Stars to Watch 2015: David & Michael Colman, Tyler Ross

Michael Colman

Principals, ROCO Real Estate

What Others Say About Them: “Tyler, Michael and David are an absolute pleasure to work with,” according to Eric Bean, an attorney with the law offices of Jackier Gould P.C. “Both individually and collectively, they are dynamic, energetic, intelligent and thoughtful.  Their partnership works exceptionally well, as each partner’s strengths complement the others’. They have built—and will continue to build—an extraordinary business.”

Tyler Ross

Most Proud Of: Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based ROCO Real Estate started doing business in January 2012, and since then the multi-family owner and operator has grown its portfolio to more than 10,000 units. Brothers Michael and David Colman, along with longtime friend Tyler Ross, continue to expand their footprint, which now spans seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and their home state of Michigan. “Due to ROCO’s growing reputation of being well funded, conducting business with high moral standards and having a proven ability to close deals, the firm is able to attract off-market sellers looking to dispose of their assets quickly and quietly,” Ross noted.

David Colman

Secrets to Success: Taking their commitment to excellence beyond the office doors and taking pride in “the dedication, passion and meticulousness demonstrated daily by our on-site staff, and the high-quality customer service they provide to our residents,” Michael Colman said. And while ROCO continues to increase its portfolio at a rapid pace, the company is not interested in becoming a giant. “We are focused on being the best, not the biggest,” Ross added.

Best Advice Received: “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready,” David Colman said. One of their property managers in Birmingham, Ala., described his approach to managing his property that way. “We have now adopted this philosophy across every property in our portfolio.”

 Advice to Others: “Success is a journey, not a destination,” David stated.

—Barbra Murray

CPE selected 17 individuals and teams as the 2015 Stars to Watch. Details on their accomplishments appear in the February 2015 issue.