Broker Emeritus - Murray Smith
Chronicling the career of Murray Smith could almost be compared to writing a history of the industrial real estate market in the South Bay. A pioneer in many ways, he was a key player in building The Klabin Company into the respected firm that it is today. Although retired as an active broker in 2013, he remains involved as “Broker Emeritus,” helping to guide the vision and marketing for the company while serving as a mentor to its younger team members.
In the late 1960s, Murray was working in a peripheral real estate industry. That all changed one day when he noticed an ad for a position that asked, “Do you want to make $25,000 per year in real estate?” Intrigued, he explored the industry and interviewed for the position. He decided against that particular opportunity, but the process led him to Stuart Klabin, who at the time was planting his flag in the industrial real estate market. Murray was impressed by Stuart’s entrepreneurial spirit and his qualities as a person.
Murray was hired by Stuart in 1969, becoming the third person to join the company. He went on to spend his entire career with The Klabin Company. “Stuart had vision and built the company on integrity and solid relationships, something that myself and the other shareholders worked hard to honor over the years. It’s a terrific place to work.”
“The Klabin Company has always had an open culture,” continued Murray. “We share information and work cooperatively. This is something that can be unique in the brokerage industry where there is often internal competition. This team approach allowed many of us to be successful over the years.
For more than 40 years Murray specialized in almost every aspect of industrial brokerage, including Landlord and Tenant representation, consultation and the creation of comprehensive marketing programs. He was one of the first brokers to recognize the impact of international-based companies in the greater South Bay. Murray enjoyed developing longstanding relationships with clients such as BMW, Bridgestone, Hitachi, Kubota, Mazda, Minolta and Pirelli among others.
“I was fortunate in that the early days of my career coincided with what became a golden age for corporate real estate,” said Murray. “New buildings went up and jobs were created. Watching communities like Carson, Cypress, Rancho Dominguez and Torrance grow was very rewarding. We could go home at night knowing we had done good work that positively impacted many companies and the communities where they located.”
What advice does Murray give to the young team members at The Klabin Company just getting started? “Take pride in knowing that you are part of a vital industry, understand that the very nature of the business demands integrity, that you will enjoy dealing with quality people and that you will always have the support of your colleagues, because that has always been the culture of The Klabin Company.”
