About Robert
Robert Johnston is an Executive Managing Director at Marcus & Millichap and one of the nation’s leading commercial real estate investment advisors. Based in the firm’s founding Palo Alto office, Robert specializes in the acquisition and disposition of multifamily, retail, and self-storage assets throughout the country, with a concentrated expertise in Bay Area markets.
With more than 17 years of industry experience, Robert has personally closed over 600 transactions totaling over $4 billion in sales volume. His proven track record, deep market knowledge, and relentless client advocacy have earned him national recognition as one of Marcus & Millichap’s top-performing brokers. Most recently ranked #12 out of 1,800 agents firmwide, Robert has consistently been recognized among the Top 40 agents nationwide—a distinction featured in The Wall Street Journal’s annual rankings. He has also been named a CoStar Power Broker for the Bay Area every year since 2014.
In addition to his brokerage practice, Robert is highly active on the ownership side of the business. He currently owns and operates more than 100 multifamily units across the Bay Area, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that investors face in today’s market.
Robert is a member of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, Real Capital Markets, LoopNet, CoStar, the California Apartment Association, and other key industry platforms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development from Arizona State University.
Outside the office, Robert enjoys traveling, cycling, golfing, and spending quality time with his wife and daughters. He is proud to lead one of the most active and successful brokerage teams in California.
With more than 17 years of industry experience, Robert has personally closed over 600 transactions totaling over $4 billion in sales volume. His proven track record, deep market knowledge, and relentless client advocacy have earned him national recognition as one of Marcus & Millichap’s top-performing brokers. Most recently ranked #12 out of 1,800 agents firmwide, Robert has consistently been recognized among the Top 40 agents nationwide—a distinction featured in The Wall Street Journal’s annual rankings. He has also been named a CoStar Power Broker for the Bay Area every year since 2014.
In addition to his brokerage practice, Robert is highly active on the ownership side of the business. He currently owns and operates more than 100 multifamily units across the Bay Area, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that investors face in today’s market.
Robert is a member of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, Real Capital Markets, LoopNet, CoStar, the California Apartment Association, and other key industry platforms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development from Arizona State University.
Outside the office, Robert enjoys traveling, cycling, golfing, and spending quality time with his wife and daughters. He is proud to lead one of the most active and successful brokerage teams in California.
Lic. CA #01853816
Awards and Achievements
Chairman’s Circle of Excellence
2022, 2021, 2019
2022, 2021, 2019
Chairman’s Club
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
National Achievement Award
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Sales Recognition Award
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
Top 40 Agent Nationwide
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Costar Power Broker Award
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 2017, 2016
Top 20 National Multi-housing Group Nationwide
2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
SIA Induction
2015