Know Your Superpowers: David Robinov on Retail Real Estate and Mentorship

Closing the Deal, Opening Up | Uncovering the Foundations of Commercial Real Estate’s Visionaries

In this episode of "Closing the Deal, Opening Up," join Emily and Kayla as they delve into David Robinov's fascinating journey from building Legos to leading transformative retail real estate deals. Discover the personal stories, pivotal moments, and priceless insights that have shaped David's illustrious career and hear how his passion for people and place has driven his success. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, mentorship, and the human side of commercial real estate.

David Robinov is the managing director at Ackman-Ziff, where he has made a significant impact in retail real estate on the East Coast. With dual undergraduate degrees in civil engineering and real estate finance, David combines a creative and analytical approach to his work. He has been pivotal in transformative projects, including a regional mall development in his hometown, White Plains, New York. David is recognized for his long-term, relationship-driven business philosophy and mentorship, giving back to the community and nurturing young talent in the field. His expertise and genuine connection with people have made him a respected leader in commercial real estate.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Influence of Early Interests: David Robinov attributes his early interest in commercial real estate to playing with Legos, which fostered his love for building and creating tangible assets, combined with an affinity for both analytical and creative thinking.
• Importance of Relationships and Community: David emphasizes the transformative power of real estate in shaping communities and how personal connections and understanding client needs are vital in his career. This is illustrated by his work on a regional mall in his hometown of White Plains, New York, which had profound community and personal impacts.
• Mentorship and Long-Term Focus in Brokerage: David discusses the importance of mentorship in his career, particularly emphasizing the influence of Ben Lambert. He also dispels the misconception that brokers are short-term focused, highlighting his approach of treating every interaction as a long-term investment.
• Navigating Challenges with Integrity: Despite encountering various dilemmas, David emphasizes that he has always operated with integrity and never experienced ethical conflicts in his career. He also highlights how personal relationships and empathy can defuse tense situations, as shown in his negotiation story during a partner's medical emergency.
• Giving Back and Personal Development: Throughout his career, David has been motivated by gratitude and the desire to give back. He offers mentorship, career advice, and networking support, and he focuses on listening effectively and maintaining a holistic approach to life and career, emphasizing that success isn't just about early mornings and hard work but also about meaningful human connections and contributions.

Todays guest, David Robinov, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.ackmanziff.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-robinov/

Your host, Emily Wood, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.thehuntingtoncreative.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylwoodny/

X: @emilyincre

Instagram: @emilyincre

Your co-host, Kayla Hankins, can be found online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-hankins/