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Robert Kaplan
Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield
Professional Background
Robert Kaplan is a distinguished real estate finance professional and a Senior Team Member at Cushman & Wakefield, a globally recognized leader in commercial real estate services. With over 12 years of national experience primarily focused in Florida, Robert has demonstrated his expertise by arranging a wide variety of financial solutions, including construction, bridge and permanent debt, mezzanine/preferred financing, as well as common equity for an array of real estate asset types. His impressive portfolio includes successful ventures in multifamily rentals, student housing, hospitality, condominiums, office space, industrial and storage facilities, land, senior housing, and retail properties.
Throughout his career, Kaplan has been a trusted advisor to lenders, borrowers, and investors alike. His unique perspective as a former major law firm attorney helps him navigate complex financial waters, particularly during down cycles of the economy. Robert is adept at providing guidance for debt/equity restructuring, note and distressed asset sales, and developing rescue debt/equity strategies. His skills extend to managing foreclosure and bankruptcy strategies, receiverships, and trusteeships, allowing him to support clients through challenging times with a steady hand and a strategic mind.
Kaplan has impressive credentials, having arranged a remarkable $9 billion in transactions over his career spanning more than a decade. This noteworthy achievement speaks volumes about his dedication to the real estate finance industry and his ability to execute transactions successfully across various economic conditions. His wide-ranging skills and extensive experience position him as a go-to expert in the field, paving the way for positive impact on the companies and individuals he partners with.
Education and Achievements
Robert Kaplan’s foundational education laid the groundwork for his successful career in real estate and finance. He completed his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on both English and History. This diverse academic background contributed to Robert’s exceptional communication skills, critical thinking, and analytical capabilities, which are essential in the complex realm of real estate transactions.
Keen to pursue a legal career, Robert continued his education at the prestigious University of Florida – Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor (JD). His legal education not only enhanced his understanding of real estate law but also gave him valuable insights into the intricacies of contract negotiations and regulatory compliance, which have proven advantageous throughout his professional life.
Kaplan’s professional journey is marked by numerous prestigious roles in various organizations, showcasing his adaptability and leadership. He previously served as Principal and Head of the Florida Office at Ackman-Ziff, where he continued to contribute significantly to the firm’s growth and success. Before that, he was the President and Principal at Olympian Capital/Asentus, leveraging his expertise to influence positive outcomes for clients. His experience as Senior Managing Director at HFF further solidified his reputation as an industry leader.
Robert’s role as Executive Vice President at CREC reflects his strategic capabilities and dedication to enhancing client relationships and service offerings. Additionally, he was General Counsel at Terranova Corporation, where he provided legal guidance and direction on real estate investment matters. His early career included several associate positions at highly respected firms such as Steel Hector & Davis LLP and Greenberg Traurig, providing him with a solid foundation in legal and financial principles.
Achievements
- Transaction Volume: Robert Kaplan arranged over $9 billion in real estate transactions over the past twelve years, showcasing his exceptional capability in handling large-scale deals across diverse asset classes.
- Expert Advisor: Known for his prowess in debt and equity restructuring, Kaplan has successfully guided clients through various financial challenges, helping them navigate down cycles in the market.
- Diverse Asset Expertise: His versatility is evident in his experience across various property types, including multifamily housing, retail, senior housing, and hospitality, making him a well-rounded expert in real estate finance.
- Leadership Roles: Kaplan's leadership roles in prominent firms demonstrate his ability to influence and drive success, along with his command of the intricate dynamics within the real estate finance sector.
- Legal Expertise: With a strong legal background, Robert leverages his knowledge in real estate law to provide comprehensive advice to clients, ensuring necessary compliance and navigating complex negotiations.
In conclusion, Robert Kaplan’s depth of experience, educational background, and professional achievements firmly establish him as a leading expert in the real estate finance industry. His comprehensive approach to advising clients and structuring complex financial solutions makes him a sought-after resource in the field, ensuring that both lenders and borrowers can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of real estate with confidence and success.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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