“Betting against Eastdil or against Roy March is not a great idea...”
Jon Gray, Blackstone
Roy March's path:
From struggling college student with an unpaid internship to CEO of the largest independent real estate investment bank.
Eastdil Secured CEO, Roy March, keeps a relatively low profile but recently opened up to Nancy Lashine on Park Madison’s Real Estate Capital podcast.
Some takeaways...
1. Humble beginnings
Grew up in a blue-collar Sacramento community. First in his family to attend college after losing his father before high school graduation.
2: Academic struggles & pivot
Started as a chemical engineering major at UC Davis but struggled academically, landing on academic probation. Discovered an aptitude for economics, thanks to an influential professor.
3. A career in business?
Met his future wife at UC Davis, whose father, a newspaper executive, advised him to pursue business. Took on leadership roles at the university, including running student businesses with 2,000 employees.
4. Key internship
Landed a summer internship at Kidder, Peabody in San Francisco, where a senior banker, Bob Smelick, mentored him.
5. Entry into real estate
Became interested in real estate investment banking after discovering an Eastdil brochure. Secured an internship at Eastdil in 1978.
6. Intern to full-time job
Met Eastdil founder Ben Lambert on his first day. Impressed Lambert with his confidence and was hired full-time despite having no formal real estate background.
7. Early career breakthrough
Won a major deal in Santa Monica against Morgan Stanley’s Buzz McCoy by doing deep market research, proving competence over connections. Became a top dealmaker, rising through the ranks.
8. Rise to leadership & global expansion
Led Eastdil’s growth into a powerhouse investment bank, maintaining its culture of collaboration and trust. Helped expand the firm globally, establishing a dominant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
9. Eastdil today
Under March’s leadership, Eastdil has grown from a niche advisory firm into the world’s largest independent real estate investment bank by transaction volume. With 750 employees worldwide, the firm has completed over $3 trillion in deals since 2009 and remains privately held.
10. Philanthropy & personal transformation
Passionate about conservation and philanthropy in Africa, leading efforts in education, healthcare, and wildlife protection. Undertook endurance challenges, including climbing Kilimanjaro, reshaping his lifestyle and leadership approach.
PS - Roy, thanks for sharing your background. There are hundreds of up-and-coming real estate professionals who hang on your words and are motivated by your path.
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