Bio
A third-generation builder/developer, Bob founded Buchanan Partners’ predecessor company more than 40 years ago and launched Buchanan Partners in 1998. Under Bob’s guidance, Buchanan Partners has become one of the leading full-service real estate firms in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. From its early focus on flex/industrial buildings, Buchanan is now involved in the development, ownership, and management of office, retail, industrial, residential, and large mixed-use communities. Buchanan Partners has become a trusted business partner for investors worldwide.
In 2009 Bob co-founded the 2030 Group, an association of Washington metropolitan area business leaders focused on regional long-term decision-making and solutions. For several years, including 2017, in recognition of this work, Bob has been included in the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100” list of the region’s most influential business leaders. He was also selected as the 2017 Regional Leader Honoree by Leadership Fairfax Northern Virginia Leadership Awards. Bob was selected as 2015 Arts Patron of the Year, one of Montgomery County’s prestigious County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. He was also awarded the 2015 Signatures of Loudoun Vision in Design Excellence Award.
From 2015-2019 Bob was the first Chair of the newly formed Montgomery County (MD) Economic Development Corporation. Bob is currently part of the Adventist HealthCare CEO Cabinet and will be part of the newly formed Kid Museum Advisory Council. His memberships and affiliations include: President, the 2030 Group; Chair, 2015-2019 Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation; Prince William Economic Advisory Group; Board of Directors, Ruppert Companies; Board of Directors, Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts); and Board of Directors, Washington Airports Task Force. Bob earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Yale University.
Show Notes
Bob Buchanan’s Real Estate Background [00:05:00]
Bob Buchanan reflects on his career in real estate and his family’s involvement in the industry.
Bob Buchanan’s Role as Founder of Buchanan Partners [00:05:22]
Bob Buchanan describes his role as the founder and leader of Buchanan Partners and his day-to-day focus.
Bob Buchanan’s Navy Experience and Language Training [00:07:45]
Bob Buchanan discusses his time in the Navy, his language training in Chinese Mandarin, and his experiences serving in Southeast Asia.
The Korean coast mission [00:16:20]
Bob Buchanan talks about his experiences flying missions along the Korean coast and testing the strength of their coastal defenses.
The surprise inspection [00:18:30]
Bob Buchanan shares a story about receiving a surprise inspection and having to leave his team to fly back for it, resulting in a tragic incident.
The impact of being a Vietnam vet [00:22:30]
Bob Buchanan discusses the vilification and challenges faced by Vietnam veterans, including personal experiences and the need to address the topic within society.
The delay in getting the permit [00:27:30]
Bob Buchanan talks about the delays and difficulties he faced in getting a permit for a project and how his father intervened by calling the mayor.
Earning the trust of civic leaders [00:30:00]
Bob Buchanan discusses how he earned the trust of civic leaders by making decisions based on what was best for the community rather than just supporting developers.
Starting the Ballston Partnership [00:30:30]
Bob Buchanan explains how his experiences in the approval process and working with the county led to him being one of the founders of the Ballston partnership, which involved a land use revision and the revitalization of the Rosslyn Ballston corridor.
The development of a relationship with Sun Oil Company [00:39:00]
Bob Buchanan discusses how he developed a relationship with Sun and the importance of having a local partner in the real estate business.
Financing the acquisition in the early 1990s [00:43:00]
Bob Buchanan talks about how he financed the acquisition of projects in the early 90s, including taking back paper and accommodating the sellers.
Bringing art into the development business [00:50:00]
Bob Buchanan shares how his wife’s business dealing with architects led to bringing artists into the development business, creating a sense of place through lobby art and entrance sculptures.
Bob’s attention to detail [00:51:30]
Bob talks about his hands-on approach to understanding the design details in architecture and how he learned from a mistake in deferring to someone else’s expertise.
Expansion of the company [00:52:30]
Bob discusses how the company expanded and the roles of the different partners, including Brian Benninghoff’s financial expertise and Steve Hubert’s construction background.
Handling market downturns [00:59:45]
Bob shares how strong partnerships and contingency funds helped the company navigate through the challenging market conditions in the early 90s and other downturns.
The uncertainty in the real estate market [01:04:20]
Bob Buchanan discusses the current state of uncertainty in the real estate markets and its potential long-term effects.
Company culture and partners’ roles [01:05:15]
Bob Buchanan talks about the company culture at Buchanan Partners and how the partners work together in different roles and disciplines.
The changing dynamics of the real estate market [01:09:00]
Bob Buchanan discusses the evolving dynamics of different sectors in the real estate market and the need to be flexible and adaptable.
Regarding Marriott’s Corporate Headquarters– Expanding Parking and Public-Private Partnership [01:13:00]
Discussion about expanding parking and Montgomery County’s responsibility in maintaining it.
Reality Check Program and Regional Growth [01:18:45]
Exploration of the Reality Check program and its role in managing regional growth and infrastructure planning.
Evolution of Dulles Airport and Regional Leadership [01:24:45]
Insight into the efforts to establish Dulles Airport as a viable asset and the role of regional leaders in its development.
Importance of Economic Development [01:28:55]
Bob Buchanan discusses his involvement in public-private partnerships and the significance of economic development for job growth and community viability.
Need for regional collaboration [01:30:30]
Bob Buchanan highlights the challenges faced by the Greater Washington area, including the federal government’s slow return to work and the lack of collaboration among jurisdictions. He emphasizes the importance of regionalism and proactive actions.
Formation of the 2030 Group and regional thinking [01:31:30]
Bob Buchanan explains how the 2030 Group was established to address transportation priorities and promote regionalism. He mentions the group’s role in competing as a region for Amazon’s HQ2 and the need for strategic planning and workforce development.
Lack of outreach and leadership [01:43:30]
Bob Buchanan expresses his concern about the lack of outreach and leadership from the next generation in addressing the challenges in the region.
Future of Downtown Washington [01:47:00]
Bob Buchanan discusses the potential drop in land value and the need for revitalization in downtown Washington, including the impact on law firms and retail.
Role of Matt Kelly in leading the region [01:50:45]
Discussion of whether Matt Kelly, the leader of the largest public real estate company in the region (JBG Smith), is the right person to lead the economic development thrust and navigate the challenges in the region.
Need for regional analysis [01:55:30]
Discussion about the importance of understanding the current situation and planning for the future, with a focus on the region’s needs and potential changes.
Importance of academic leadership in regional planning [01:57:00]
Highlighting the role of academic institutions, particularly George Mason University, in contributing to the region’s growth and workforce development.
The challenge of shaking up complacency [02:05:45]
Exploring the need to challenge complacency and stimulate economic growth by addressing issues such as low unemployment rates and the disconnect between the public and private sectors.
The future of technology and its impact on society [02:08:30]
Discussion about the potential of new technology, such as Apple’s new headset, and how it will shape the younger generation’s understanding and push the boundaries.
Concerns about social issues and the middle class [02:10:00]
Concerns about the worsening social issues, healthcare costs, and the loss of the middle class, as well as the diminishing chances for success through education and hard work.
Bob’s Involvement in Fairfax County’s growth [02:13:30]
The Fight For Fairfax is a book where Bob is highlighted in his role in the growth of the County.
The mindset we need [02:16:00]
Discussion on the importance of having the right mindset in business and in the country.
Bob’s Billboard Statement: “If you are lucky enough to read this, enjoy the ride! [02:18:00]
Bob’s advice to appreciate the journey, be grateful, and enjoy the opportunities.
Adventures with his wife [02:19:00]
Bob talks about his wife’s adventurous spirit and their travels to different places like East Africa and Japan.
Notable Quotes
- “Navigating complex territories and understanding potential threats was a part of my routine during my time in the Navy. These experiences have given me a unique perspective in handling challenging situations in real estate. It’s all about understanding the landscape and strategically planning your moves.”
- “In my company, each partner brings a unique set of skills to the table. Together, we make a strong team that can handle any challenge. It’s not just about individual expertise, but also about how well we work together as a team.”
- “And I’ve said in my pleas for collaboration in the younger generation, you guys have to live with some pretty tough decisions. You better be the ones making it, don’t ask me to make it based on the best I can do because I will have to live with it. But if you have to live with that decision, you’re going to make sure it’s as good as it can be.”
- “Get in the ring, don’t be afraid to get in the ring, and once you’re in the ring, get back in the ring.”
