At the helm of LRE & Companies, Akki Patel has built a reputation for visionary leadership in commercial real estate development. With a deep understanding of market trends, community needs, and business strategy, Akki has led LRE’s expansion across Northern California and northwest Nevada, fostering a company culture that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
A key factor in LRE’s success is its diverse and dynamic team—professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and perspectives who bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to every project. In this Q&A, Akki shares his philosophy on building and leading a high-performing, inclusive team and why diversity is not just a value, but a strategic advantage in commercial real estate development.
1. What do the words “diverse team” mean to you?
To me, a diverse team is one that brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. It goes beyond demographics—it’s about having a variety of perspectives, skill sets, and problem-solving approaches. In an industry like commercial real estate development, where projects impact different communities, having a team that reflects that diversity ensures we are making informed, well-rounded decisions.
2. What core values guide your approach to building and leading a diverse and dynamic team at LRE?
- Collaboration & Inclusivity – I believe that the best ideas come from open discussions where all voices are heard and valued.
- Innovation & Adaptability – Our industry is constantly evolving, and I encourage my team to bring fresh ideas to the table.
- Integrity & Accountability – Success is built on trust, both within our team and with the communities we serve.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – I want my team members to take ownership of their work, think big, and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset.
- Community & Impact-Driven Leadership – Every project we take on impacts a community, and we strive to ensure those impacts are positive and lasting.
3. How do you ensure that your team brings a mix of perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise to the table, and why is that important specifically in commercial real estate development?
At LRE & Companies, we intentionally hire individuals with diverse professional experiences—whether that’s in finance, urban planning, hospitality, or construction. Each of these backgrounds contributes something unique to our projects, helping us see opportunities and challenges from multiple angles.
Diversity in commercial real estate development is especially important because no two markets are the same. A project that works in one city may not work in another, and we need team members who understand different communities, regulatory landscapes, and economic conditions. When we bring together people with different expertise, we make better, more informed decisions that lead to successful developments.
4. What strategies have you implemented to foster an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute?
- Open Communication & Active Listening – I encourage open dialogue where team members feel comfortable sharing their insights, and I make it a priority to listen.
- Mentorship & Professional Growth – Investing in our team’s development ensures we grow together as a company. I want my team members to have long-term career paths at LRE.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration – Our team members work across different areas—development, leasing, construction—to ensure diverse input in decision-making.
- Flexible & Adaptive Leadership – Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all; I tailor my approach based on my team’s strengths and career aspirations.
- Recognition & Empowerment – People perform their best when they feel valued. I make sure my team knows that their contributions matter.
5. Can you share an example of how having a diverse team has led to innovative solutions or success in one of your projects?
One great example is the Gateway Project in Eureka, California, where we worked closely with the City of Eureka and the Coastal Commission to bring a new Starbucks location to the area. This project required us to navigate strict coastal regulations, address local community concerns, and align with the city’s broader economic vision.
Because our team has expertise across real estate development, municipal governance, construction, and franchise operations, we were able to:
- Work through complex regulatory approvals with efficiency.
- Partner with city officials to ensure our project aligned with Eureka’s long-term growth strategy.
- Leverage our experience in retail and hospitality to create a location that would thrive in the market.
The success of this project was directly tied to having a team that could approach challenges from different perspectives, anticipate roadblocks, and find creative solutions.
6. What advice would you give to other leaders in the industry looking to cultivate a strong, diverse, and high-performing team?
- Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience – Look for people with unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities rather than just industry tenure. Personality is an important trait in our industry and when working with teams. Skills can be learned, but interpersonal skills and personality cannot.
- Create a Culture of Inclusion – Diversity means nothing if employees don’t feel valued and empowered to contribute.
- Encourage Cross-Industry Learning – Some of our best insights have come from professionals outside of traditional real estate.
- Invest in Professional Development – A team grows stronger when its members have the opportunity to develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Foster a Collaborative Environment – The best ideas come when teams work together, respect different viewpoints, and challenge each other to be better.
At the end of the day, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategic advantage. The more perspectives we have at the table, the better decisions we make, and the more successful our projects become.