Chapter Leader Focus - Chris Banke
Chris Banke is a capital market and investment sale expert who is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and objectives. As a Director with Eastdil Secured’s office team, he focuses on office and mixed-use assets in San Francisco and the East Bay.
Banke’s client roster includes the sponsors behind many of the region’s most high-profile deals including Mission Rock, The Ferry Building, The Exchange at 16th, Park Tower, 525 Market, Market Square, 300 Lakeside, and 1111 Broadway. The size and scope of these marquee projects provides him with the opportunity to solve complex problems and pursue creative capital solutions for his clients on a daily basis.
Having originally been introduced to the industry through a mixed-use developer, one of the things that Banke finds most rewarding about his career is getting to play a small part in the projects that form the backdrop of our cities and communities. “Whether it’s the creation of a new neighborhood like Mission Rock or a new point on the city’s skyline like Park Tower these projects become part of the fabric of our city,” he said. “Having some level of involvement in them is something I am incredibly thankful for.” Banke is also thankful that he gets to work alongside many peers who he has been lucky enough to build friendships with over the years. “We have a great real estate community in the Bay Area and getting to work with so many of the talented people in our industry is one of the best parts of my job,” he said.
Currently, Banke serves as Co-Chair of the NAIOP SFBA Sponsorship Committee. He joined the Chapter when he moved back to the Bay Area in 2012 and participated in the inaugural Young Professionals Group (YPG) Program. “NAIOP has played a pivotal role in my career,” he said. “The organization does an excellent job of helping enhance the connectivity within our local real estate community while also offering timely and topical information on both local and national issues and trends.”
Also passionate about fostering the growth and development of the next generation of leaders in our industry, Banke has some salient advice for emerging professionals. “Always treat people how you would like to be treated and never pass up the chance to keep learning,” he said. “And of course, get involved in NAIOP.”
On the personal front, Banke was born and raised in Livermore and grew up on a working cattle ranch which he helps his family continue to operate.
He went to San Diego State University for college and began his commercial real estate career in that market. A newlywed, Banke now makes his home in Orinda with his wife, Natalie. When he is not working, Banke enjoys getting outside and going surfing, running, and hiking.
