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.
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...
