About Us
Our Story
Sawtooth Development Group, LLC, was formed in 2000 by its current managing partners, Shane Felker and Clay Sammis. They have a proven track record of successfully designing, developing, managing, selling, and leasing residential, mixed-use, office, university, retail, and industrial projects throughout the western United States. Each development project has been completed on time, on budget, and always exceeding expectations by their knowledgeable and experienced team. “Building Better Environments” isn’t simply a mantra for Sawtooth Development Group, it’s what we’ve been doing for over 25 years.
Meet the Team
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Shane Felker
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
Shane Felker is the co-founder of Sawtooth Development Group and a veteran real estate developer with nearly 30 years of experience. Since launching the firm in 2000, he has helped grow its portfolio from luxury coastal homes to a diverse mix of office, medical, educational, retail, and industrial projects across the western U.S.
In recent years, Shane has led Sawtooth’s expansion into Boise’s industrial market, including the 2.2 million-square-foot Meridian Commerce Park—a master-planned logistics hub developed with AT Industrial—and the Nampa Interchange Park, a strategically located industrial complex now under construction.
Shane serves on the board of NAIOP Boise and lives in Ketchum, Idaho, with his wife, Hillary, their daughters, Sydney and Kendall, and their dog, Bailey.
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Clay Sammis
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
Clay Sammis is a veteran real estate developer with more than 30 years of experience leading innovative and high-impact development projects across the western United States. A native of San Diego, Clay earned his degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His early foundation in sustainable planning continues to influence his balanced, community-conscious approach to development.
Clay launched his real estate career in 1990 with Sammis Properties, where he played a leading role in the development and construction company which built 1.5 million square feet of commercial space and more than 4,000 residential units over the years. In 2000, he co-founded Sawtooth Development Group alongside Shane Felker. Under his direction, the firm has successfully delivered a diverse portfolio including university campuses, residential subdivisions, luxury custom homes, and a range of mixed-use properties.
He lives in Ketchum, Idaho, with his wife Stephanie, their three sons—Carter, Paxton, and Kai—and their two dogs.
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Scott Desserault
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Scott Desserault brings over 25 years of strategic finance, operations, and leadership experience to Sawtooth Development Group. A Washington native and CPA (Inactive), Scott holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from the University of Washington.
Throughout his career, Scott has driven growth and efficiency across diverse industries—including real estate development, adventure travel, apparel, and beverage. His track record includes managing the full financial lifecycle of a $13M condominium project, securing over $15M in financing across multiple institutions, and leading the self-implementation of NetSuite ERP to support a 300% growth trajectory.
Scott’s approach blends analytical rigor with entrepreneurial agility. He has successfully coordinated investor relations, implemented scalable systems, optimized operational processes, and developed financial strategies that deliver measurable results. At Sawtooth, he oversees finance, operations, and HR functions, guiding the team through projects across residential, commercial, educational, and industrial real estate sectors.
Scott lives in Ketchum, Idaho, with his daughter Emma and their dog Bech, where he enjoys the outdoors and staying connected to his community.
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Brandon Swanson
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Originally from Southern California, Brandon Swanson moved to Boise in 2014, drawn by a passion for the outdoors and a desire for new adventure. After studying at Cal State San Marcos, he transitioned into a career in construction, bringing a diverse skill set shaped by roles in real estate, project management, and architectural coordination.
With a background that includes managing multi-million dollar commercial and residential builds, his work is defined by a focus on collaboration, precision, and proactive problem-solving.
Outside of the office, Brandon is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether exploring the Pacific Northwest by motorcycle, mountain bike, or hiking trail, he’s always seeking his next adventure. He lives in Boise with his wife Jordan and their dog Winston.
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Brian Mitchell
DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENTS
Mr. Mitchell is a seasoned real estate professional who began his career in 2011 as a commercial real estate broker in Portland, Oregon. In 2020, he transitioned into industrial development, where he sourced and executed deals across Washington and Idaho.
At Sawtooth Development Group, Brian is responsible for overseeing new acquisition and development opportunities throughout the western United States. Based in Boise, he spends his free time exploring the Pacific Northwest by motorcycle.
