Meeting/Event Information

Forman Properties commenced business in 1984 shortly after Paul moved to Long Beach, California from the East Coast. It operated as a commercial real estate brokerage representing small to medium sized businesses and individual property investors for retail and office properties. Paul started networking with the City of Long Beach Economic Development Department, Le Tip of Long Beach, other small commercial real estate brokerage companies and social service agencies where he also donated my time assisting with their operations. In the late 1980's, Mr. Forman started acquiring small investment properties and then began concentrating on properties for social service agencies that provided services for children's and adult mental health. 

While doing work with other small brokerage firms Mr. Forman realized we could all benefit by meeting periodically and sharing information just as was done internally by the large brokerage firms. In the early 90's he met with George Economides of the Long Beach Business Journal (LBBJ) and they came up with the idea of the Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council (LBREC).  A founding group was quickly established that included: Becky Blair, Lou Moreno and Tom Merrick at the first breakfast meeting in the private room on the 2^nd floor of Hoff's Hut in Long Beach (the room is still there in Saint and Second restaurant).  

Mr. Forman retired from brokerage in 2020 and now spends most of his time managing properties, attending community meetings, trying to keep up with fitness and health and traveling when time permits. He resides in Long Beach with his lovely wife Susan and English Cocker spaniel Jazzy. 

Speaker: Brian Russell

Mr. Russell is celebrating over 35 years of commercial real estate experience in the greater Long Beach area.  Accomplished commercial real estate acquisition and development executive extensive real estate planning, market research, and project management expertise. Vital experience in operating within the political landscape to achieve objectives. Versed in all federal and state real estate guidelines and practices. Possess unique insight into complexities of the Long Beach real estate market. 

Brian Russell has held multiple leadership roles within the Long Beach community, including president of LBREC (08-10), president of Long Beach Rotary (14-15), president Long Beach Area Council Boy Scouts of America (16-18), board of directors Long Beach Transit and many, many more. 

Moderator: Randy Jones

Randy Jones brings over 30 years of experience in the lending industry, having worked extensively with both large national institutions and smaller community-based organizations. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in small business lending, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate complex financing needs and identify practical, sustainable solutions. 

Randy has also been actively involved in commercial real estate leadership. He is a former President of the Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council and currently serves as a board member of the Commercial Real Estate Professionals of Orange County (CREPOC). These roles reflect his long-standing commitment to industry collaboration, professional development, and market insight.

Beyond his professional career, Randy enjoys international travel, which has broadened his global perspective, and he is actively engaged in real estate management and development, where he combines strategic vision with hands-on experience to pursue value-driven opportunities. He is a graduate of Kent State University and holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.