2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Billy Diakakis, SABRE

“Billy’s rise from Rookie of the Year to vice president reflects his dedication, professionalism, and client-first mindset. He has built an impressive track record representing leading brands and property owners across Long Island and the tri-state area, earning trust through thoughtful guidance and consistent results. His ability to foster long-term partnerships and create opportunities for growth makes him one of the industry’s emerging leaders to watch.” 

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

Rather than a single transaction, I’m most proud of building long-term relationships and becoming a trusted resource for clients as they grow. Representing brands across the fitness, medical, wellness, food, and beauty sectors has allowed me to help shape communities throughout Long Island and the tri-state area. Seeing clients expand from one location to several and knowing I played a role in that growth is the most rewarding part of my career.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from several leaders at SABRE, but Doug Bomzer had a particularly strong influence early in my career. His advice to focus on relationships before transactions has guided my approach ever since. In a business built on trust, being responsive, honest, and willing to help without expecting immediate results creates lasting value. Many of my strongest relationships began long before a deal was ever on the table.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

My path into commercial real estate was unconventional. After earning a biology degree, I spent several years in building management, where I gained an appreciation for how real estate impacts businesses and communities. That experience led me to brokerage and ultimately to SABRE in 2018. Today, as vice president, I specialize in retail leasing throughout the NY Metro area, helping tenants and landlords execute strategic growth plans and maximize real estate value.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

I believe experiential retail, health and wellness concepts, and service-oriented businesses will continue driving growth. As e-commerce handles more routine purchases, brick-and-mortar locations must offer experiences, convenience, and services that can’t be replicated online. We’re seeing strong demand from fitness, medical, wellness, and food operators seeking high-quality locations, and I expect those categories to remain key drivers of retail leasing activity.