Our Team

Mike Tester

Partner

Michael Tester is a Managing Partner of R&M Development Partners. For R&M, Mike handles the design, entitlements, and construction management operations for the company. Mike has over fifteen years of experience in the building industry including architectural design, construction cost estimating, procurement, and project management. During this time, he has overseen the construction of over 1,500 apartment units, 500,000 SF of office space, and large-scale demolition and site work developments in Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

In addition to R&M Development, Mike is the President / CEO for Tester Construction Group (TCG). TCG provides comprehensive General Contracting and Construction Management Services throughout the greater Philadelphia area. TCG is one of the largest multi-family/mixed-used General Contractors in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburban markets. With his expansive knowledge of construction practices such as estimating, value engineering, procurement, and scheduling, Mike brings a unique skill set to the development team at R&M. He works diligently with project architects and engineers to complete a building design that is exceptional compared to other projects in the market but can still be built within the often tight constraints of development budgets and timelines. Ultimately, Mike is responsible for executing the unique and deliberate vision of R&M.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree from New York University in Real Estate Development and Construction Management. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional and OSHA 30 Certified. With Mike’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, coaching sports, golfing, and going to rock concerts.

Rickey Biddle

Partner

Rickey is an experienced business professional and real estate developer in the Philadelphia area. He brings a unique perspective of understanding investor needs and how to optimize portfolio performance. Rickey is an active member in TAPA (Temple Area Property Association) organization. ​

At R+M Development, Rickey’s focus is largely around acquisition, financing and development strategy of each project. Taking a large part in the design process Rickey’s responsibilities largely include navigating the design and entitlement process.​When Rickey isn’t working, you can find him relaxing on the beach with his family, golfing or spending time with his dog Chase whenever he can.

Barry Shikhvarg

Director of Finance and Acquisitions

Barry Shikhvarg is responsible for sourcing, underwriting and financing new projects for R+M Development Partners. He has 15 years experience in acquisitions, real estate development, raising capital and asset management totaling $860M in multifamily and mixed use transactions. Barry joins the R+M Team after four years with a national, institutional real estate development company having established a $1.2B project pipeline in Southeast United States, PA, NJ, and IN. He has developed over 1,000 luxury apartments locally valued at $250M and lead acquisitions of over 1,500 units totaling $200M. Born and raised in Philadelphia and even marrying a Toll Brothers property manager, he is passionate about real estate and excited to enhance local communities through building quality, thoughtful, and responsible residential housing.

Barry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Construction Management from Drexel University. In his leisure, he enjoys aquascaping and keeps several aquariums. He now lives in Bucks County, PA with his wife, Joanna and son, Evan Paul.