Robert Reffkin
July 7, 1979
American entrepreneur, renowned for his role as the co-founder and CEO of the online real estate brokerage firm Compass, Inc.
Education: Columbia University BA, MBA
Robert Reffkin, hailing from Berkeley, California, embodies a unique heritage as an African American and Jewish individual. Born to a father of African American descent from Louisiana and a mother who emigrated from Israel, Reffkin’s diverse background shaped his upbringing. Unfortunately, his father, a jazz musician, passed away when Reffkin was just 11 years old, leaving him and his mother to navigate life on their own.
Raised by his resilient mother, Ruth Reffkin, Robert faced the challenges of being disowned by his maternal family upon discovering his mixed heritage. Despite the hardships, Ruth instilled in her son the values of resilience and determination. In pursuit of better opportunities, Robert attended San Francisco University High School through the A Better Chance program, where he also delivered the commencement address in 2021. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early on, as he launched his first business—a DJ company—at the age of 15, using funds from his bar mitzvah and babysitting earnings.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and success, Robert accelerated through his academic journey. In 2000, he graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in under two years, a remarkable achievement. He then embarked on a career in consulting, joining McKinsey & Company as the youngest analyst at the time. After a stint at McKinsey, Robert pursued further education, earning an MBA from Columbia Business School in 2003.
Transitioning into investment banking, Robert gained valuable experience working for Lazard and later served as a White House Fellow under Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snow. His career trajectory continued to soar as he joined Goldman Sachs, ultimately becoming chief of staff for President and COO Gary Cohn.
In 2007, fueled by his passion for mentorship and social impact, Robert founded New York Needs You (now America Needs You), a nonprofit aimed at guiding low-income college students. Through innovative fundraising efforts, including running marathons in all 50 states, Robert raised $1 million to support the organization’s mission.
In 2012, Robert co-founded Compass, Inc., an online real estate technology company, with Ori Allon. Drawing inspiration from his mother’s experiences as a real estate agent, Robert sought to revolutionize the industry through technology. Compass, Inc. went public in April 2021, propelling Robert into the spotlight as a projected billionaire. Despite his financial success, Robert remains dedicated to giving back, co-authoring the book “No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can” to inspire others on their journey to success.