Robert J. Pliska, president of Sperry – Property Investment Counselors, was presented the 2026 James D. Landauer / John R. White Award on Oct. 1 at The Counselors of Real Estate Annual Convention in Dallas.
Presented by The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), an international organization of leading real estate advisors, the award recognizes exceptional achievement in the real estate profession combined with outstanding leadership, integrity, professionalism, trust, selflessness, and service to the community.
Pliska, metro Detroit commercial real estate executive, has devoted more than 45 years to the real estate profession, participating in more than $1.5 billion in commercial real estate transactions, while dedicating decades of volunteer leadership and service to numerous charitable, civic, educational, and faith-based organizations.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious international recognition,” says Pliska. “Throughout my career, I have believed that true success is measured not simply by professional accomplishments, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. We all have an opportunity to use our time, talent, experience and resources to strengthen our professions, help those in need and build better communities.”
As president of Sperry – Property Investment Counselors, Pliska has built a career in commercial real estate investment sales, leasing, consulting, financing, management, and development. His experience encompasses office, retail, industrial, multifamily, and hospitality properties.
Previously, he served as owner and managing director of an SVN commercial real estate affiliate and led a full-service commercial real estate firm. Earlier in his career, he was a CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers, advising real estate and financial institution clients.
A member of CRE for more than 20 years, Pliska currently serves on its board of directors and has held numerous leadership positions, including liaison vice chair and local program co-chair of the organization’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Detroit.
He also has served as president of Detroit Area Commercial Realtors and chairman of the Detroit Metropolitan Commercial Investment Division.
He serves on the International Board of Governors of Legatus, an organization of more than 5,500 Catholic business leaders. As president of its Detroit Chapter, he led record membership growth and received national recognition as Legatus President of the Year.
His community involvement includes leadership and service with the Archdiocese of Detroit Real Estate Asset Committee, Child Help of Michigan, Guest House, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Answer Forum, Birmingham Community House, St. Hugo of the Hills Parish, and numerous other charitable and civic organizations.
