Executive of the Month: Rob Cord, president of CBC Advisors: A fresh perspective and unparalleled energy

Rob Cord, CBC Advisors

New York, NY New to New York, not to the industry. Rob Cord of CBC Advisors, one of the largest commercial real estate franchise affiliates in the world, now resides in an office near Times Square at 1407 Broadway. A native to California, Cord has practiced commercial brokerage, asset management and property management for nearly three decades. His resume includes a track record of senior leadership posts at national commercial real estate firms ranging from Grubb & Ellis, CBRE and fund manager Kennedy Wilson.

Cord leads expansion strategy and national service delivery coast-to-coast from CBC Advisors’ New York office. Recently named president, Cord brings a fresh perspective and unparalleled energy to one of the most dynamic commercial real estate services firms in the United States.

Shown (from left) are: Lew Cramer, CEO of CBC Advisors; Duncan Lambert of CBC Advisors; and Cord

Widely considered the fastest growing midsized commercial real estate brokerage in the country, CBC Advisors has experienced 310% growth since 2013. Within the past 12 months, the firm has expanded operations from four offices located predominantly in the Intermountain region to 30 offices throughout primary and dynamic secondary markets nationwide. Working with the largest real estate franchise conglomerate in the world has its advantages.

Conference Room at CBC Advisors New York office at 1407 Broadway

CBC Advisors is evolving into a progressive commercial real estate force with a dedicated team working from the street to the boardroom. As the leading Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliate globally for the last 13 consecutive years, Cord and his management team continue to disrupt the overlooked middle market with an institutional grade platform.

“Growth reflects the premium our professionals place on delivering results for the client,” said Cord. “As president, my primary responsibly remains to preserve the founding principles and culture that enables our personnel to perform at the highest level possible for the client’s benefit. We are driven to create an environment where our brokers and managers thrive in meeting their clients’ expectations.”

By implementing a client-centric and broker-led approach to management, CBC Advisors leverages a platform that empowers commercial real estate professionals with the tools and resources needed to build their personal book of business.

Workstations at CBC Advisors New York office at 1407 Broadway

CBC Advisors clearly differentiates itself in that shareholder expectations and requirements to meet EBITDA goals do not govern management decisions. Due to a privately held ownership structure and freedom from Wall Street debt, Cord believes his firm is uniquely positioned as a true, full-service commercial real estate firm–always acting in the best interest of the client. As such, CBC Advisors maintains a quick and nimble corporate structure that centers on the need of the commercial brokers and their clients. Cord is quick to credit the commercial real estate brokers and managers who surround him.

“Our professionals are our biggest assets,” said Cord. “Recruiting market leading agents and management professionals is challenging in this time of economic prosperity, but we are currently benefiting from the consolidation of larger service providers. As brokers and managers evaluate their options our client-centric approach sets us apart from the field when it comes to securing top talent.” Cord says increased internal competition from these large-scale industry mergers leads commercial real estate agents and managers to assess the market and analyze which professional environment best fits client needs and personal business moving forward.

While some firms focus on the 20% of clients that pay 80% of their income, CBC Advisors focuses on a wide range of clients who seek the highest level of service in primary and dynamic secondary markets across the country. Cord attributes this model to why top producing commercial real estate agents and managers are joining CBC Advisors from national firms across the country. “Our agents and managers are encouraged to work with those clients and property types where they can add the most value. CBC Advisors does not silo or force teams on our professionals,” said Cord.

Coldwell Banker Commercial has long been considered one of the most recognized and trusted brands in commercial real estate. Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Banker built a commercial real estate brand rooted in relationships from San Francisco in 1906. CBC Advisors is revitalizing the legacy of these industry pioneers, placing a premium on long-term relationships and acting as trusted fiduciaries and advisors to its clients.

“It is my goal to support our people to make the right moves to yield the respect one needs to succeed in the industry,” said Cord. “Over the next five years, CBC Advisors will continue to expand in additional primary and dynamic secondary markets coast-to-coast. Expect to see more significant growth announcements in the near future as we continue to develop the most advanced platform nationally.”