2025-Innovators in Commercial Real Estate-Steven Baker of RTL

Impact Highlight: Describe a recent program, initiative, or process implemented by you and the impact on your firm, organization, or community. I recently helped spearhead our rebrand from Winick Realty Group to RTL, a major milestone for the 40-year-old firm. I was involved in every step of the process — aligning on the new identity and ensuring clients understood not just what was changing but why. It was a chance to reset how we tell our story — honoring our legacy while reflecting where we’re headed. The process brought new energy to the team and opened the door for future growth.

Innovative Outlook: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in the commercial real estate sector? One of the biggest opportunities will continue to come from how we use increasingly powerful location data and analytics to better serve retail tenants. We’re surrounded by data, but the real value is in how we hone it, understand it, and apply it to help businesses across the retail and service economies reach the right customers and land in places where they’re both wanted and needed. That approach has become a core focus for us at RTL. 

Corporate Culture: How does your organization foster a culture of innovation among employees and leadership? In addition to my day-to-day work as CEO, I lead RTL’s Agent Training Program, which supports junior team members as they begin their retail leasing careers. I play an active role in running the sessions and making the content as useful as possible. I know firsthand how valuable it is to have someone in your corner early on — that’s why I care deeply about supporting the next generation and building a strong culture of mentorship within the firm.

Beyond Buildings: How do you see innovation in commercial real estate creating a broader impact on communities and the people who live and work in them? When real estate’s done right, it can benefit an entire community. Whether it’s mixed-use buildings or retail corridors with complementary tenants, the best projects bring new energy to neighborhoods and respond to how people actually live, work, and move through a place. I think we’ll keep seeing more collaboration and intention in how built environments are curated to genuinely serve the communities they exist within.