Bo Okoroji’s entry into commercial real estate wasn’t born out of traditional pathways. Instead, it began amidst the racks and registers of Abercrombie & Fitch at the bustling Dallas Galleria. As the child of immigrant parents, he learned perseverance and determination firsthand—qualities that would serve him well throughout his unconventional journey.
His early experiences working in retail provided a foundational appreciation for malls not simply as shopping centers but as essential community spaces. Observing daily interactions between customers, employees, and businesses offered Okoroji critical insights into consumer behavior and mall dynamics. Later roles with renowned industry giants like Simon Property Group and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) expanded this hands-on understanding.
During his time at Simon, Okoroji had the opportunity to observe and learn from influential leaders such as David Simon, Rick Sokolov, David Contis, and Donna Vosper, whose insights helped shape his strategic outlook. His late-career experience at URW further refined his approach, guided by exposure to executives including Jaap Tonckens, Dominic Lowe, and Jean-Marie Tritant, whose global perspectives on large-scale retail development broadened his investment philosophy.
Steerpoint Capital: A Fresh Vision for Malls
In 2022, driven by frustration with rigid institutional investment criteria that often left promising retail assets neglected, Okoroji founded Steerpoint Capital. His vision centered around repositioning malls from strictly retail hubs into vibrant mixed-use communities. Unlike traditional investors, Steerpoint approaches mall redevelopment with a long-term perspective, carefully blending residential, healthcare, entertainment, office spaces, and hospitality sectors.
Steerpoint’s model was notably exemplified through their work on Antelope Valley Mall in California—a property initially disregarded by other investors. By strategically integrating diverse, community-aligned services and amenities, Okoroji and his team transformed the struggling mall into a thriving local center. This project highlighted Steerpoint’s ability to identify untapped value and demonstrated the practical viability of their comprehensive redevelopment approach.
Despite skepticism surrounding the future of traditional retail, Okoroji remains bullish about malls’ adaptive potential. He emphasizes the evolving nature of retail and the consumer shift toward experience-driven spaces. Steerpoint’s acquisitions are rooted in this understanding—targeting well-positioned malls primed for thoughtful, community-focused redevelopment.
Advocating Diversity and Sustainable Growth
Beyond mall revitalization, Okoroji is deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within the commercial real estate industry. He champions practical measures such as intentional mentorship programs, enhanced access to investment capital for minority entrepreneurs, and inclusive hiring policies. Okoroji argues that fostering diverse leadership not only strengthens the industry’s resilience but also enriches community development.
Looking toward the future, Steerpoint Capital is strategically expanding into new geographic markets, specifically eyeing Texas and the East Coast. These expansions are expected to follow the successful template established in earlier projects, aiming to replicate their proven redevelopment strategies on a larger scale.
Despite the demands of his fast-paced profession, Okoroji remains grounded through family engagements, leisurely golf outings, and his signature nostalgic indulgence—Auntie Anne’s salted pretzels enjoyed during mall site visits. To Okoroji, commercial real estate transcends mere transactions; it represents an opportunity to foster meaningful economic vitality and community enhancement, creating spaces where people truly connect.