2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jeff Benevides, Haynes

“Jeff Benevides leads with professionalism, care, and a depth of experience across multiple sectors, making him a trusted advisor to both his team and clients. His steady guidance, thoughtful support, and genuine investment in our growth create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, strengthening how we work and succeed together.”

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? I try to inspire others by creating an environment where autonomy and accountability are standard. I give team members room to make decisions and take ownership because growth happens when people are trusted to lead. I focus on being a resource, removing obstacles, and backing their decision making even if mistakes occur. When someone stumbles, we treat it as a learning moment. Confidence develops through experience, and my role is to support team progress, celebrate wins, and help them course-correct. Empowered people become engaged people, and engaged people produce exceptional outcomes.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? My advice is to prioritize building relationships and communication skills as much as technical expertise. Projects, budgets, and schedules matter, but genuine success comes from understanding people. Listen deeply to clients, trade partners, and internal team members. When people feel heard, trust forms, and collaboration is easier. Embrace continuous learning: stay curious, ask questions, seek mentors, and challenge your comfort zone. Leadership develops through action - take initiative, follow through, and protect integrity. Over time, those habits build a reputation that opens doors.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? One challenge I’ve overcome as a leader has been learning to delegate and remove myself from day-to-day project management. Early in my career, I believed that being deeply involved in every detail ensured the best outcome. However, I realized this approach limited both my own growth and my team’s. By stepping back and empowering other to make decisions, I learned the strongest asset any organization has is its people. Investing time in developing their skills creates ownership. This shift taught me that leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about enabling others to succeed.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? A daily habit that has made me a better leader and person is giving myself 45 minutes every morning.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? Leaders Eat Last, Extreme Ownership, The Four Agreements & The Book of Five Rings

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? My father’s fearlessness, perseverance, and work ethic is what inspires me each and everyday.