Spokane real estate magnate David R. Black has been closing iconic deals since the 1980s.

After earning his MBA from the University of Denver, Black started his first job in 1981 as a commercial real estate broker at James S. Black & Co. Just two years later, following the passing of his dad, he was named CEO.

In recent years, when he was chairman of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, Black helped bring ONE Spokane Stadium to fruition by closing four essential real estate deals. 

In addition, his decades-long involvement with the Boy Scouts of America Inland Northwest Council has included raising money and selling properties for the nonprofit’s endowment board.

Education: Bachelor of science construction management, Washington State University; MBA, University of Denver.

Do you have a favorite quote/motto? Work hard, play hard.

Who has been a significant influence in your life and career? My dad was my biggest influence, even though he passed away when I was 26. He was a great leader, example, educator, and civic contributor. He was a true leader in the real estate industry and president and chair of every board he was on. 

What advice would you have for others looking to follow a career path similar to yours? Come talk to me. Commercial real estate brokerage is the best way to learn development and property values.

Excluding the pandemic, what’s the biggest business challenge you’ve overcome? The biggest challenge in business is finding great people and creating loyalty and a vision for success. I believe in finding the best people, letting them do their jobs, and giving them a percent of the profits.