Stevens Group Represents Plum Voice in New HQ 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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The Real Reporter – Joe Clements

September 2010

BOSTON MA – After a decade in the South End, a growing voice recognition company has moved over to the Hub’s eclectic Back Bay district, taking down 2,500 sf at 607 Boylston St. Debra Stevens of ITRA/Stevens Group represented Plum Voice in negotiating terms with the landlord, 607 Boylston Associates, an entity owned by developer Stuart Pratt that was represented by NAI Hunneman Commercial Co. SVP Chris Gotfredson and StuartPratt Jr.

“We are very pleased with how everything turned out,” says Plum Voice principal Andrew Kuan. “The space is really beautiful and you couldn’t ask for a more centralized location.” The sixth-floor office provides views of the Boston Public Library, Copley Square and the historic Old South Church, he notes, while a Green Line subway station next door met the firm’s criteria to be near public transportation. “That was one of our big issues,” relays Kuan, as was a desire by employees to be amidst plentiful shopping and dining venues. “The food options are outstanding,” he says.

Plum Voice did consider properties in Downtown Crossing and Fort Point Channel, but Kuan says there was not enough of an office component in Downtown Crossing and not enough of anything in Fort Point Channel. “It’s really dead over there,” he relays.

Comparatively speaking, the Back Bay is a beehive of activity, he says, with the residential base and retail anchored by Newbury Street around the corner from his firm’s new headquarters helping to accentuate the office inventory that now exceeds 12 million sf. Business-to-business opportunities should also be enhanced, he adds, which will enable Plum Voice to build upon the growth spurt that prompted the need for new space initially. “We’ve been falling all over each other,” says Kuan, whereas the expansion to double the elbow room will enable the firm to add people and still have adequate facilities.

Kuan also credits 607 Boylston Associates for offering a viable rate and the open-floor layout Plum Voice was desiring. “The landlord was very good to us,” he says, while also praising Stevens for fulfilling the firm’s requirements. “We were new to the (space search) process, so having someone experienced who could walk us through everything was very helpful,” he says. “She gave us some real perspective and made sure there weren’t any contractual issues that would be a problem for us later on.”