ITRA Announces Major Expansion in China

Boston, 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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June 18, 2008

Chicago, IL – ITRA, an international tenant representative alliance, together with its strategic partner AsiaPac International, is pleased to announce a major expansion in China. With the addition of several new locations, ITRA now has coverage in 8 key markets of China including: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Wuxi.

In making the announcement, Ronald R. Pollina, President and Chairman of the Board of ITRA said “with the addition of these new locations, ITRA and its affiliated offices now have the expanded capabilities to provide our international corporate clients with the real estate services they need to effectively do business in China”. ITRA has also expanded in the US with the recent addition of ITRA/Rios Commercial in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and ITRA/The TEGRA Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

With locations in over 65 major markets throughout the United States, Asia Pacific Rim, Latin America and Europe, ITRA, with its AsiaPac affiliation, is the largest exclusive tenant representation organization in the world. ITRA offers a unique approach to Corporate Real Estate Services. While other global real estate organizations represent both the landlord and the tenant, ITRA only represents the corporate users of space. Furthermore, ITRA is made up of senior brokers who offer not only the traditional services of leasing, dispositions, renewals, acquisitions and dispositions, but also state and local incentives, lease auditing, lease management, lease negotiations, location analysis, project management, strategic consulting, and space planning, etc. All of these services are offered with the objective of achieving the best financial, business and lease terms, while eliminating the potential conflict that exists with traditional brokers.

For more information regarding ITRA, contact ITRA’s Administrative Offices at 1.888.925.4872 (Canada and US) or 1.706.654.3201 (International) or by email at itra@itraglobal.com, or visit the ITRA website at https://www.itraglobal.com/.