The global luxury real estate brand continues to grow across the Pacific Northwest, with a new shop opening in the North Cascades region of Washington State.
Engel & Völkers announced a new shop opening in Cle Elum, WA, further expanding its presence across the Pacific Northwest and growing the Americas. Leading the newly established Engel & Völkers North Cascades Cle Elum shop is broker and license partner Marcel Dolak, a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience. Raised in the Snoqualmie Valley, Dolak’s deep ties to the region have shaped his career and passion for helping clients find homes that complement their lifestyles.
Dolak, who joined Engel & Völkers in 2020, owns the brand’s Kirkland shop and is co-owner of its Bend, OR, and Palm Desert, CA, locations. Through this network, his team services clients up and down the West Coast and beyond, with additional expansion plans in Kittitas and Chelan counties. His track record includes approximately $500 million in total sales volume, making him a top-producing broker in his markets.
“Marcel has built an impressive book of business over his past five years with Engel & Völkers and is a key contributor to the brand’s expansion along the West Coast,” said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas. “Given the unparalleled power of our network in referring business based on client demand, this is exactly the sort of strategic growth that will continue to fuel our success in the Americas for years to come.”
For Dolak, real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about understanding the communities he serves. Growing up in the Snoqualmie Valley instilled in him a love for the outdoors, from fishing and biking; to football games at the old Tolt High School. That appreciation for nature translates into his work, as he helps clients find homes that embrace the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, whether that means a cozy retreat in Cle Elum or an escape to acreage in Kittitas County.
“The east side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington has experienced vast growth over the last five years,” Dolak explained. “In Cle Elum, average home prices increased from $350,000 in 2020 to $550,000 by 2022. We have also seen increased demand in the resort communities of Suncadia and Tumble Creek, as well as heightened interest in acreage and ranch properties.” The influx of buyers from the Puget Sound area, who are seeking more space while maintaining access to major business hubs, made opening a dedicated Cle Elum shop a natural next step.
The new Engel & Völkers shop is located at 402 E 1st St., Suite 104 in Cle Elum, a town set against the backdrop of the Stuart Mountain Range. The North Cascades region, stretching from I-90 to the Columbia River and north to the Canadian border, offers world-class outdoor recreation year-round.
Dolak has watched Cle Elum and his childhood home in the Snoqualmie Valley evolve over the years, each maintaining its small-town charm despite rapid development. “The Snoqualmie Valley tends to be more full-time residences, and in Cle Elum/Kittitas County, we see a blend of vacation residences and full-time homes for those wanting to escape to the sun and snow,” he explained. “Both areas have maintained the small-town charm, and both have done dramatic improvements to the downtown cores. In Cle Elum, we’ve seen growth in areas such as Tumble Creek and Suncadia, and recent new communities such as Ederra are just starting to build. Maintaining the cozy hometown feel of both areas is vitally important and brings out the character that makes these great towns special. It is also important to have housing at every price level.”
While Cle Elum is his latest focus, Dolak’s connections to the Snoqualmie Valley remain strong. His work with Engel & Völkers Kirkland often brings him back to the area, where he continues assisting clients looking for a foothold in the Valley or a retreat farther east. His personal ties are just as enduring—he still makes time for bike rides, trips to the river, and visits to local farm stands with his daughters.
Dolak’s upbringing in the Snoqualmie Valley deeply influenced his approach to real estate. It shaped his understanding of the Pacific Northwest market and reinforced the importance of community. He sees a home as more than just a physical space—it’s a place that should align with a person’s lifestyle and connection to nature.
His firsthand experience growing up in a region where outdoor adventure is an integral part of daily life helps him guide clients toward properties that suit their desire for hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. With a strong appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, he is committed to helping buyers find homes that not only meet their needs but also allow them to embrace the region’s unique lifestyle fully.
Dolak and his team are committed to serving full-time residents and those seeking a getaway in Cle Elum and beyond. With a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and a dedication to client satisfaction, they strive to provide expert guidance in an ever-growing market. “Our highly trained real estate advisors at Engel & Völkers North Cascades Cle Elum and Engel & Völkers Kirkland take pride in providing luxury service with the utmost integrity at every price point. We are here to serve our communities and help our clients reach their real estate objectives,” Dolak said.
Looking ahead, Dolak sees continued opportunities for growth, including potential collaborations with developers and builders who share Engel & Völkers’ commitment to quality and community. “It’s also great there is another Engel & Völkers locally in the valley,” he said. With a well-established presence in Kirkland/Redmond, Cle Elum and beyond, his Engel & Völkers North Cascades Cle Elum team is ready to serve a growing client base with the highest level of service and expertise.
To learn more, visit northcascades.evrealestate.com/en.
