2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Alexander Smith, 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.