Who We Are

Who We Are:

RBL specializes in the acquisition, development and management of commercial real estate. Since our inception in 1974, we have acquired and managed more than 50 retail, office and industrial properties throughout the United States with an aggregate value of ~$700M.

What We Do:

Over the past 40 years, RBL has built strong relationships with financial institutions, industry partners, investors, and tenants because of our ability to deliver real estate projects as promised. We pride ourselves on being entrepreneurial, quick to respond, and flexible in our approach to deals. You can read more about our services and opportunities here.

Joe Blum – CEO

Prior to the formation of RBL in 1974, Joe was employed by American Realty & Management Company, specializing in the sale of investment properties. Before that, he was the manager of corporate planning and development for Koratec International, a division of Koracorp
Industries. He has been personally responsible for over $1B in real estate transactions over the past 30 years.

Joe received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in finance and real estate. He also earned an MBA in international finance from the same institution.

Ari Blum – President

Ari Blum, President at RBL leads acquisitions, dispositions, and planning for the company. He was previously the Chief Financial Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer of InsideTrack, a multi-million dollar technology and services firm in the higher education marketplace. Prior to joining InsideTrack, Mr. Blum held numerous finance roles with venture backed, mission driven companies, including Niman Ranch, the nation's leading brand for natural meats of exceptional quality, integrity, and sustainability, and Investor’s Circle, a network of angel investors focused on seed stage companies with triple bottom line financial, social, and environmental returns. He has experience in early-stage venture investing with Common’s Capital and in investment banking with Houlihan, Lokey, Howard, and Zukin. Ari graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania.

Katherine Stockbridge – Associate

Cynthia Reese – Executive Assistant

Liming Shen – Accountant

1974: Rawson, Blum & Company was founded by Dave Rawson and Joe Blum

1977: Developed Cost Plus Plaza, which we continue to own and operate today

1980: Conducted first development project outside of California

1984: Completed first redevelopment

1985: Conducted business as Terranomics Equities in partnership with Terranomics

1989: Revived the Rawson, Blum & Company name

1992: Acquired first office property

1998: Jeffrey S. Leon joined the company as Director of Acquisitions, and the company was renamed Rawson, Blum & Leon (RBL)

2000: Tim Noel joined the company as Vice President of Asset Management

2004: RBL formed a strategic alliance with Weingarten Realty Investors