Harley E. Rouda, Jr. is chief executive officer and managing partner of Real Living, Inc., which was recently named the Most Promising New National Brand in Real Estate. Rouda spearheaded the creation of Real Living in February 2002 by acquiring several regional real estate companies.  Before entering the real estate industry, Rouda was an attorney with the national law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, specializing in capital formation, securities work, and intellectual property.

In 2007, he and his wife, Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, president of Real Living, received the Corporate Value Award for their ability to continue to create the greatest corporate value for their company through economic, financial, job, organic and acquisition growth. In 2006, REALTOR® Magazine named Rouda one of Real Estate’s Top 25 Most Influential Thought Leaders and has been nominated by Inman News readers as one of real estate’s “Most Influential” individuals in 2009. Rouda earned the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in June 2002, in recognition of his industry leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.  He serves or has served on the Board of Directors of numerous for-profit and not-for profit companies including Rocky Brands, Insight Bank, The Realty Alliance and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. As the chair of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) working group, Rouda was instrumental in keeping the base open. He was also appointed to the All-Ohio Task Force to save defense jobs by Governor Bob Taft.

In April 2008, he was selected as the chair of The National Association of Realtors’ Real Estate Services Advisory Board and has been appointed to serve on The National Association of Realtors’ Executive Committee and Real Estate Services Advisory Board for 2010. His participation in community organizations includes the American Cancer Society; Columbus Theatrical Association; Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Commission; March of Dimes; Prevent Blindness; Mid-Ohio Food Bank; Columbus Area Leadership Program; Ballet Met; Upper Arlington Civic Association; Southern Theatre Restoration; COSI (Center of Science and Industry); World of Children; The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University; and Capital University Law School.  Rouda received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky; his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School; and his Masters in Business Administration from Fisher College of The Ohio State University. He and his wife reside in Columbus, Ohio, and Malibu, California, with their four children.