2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Brian Dano, SVN The Masiello Group

“Brian Dano exemplifies visionary leadership in commercial real estate, combining strategic insight with operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in thousands of CRE transactions while demonstrating an exceptional ability to mentor advisors and drive organizational growth. His commitment to standardization, and talent development, positions SVN & his team for success.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Since taking the helm of the firm a little over a year ago my team and I have strived to create and implement standard operating procedures, standardize training/onboarding, and provide our advisors best-in-class tools/tech stack. We are bringing the sophistication of Boston CRE and implementing it in VT, NH & ME. I credit both the individual advisors who are working hard every day to serve their clients as well as our support staff that handle non-revenue generating activities.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? I went from being a top producer to managing 5 offices and 10 advisors. My goal was simple, implement systems and processes, and get the firm to implement a strategy. Initially I tried to bring in business and hand it to the team, but it became clear that senior advisors needed to be more involved with junior agents and I switched to being a player coach. I also realized very quickly I can’t manage 1099 employees, I need to lead them; they need to buy into our initiatives.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? Being a good leader is challenging, and taking over as a coach on a team I didn’t build also has challenges. My leadership style is to lead from the front, lead by example. I want my team to see the standard I set and surpass it. Regarding motivation, I try to understand what motivates each advisor, however motivation is fleeting. Discipline is what I look for in advisors, the willing to show up and put in work day after day. I’m proud of my team and what they have accomplished.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Get involved, I saw that my developers and tenants were getting hung up at zoning and planning boards, so I joined by local planning then zoning boards. I got involved with and earned my CCIM designation. We are constantly looking for people to get involved. I also got involved in my local realtor board. Attend networking groups/ industry organizations events etc. Most of the organizations I’m in are starving for engagement.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? Discipline & time blocking. I decided to become a MD is to make a bigger impact on the community.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? I’m a big audio book guy, I reading/listen to business and personal improvement books mostly.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? My father has had the biggest impact on me, as a military brat discipline was nonnegotiable.