Robert Reffkin is the Founder & CEO of tech-driven real estate platform Compass.
Compass is a technology-driven real estate platform dedicated to creating a seamless and intelligent home buying, selling, and renting experience. Combining the countryâs top agents, proprietary market insights, and integrated mobile and web technologies, Compass is developing the future of real estate decision-making. Compass has locations in New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Miami, and the Hamptons, and has raised $125 million in investor capital.
Prior to Compass Robert worked at Goldman Sachs as Chief of Staff to the President & COO following five years working in the firm’s private equity arm. Prior to Goldman Sachs, he worked at Lazard and McKinsey & Company. In 2005, he was appointed as a White House Fellow to serve as special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury. Robert is also the Founder of New York Needs You. He received a B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University. Outside of work, he recently completed 50 marathons, one in each state, to raise $1 million for nonprofits.
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Drink
“I love the vibe at this book-filled bar in the West Village. The shelves are stocked with volumes of classic novels and coffee table books set against Scottish plaid dĂ©cor, and the aged liquor selection is almost as robust as their cigar menu. If you like whiskey and James Bond movies, this gem is worth your while.” (636 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014)
“All that glitters may not be gold, but Goldbar certainly shines. Gold skulls adorn the walls, gilt chains separate the rooms, the ceilings shimmer, and even the honey-hued cocktails maintain the theme. This place is definitely a sight to be seen and is considered one of the most beautiful bars in NYC.” (389 Broome St, New York, NY 10013)
Dine
“Itâs hard to get away from the office for a meal â but when I do, I like to grab lunch at ABC Kitchen. Itâs five minutes from my company HQ off Union Square, so I can get there quickly. The menu epitomizes farm-to-table and the food is consistently excellent â you can never go wrong with one of their pizzas or the house cut fries. Save room for a salted caramel sundae! ” ( 35 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003)
“My family is big on brunch. On the weekends, we head to Bubbyâs in TriBeCa â one of the best-known spots in the entire city. I canât think of anything there I donât love: buttermilk biscuits, pancakes, cheese-filled omelets. Itâs the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday.” (120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013)
Shop
” Located in the Belmont section of the Bronx, Arthur Avenue is affectionately known as the ârealâ Little Italy by its die-hard fans. Walking down this street is like taking a trip through time â and itâs a fun place to shop for bread, pasta, meat, pastries, espresso, and other Italian delicacies.  Fun fact: Joe Pesciâs acting career was launched after Robert DeNiro discovered him working as a maitreâd at one of the neighborhood restaurants.” (Arthur Avenue & East 187th Street, Bronx, NY 10458)
UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET (Seasonal)
“Union Squareâs farmersâ market is always buzzing with people during the warmer months. But my favorite time to go is just after Thanksgiving when the Holiday pop-up market is in full swing. Dozens of booths decked in lights sell everything from artisan cheeses, breads, and hand-made ornaments to hot chocolate and unique crafts. ”
Play
“There are lots of great reasons to go to Gowanus, but my personal pick is the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club. Whether youâre a novice player or competitive league member, Royal Palms is a cool place to hang out with friends, grab a drink, and sample the famous food truck fare featured on the menu.” (514 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215)
“The perfect cure for any rainy day is Chelsea Piers. This massive sports complex features baseball, basketball, boxing, golf, swimming, rock climbing, ice-skating, and bowling ⊠all under one very, very large roof. You donât have to be an all-star athlete to take advantage of the facilities and itâs an absolute must if you have kids.” (62 Chelsea Piers #300, New York, NY 10011)
Michael Holtz 
