It’s the way we think
that sets us apart.

TMG Partners has been in the business of developing award-winning, financially-successful, community-based real estate for 39 years. As much as we have accomplished over the last three decades, we believe it is the way we THINK about our region, the risks we manage, the critical timing of our projects and the value we create that sets us apart.
Localism

Real Estate is
a local business.

No, really.

The San Francisco Bay Area is an extremely diverse real estate marketplace with countless micro-business climates teeming with possibility. But you have to be here—and know here—to make the most of the opportunities all around us. Having been exclusively committed to the Bay Area for over three decades, we have developed a keen local intuition which gives us a unique advantage in recognizing both the opportunities and risks in this complex market.
Regionalism

We Think
Mega

If we try to solve our land use problems by focusing only on the nine Bay Area counties, we will fail.

Michael CovarrubiasChairman & CEO

As the Bay Area’s economy has grown over the last three decades, so too has its challenges—particularly related to transportation, housing, affordability and climate change. To plan for growth of 4 million more people in the next third of a century, TMG is thinking bigger, beyond our nine Bay Area counties, and working on longer term strategies to create greater connectivity across our entire megaregion.
Timing

It’s got to work at low tide as well as high tide.

Some of our best deals are the ones we didn’t do.

Matt FieldChief Investment Officer

Almost anyone can make money in a positive economic climate. But it takes discipline, depth of market knowledge and experience in all major product types to know when to buy and when to sell. The most profitable deals can be the ones you decide just don’t make sense or are outbid by an “out of town” competitor. Because we are active in our markets on a daily basis, TMG Partners has managed a portfolio through 39 years of market cycles that works in all phases and has withstood the sands of time.
Vision

huh?

Once it’s obvious, it’s too late.

Cathy GreenwoldSenior Advisor

If you wait for the statistical proof to confirm real estate opportunities, you’re looking backwards. TMG Partners has cultivated an approach to studying the business landscape that reveals market opportunities before they become obvious. Our contrarian investment strategy balances optimism and caution with the intent of turning forward-looking investments into no-brainers.
Returns

Redefining IRR

Our measure for success goes beyond profit.

Lynn TolinChief Operating Officer

Most investment professionals have a clear understanding of IRR: Internal Rate of Return, a purely financial measurement of performance. At TMG we use a different definition. For us, IRR means balancing Integrity, Relationships and Results. We measure every aspect of our business through this lens to ensure our partners, communities, tenants and buyers are treated with the highest degree of respect and responsibility while we consistently deliver superior financial performance.
Think
Localism
Regionalism
Timing
Vision
Returns
Close
Close

Michael A. Covarrubias

Chairman and
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Image
Headshot of Michael A. Covarrubias

Michael Covarrubias joined TMG Partners in 1988 and has directed the company since 1995, overseeing all of the company’s operations.

Michael began his career with 17 years at Union Bank. His roles included managing commercial and real estate lending, administrative management, and in his last position before joining TMG, serving as Senior Vice President and Manager of Union Bank’s Silicon Valley Regional Real Estate Center.

As CEO, Michael has fostered an entrepreneurial culture of talented, committed professionals resulting in the entitlement, development, acquisition and management of a diversified portfolio of 30 million square feet, valued at $5.5 billion.

Beyond the firm’s distinguished reputation as a leader in Bay Area real estate, Michael is highly respected for his leadership in the business community, highlights of which are chairing the Bay Area Council, and leading a critical effort with the Metropolitan Transportation Committee on regional solutions for transportation, housing, and economic vitality. He has also served in multiple leadership roles for the Urban Land Institute. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Francisco Business Times in 2019.

Michael is a graduate of the University of San Francisco with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Affiliations

Bay Area Council, Prior Chairman of the Board, Current Executive Committee Member

Bay Area Council Economic Institute, Board Trustee

Urban Land Institute, Trustee, Governor-ULI Foundation, San Francisco District Council Governance Committee Member

Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics, University of California, Berkeley, Policy Advisory Board Member and Executive Committee Member

The Real Estate Roundtable, Board Member

Dignity Health Foundation, Board Member, Co-chair

Lambda Alpha, Member, Prior Member of the Year

Presidio Bank, Founder

Various philanthropic boards