is recognized throughout the North American and European real estate industries and in the franchising sector. Obtaining his real estate brokers license only six years after emigrating to Canada from Europe, Polzler’s dedication and tireless efforts for RE/MAX are now evident on both continents, with Polzler and Schneider directly responsible for one out of two offices opened by RE/MAX globally.

Walter J. Schneider, President and Co-Founder

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Walter J. Schneider is co-founder of RE/MAX Europe with his long-standing business partner, Frank J. Polzler. Established in 1994, RE/MAX Europe is presently represented in 36 European countries. With continuing rapid growth since its founding, RE/MAX Europe currently supports over 10,300 Sales Associates in more than 1,600 offices. With 30 years experience in real estate, Schneider’s innovative approach consistently evokes growth in the industry.

Schneider’s influence also is manifest in North America, where he and Polzler were the major force in the expansion of RE/MAX into the Canadian market. In 1980, only four years after entering the real estate business, Schneider co-founded RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic Canada Inc. With little capital to facilitate the expansion, Schneider and Polzler fostered exponential growth in RE/MAX’s Canadian operations, becoming an enterprise unparalleled in the real estate and franchising industries.

While laying the groundwork for RE/MAX expansion into Canada, Schneider also co-founded RE/MAX regions in New England and in the Mid-Western United States.

Schneider’s hallmark is his ability to initiate change and to create better methods of selling real estate. His innovations revolutionized the Canadian and European real estate markets. Along with Frank J. Polzler, Schneider is responsible for one of every two RE/MAX global offices. Together the business partners are leading plans for continued RE/MAX expansion in Europe.

Michael Polzler, Managing Director

As Managing Director, RE/MAX of Europe, Michael Polzler is responsible for all areas of day-to-day operations including franchise management, membership services, training, development, marketing and finance. 

Michael works closely with senior department heads to strategically position RE/MAX as Europe’s leading real estate organization. Under Michael’s guidance and direction, RE/MAX expansion throughout Europe continues unabated, with plans to achieve double-digit year-over-year growth.  The ultimate goal is to intensify RE/MAX’ reach, presence and position in the European marketplace through the sale and opening of several hundred new franchise locations in coming years. 

Michael joined RE/MAX in 1986 and brings to the table 25 years of diverse industry experience, including 12 years spearheading franchise sales and membership services in both the United States and Canada. Since 2000, when he was promoted to the position of Regional Director and Executive Vice President of RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, Michael has grown the franchise network to over 350 regional offices and more than 8,800 realtors.

With a proven record of professional, departmental and organizational accomplishments, Michael’s wealth of knowledge and effective business management will continue to ensure RE/MAX’ operational excellence both within Canada and throughout Europe.