Real Estate
Top Commercial Broker Donegan McCuaig Explains the Uniqueness of Leasing Commercial Space to Millenial Small Business Owners

In the fast-paced realm of commercial real estate, securing long-term leases necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive needs and aspirations of the millennial demographic. Recognizing this trend early on, Donegan McCuaig, the visionary founder of Quixotic Realty, has spearheaded a revolution in the commercial space landscape with his focus on serving small business owners, particularly those of the millennial generation.
As an experienced and well-respected commercial leasing professional with a deep understanding of the ever-evolving commercial market in Downtown and the greater Los Angeles area, Donegan offers clients a wealth of expertise, assisting them in securing leases for their properties for the past 13 years.
While exploring the complex terrain of commercial real estate, he discovers a captivating dynamic that demands attention: the landlords are a heterogeneous mixture of baby boomers and millennials, the latter being the descendants of the esteemed baby boomer generation. Although this generational split has sparked significant interest in understanding the ever-evolving business landscape, its implications must be addressed in real estate and property management. Donegan, who often works with mom and pop business owners, is crucial in this context.
Donegan finds himself uniquely positioned to demonstrate that effectively managing and engaging with millennial business owner tenants requires a tailored approach and recalibration of expectations. Acutely aware of the deep emotional sensibilities prevalent among millennials, he highlights that landlords and property managers need to empathize with the perspective of millennial business owners. They need to consider how their actions may be perceived during negotiations carefully.
Additionally, Donegan prioritizes maintaining a positive relationship with millennial business owners beyond signing the lease. When it comes to millennial small business owners, he recommends that landlords and property managers give more than they take. Donegan points out, “It’s no wonder millennials can take offense to landlord behavior during negotiations. They are accustomed to a higher level of transparency and understanding, which landlords may hesitate to provide.” To resolve this issue, he advises landlords and property managers to comprehensively explain their policies and practices to tenants.
The key to building enduring and fruitful relationships between landlords, property managers, and tenants is to embrace an open and straightforward approach. Donegan affirms, “Transparency is our commitment when dealing with young tenants, readily adjusting and compromising as necessary.” He acknowledges the millennial generation’s communication preferences at length, highlighting their preference for an open dialogue. Through applying this guiding principle, Donegan and Quixotic Realty have built an expanding network of satisfied millennial clients and an ever-growing base of loyal clients.
Understanding and valuing millennials’ distinctive characteristics assumes a heightened positive significance when engaging with them as business owners. Due to their collaborative nature and preference for empathic communication, millennials may emphasize collaboration and teamwork over individual responsibility. As a result, it becomes imperative to recognize millennials’ unique circumstances, acknowledge their emotions, and truly understand their perspective. This pivotal approach takes precedence, paving the way for more prosperous and harmonious relationships to flourish.
When landlords carefully examine millennial business owners’ unique requirements and expectations, they can create an environment that fosters compliance and collaboration. By empathizing with tenants and engaging in collaborative efforts, a more harmonious relationship can be forged, leading to heightened success and satisfaction for both parties involved.
Unlike conventional brokers, Donegan emerged as a prominent industry member during the era of social networking sites and search engine optimization, positioning him as a leader in adopting digital marketing methods. When larger organizations relied solely on conventional approaches such as signage, name recognition, and email lists, his early adoption enabled him to navigate the complex commercial real estate landscape efficiently.
Through his unmatched expertise, Donegan’s dedication shines through as he diligently cultivates enduring and prosperous relationships between commercial landlords, property managers, and their millennial tenants. With a refreshingly empathetic and open approach to his work, he provides an insightful perspective aimed at understanding millennials’ needs and providing crucial support. Donegan’s vision is poised to leave an indelible mark on commercial real estate for many years.
