Rob Neal
Are you from Orange County originally?
No, I was born on the San Francisco peninsula, moved to Orange County as a boy and raised there. Dad was a City Administrator so not poor but not raised with any substantial means.
Tell me about your career and service.
Professionally I have been in the Commercial Real Estate field my entire 40-year career. Spent the first 10 years working with and for large institutions and then started my own investment firm with two other partners almost 30 years ago. Our firm is unusual as it invests only for its own account using only its own internal partner funds. The firm now owns approximately $4 billion in primarily industrial real estate. Have always been active in organizations in college and early marriage but joined Legatus in 1999 (Catholic YPO) and the Orange County council Boy Scout Board in 2005. Began active philanthropy around this time and joined the Foundation Board of Catholic Relief Services, the second largest NGO in the world (behind the United Nations). Then moved to several boards including the Magis Institute, The Pacific Club, Second Harvest and now sit on four Boards (Becket Fund, Catholic Leadership Institute, the Catholic University of America and the Papal Foundation)
What excites you about RBN Foundation?
We have the opportunity to undertake one or two major initiatives over the next several decades which, God willing, may really effect change to some of the stickiest, most persistent problems our communities face. In addition, we have the opportunity to address the more immediate issues that arise locally, nationally and internationally.
What are your favorite books?
I love all history but especially military history, specifically the United States’ Civil War and WWII. There are many lessons to be learned in the command of large organizations at war.
What are some of your favorite quotes?
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” – Harry S. Truman
Who is your favorite saint?
Not a Saint by canonization but my favorite: Saint Michael the Archangel
