Meet The Team
Teamwork
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
– Vince Lombardi
Meet The Team

Blue Heron Signature Homes is an award winning custom home builder in the Triangle area, and is dedicated to building you, our client, the luxury home you've dreamed of.
We believe a custom home should leave you, our clients, truly inspired. The home building process should remain exhilarating, personal and enjoyable while their team of architects, designers and construction personnel make a breathtaking vision come to life.
Our attention to detail, experience and commitment to excellence speaks through in our craftsmanship, communication and dedication.
With a strong foundation of trust, integrity and experience in the luxury market, Blue Heron Signature Homes values each aspect of the home building process. Our clients are the heart-beat of what we do, day in and day out.
Our goals run parallel with our mission: build the life you want to live, through excellence.

Mark A. MacDonald
CEO/President
As CEO of Arcadia Real Estate Advisors and CEO/President of Blue Heron Signature Homes, Mark oversees all aspects of both companies daily operations, as well as its investment opportunities.
Since 1990, Mark has advised institutional owners in the investment of over $4 billion of real estate transactions in the southeastern United States. Prior to forming Arcadia and becoming CEO/President of Blue Heron Signature Homes, Mark served as Managing Director of Investments for Stratford Land Fund where he was responsible for identifying, acquiring and asset managing strategic land investments located in North and South Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. In this capacity, he helped Stratford raise $850 million in four land funds and was responsible for overseeing the investment of over $175 million of new equity in new Stratford Land projects.
Prior to joining Stratford Land, he served as Managing Director of Investments for Raleigh, North Carolina based Highwood’s Properties, one of the nation’s largest fully integrated real estate operating companies, where he was responsible for the development and execution of the firm’s investment strategy. While at Highwood’s, Mark managed over $4 billion of office, industrial, retail, multifamily and land investment transactions, including $1 billion of joint venture investments with institutional partners. Prior to Highwood’s, he was a real estate broker with CB Richard Ellis in the Virginia market representing institutional owners of office, retail, and industrial buildings in lease and investment sales transactions.
Mark has a bachelor’s degree with a major in Marketing and a minor in Economics from James Madison University and a Masters of Business Administration from Duke’s University’s Fuqua School of Business with a concentration in Finance. Mark is a member of the Home Builders Association and National Association of REALTORS.
He enjoys golfing and spending time with his family traveling, skiing, wake surfing, fishing, playing cards, ice skating and sharing quality time together. Mark is also a supporter of autism organizations and animal rescue.

Jason Mathena
Vice-President of Construction
Jason holds a NC General Contractors Unlimited License, and his honesty, strong work ethic and team player perspective is key in the home building industry. As a dedicated individual who has been in and around the residential construction business his entire life, Jason understands first hand the communication and problem solving mindset needed to bring clients the peace of mind needed when building their dream home.
As the MAME Award winner of the Superintendent of the Year in the Triangle, several additional MAME Awards for Blue Heron Signature Homes and Parade of Homes Gold Award with perfect score, it’s clear that Jason’s experience, knowledge and education for the process shines through in his work.
As the Vice President of Construction at Blue Heron Signature Homes, Jason is known for finding ways to make things work that may seem impossible, Jason is a soaring talent in the custom home building space. When asked what he loves about this industry, Jason replied “The industry is unique because we are in different spaces within the community and encounter new challenges daily, all while creating something so special for our Clients which will likely be their biggest investment. Knowing that these properties will be here for years to come makes this career even more purposeful.”
Jason appreciates everyone within a project and ensures that they all feel important. In addition, he keeps the team motivated and excited about not only the success of the company as a whole, but also each team member’s career.
When not working, Jason loves spending time with his family, attending his kids sporting events, playing golf, raising awareness of childhood cancer and childhood poverty.

Olivia Lowry
Design Services
With over 22 years of experience, Olivia’s determination, honesty and persistence works to her client’s advantage as she assists them with interior and exterior selections for their dream home.
She has an impressive resume of working with many well known builders and past experience with an array of positions including estimating, purchasing, CAD design, scheduling, New Community Manager, in addition to working alongside builders to build model and spec homes, and as a Design Center Manager. By wearing many hats, it’s clear Olivia understands the full process of building a new home.
“I was promoted quickly through building companies I had worked for, but I would say I didn't feel very successful until I started working as a Designer.” Olivia stated. After finding her calling, she powered through and earned herself a spot as the #1 designer within her branch in sales, and #7 in the nation within that company.
As the Designer for Blue Heron Signature Homes, Olivia’s eye for detail, exquisite portfolio, outstanding problem solving mindset and strong work ethic sets her apart. Her dedication for finding solutions for her clients is key in keeping her clients satisfied and having minimal stress through an, at times, emotional process.
Olivia enjoys traveling abroad, spending quality time with her friends and increasing awareness of different animal causes and organizations.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandela

Jenn Nowalk
Sales Consultant
When asked what about the real estate industry she enjoys, Jenn answered “I am a people person and I love to problem solve and troubleshoot. I truly get excited for the clients I am working with and jump right into the process with them. I listen to their needs and try to find the right match to meet their families needs. I love to get creative to find the right home for them.”
Organizing all the details from start to finish to deliver the home of their dreams, and having an experience they were wanting is of the utmost importance to Jenn.
Jenn’s cheerful demeanor, giving nature and optimistic mindset has proved to be beneficial in her past professional and personal accomplishments. She helped a real estate company grow from $25M up to $90M, curated and co-founded a non-profit to help bring joy to children, and in addition to her position with Blue Heron Signature Homes, is also a Broker with Arcadia Real Estate Advisors in Raleigh.
Jenn is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® and the local and national Home Builders Associations. Jenn has been a speaker at the International Builder Show and previous Chair of Triangle Sales and Marketing Council. In 2016 she was recognized as Chair of the Year by the HBA. She holds many awards from the mentioned organizations in addition to many MAME Awards including MAME Sales Manager of the Year, National Sales Team Award and the Zach Bacon Cares award from the REALTOR® Foundation for service work with her non-profit organization.
Jenn and husband, Rich, both Elon alumni, are the Elon Leads Raleigh Committee Co-Chairs. They take pride in their ability to participate and help give back to their alma mater that has had such an impact in their lives.
When not helping buyers either build or purchase the home of their dreams, Jenn loves being with her family, supporting her children in their passions, traveling, going to the beach and listening to music. She is active with Triangle Spokes Group - the non-profit she co-founded, St. Jude, Red Cross, National Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House and Duke Children’s Hospital.
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