Fed Survey Says New England Companies Generally Upbeat

Boston, Commercial Real Estate, News, Tenant Representation

Founded in 1980, The Stevens Group is a Boston-based commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm with more than four decades of experience helping companies make informed real estate decisions. Today, our practice is centered on Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation, providing independent, conflict-free guidance to tenants and occupiers throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

We advise clients on site selection, negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, consolidations, and specialized office, R&D/lab, industrial and flex requirements. As the Boston affiliate of the International Tenant Representative Alliance (ITRA Global), we can also support clients across the U.S. and internationally while maintaining the senior- level, hands-on service of an independent firm.

The Stevens Group has been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) since 2011 and is proud to celebrate 15 years of certification in 2026.

What inspired you to start your company, and what has shaped your journey woman business owner in CRE?

The Stevens Group was founded by my parents, Mark and Debra Stevens, in 1980, and I joined the firm in 2013. My mother had a remarkable career in commercial real estate and showed me firsthand what was possible for a woman in the industry, while my father was an equally important mentor and supporter. Since Debra’s passing last year, carrying forward what they built has taken on added meaning. I am proud of our history and committed to positioning The Stevens Group for the future while preserving the integrity, reputation, and client focus that define us.

What are you most proud of about the company you’ve built?

I am most proud of the trust we have earned and the long-standing relationships we have built with clients over more than four decades. Our size and independence allow us to stay closely involved, be responsive, and give objective advice. I also value that we have continued to evolve and stay current while remaining true to how we do business.

Celebrating 15 years as a certified women business enterprise is another milestone I am especially proud of.

What are you most excited about for your company and its future?

I am excited to continue expanding the ways we support clients as their real estate needs become more complex. We have the advantage of being nimble, experienced, and highly personal in our approach, while our ITRA Global affiliation gives clients broader reach when they need it. I see the next chapter as thoughtful growth, interesting assignments, and continuing to strengthen our reputation as a trusted advisor to corporate occupiers.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you, and what perspective would you share with women considering starting a business of their own?

Being a woman-owned business is meaningful to me because it reflects how far opportunities for women in commercial real estate have come. CRE Brokerage is a demanding career, but I believe women can build successful businesses and careers in this industry without having to choose between professional growth and the other priorities in their lives. My advice is to seek out strong mentors and advisors, trust your expertise and create a culture that values high performance and flexibility. The right environment can make a meaningful difference in sustaining a rewarding career over time.

FOUNDED: 1980

HEADQUARTERS: Boston, MA

SPECIALTIES: Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation; Office, R&D/Lab, Industrial & Flex Requirements

MARKETS SERVED: Greater Boston/Massachusetts; and national and international supportand consulting

WOMAN-OWNED SINCE: 2011

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September 8, 2010

Boston Globe – By Robert Gavin, Globe Staff

The New England economy fared better than the nation as a whole in recent weeks, as businesses in several of the region’s key industries reported “upbeat” results, according to a Federal Reserve survey released today.

The survey, which comes out eight times a year, said the national economy appeared to slow significantly in recent months, while business conditions across New England were “positive on average.” Still, some industries, such as retail and real estate, struggled.

The New England “outlook varies widely across sectors, from largely positive in manufacturing and software to cautious in retail and tourism and mixed among commercial real estate professionals,” the Fed reported.

The survey, known as the Beige Book, collects anecdotal information from businesses around the country in advance of the Fed’s rate-setting meetings. Policy makers are expected to hold the Fed’s benchmark interest rate near zero when they meet September 21.

New England manufacturers reported solid growth recently, with many citing strong demand from Europe, according to the Fed. They continue to hire cautiously, however, and employment at most firms remains below 2008 levels.

On the other hand, many New England software firms said they’ve added workers as revenues increased as much as 15 percent from a year ago. Staffing firms reported the greatest demand for workers came from technology companies, as well as light manufacturers and health care providers.

Tourism in New England was stronger than expected, but retailers are struggling with weak consumer spending, the survey said. Some retailers reported sales declines of as much as 10 percent from a year ago.

Leasing activity in commercial real estate was largely flat, while housing sales fell sharply in July as a result of the expiration of the federal home buyers tax credit, according to the Fed. Some real estate firms were optimistic that record low-interest rates and an improving economy would provide new sparks to home sales, but others expected slow going without the tax credit or a significant reduction in unemployment.