2015 Business Mavericks Panelist
Fred Bruning began his real estate career as legal counsel for Sears, Roebuck and Company in 1977. After only three years, he was promoted to Territorial Real Estate Director and was given the responsibility of formulating and implementing the strategic real estate growth plan for the western United States. Mr. Bruning was also responsible for Sears’ real estate portfolio in the west, which consisted of over 500 assets.
After leaving Sears in 1983, Mr. Bruning served as Vice-President of Development for the Torrance Company in Torrance, California, and as Vice-President of Development for the John Price Development Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1985, Mr. Bruning joined the Alexander Haagen Company as a development partner. In his 13 years at the Haagen Company, Mr. Bruning was the key executive in charge of the acquisition and development of over 40 retail projects. Mr. Bruning was also instrumental in taking the company public in 1993, serving as the Wall Street spokesperson.
In 1988, Mr. Bruning formed his own development company, CenterOak Properties, LLC, and in 2005 formed CenterCal Properties, LLC. In his career, he has been actively involved in over 150 major retail developments in the western United States.
Mr. Bruning’s close personal contacts with major retail tenants throughout the United States, combined with his unique perspective of the development industry from both the public and private development sectors, give CenterCal Properties a strategic advantage in the competitive retail development industry.
Mr. Bruning is a member of the California Bar Association, the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Urban Land Institute. Mr. Bruning was also inducted as a member of Lambda Alpha, an honorary real estate organization.
In addition to serving on numerous committees, Mr. Bruning serves on the Board of Directors of MBank, and is an honorary life member of the Mount Hood College Foundation Board. He received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University in Los Angeles and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College in Claremont, California. His hobbies include travel, archaeology, and flying his antique Stearman biplane.
Why we believe Fred Bruning is a Maverick:
Besides his obvious love of flying planes which takes a kind of “maverick,” Fred and his team are embarking on an incredible project to revitalize The Waterfront in Redondo Beach and bring the timeless and vibrant Redondo experience back for future generations of the community. Leading an endeavor like The Waterfront revitalization takes courage, fortitude and plenty of leadership in working with local agencies, community members and small businesses to create a vision together that will enhance the local community and the Redondo experience.
The Waterfront revitalization is an opportunity to create approximately 2,500 jobs, and is estimated to bring about $3.25 million per year from property, sales and hotel taxes due to The Waterfront project — and this helps keep our community and healthy, wealthy and vibrant.
Inspiration & Community:
We couldn’t say it better than Fred in his letter: “When I was a young boy, some of the best times I spent with my family were fishing and having fun at the Redondo Pier. I loved it there. It was a warm, vibrant place I anticipated revisiting as soon as I’d return home. I remember reading all about the waterfront’s history dating back to the mid-1800s, when it became one of the most lively, exciting areas on the West Coast.