2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Luis Mendonça, Elite Wellness Amenity Group

“Luis Mendonça is redefining residential living by transforming unused fitness spaces into thriving, community-centered wellness hubs. His human-first leadership style, strategic vision, and commitment to resident experience have positioned Elite Wellness Amenity Group as a leading innovator in the multifamily industry.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? I’m most proud of launching our Human-First Wellness Amenity Program. We transformed underused apartment fitness rooms into fully staffed wellness hubs with trainers, programming, and community engagement. The impact was immediate: higher resident participation, stronger sense of community, and improved retention and satisfaction – delivering real NOI value for owners. We didn’t just enhance a space; we activated belonging and lifestyle in the building.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? One major challenge I’ve overcome is shifting from being the one who does everything to being the one who builds the team that does everything. As a founder, it’s easy to believe progress depends on your hands. Learning to hire, trust, and empower others changed everything. It taught me that real leadership isn’t about control – it’s about developing people, creating clarity, and letting others rise so the mission can scale beyond you.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? My mentor Rich, an Italian carpenter who built a $50 million company from nothing.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? I inspire and mentor by leading from example and being present. I make sure my team knows *why* their work matters and how it impacts real people. We celebrate small wins, stay honest about challenges, and build a culture where feedback and growth are everyday habits. I invest in each person’s goals, not just their role. When people feel seen, supported, and challenged, they show up with ownership – not just obligation.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Focus on building relationships, not just resumes. Commercial real estate is a people-driven business, and opportunities come from trust, consistency, and follow-through. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges before you feel “ready.” The market will always evolve, but leaders who listen well, adapt quickly, and treat others with respect will always stand out.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? Morning workout and quiet planning time to set my mindset and priorities.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? Think and Grow Rich + Rockefeller’s 38 Letters shaped my mindset and leadership.