Marshall R. Chesrown was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and is a graduate of University High School.

In 1976, prior to attending San Diego State University, Marshall started his automotive career as a salesperson at one of the largest Buick dealerships in the country. After holding various management positions within the industry, Marshall became the youngest Toyota dealer in the United States. In 1986, he began building Chesrown Automotive Group.

In 1997, Marshall sold Chesrown Automotive Group, which consisted of eleven companies to Republic Industries, now known as Auto Nation, which became the largest automotive retailer in the world representing over 300 franchises.

Marshall has two children: Meagan, a graduate of the University of Texas with a Master's in Latin American Studies, and Scott,  a graduate of the University of San Diego who now works for Black Rock Development.

Marshall is the President and sole owner of Black Rock Development, Inc. Since 2003, Black Rock Development has expanded from the luxury golf community into the development of riverside condominium projects, visionary mixed-use developments, and private-public partnerships that are changing the face of cities and improving the businesses and lifestyles of thousands of people.