Pete Bolton, who mentored generations of commercial real estate professionals and managed four companies, will be honored with the Award of Excellence at the Best of NAIOP on March 22 at the Camelback Inn. The NAIOP Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has made a significant, positive impact on the commercial real estate industry in Arizona over a period of at least 15 years, along with direct volunteer contributions to the chapter.
“The Arizona Chapter of NAIOP has benefited from Pete’s countless volunteer hours and expert guidance over the years,” said Suzanne Kinney, President and CEO of NAIOP Arizona. “Pete has left his mark on the commercial real estate industry and beyond. This award is intended to recognize his many contributions.”
After more than 30 years in the industry, Bolton launched Pete Bolton Company in 2017. His new company specializes in using team coaching communication and training to help commercial real estate brokers and sales teams win big and better business opportunities. His questioning, listening and expanding communication programs have helped hundreds of clients achieve better sales results.
Previously, Bolton was executive vice president and managing director of Newmark Knight Frank’s Phoenix office and designated broker for the company’s Arizona brokerage operations. Since opening NKF’s Phoenix office in 2012, Bolton recruited more than 33 industry professionals. Immediately prior, he established a new Grubb & Ellis presence in the Phoenix market. From 1999 to 2008, Bolton served as managing director at CBRE.
A native of Arizona (since he was 4 years old), Bolton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Arizona State University. An established industry leader, Bolton is among the most successful and widely recognized leaders in the Phoenix commercial real estate market. Over the course of his career, he gained extensive experience in commercial brokerage, corporate management, manufacturing and commodities.
“This community has supported decades of commercial real estate-related businesses and individuals. It has given us so much as far as lifestyle, opportunities, and a place to grow our families and our businesses,” Bolton said. “We have gone through the ups and downs of our communities and the economy, but for those who have weathered it out, it has always been extremely beneficial and given us more than we could ever give back.
“I ask all of us to make a concerted effort to give back to this great community we all live in – Maricopa County and beyond. It has treated us very well and allowed us to flourish if we worked hard enough. Give back as much as you can,” Bolton added.
Bolton has served in a variety of community leadership roles and contributes regularly to a number of publications and panels on industry trends and historical perspectives.
Professional accolades and honors include DISC Motivators & Emotional Intelligence certified instructor; Hudson Institute for Executive Coaching instructor in 2007 and 2008; CBRE James J. Daidion Award winner, 2000 and 2004; and Phoenix Business Journal Most Admired Leader, 2016. In addition to being a past chairman of the Arizona Chapter of NAIOP and NAIOP National Board of Directors for three years, Bolton has served on the boards of Valley Partnership, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Urban Land Institute, Scottsdale Partnership and more.
