The Team.
The Shumacher Group (TSG) is a leading Atlanta-based commercial real estate firm specializing in restaurant and retail brokerage, with over 40 years of experience advising clients across the Southeast. Since our founding in 1987, we have successfully completed thousands of transactions, building a reputation as trusted advisors in both business and real estate.
Our expertise spans three core service areas: Business Brokerage, where we help clients buy and sell restaurant and retail businesses; Tenant Representation, where we guide regional and national brands in strategic site selection and expansion; and Landlord Representation & Dispositions, where we market and lease retail properties, surplus assets, and investment opportunities.
While our primary focus is the metro Atlanta market, our reach extends throughout the Southeastern United States through long-standing relationships and brokerage partnerships. At TSG, we combine deep market knowledge with hands-on execution to deliver results for operators, investors, and property owners alike.
Steven Josovitz
Buying, Selling & Leasing Businesses, Restaurants, Retail, Commercial Real Estate, Surplus and Investment Properties
Steven joined The Shumacher Group, Inc. in 1992 and leads the firm’s restaurant business brokerage division. He specializes in restaurant and retail business sales, site selection, and lease negotiations, bringing a comprehensive understanding of both real estate and operations.
A former restaurant owner and professionally trained chef, Steven offers unique, hands-on industry insight backed by extensive experience in hospitality management. He also provides consulting and appraisal services and is frequently retained by law firms as an expert witness in dispute resolution.
Steven earned a B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Florida International University and has pursued additional studies in Europe. He is an active member of the Georgia Restaurant Association, the Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB), and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
A 33-year member of GABB, Steven is a Life Member and Phoenix Award recipient, and consistently earns Multi-Million Dollar Club and Top Five honors. He is recognized as the top-selling restaurant business broker in Georgia history.
Irving Jacobson
Leasing & Site Selection
A South African native, Irving has been actively involved in the Georgia commercial real estate and leasing business since 1981. Irving is one of the premier and respected Retail and Restaurant Leasing Professionals in the Southeast. As Vice-President and Associate Broker, his primary responsibility with The Shumacher Group is representing national and regional tenants for land purchases and lease negotiations.
Sean McPherson
Tenant Representation, Landlord Representation, Restaurant & Retail Leasing
Sean McPherson is a Tenant Representative and Leasing Specialist focused on restaurant, hospitality, and retail. With 15 years in the hospitality business and a former restaurant owner himself, Sean understands what it takes to successfully locate real estate and negotiate leases and purchases to set his clients up for success.
In addition to tenant representation, Sean is an expert Landlord Representative.
Melissa Tijerina
Leasing & Site Selection, First-Time Investors, Business Owners
Melissa, an Ohio native, brings unwavering dedication, passion, and exceptional management skills to The Shumacher Group. A strong foundation in public education, her people-first approach, keen attention to detail, and integrity has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year at her local school and a semi-finalist for County Teacher of the Year.
Now, Melissa applies that same commitment to excellence in the world of real estate. Her proactive mindset, problem-solving abilities, and deep understanding of client needs ensure a seamless and successful experience. Whether guiding first-time investors or seasoned business owners, she navigates the complexities of real estate with confidence, clarity, and a strong work ethic—always putting her clients’ best interests first.
Kathy Thirolf
Land Brokerage, Tenant & Owner Representation, Investment Acquisitions
Kathy Thirolf, one of Atlanta’s leading land brokers, joined The Shumacher Group, Inc. effective April 1, 2014.
Thirolf has over 20 years of experience representing Owners and Tenants, which have included Simon Properties, Cadillac Fairview, and Scott Hudgens’ portfolio of properties. She has been involved in the sale of peripheral land at Stonecrest Mall since its inception, with land values exceeding $90 million. She also has handled investment acquisitions and the sale of improved properties at Town Center Mall, Gwinnett Place Mall, and other Metro Atlanta areas.
While at Wheeler/Kolb/Brand Mgmt. Thirolf worked with a variety of retailers which included Tanger Outlets, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Quik Trip, and Brand Bank. Additionally, she has leased space at grocery-anchored and other retail/office centers.
A California native, Thirolf attended the University of California, at Fresno and Fullerton for a degree in business. She is an Associate Broker, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a Member of the Atlanta chapter of the CCIM Group, and the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.
