Robert Reffkin

Founder & CEO, Compass /
New York, New York,United States
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Who Is Robert Reffkin?

Total Experience24 years
CompanyCompass /
CountryUnited States

Robert Reffkin is an American entrepreneur and business executive, best known as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Compass, a high-tech real estate brokerage firm. Raised by his single mother, an Israeli immigrant, Reffkin's story is one of remarkable drive and ambition. He earned his B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University. Before founding Compass in 2012, his career included roles at McKinsey & Company, a prestigious term as a White House Fellow, and a tenure at Goldman Sachs as Chief of Staff to the President & COO. At Compass, Reffkin has led the company's meteoric rise, transforming it into the largest residential real estate brokerage in the U.S. by sales volume and taking it public in 2021. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the non-profit 'America Needs You' to support first-generation college students, and is the author of the book 'No One Succeeds Alone'.

How Did Robert Reffkin's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Robert Reffkin's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Compass / - Founder & CEO(2012 to Present)
Goldman Sachs - Chief of Staff to the President & Chief Operating Officer(2011 to 2012)
The White House - White House Fellow - Department of the Treasury(2005 to 2006)
Lazard - Associate – Mergers & Acquisitions Group(2003 to 2005)
McKinsey & Company - Business Analyst – Generalist Group(1999 to 2001)

What Are Robert Reffkin's Key Achievements?

Founder & CEO of Compass

Co-founded Compass in 2012, building it into the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume. He led the company through its rapid technological innovation, national expansion, and successful IPO (NYSE: COMP) in 2021, establishing it as a Fortune 500 company.

Founder of America Needs You

Founded the non-profit organization America Needs You (formerly New York Needs You) in 2009. The organization provides intensive career development, mentorship, and support to ambitious, first-generation college students to help them achieve their professional goals.

White House Fellow

Served as a prestigious White House Fellow from 2005-2006, working as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury. This highly competitive program provides promising leaders with firsthand, high-level experience in the workings of the federal government.

Author of 'No One Succeeds Alone'

Authored the book 'No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can,' sharing key lessons from his life and career on the importance of mentorship and building a community. All author proceeds are donated to non-profits.

What's Robert Reffkin's Educational Background?

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance and Management

Columbia University - Columbia Business School - Year 2002

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics-Philosophy and History

Columbia University in the City of New York - Year 1997

High School

San Francisco University High School - Year 1993

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Company Overview

Compass /
Total employees3695
HeadquartersNew York
Founded2012

Compass is a real estate technology company aiming to simplify the experience of buying, selling, and renting properties. It provides real estate agents with a proprietary end-to-end platform that includes CRM, marketing, and other advanced tools to enhance their productivity and client service. For consumers, Compass offers a sophisticated property search engine and access to a network of high-performing agents, making the real estate journey more seamless and intelligent.

Compass / Stock Information
Compass /, Inc. is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol COMP. The company went public on April 1, 2021

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