Hyatt Commercial's Sales Retreat 2025: Strengthening Culture, Celebrating Success

At Hyatt Commercial, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how we do business and achieve success. Our 2025 Sales Retreat at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation was a perfect blend of learning, celebration, and inspiration. The day underscored the core values that guide us: Entrepreneurial Grit, Playing the Long Game, Building through Community, and Keeping an Eye on the Horizon.

A Morning of Connection and Reflection

The day began at 8:40 AM with an introduction, coffee, and a breakfast spread provided by Nico’s Bagels, a beloved client represented by John Gallagher. As we gathered, the energy in the room reflected the excitement of a new year and the opportunities ahead.

At 9:00 AM, Alex Laperouse of Greenberg Gibbons kicked off the sessions with insights into what makes brokerage teams stand out when pitching business. Known for his trademark energy and positivity, Alex brought a wealth of experience, including lessons from his early days as a property manager at Greenberg Gibbons, working alongside junior brokers leasing Annapolis Towne Centre.

Now leading Greenberg Gibbons Properties, Alex shared invaluable insight from a landlord's perspective. He emphasized the importance of deep market knowledge, key connections, and a keen ability to close deals. His focus on operational excellence and aligning team members’ goals highlighted how intentional leadership fosters a winning culture.

Alex also reflected on creating team environments where success thrives—not by adding happy hours or napping pods, but by cultivating alignment, grit, and excellence. His phrase, “Time Carries All Freight,” resonated deeply, serving as a powerful reminder to stay patient and persistent when working toward long-term success.

Celebrating Wins and Milestones

By mid-morning, we shifted our focus to celebrating the achievements of 2024. Recognizing individual and team efforts is central to our culture at Hyatt, and this year’s awards reflected just that:

• Service Award: Philip Hager
• Game Changer Award: Eduardo Trujillo
• Moment of the Year: The Ladies of Hyatt- Treva Ghattas , Laurie Murphy-Zuiderhof , Gabrielle Titow , Leila Sydykova , Judith Neighoff & Kathryn Lillefloren
• Top Producer: John Gallagher

We also elevated two key team members, John Gallagher and Cecil Cummins, to Executive Vice President—a testament to their exceptional leadership and contributions.

Midday Inspiration and Reconnection

Lunch, catered by Main & Market, provided an opportunity to connect with colleagues and recharge for the afternoon sessions. At 12:30 PM, Ray Ritchey of Boston Properties took the stage, captivating the Hyatt team with his journey from humble beginnings to decades of remarkable success.

A bona fide legend in the commercial real estate industry and a former Naval Academy midshipman, Ray shared how discipline and focus shaped his career. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and effectively communicating a property’s value beyond its price.

Ray’s philosophy on "creating opportunities to get lucky" underscored the value of preparation and adaptability. His commitment to nurturing long-term relationships emerged as a cornerstone of his success. Through engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, Ray left attendees inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives on advancing their careers.

Looking Forward Together

The retreat concluded with a roundtable discussion focused on one key question: "How can WE get better?" This collaborative session underscored the importance of teamwork and innovation. It was inspiring to hear the diverse perspectives and ideas that will shape our future.

Living Our Core Values

Throughout the day, it became clear that the speakers and discussions were perfectly aligned with Hyatt Commercial’s core values:

• Entrepreneurial Grit: Showing up every day with passion, creativity, and purpose.
• Playing the Long Game: Building trust, delivering genuine results, and sustaining long-term relationships.
• Building through Community: Achieving success through collaboration and a shared commitment to improving those around us.
• Keeping an Eye on the Horizon: Staying ahead of trends and embracing industry-leading technologies.

The 2025 Sales Retreat wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of who we are and a recommitment to what drives us. At Hyatt Commercial, our strength lies in our people, and together, we’re ready to tackle the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.

Thanks to the Hyatt team for attending: Justin Mullen , Dennis Murphy , Bill Steffey , John Gallagher , Laurie Murphy-Zuiderhof , Cecil Cummins , John Sindler , Judith Neighoff , Eduardo Trujillo , Leila Sydykova , George Shenas , Jeff Griesbauer , Randy Miller , Treva Ghattas , Eric Pinkett , Collin Mercier , Philip Hager , Gabrielle Titow , & Kathryn Lillefloren