Broker Spotlight – David Grote
Now in its sixth decade and soon celebrating its 60th Anniversary, The Klabin Company prides itself on the enduring culture established by Stuart Klabin when he started the firm. Over the years, the company has maintained its independence as a privately-owned business thanks to its team members who place an emphasis on the sharing of information, experiences and relationships as a means to make everyone successful. One such team member is Principal David Grote who joined the company more than 25 years ago. He became a partner in the firm in 2004 and a major shareholder in 2014 when he and a small group of partners bought the company from Stuart. While that was a year that represented a changing of the guard, the leadership remained steadfast in its commitment to Klabin’s guiding principles.
David’s path to commercial real estate began in the mid-1980s. After receiving his MBA at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, he went to work as an analyst for TRW. After a few years, he decided that he wanted something more entrepreneurial. He sought out his uncle in Bakersfield, who was successful in commercial real estate development. His uncle recommended looking into industrial real estate in Southern California. This led to David landing at Matlow-Kennedy Commercial Real Estate Services in Torrance in 1987. He spent the next eight years establishing himself in the industry, before making the decision to move to The Klabin Company in 1995.
“After the purchase of Matlow-Kennedy by Capital Commercial and the departure of some of my favorite co-workers, it seemed the time was right for a change,” said David. “I was attracted to the environment at The Klabin Company and the fact that it was comprised of people who were not only successful, but also well respected.”
Specializing in Industrial and Office sales and leasing, David has completed more than 1,000 transactions over the course of his career. In addition to being one of the company’s top producing agents, David provides guidance to the younger team members at the firm, sharing market insight and knowledge to set them up for success.
And what does David credit for his success?
“Anybody of reasonable intelligence who gets along well with others, works hard, and does not get decimated by rejection, can be successful in the business,” said David. “Also, it is important to specialize. Don’t try to be all things to all people. Specialize geographically or in a product type. Become an expert at what you do, and people will seek you out.”
Contact David directly to see how he can be persistent for your real estate needs at DavidG@Klabin.com and learn more about him on his profile page.
