Corey Lonberger’s leadership approach is to practice patience. Watch how things evolve, then assess, adjust or react, he said. That idea and a focus on staff development have served Lonberger well in his career in the commercial real estate industry.
“Focus on the growth and development of those around you and to support them in their growth to the best of my ability,” said the managing partner for Rittenhouse Realty Advisors. “To be a leader is to ‘lead’ in the development of others both personally and professionally. This allows me to focus on the macrolevel growth of the overall company. Without trusted future leaders below a current leader, the overall success of the organization will be greatly limited.”
Rittenhouse Realty Advisors is a commercial real estate company focused on the brokerage of multifamily investments, apartment communities, student housing and mixed-use properties throughout Pennsylvania and the Northeast.
Lonberger got his start in commercial real estate nearly 20 years ago at a national firm, but he knew he wanted to venture out on his own at some point. He saw opportunities to personalize services and create an inviting work environment, one that he describes as “anti-corporate.”
Lonberger and two partners launched Rittenhouse Realty Advisors in 2013. Today, the firm does nearly $1 billion in sales volume annually, with offices up and down the East Coast and more than 25 employees.
“Being able to provide my clients with the best market knowledge is crucial to their continued success,” Lonberger said. “If you always have your clients’ best interest at heart, your success will be certain and in more ways than one and allows me to remain an influential leader in my field.”
Earlier this year, Rittenhouse Realty joined forces with six other independent brokerages to form a new company called Global Real Estate Advisors (GREA). While each individual office maintains its independence, the new firm provides clients with a national platform to access buyers for properties across the country.
“Our goal is to expand into additional markets and expand the GREA platform throughout the entire country,” Lonberger said. “What makes GREA so special are the people in the group. The owners of the other companies are like-minded to those of Rittenhouse Realty Advisors’ and coming together will create a truly unique national platform. We are very excited to see where we can take this over the next 5–10 years.”
Lonberger has set up numerous scholarship programs to give as many kids as possible the opportunity for a quality higher education. He has served on numerous real estate boards and is a member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association, among other professional organizations. Outside of real estate, Lonberger enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and three kids and is active in coaching his kids’ activities.