Neil Kozokoff: A Leader in Real Estate

Neil Kozokoff is the President of Parkland Properties, a holding company specializing in property investment, development and management in the notable area of West Palm Beach, Florida. Although the American real estate market has seen many ups and downs over the course of the last few decades, Kozokoff has proven himself as a leader and innovator by taking on many successful projects and reshaping real estate options, especially those found within urban areas. However, this noted entrepreneur has not always worked in the business end of these matters, as he began with a strong education and profession within the legal areas of real estate.

Educational History

Neil is a firm believer that success is achieved through a solid education. As such, he proved himself as a dedicated student before pursuing professional goals. In the late seventies, Kozokoff began his pursuits in education at Colgate University located in Hamilton, New York. At Colgate, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Psychology. Having had a refined interest in this field, he escalated in his academic pursuits by becoming a member of the Psi-Chi National Psychology Honor Society.

Although he had a foundation in psychology, Neil decided to expand his knowledge by attending the Case Western Reserve School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1981. During his time at Case Western, Kozokoff also had other notable achievements such as serving on the Case Western Reserve Law Review from 1979 to 1980, as well as acting as an Advocacy Instructor between 1980 and 1981.

Neil displayed a passion for expanding his knowledge later in his career. He attended the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Design in Boston, Massachusetts. It was here where he earned certification in the Advanced Management Development Program, which allowed him to gain a greater understanding of the real estate industry.

Beginning in Law

As noted above, Neil Kozokoff did not begin his career in the business and management side of the real estate industry; instead, he found initial success working on the legal side of this industry. After graduating from the Case Western Reserve School of Law, Neil worked as an Associate at Guren, Merritt, Feibel, Sogg & Cohen in Cleveland, Ohio. This firm allowed Neil to get his grounding in real estate law as it was a practice strictly serving those with corporate and real estate legal needs.

After working at this Ohio-based firm from 1981 to 1984, Neil went on to serve as a partner at Rudnick & Wolfe where he gained ever more experience in real estate law. Specifically, Neil handled legal issues regarding asset acquisition and disposition, leasing, complex financing, project management, team leadership and asset strategy. Although he left this firm in 1992, this was a notable position as Rudnick & Wolfe later became what it now known as DLA Piper—the largest firm practicing in the world.

Shifting into the Real Estate Business

With a thorough understanding of property management, development and financing—expertise gained from his legal years—Neil made the move to work on the business end of real estate in 1992. He became the Senior Vice President of the Equis Corporation. As co-founder of this company, Neil Kozokoff used his knowledge to help Equis establish itself as the first outsource business for corporate real estate.

Having created a niche division within its industry, Equis Corporation truly made a mark in the real estate market. Through his leadership, Neil facilitated the outsourcing of large corporate real estate departments found among Fortune 500 companies. Equis offered administrative services for leased or owned properties; specifically, the company assisted with bill payment, data management, operating expense auditing, real estate tax reduction, utility cost administration, as well as legal and strategic planning.

In 1995, Neil left the Equis Corporation to establish Parkland Companies in West Palm Beach, Florida. Although he moved to a geographically different area, Neil was able to rely on his past experience to lead projects in real estate investment, management and development. He began to concentrate on urban investment and development. In addition, he established the company’s residential and mixed use projects, gaining in-depth experience in private capital raising, project execution, deal structuring and operations.

Neil’s background in structuring real estate deals and capital formation led to his pursuing Pensam Capital as a principal. Pensam Capital, based in Miami, is engaged in the acquisition, operation and management of large apartment complexes throughout the United States.

Neil Kozokoff: President of the Parkland Companies

Neil Kozokoff continues to operate the Parkland Companies while serving in his role as principal at Pensam Capital. Parkland has become known for its considerable apartment properties.

While many real estate establishments collapsed under economic duress during the recent recession, Parkland Companies was able to maintain all of its projects without default.  Under Neil’s expert direction, the company was able to make it out of those nationally rough times and continue to pursue urban development projects. Neil and his team have continued to focus on the developing area of Northwood Village in West Palm Beach—an urban neighborhood that continues to experience growth.

Moving to West Palm Beach, Florida

As Palm Beach Country continues to develop and offer incredible opportunities for professionals and families, many are making the move to West Palm Beach, Florida. As this area continues to grow, West Palm Beach has become one of the most notable cities found within the metropolitan area of South Florida. The Palm Beach community has so much to offer in terms of business opportunity, arts, culture, education and leisure, which continues to prove as a point of attraction to new residents and tourists. However, many may find the move to West Palm Beach somewhat difficult, as it is unlike most places in the United States of America.

As a professional who has made the move from cold Chicago, Illinois to warm, sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, Neil Kozokoff understands how dramatic the transition can turn out for newcomers. For that reason, Parkland is dedicated to providing accommodations to make these life changes much easier, for both those who have lived within Florida and those who are coming from other regions. Neil Kozokoff invites those who are looking for housing in the West Palm Beach area to check out what Parkland has to offer.