2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Brad Pilgrim, Parity, Inc.

“Brad founded Parity after witnessing how much energy is wasted in buildings through inefficient HVAC systems.With his leadership, Parity has grown to more than 100 million s/f of managed real estate, helping multifamily owners and hotels reduce costs, improve building performance and navigate LL97. His results-driven approach has made Parity a valued partner across major NY residential portfolios.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

I’m most proud of building Parity into a platform and service that helps real estate owners turn building operations into measurable performance. We’ve scaled to more than 100 million s/f of managed real estate, helping clients simultaneously reduce energy waste, lower operating costs, generate net-new revenue and improve compliance readiness for policies like Local Law 97. What matters most to me is that we are delivering practical outcomes at scale in buildings where efficiency gains directly benefit owners, operators, and residents.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

Exercise and wellness help me stay focused and feel more prepared to drive impact for my team.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

Stay close to the real problem, and even closer to the customer. Commercial real estate rewards people who can connect strategy to execution and deliver results in the field, not just in presentations. Learn how buildings actually operate, listen to the people managing them every day, and focus on creating value that is clear & measurable. The leaders and businesses who stand out over time are the ones who pair vision with accountability and keep solving problems that matter.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

A variety of mentors that have pushed me and been an inspiration to how I show up as a leader