The NAR National Commercial Awards program honors members who received an award or recognition for their exceptional service and contributions to their local/state REALTOR® association, one of NAR’s affiliated Institutes, Societies or Councils, the commercial real estate industry or their community.
Nominated By: Commercial Association of REALTORS® New Mexico (CARNM)
Greg Leach, MBOE, SIOR, is the owner of Sycamore Associates in Albuquerque, N.M., a commercial real estate firm specializing in office and industrial real estate. A longtime board member and past president of CARNM, Leach says the award is particularly meaningful because it comes from his peers, who are also competitors.
He believes his commitment to serving clients, the profession and the community ultimately led to the award, evidenced by his service on a nonprofit board working to improve affordable housing for seniors. Leach has a master’s degree in business and operational excellence from The Ohio State University in Columbus.
Q: Joining the family business was not your original career plan. What changed?
Joining the family business was not a straight-line plan. My grandfather and uncle founded the firm. After studying communications at the University of New Mexico, I worked in operations, sales and customer service before moving to Ohio to earn my master’s. I worked in Ohio for a while, but I wanted to be closer to family. Also, I missed the sunshine. About that time, my uncle reached out. My grandfather had passed away, and he was looking for another broker he could trust who would help grow the business.
Q: Was it a difficult transition changing industries?
Initially, it was challenging to move from employee to 1099 contractor and adjust to a 100% commission pay structure. And there’s a learning curve to grasp the language of commercial real estate and how things work. My master’s training was in lean management and process improvement. That helped me discover what I liked doing—building relationships, making deals and solving complex business and financial puzzles—all skills that naturally apply to commercial brokerage. So, while it wasn’t a default career, it definitely became the right fit for me.
Q: So, how did you approach integrating yourself into commercial real estate?
I initially focused on small projects. It gave me exposure to all aspects of our business and helped me gain knowledge before taking on the big deals. Earning my Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® designation was a huge milestone. It was both a validation and a new level of accountability. Beyond recognizing my production, it connected me with an outstanding global network of industrial and office specialists.
Q: Talk about your involvement in the affordable housing for seniors nonprofit group.
I think you need a purpose behind what you do. In 2017, a client approached me about serving on the board of Encino Development and Management Mission, a nonprofit that focuses on affordable housing for seniors. It’s been incredible being surrounded by exceptionally smart, thoughtful and engaged people who care deeply about improving seniors’ lives.
For two years, we’ve worked to leverage tax credits to improve housing in the first of four large multifamily properties. We’ve just hired an executive director, which should speed the process for the remaining three properties.
Q: It is evident that family is important to you. How do you balance work and family?
It’s so hard. I have a 2-year-old, a 7-year-old and a wife who works full-time. Balance doesn’t mean dividing every day in half. Balance comes down to being intentional: communicating when work will be demanding, protecting meaningful time together and being genuinely present when I am there.
Q: What advice would you offer someone new to the industry?
My sister has just joined the business, so I have real experience in this. I advised her to view the initial time as an apprenticeship, find a mentor and choose a niche where she can develop genuine expertise and build a reputation. Learn the businesses you’re interacting with, including the how and the why behind their real estate needs. Focus on building trust, show them you’re competent and add value. There may not be an immediate reward, but it will pay off.
