The RJ Group Story
Built on a Tradition of Stewardship
The RJ Group was founded by Rob Janicki. The Janicki family has been a vital part of northwestern Washington communities for decades. Rob’s parents were first-generation immigrants who worked the land and founded Janicki Logging and Construction—a local company well-respected for its sustainable logging practices that allow forests to flourish and wildlife to thrive. It is one of the few timber companies that specialize in timber restoration and reclamation, focusing on thinning timber stands to make them healthier and more robust, increasing their capacity for supporting biodiversity.
Rob has taken that same thoughtful approach to doing business and incorporated it into The RJ Group’s guiding principles. He and his team weave forward-thinking environmental initiatives into their projects, including LED lighting, hybrid electric car hookups, permeable pavers and solar-ready wiring for roofs. By choosing to focus on small-lot, infill projects and permanently protecting green space and wetlands within their developments, The RJ Group helps to reduce the end users’ carbon footprint, while at the same time adding value to the community at large.
The RJ Group Team
Rob Janicki
Rob Janicki is the founder and managing member of The RJ Group. He began his career at EDS in San Francisco and Dallas before returning to Skagit County in 1993 to join his family’s company, Janicki Logging, and soon after began investing in and developing local property. He formed The RJ Group in 2010, and the company has since earned a reputation for thoughtful, community-minded urban development. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Gonzaga University (magna cum laude).
Mollie Janicki
Mollie joined The RJ Group in 2015 after completing her studies at Seattle University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in international studies and a master’s in business. Her responsibilities include supporting The RJ Group brand, organizing project financing, and building relationships with vendors and partners.
Carrie Veldman
Carrie is the Managing Director of The RJ Group. She focuses on building high-performing teams and guiding projects through the full real estate development lifecycle—from early planning through completion—across residential, commercial, and land-use work. She also oversees portfolio-wide standards to ensure The RJ Group delivers quality built environments.
Erika Scott, Asset Manager
Erika joined The RJ Group in 2024 and manages asset performance across the completed portfolio, with a focus on strong operations, consistent standards, and long-term value. She helped establish the company’s in-house property management division, LYN Real Estate Management, which is dedicated exclusively to managing RJ Group–developed communities. Her work includes coordinating with operations teams, monitoring financial performance, and identifying improvements that strengthen both property results and resident experience.
Joel Weber, Finance Director
Joel leads the company’s financing efforts, including lender relationships, capital planning, and debt management. He supports project financing from early strategy through execution and helps coordinate the work of the accounting and finance teams.
Scarlet Ponder, Project Manager
Scarlet is a Senior Project Manager who guides multifamily and commercial developments from early feasibility and design through permitting and preparation for construction. She brings a city and regional planning background and is known for coordinating consultant teams and navigating complex entitlement processes. Scarlet holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University.
Sandra Hepworth, Sr Bookkeeper
Sandra supports The RJ Group’s financial oversight across a diverse set of entities and project types. She brings more than 30 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience across industries including construction, development, property management, restaurants, and small business. Colleagues value her steady approach and the practical, human way she keeps complex finances organized.
Ari Betts, Project Coordinator
Ari joined The RJ Group after interning with the team and now supports projects as a Project Coordinator with an environmental compliance focus. She helps track and coordinate items tied to stormwater, permitting, and sustainability requirements—working with consultants and internal teams to keep documentation, deadlines, and compliance needs organized. Ari is a recent graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in Environmental Science.
Dawn Lindner, Bookkeeper
Dawn joined The RJ Group accounting team in 2025 and brings more than 30 years of bookkeeping experience. She holds a business degree from the University of Oregon and has also managed a small business, which adds a practical perspective to day-to-day financial operations. She supports accurate records, reporting, and consistent processes across the company’s accounting work.