A Legacy in Concrete

Few individuals have had as profound an influence on the Oklahoma City skyline as Mark Beffort. As the visionary behind some of the region’s most iconic commercial developments, Beffort has helped transform the urban landscape through a blend of grit, strategic foresight and relentless execution. Today, his work extends well beyond state lines, as he shapes landmark properties in cities like Indianapolis, New York and Kansas City through his firm Robinson Park. With a reputation for leading with integrity and building platforms that endure, Beffort is not just developing buildings; he’s redefining what leadership looks like in real estate.

What first inspired you to explore opportunities outside Oklahoma City?

The inspiration to expand beyond Oklahoma City really began with the opportunity to partner with the McLaughlin family, which eventually became Square Deal Investments. That relationship, and the trust they placed in me, opened the door to acquire our first out-of-state asset: Market Tower in Indianapolis. It was a pivotal moment. The McLaughlins, along with several other families, came together around a shared belief that we could accomplish far more collectively than we ever could individually. They empowered me to lead the transaction, leveraging my background as a broker, while my team (Robinson Park) brought a strong platform of in-house expertise—from due diligence to long-term property management. That collaboration became the foundation for what’s now a much broader footprint. 

How do you define leadership, and what values have guided your approach throughout your career?

To me, leadership is about setting the pace — being the first one in, the last one out, and never asking anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. I’ve always believed in the grind. That said, real leadership also means listening, showing respect and creating space for others to advance. I don’t believe in entitlement, but I do believe in opportunity, offering people a seat at the table and the tools to grow. My job as a leader is to be the steady hand, to stay grounded and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacle.

You operate across several cities, each with its own energy and challenges. How do you ensure your work remains relevant and responsive to local communities?

Staying relevant starts with being present. Our property management teams aren’t just remote operators, they’re embedded in the communities we serve. We hire locally, encourage our team members to get involved with civic organizations and boards. Each city has its own rhythm, and we respect that by listening first and tailoring our approach accordingly. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model. 

The commercial real estate world is changing fast. What trends are you watching most closely, and how is Robinson Park preparing for what’s ahead?

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the growing demand for integrated platforms, where investment, development, leasing and property management are all aligned under one roof. That’s exactly why we unified everything under the Robinson Park name. In today’s market, clients want fewer handoffs, more accountability and partners who can execute across the entire life cycle of an asset. Our model reflects that shift, positioning us to respond faster, act smarter and deliver more value at every step.

What does success look like for you — not just for Robinson Park, but in the legacy you're working to build across industries and communities?

For me, success has never been about personal accolades. It’s about what you build for others, what doors you open, what risks you take so someone else doesn’t have to, what kind of impact you leave behind long after you’re out of the room. I’ve been fortunate in my career, and I see it as a responsibility to pay that forward, to give more than I take, even when no one’s watching.

For those who want to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give to the next generation of real estate leaders?

Work hard. Really hard. You can’t be successful rolling in at 9 a.m., taking a long lunch and heading out at 3 p.m. This business rewards grit, consistency and people who are willing to show up every day and do the tough stuff. It’s also about how you use your success. Give generously. Support your community. Invest in people who may never have the same opportunities you did. If you focus on doing the right thing and outworking everyone in the room, the rest tends to fall into place.

What’s one detail you always notice in a space — something that tells you it was well-designed?

For me, it’s the back-of-house. Many pay close attention to their lobbies, but if the mechanical rooms (the spaces no one else sees) are clean, organized and well-maintained, it tells me everything I need to know about how the building is run. That level of care doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects pride in ownership, attention to detail and a commitment to doing things right even when no one’s watching. Integrity shows up in the quiet corners, and I’ve always believed that how you treat the unseen parts of a building says a lot about how you operate as a whole.

Mark Beffort's Expanded Footprint: Robinson Park Portfolio Highlights

Market Tower | Office | Indianapolis

This 32-story, 522,704-square-foot office building located at 10 W. Market St. in downtown Indianapolis offers efficient floor plates with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing abundant natural light, and panoramic views of Monument Circle. Tenants benefit from a suite of upscale amenities, including a fitness center, wellness room, high-end conferencing facilities and secure bike storage with 24/7 access. The building also features heated valet parking, a seven-story attached garage and on-site dining options. Robinson Park’s proactive management ensures seamless operations, contributing to an environment that attracts and retains top-tier tenants. 

Martinique | Hotel | New York City

The historic Martinique New York on Broadway, located at 49 W. 32nd St. in Midtown Manhattan, is a 19-story, 531-room Beaux-Arts landmark — originally designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh and now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection — that has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation blending Art Deco elegance with modern luxury. Robinson Park’s Design & Build team led the reimagining of the grand lobby and other public spaces, enhancing the guest experience while preserving the building’s historic character. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, over 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a dynamic dining scene featuring multiple concepts — including Michelin-starred Noksu, piloted by acclaimed Chef Dae Kim.

Skyline Collection | Office | Kansas City

Robinson Park provides financial services and asset management for the Skyline Collection in downtown Kansas City, in partnership with local owner Copaken Brooks. This premier portfolio comprises three interconnected office towers — 1111 Main (formerly Town Pavilion), 1201 Walnut and the historic Harzfeld’s Building — totaling more than 1.3 million square feet of Class A office space. Tenants benefit from modernized amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 10,000-square-foot conference facility and curated art installations. The buildings also offer shared parking garages and are situated near key city landmarks such as the T-Mobile Center and the Power & Light District. 

Kati Hanna is a seasoned growth strategist and partner with The Mettise Group, with over 25 years of experience advising companies across the globe on scaling, leadership development and strategic execution.