CAREER SUMMARY
Steve has over 25 years experience in the commercial real estate industry. He
joined The Furman Co. in the mid 1980’s as a broker. After serving as the company’s
top producer for several years and emerging as one of the leading real estate
advisor in Upstate South Carolina, he was named President of The Furman Co., Inc.
Since 1990 he has directed the operations of The Furman Co. Inc, parent company
to the four operating companies under its umbrella, and specializing in Asset
Management, Property Development, Insurance and Commercial Brokerage.
The Furman Co., Inc. is Greenville, South Carolina’s oldest, and considered by
many, as the most prestigious and comprehensive commercial real estate firm.
Founded in 1888, The Furman Co. has a long history of being instrumental in the
recruitment and development of new business and industry in Upstate South Carolina.
CONSULTING ACTIVITIES
As a Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Steve is involved in various strategic counseling
assignments, and has guided Furman’s Consulting, Brokerage and Development activities
into a leader for providing Corporate Advisory Services. The Furman Co. represents
and advises for numerous major corporations such as Michelin North America, Milliken
& Co., AIMCO, The South Financial Group, TCI, Dunkin Donuts, Belfor, and others
as well as institutional investors, and high net worth individuals. Public sector
experience includes advisory services for multiple municipalities and the Federal
government.
Each year Furman’s advisory services involve properties in over 20 states and
three countries, ranging from development projects, built to suit transactions,
highest and best use analysis/implementation and acquisition and disposition of
both leasehold and fee title.
EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL COURSES, AFFILIATIONS
Steve received a B.A. in Business Administration, with major emphasis in Real
Estate/Finance and a minor emphasis in Economics from California State University
– Fullerton. Steve currently carries several designations, including Counselor
of Real Estate (CRE). The Counselors of Real Estate is a professional membership
organization established in 1953 exclusively for leading real property advisors.
The organization consists of 1,100 members, worldwide, whose members act as consultants
to a majority of the US based Fortune 500 corporations. Members are awarded the
CRE designation, which is bestowed by invitation only. He is a member of the
Executive Committee for The Counselors of Real Estate, on the Board of Directors
and Chair of International Education, acting as immediate Past National Vice Chairman,
and is a past Chairman of the CRE Education Committee and Chairman of the Business
Issues Committees.
In 2006, Steve was named a Fellow with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(FRICS) based in London, England. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS) is one of the most respected and high profile global ‘standards and membership’
organizations for professionals involved in land, property, construction and environmental
issues. It supports 130,000 members worldwide, promotes best practice, represents
consumers’ interests and provides impartial advice to society, businesses, governments
and global organizations. Less than one percent of all RICS members have been
awarded the prestigious distinction of becoming a Fellow. The designation of
fellowship is a badge of achievement, exemplifying the highest level of accomplishment
during one’s career in professional experience, managerial responsibilities, and
structured and planned professional development. Additionally, the Fellow has
made significant contributions through academic studies and specialist skills,
RICS activities, and promoting the real estate profession.
He is also involved at the leadership level with the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible
use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Steve
is currently serving on the ULI Leadership teams both at the State and National
levels. As a member of the South Carolina District Council Board of Advisors,
Steve was instrumental in establishing the first District Council in South Carolina.
He is Chairman of the Upstate Region for South Carolina District Council. As
a Council Counselor, Steve is one of twelve leaders, appointed by the National
Chairman to oversee 44 ULI Product Councils, consisting of almost 2,500 real estate
professionals. He was past Chairman of the Small Scale Development Council and
past Vice Chairman of the National Program Committee. In July of 2007, Steve
accepted appointment to the ULI District Council Leadership team, serving as a
member of the National District Council Advisors Board.
Steve is also a Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), and has membership
in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He is a past member
of the Board of Directors for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Steve
recently served as a member of the Executive Committee for the Grubb & Ellis
Affiliates (GEA) Advisory Council where he acted as Chairman. Steve is on the
Board of Advisors for Furman University.
Stephen P. Navarro, CRE, CCIM, FRICS
