Early Life
John A. Sobrato was born in San Francisco, California, on May 23, 1939, to Italian immigrants. His father owned a restaurant in San Francisco. Sobrato's early life was marked by the values of hard work and community involvement, which were instilled in him by his parents. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and then Santa Clara University, where he pursued a degree in business.
Rise to Success
Sobrato's career in real estate began while he was still a student at Santa Clara University. He started selling homes in Palo Alto, and after graduating, he founded Midtown Realty, specializing in the resale of Eichler homes. In 1979, Sobrato founded the Sobrato Organization, which has become one of Silicon Valley's largest commercial real estate developers. Under his leadership, the company developed over 150 office and research & development facilities, as well as more than 10,000 apartment units.
Key Business Strategies
The Sobrato Organization's success has been built on several key strategies, including a focus on long-term ownership, developing high-quality properties, and partnering with innovative companies in Silicon Valley. The company has a long-term investment horizon and develops projects it plans to own for decades. This strategy has allowed the Sobrato Organization to maintain a strong portfolio and contribute to the growth of Silicon Valley's tech industry. The company has developed iconic headquarters for companies like Apple and Netflix.
Philanthropy
John A. Sobrato and his family are known for their significant philanthropic contributions. They founded the Sobrato Family Foundation in 1996. Through Sobrato Philanthropies, the family has donated over $1.3 billion to various causes, including education, healthcare, and economic mobility initiatives. Sobrato and his family have signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.