BOSTON–In a city known for being the global epicenter of biotech, Bob Richards has played a pivotal role in shaping the very skyline of innovation. With more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience, and as a key leader in JLL’s national Life Sciences practice, Richards has built a reputation as a strategic force behind some of Greater Boston’s most impactful life sciences deals.
In 2025, the Boston Real Estate Times honors Richards with its prestigious Commercial Broker of the Year Award, a recognition that underscores both his personal impact and the influence of the platform he represents.
At the Excellence Awards Gala on September 11, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel, Richards will be honored with Commercial Broker of the Year Award 2025.
To buy a ticket for the gala, please click here.
From CNN Sportscaster to Life Sciences Visionary
Richards’ professional story is anything but conventional. Before stepping into real estate, he spent nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, including five years as a CNN sportscaster in Atlanta—a role that refined his communication skills and stage presence. But ultimately, the call of home—and a new challenge—brought him back to Boston.
“After spending 10 years as a sportscaster in Binghamton and CNN Sports in Atlanta, I yearned to get back to Boston,” Richards explains. “I was fortunate to get an opportunity to join Spaulding & Slye as a Cambridge broker.”
That pivot would become the launchpad for a remarkable second act.
Building a Legacy of Leadership
After just one year at Spaulding & Slye, Richards made a bold move—leaving to join Fallon Hines & O’Connor, a step that proved pivotal in his early development as a top producer. But perhaps the most defining chapter of his career came with the formation of Richards Barry Joyce & Partners (RBJ), where he served as President for 14 years.
“Forming Richards Barry Joyce & Partners and serving as President for 14 years was a great privilege,” he reflects.
Under his leadership, RBJ became a dominant force in Boston’s commercial real estate market before its acquisition by Cushman & Wakefield. There, Richards broke new ground yet again—becoming the first non-New York broker to be named Top Producer at the global firm.
Now at JLL, Richards continues to lead with the same entrepreneurial drive and strategic focus. He plays a central role in JLL’s Life Sciences Practice Group, a specialized team that supports emerging startups, academic institutions, and global biotech leaders alike with real estate solutions that drive discovery.
The group is known for its deep market data, lab space expertise, and strategic advisory capabilities—from site selection to complex lease structuring and acquisitions. With Richards at the helm of many Boston-area transactions, JLL remains at the forefront of the region’s life sciences expansion.
Milestones, Mentors, and Mission
Reflecting on the major turning points of his career, Richards is quick to highlight the people and principles that guided him.
“First and foremost, my father taught me hard work and focus,” he says. “Many others have also helped along the way—Matt Dwyer and Joe Fallon were important influences. I’ve learned so much from my teammates and partners—Michael Joyce, John Barry, John Boyle, Matt Daniels, Bob Coughlin, to name just a few.”
His career has been marked not just by transactions, but by trust—particularly in the life sciences sector, where deals are often complex, capital-intensive, and deeply tied to mission-driven outcomes.
One of the most memorable?
“Negotiating an innovative fixed-price condo option which saved Dana-Farber $250 million dollars is something I am very proud of,” he says.
But equally important to him is his role as a mentor and father.
“Being a supportive, proud dad to three great sons while achieving professional success has been hugely rewarding,” Richards says. “Helping mentor younger brokers brings me great joy and reward.”
Q&A: The Bob Richards Philosophy
In a recent conversation with Boston Real Estate Times, Richards opened up about his early life, challenges, and what continues to drive him. Here’s the full exchange:
BRET: How would you describe your early life or formative years?
Bob Richards: I grew up in Norwood, the son of a hardworking teacher and coach dad and a wonderful mother. I have three younger sisters. I went to Norwood public schools, then Noble & Greenough School and college. Playing hockey helped me get these opportunities.
BRET: What first sparked your interest in your current field?
Bob Richards: After spending 10 years as a sportscaster in Binghamton and CNN Sports in Atlanta, I yearned to get back to Boston. I was fortunate to get an opportunity to join Spaulding & Slye as a Cambridge broker.
BRET: What are some of the key milestones or turning points in your professional journey?
Bob Richards: Leaving Spaulding & Slye as a top producer after just one year to join Fallon Hines & O’Connor was important. Then forming Richards Barry Joyce & Partners and serving as President for 14 years was a great privilege. Also, being the top producer at Cushman was a rewarding achievement. It was the first time a non-New York broker had earned this honor.
BRET: What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Bob Richards: Starting my real estate career 10 years later than most was a daunting task.
BRET: Was there a mentor or role model who helped shape your path?
Bob Richards: First and foremost, my father who taught me hard work and focus. Many others have also helped along the way—Matt Dwyer, Joe Fallon were important influences. I have learned so much from my teammates and partners along the way—Michael Joyce, John Barry, John Boyle, Matt Daniels, Bob Coughlin, to name just a few.
BRET: What has been one of the most impactful or rewarding moments of your career?
Bob Richards: I would say negotiating an innovative fixed-price condo option which saved Dana-Farber $250 million dollars is something I am very proud of. Also, being a supportive, proud dad to three great sons while achieving professional success has been hugely rewarding.
BRET: What continues to motivate or inspire you every day?
Bob Richards: Finding creative solutions for clients is very inspiring and rewarding. Also, helping mentor younger brokers brings me great joy and reward. I have been blessed to be around a lot of talent throughout my career and I make it a priority to give back.
BRET: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Bob Richards: Can’t say I would change a thing. I have enjoyed every step of the way. Maybe try and celebrate the victories and wins more.
A Legacy Still in the Making
As the 2025 Commercial Broker of the Year, Bob Richards represents not just a career of transactions—but a legacy of trust, mentorship, and long-term vision.
Whether helping global biotech firms bring lifesaving therapies to market or guiding young professionals through the intricacies of the industry, Richards has become a cornerstone of Boston’s commercial real estate story—and his impact is still growing.
“Maybe try and celebrate the victories and wins more,” he says.
This one’s worth celebrating.
