Ronald H. Cohan: The Visionary Driving Force
Ronald H. Cohan: The Visionary Driving Force
Ronald H Cohan stands as a pillar in New York City’s commercial real estate market, blending decades of experience in advertising, strategic marketing, and investment sales. As the Chief Sales Officer and Partner at Besen Partners, his leadership has not only propelled the firm into national recognition but also established his name as one of the most reliable dealmakers in the tri-state area.
📘 Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald H. Cohan |
| Current Title | Chief Sales Officer & Partner |
| Company | Besen Partners |
| Industry | Commercial Real Estate, Investment Sales |
| Education | SUNY Oneonta (B.A), Fordham University (MBA) |
| Previous Field | Advertising and Marketing |
| Regions Licensed In | New York, New Jersey, Connecticut |
| Years Active | 20+ years in Real Estate |
| Notable Awards | CoStar Power Broker, TRD Top 10 NYC Brokerages |
| Civic Involvement | UJA REX, Food Bank NY, St. Jude, Covenant House |
🌱 Early Life and Academic Background
Ronald H Cohan was born and raised with an intuitive flair for communication and strategy—traits that would become central to his dual careers in advertising and real estate. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oneonta and later pursued an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Fordham University.
This academic foundation shaped his analytical thinking, giving him the skill set necessary to navigate both corporate boardrooms and high-stakes real estate negotiations.
📢 Career Beginnings in Advertising
Before stepping into real estate, Ronald enjoyed a successful decade-long tenure at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, one of the most respected global advertising firms at the time.
- Key Clients: Procter & Gamble, Kraft, and Philips.
- Major Campaigns: Crest toothpaste, Norelco grooming products, and Kraft foods.
- Roles: Account Executive and Marketing Strategist
His work in this arena refined his ability to understand consumer behavior, brand positioning, and strategic messaging—tools that he would later apply to real estate dealmaking.
🏢 Transition to Real Estate: Joining Besen Partners
In 2003, Ronald transitioned to commercial real estate by joining Besen Partners, a firm focused on investment sales and capital advisory. Initially starting as an Investment Sales Associate, his aptitude for relationship-building and marketing strategy helped him rise through the ranks.
🚀 Career Progression at Besen Partners:
| Year | Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Investment Sales Associate | Brokerage, client sourcing, real estate deal execution |
| 2008 | Chief Marketing Officer | Brand strategy, public relations, client engagement |
| 2016 | Chief Sales Officer | Firm-wide sales leadership, business development, revenue optimization |
Under his stewardship, Besen Partners evolved from a boutique agency into a nationally recognized investment sales powerhouse.
📈 Landmark Achievements
🏆 Power Broker Recognition
- CoStar Power Broker Awards: 2016, 2017, and 2023
- The Real Deal: Ranked Besen Partners in Top 10 NYC Investment Sales Brokerages (2017)
- REBNY Finalist: “Ingenious Deal of the Year” (2017)
💼 Notable Deals
Ronald led the brokerage of a 99-year ground lease valued at $175 million on the Lower East Side—a deal that earned him Besen’s “Deal of the Year” in 2017. His approach combined market knowledge, client trust, and deal structure sophistication.
👥 Leadership & Mentorship
Cohan is known not just for generating business but also for building high-performing teams. Under his guidance, Besen Partners scaled their team to over 15 dedicated real estate professionals, covering a spectrum of services from investment property sales to hospitality and development advisory.
🎯 Leadership Mantra
- Focused goal-setting for individuals and teams
- Creating a culture of transparency and collaboration
- Emphasis on work-life balance and community impact
Ronald credits his leadership evolution to books like:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Sales Boss by Jonathan Whistman
🎧 Podcast & Media Appearances
He appeared on Besen’s official podcast, “DiscoveringCRE”, where he discussed:
- How to build rapport with clients in volatile markets
- The importance of cross-training team members
- Macro trends in New York real estate
🤝 Community and Civic Engagement
Cohan is as committed to the community as he is to business. He actively supports:
- UJA Real Estate Executives (REX)
- Food Bank for New York City
- UNICEF
- Covenant House
- St. Jude Children’s Hospital – Spirit of Hope Committee
He also served as Chair of the Young Mortgage Bankers Association, where he mentored aspiring professionals and advocated for ethical practices in lending.
📊 Ronald H. Cohan’s Professional Summary
| Key Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Expertise | Commercial Real Estate, Investment Sales |
| Known For | Complex deal structuring, team leadership |
| Transaction Volume | 100+ properties across NYC, NJ, and CT |
| Marketing Strengths | Brand development, strategic client acquisition |
| Public Speaking | Panels, interviews, internal mentorship events |
| Unique Quality | Advertising-meets-real-estate hybrid thinking |
💼 Ronald H. Cohan’s Impact on NYC’s Real Estate Landscape
In a city dominated by mega-developers and conglomerates, Ronald H. Cohan carved a unique niche as a trust-based dealmaker. His dual background in advertising and real estate gives him a panoramic view of client needs and market shifts.
His work with Besen Partners is not just about closing deals; it’s about educating clients, mentoring brokers, and building long-term relationships that thrive across decades.
🔍 Why Ronald H. Cohan Is a Leader to Watch
- 📌 Mastery in both marketing and real estate brokerage
- 📌 Spearheaded one of NYC’s most respected mid-sized brokerage firms
- 📌 Blends strategic sales techniques with genuine client empathy
- 📌 Focused on sustainable growth and team development
📚 Final Thoughts
Ronald H. Cohan exemplifies the rare blend of strategic marketer, seasoned dealmaker, and team mentor. As the real estate market continues to evolve post-COVID and amid economic shifts, professionals like Cohan will remain instrumental in shaping New York’s urban and commercial future.
Whether you are a seasoned investor, aspiring broker, or industry observer, Ronald’s story offers valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and the art of the long game.
