Stephen Pugh – Commercial Real Estate Leader

Stephen Pugh has been a prominent figure in San Francisco’s commercial real estate industry since 1990, consistently recognized among the Bay Area’s leading investment sales professionals. Over the course of his career, he has facilitated the sale of more than $2.2 billion in multi-family and commercial real estate throughout San Francisco and the greater Bay Area.

Career Highlights

Founder & Leader of Multiple Firms (2008–Present)

Since 2008, Stephen has founded and led five commercial real estate firms in San Francisco, helping shape the region’s investment brokerage landscape through strategic growth, team leadership, and market innovation.

Alain Pinel Investment Group (2008–2013)

As Managing Director, Stephen built one of San Francisco’s premier multi-family brokerage operations. Under his leadership, the firm earned recognition as the city’s #1 multi-family brokerage from 2009 through 2013.

Paragon Commercial Brokerage (2013–2018)

Serving as President and CEO, Stephen led a team of more than 30 professionals while continuing the company’s dominance in the investment sales sector. During this period, Paragon Commercial Brokerage maintained its position as San Francisco’s leading multi-family brokerage from 2014 to 2017.

Pacific Union Commercial / Compass Commercial (2018–2022)

In 2018, Stephen returned to Pacific Union and later played a key leadership role in the merger of Pacific Union, Paragon, and Alain Pinel into Compass Commercial. As President, he oversaw a growing organization of more than 90 commercial agents across Northern and Southern California.

Berkshire Hathaway / Drysdale Properties (2023–2025)

Appointed Director of Commercial Real Estate Strategy, Stephen transitioned alongside his Pacific West Advisory Group to expand Berkshire Hathaway’s commercial platform and strengthen its presence in investment brokerage throughout California.

Engel & Völkers Commercial (Current)

Today, Stephen serves as Director of Commercial Real Estate for Northern California at Engel & Völkers Commercial, where he continues to lead the Pacific West Advisory Group. His focus remains on strategic growth, investment advisory services, and brokerage representation for private and institutional clients.

Industry Leadership

Since 1990, Stephen has been a founder and leader of the Income Property Marketing Group (IPMG), the Bay Area’s largest networking organization dedicated to promoting the sale of commercial and investment properties. Through IPMG, he has fostered collaboration among brokers, investors, developers, and industry professionals throughout the region.

Affiliations & Personal Life

Stephen is actively involved in several distinguished Bay Area organizations, including:

• St. Francis Yacht Club 

• San Francisco Yacht Club 

• The Battery Club 

• International Surfing Association – Certified Judge 

He resides in Sausalito, California, with his wife and daughter.