Robert L. Reffkin is a distinguished American entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Compass, Inc., an innovative online real estate brokerage. Under his leadership, Compass has transformed the real estate landscape by integrating cutting-edge technology to empower agents with advanced tools for branding, data analysis, and market research. This visionary approach has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also significantly increased profitability for agents, establishing Compass as a leader in the industry.

Reffkin’s career trajectory is marked by a series of impressive accomplishments. After graduating from Columbia University in record time, he began his professional journey at McKinsey & Company, where he became the youngest analyst in the firm’s history. His tenure at McKinsey paved the way for roles in investment banking at Lazard and Goldman Sachs, where he served as chief of staff to President and COO Gary Cohn. These experiences honed his strategic thinking and leadership skills, which he later applied to his entrepreneurial ventures.

In 2007, Reffkin founded New York Needs You, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring low-income college students, demonstrating his commitment to social impact. His fundraising efforts, including running marathons across all 50 states, exemplify his determination and ability to mobilize resources for meaningful causes. This initiative laid the groundwork for his later success with Compass, which he co-founded in 2012, inspired by his mother’s challenges in the real estate industry.

Since the company’s IPO in April 2021, Reffkin has been recognized as a potential youngest black billionaire in America, with a net worth of $500 million. His book, “No One Succeeds Alone,” co-authored with Peter Koechley, further reflects his philosophy of collaboration and learning from others. Reffkin’s journey is a testament to innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering others in the real estate sector and beyond.