As a resident of Big Sky and Bozeman for over three decades, Michael Schreiner’s deep local roots inspire his dedication to helping local communities grow and thrive. Michael brings a successful background in construction and development to his work in real estate. “My twenty-plus-years of experience in construction afford me the ability to quickly and accurately discern high-quality properties — giving my clients a big advantage when it comes to vetting a potential purchase.”
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After years spent as a builder and developer of residential and commercial real estate, he added a real estate license to his quiver of skills — a move which has allowed him to bring a unique wealth of strategic, practical perspective and detailed understanding to every deal and project. Michael Shreiner worked as a broker with various local firms for fifteen years before cofounding Benchmark Brokers in 2018, alongside his longtime friend (and ski buddy) Chris Murphy. Michael attributes his success in real estate in part to his years of experience, but even more so, to his passion for helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals.Clients and colleagues are drawn to his genuine, friendly nature, trustworthiness, and tireless work ethic.
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Michael attended MSU Bozeman and the University of Arizona for degrees in Construction Management and Urban Planning and Development, but quips, “you learn so much more once you’re out of school. That’s where the real education happens.” Married, with three creative, energetic children, most of his weekends are spent outdoors with family. He loves skiing, golfing, mountain biking, and cross-country motorcycle racing. In the fall, his outdoor passions turn towards bowhunting for big game, and birdhunting. He recently traded his kayak for a fly rod, and has enjoyed experiencing the rivers of Southwest Montana in a new way. “The outdoors here provide so many chances to adventure. It’s great to introduce my family, friends, and clients to what I love about our landscapes and culture. That opportunity to share it, helps me see these places with fresh appreciation.”

Chris Murphy describes his philosophy simply. “I answer my phone, follow through on every commitment, and treat every real estate transaction for my clients, as if it were my own.” His matter-of-fact approach is backed by an unmatched personal and professional depth of knowledge when it comes to real estate in Southwest Montana. Chris cofounded Benchmark with Michael Schreiner in 2018, and brings 25 years of experience to the team.
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Raised in Ennis, Montana, Chris Murphy knows the geography, communities, and businesses of Madison and Gallatin Counties like the back of his hand. Chris’s familiarity with the Southwest Montana real estate industry began at a young age, growing up in Ennis, where his family owned a real estate brokerage. He provides clients the invaluable benefits of his unmatched understanding of the local market. He combines a lifetime of experience and community relationships with decades of ongoing learning and a uniquely matter-of-fact ethos. Working with a sense of urgency and true transparency, Chris Murphy gets things done. He is widely respected for his authenticity, practical approach, and dedication to achieving results for his clients.

Chris earned his real estate brokers license in 1996, when still in college at MSU, and has been in the industry ever since. His expertise facilitates smooth transactions for both buyers and sellers — he can foresee and avoid potential pitfalls, and unearth diamonds in the rough that other brokers might miss. Not merely content to let potential real estate opportunities arise when they will, he takes pride in continuously exploring the market, sourcing deals through his many connections — and bringing the best of the best to his clients. In addition to buying and selling, Chris’s expertise extends to land planning, lot subdivisions, tax deferring exchanges, and more. 

Chris Murphy met his future business partner, Michael Schreiner, at MSU in Bozeman in the mid-90s. They bonded over a mutual passion for skiing, although Michael explains, “There is no better skier on this planet than Murph.” Chris grew up ski racing at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, before traveling the world as a professional skier on the World Extreme Tour, winning multiple titles. Today, Chris pursues cross-country motorcycle racing, bringing his high level of athleticism to dirt biking competitions and adventures. From their home in Ennis, Chris and his wife enjoy working hard in real estate, playing hard in the outdoors, and experiencing all that Montana has to offer.