Exclusive: Compass president on Reffkin, balancing ‘big and boutique’
Neda Navab, who has known Compass’ CEO for over 20 years, says he “genuinely wants to build a better industry” for agents and their clients.
August 10, 2026
Exclusives
Exclusive interviews and insights from top industry leaders and influencers.
- Long & Foster heir continues 6-decade legacy with boutique firmBoomer Foster, whose uncle founded Long & Foster in 1968, launched Paul Wesley Real Estate with a people-focused mission and a foundation of “big-company tech.”July 18, 2026
- Cracking the accessibility barrier in the MLSYears of work improving accessibility in real estate has culminated in 12 new MLS search fields aimed at helping buyers find homes that meet their needs.June 29, 2026
- Why MYNY left the franchise ‘box’ to go independentThe agent is at the heart of the business for MYNY, a newly-formed independent brokerage that operated under the Coldwell Banker banner for nearly two decades.May 30, 2026
More Exclusives
- Why Spyglass Realty reclaimed independence after 1 year at RealFounder Ryan Rodenbeck said he realized his firm is already in a position to handle the heavy lifting — and doesn’t need a larger brokerage’s resources to grow.May 27, 2026
- Why the ‘brokerage for everybody’ strategy doesn’t workLeaders from HomeSmart, HomeServices and Lamacchia Realty noted that agents have different priorities, and brokerages must “meet the agent where they’re at.”May 11, 2026
- Real estate’s most ‘loyal customer’ — and how to win them overYoung Latinos are a large (and growing) homebuying demographic, and agents who serve them well will “have a customer for life,” says NAHREP CEO Gary Acosta.May 4, 2026
- Reffkin takes ‘flood the zone’ approach in bid to sway industry execsIn a rapid-fire, eyebrow-raising presentation to real estate leaders, the Compass International Holdings CEO made a case for “restoring” the MLS of the past.May 2, 2026
- KW’s CEO ready to turn tech, development strategies into actionNow that he’s spent a year assessing the company and strategizing its next moves, Chris Czarnecki says it’s time to start rolling out new tools and programs.April 30, 2026
- Teams ‘work harder’ — which is why LPT is betting on themLPT Realty has been growing at hyperspeed. One contributor to its success? “We are letting teams drive their vision of the future,” CEO Robert Palmer said.April 28, 2026
- Being an industry ‘outsider’ gave Real an edge, CEO saysHaving “the courage to dream” spurred Real’s rapid growth, Tamir Poleg said. But, he warned, the “industry is doomed” if brokerages don’t prioritize consumers.April 27, 2026
- Heavy investment in Homes.com is paying off, CEO saysDespite a “very brutal” public battle with shareholders over spending on Homes.com, Andy Florance says agent subscription growth proves the playbook is working.April 25, 2026
- Robert Reffkin says he’s not trying to ‘destroy the MLS’The CIH Chairman and CEO explained why he’s pushing for more choice in how listings are marketed — and questioned the concept of a real estate “industry.”April 24, 2026
- Portals are ‘increasingly closing their ecosystem’: Realtor.com CEODamian Eales is frustrated that the industry is spending so much time on pre-marketing debates — and so little time addressing the housing supply crunch.April 24, 2026
- NAR is ‘not in the business anymore of creating chaos,’ CEO saysNykia Wright discusses the association’s derisking strategy, why the three-way agreement is an “important authoritative asset” and NAR’s long path ahead.April 23, 2026
- Zillow CEO bullish about AI’s potential, opportunities for agentsThe company is using AI to improve its own efficiency — and to build better tools for real estate professionals, CEO Jeremy Wacksman said.April 23, 2026
- Gary Keller’s blunt message for MLS leadersThe Keller Williams co-founder called on MLSs to “clean up their business” — or risk losing it — amid the increasing push toward private listings.Updated April 24, 2026
- The state of the housing market? It ‘sucks,’ Rocket CEO saysVarun Krishna thinks the industry “is not working” as it should — which is why he’s pushing for modernization, inventory fixes and a better consumer experience.April 22, 2026
- ARMLS adopts new independent board modelThe new structure will allow for “more objective, forward-looking decisions,” according to the Arizona-based MLS — and lower the risk of future litigation.March 26, 2026
- Real has ‘a long runway’ for future growth, says CGONew growth leader Jason Cassity isn’t trying to “shake things up,” but to help the firm be more strategic about what it’s already good at: attracting agents.March 24, 2026
- HomeServices CEO ‘skeptical’ of real estate’s litigation trendAs a “recovering” lawyer, Chris Kelly doesn’t think issues like private listings should be decided by a court — especially if consumer interests get overlooked.March 18, 2026
- HomeServices CEO: We’re ready to be the ‘adults in the room’As the industry shifts, “it’s really important that HomeServices steps up and fulfills its obligation” as one of the nation’s top brokerages, Chris Kelly said.March 11, 2026
- NAR ‘shouldn’t be competing with members,’ Hoby Hanna saysHoward Hanna’s CEO weighs in on NAR’s evolving role and explains why he believes control over listing distribution will define the industry’s next phase.January 24, 2026
- Hoby Hanna’s advice for indies after Compass-Anywhere mergerThe deal created the world’s largest residential brokerage — but there is still “great opportunity” for independents, Howard Hanna’s president and CEO said.January 17, 2026
