Robert Tersini
Senior Development Manager
The Sobrato Organization
Developing Leaders Cohort Lead
What is your current focus relative to commercial real estate?
My role is to take a project all the way through from initial design to full stabilization. This includes leading the entitlements, overseeing construction and negotiating the lease(s) for each project.
What are you passionate about?
It’s exciting for me to create something tangible that others get to enjoy, whether it’s for the casual observer or a place where someone lives or works. It’s rewarding to have a say in what something looks like, the knowledge behind why it’s designed the way it is, and then to see it built knowing it will be there for decades to come brings me excitement. It’s what really drew me to Real Estate Development in the first place.
What do you find most rewarding about your career?
My interest in construction and big equipment started at a young age. I vividly remember when I was 8 or so years old going down the street with my Mom and brother to watch the demolition of a 76 gas station, standing there for hours watching these massive machines destroy this building. We then drove by every day and watched a brand new project get built in its place. I now have a career where I get to experience the excitement of these transformations regularly. I get to “play” with the big equipment I’ve admired since I was a kid while building new projects all over the Bay Area.
When did you join NAIOP Silicon Valley? When and how did you get actively involved?
I joined NAIOP as a DL in 2014 when I started working for Sobrato. Tim Steele, my boss at the time, was (and still is) very involved and NAIOP and recommended I join to help further my career and grow my network. After spending 6 years riding passenger, Brett and Nick no longer felt I could be on the “free ride” and asked that I become a DL Lead – it’s been a great experience so far.
What do you value most about NAIOP Silicon Valley?
I really enjoy spending time around others who are so successful in what they do and can understand challenges and successes in what we do for a living. The mentorship program NAIOP has developed over the years is fantastic and the network NAIOP can help you develop is invaluable.
What advice do you have for young people getting started in commercial real estate?
Create and foster as many relationships as you can in the business. This is a people business first and foremost.
What would you tell a young professional who is considering a role in your specialty?
Talk to as many people as you can to learn about the industry and once you find good mentors, keep in touch with them.
What do you wish you had known before starting your first CRE role?
That Council meetings do not have a stop time, only a start.
Where are you from originally?
Los Gatos, CA
Where do you live now?
On the border of the Marina and Russian Hill in San Francisco
Please tell us about your family!
I have a Dad, Mark, who is in the industry, my Mom, Terry, a brother Ray who you are also getting to know quite well, and a sister Gina who lives down in LA. I would me remiss if I also didn’t mention my long time girlfriend, Simmi.
What else are you passionate about personally?
Above all else I really enjoy spending time with my family. But I am really into snowboarding, golf, and international travel.
What else are you passionate about personally?
Lifelong learning. I’m graduating from the Wharton Executive MBA Program in May and look forward to exploring more passions when my time frees up.
