Michael Polachek, former executive vice president and co-market leader in the Phoenix office of SRS Real Estate Partners
PHOENIX, (August 27, 2025) -- Michael Polachek, a respected and longtime figure in the Valley’s commercial real estate community, passed away in Scottsdale on July 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 78.
Polachek’s career in commercial real estate spanned more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the Phoenix market. He began his professional journey in 1974 with Grubb & Ellis, where he established himself as a skilled broker and trusted advisor. Over the years, he went on to serve as a development partner with Trammell Crow Co., contributing to some of the region’s most notable commercial projects, and later as a brokerage partner with Red Development, where he helped shape key retail and mixed-use ventures across the Valley.
In 2009, Polachek joined SRS Real Estate Partners, where he rose to become Executive Vice President and Co-Market Leader of the firm’s Phoenix office. In that role, he mentored brokers, guided clients through complex transactions, and played a pivotal part in expanding SRS’s footprint in Arizona. Colleagues remember him not only for his professional acumen but also for his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to advancing the commercial real estate industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Polachek was admired for his integrity, collaborative spirit, and passion for building lasting relationships. His influence extended across generations of real estate professionals, many of whom credit him as a mentor who shaped their careers.
Polachek’s passing is a significant loss to the Valley real estate community, where his leadership, vision, and friendship will be deeply missed.
PHOTO: SRS Real Estate Partners