News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: June 24, 2025
2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Alexander Smith, OPEN Impact Real Estate
Senior Vice President
OPEN Impact Real Estate
“Alexander is a rising star because he combines deal-making expertise with exceptional leadership and mentorship. Trusted by junior associates as a go-to advisor, he fosters growth across the team. With clients, he builds lasting relationships and consistently delivers thoughtful, long-term solutions — not just quick wins. His calm, creative problem-solving under pressure sets him apart and demonstrates maturity beyond his years.” - Jen Samel, Managing Director, Strategy and Operations, OPEN Impact Real Estate.
What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? I am most proud of brokering the $52.6 million sale of Rising Ground’s 28-acre Leake & Watts campus — leading the nonprofit through a transformational mission-aligned real estate strategy. Through comprehensive analytics and end-to-end execution across sales, leasing and relocation, we helped the nonprofit monetize its legacy property, relocate 265,000 s/f of facilities and reinvest in more efficient space — unlocking capital, improving services and positioning the organization for long-term impact and operational strength.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? Maintaining client trust amid the complexities and setbacks inherent in large-scale real estate transactions. Through consistent communication, proactive issue identification and presenting strategic solutions, I have learned that transparency and steady guidance are critical to sustaining strong client relationships and achieving successful outcomes, even in the face of adversity.
What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Find a niche that aligns with your interests and join a team that supports your growth. The first few years are a steep learning curve — embrace it. Real estate may seem straightforward, but true success requires a well-rounded understanding of leasing, acquisitions, financing and stakeholder dynamics. With the right mentorship and persistence, you’ll build the foundation to thrive in this multifaceted field.
Tags:
Spotlight Content
MORE FROM Spotlight Content
Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin
When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
.png)
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian
In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen
The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:
Formal Legislative Role
• Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe
Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra
Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
.gif)