2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Steve Flachbart, Hayes & Sherry

“Steve’s work ethic is one of the first things anyone who works with him will notice. He approaches every transaction and client relationship with the same level of effort and follow-through, regardless of deal size or complexity. In an industry where timelines shift and details matter, he stays on top of things without needing to be pushed. He doesn’t cut corners, and that consistency makes him a reliable partner on any assignment.”

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? Relocating from Chicago to Rhode Island in the middle of my career was the biggest challenge I’ve faced in business. Most of the opportunities I created in Chicago were local in nature and, unfortunately, did not transfer to Rhode Island. What was transferred was my expertise in real estate brokerage and the ability to build meaningful relationships. I was fortunate to join Hayes & Sherry and seamlessly fit into their client-focused culture. Rhode Island has also offered me the opportunity to work on multiple facets of brokerage and expand my knowledge of the business.

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 privileged to work with many people who have provided guidance and mentorship throughout my career, but one person who provided the best life example came from outside of real estate. My dad was a high school teacher, taught at a community college and sold residential real estate. He worked three jobs at times to ensure the success of our family. He had a client-focused approach to teaching his students and saw incredible potential in each one. Many still keep him updated on their progress and success. His lessons on how treat others remains a guiding principle for my business.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I desired a career where I would have autonomy over my work and be able to decide on projects that I pursued. I enjoy working with other people, learning what drives them, and finding solutions to their problems. This led me to a career in commercial real estate. Most businesses are directly impacted by their real estate decisions. A specific location and environment can create a healthy atmosphere for success and a culture that allows employees to thrive. The fun part of our business is finding the right location that excites the people.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry? We live in a rapidly evolving world and changing business climate. What is not changing is our inherent need to connect with other people, participate in meaningful relationships and feel valued. All commercial real estate sectors will be impacted by the need to provide an atmosphere fostering positive relationships and connections. Offices will need to improve collaboration. Medical will become more focused on the patient experience. Retail will need to provide authentic interaction. As technology continues to evolve, it will increase the need for true collaboration with others.