2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jeff Similien, DMG Brokerage

“Jeff Similien should be recognized as an industry leader and due to his commitment as a successful broker representing placing tenants in once vacant neighborhoods and making a difference to the Boston landscape for the better.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? One accomplishment I’m most proud of is helping local business owners transition from being long-term tenants to becoming commercial property owners. As a broker and community advocate, I focus on making ownership accessible – especially in neighborhoods where legacy businesses are at risk of displacement. Guiding entrepreneurs through the buying process has allowed them to stabilize their futures, reinvest in their communities, and build generational wealth. Seeing that impact firsthand is what drives my work.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? A major leadership lesson for me came from learning to balance impact with capacity. I used to try to carry every project, every client, and every community initiative on my own. Over time, I realized sustainable leadership requires building strong teams and trusting others to lead alongside you. Delegation isn’t stepping back – it’s multiplying impact. That shift allowed my work to grow from individual success to community-scale success, which is the purpose behind everything I do.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?I mentor by being accessible and transparent about the real work behind success. In many communities, ownership feels out of reach because the path is not visible. I share my knowledge openly, host workshops, walk people through their first deals, and invite emerging leaders into spaces where decisions happen. I don’t just teach the technical steps – I help people see themselves as owners, leaders, and contributors to the future of their neighborhoods.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Take your time learning how value is created in commercial real estate – not just how deals close. Understand financing, risk, zoning, negotiation, and how property decisions shape communities. Don’t chase transactions; focus on relationships. Your reputation is your asset. And remember that real estate can be a tool for good – use your knowledge to support stability, ownership, and opportunity, especially in the communities that shaped you.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? Early mornings to plan, reflect, and set priorities before the day begins.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? “The Real Estate Guys” podcast helped me think like an investor, not just a broker.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? My father – he taught me to lead with integrity, service, and presence.