Stevens Group Represents EP Levine in Waltham Lease

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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December 24, 2009

The Real Reporter – By Joe Clements

WALTHAM—It might not be the most picturesque building adorning Route 128, but 219 Bear Hill Rd. is expected to provide plenty of welcomed exposure to new tenant EP Levine now that the photographic equipment supplier has signed a long-term lease for close to 20,000 sf at the single-story, 30-year-old flex/industrial property.“They are taking a big step forward in their business,” Stevens Group principal Debra L. Stevens says after helping her client in a relocation bid that comes following 20-plus years in Boston’s Marine Industrial Park. In a growth mode, EP

Levine was shooting for a new location to accommodate its loyal base of professional photographers and the region’s growing movie industry, plus consumers who might appreciate more than a half-century of expertise by the outfit now owned by Michael Bard and Jay Callum.

While not divulging specifics of the group’s business plan, Stevens says there are “exciting plans” for EP Levine’s new digs, which the firm is slated to occupy by spring following upgrades to the building. “This is a brilliant opportunity for them,” says Stevens, citing signage that can be seen from Route 128. Also, she says, “they will be close to their current customers and new people who will be able to easily find them.” A small ancillary retail component is anticipated to service the consumer trade.

EP Levine’s Waltham facility, which will include space for mini-studios that can be rented out for professional photo shoots, came about thanks to a cooperative effort, relays Stevens, praising Grubb & Ellis SVP Thomas M. Aitken for his role representing the landlord, and a commitment by the owner as well, local investor Milton Yanofsky. “Everybody worked together really hard to make it happen,” says Stevens, who declined to provide terms on length or rental rate but says there are options in place that could ultimately have EP Levine take the entire building.