Meet a NAIOP Chicago Developing Leader | Alex Salamone
Name: Alexandra Salamone
Company: Ares Industrial Management
Position: Associate – Leasing
Education: BA, Communications
Years in Real Estate: 6
1. What led you to work in the Real Estate industry? Describe your current responsibilities:
When I was in college I worked at the apartment complex I lived at and was introduced to selling apartments although not the same as Industrial Real Estate, I was introduced to the verbiage and software that I use today. My current responsibilities include overseeing the Chicago leasing market which includes properties in O’Hare, I-55/80, I-88 and Central DuPage. Additionally, I oversee the Westmount Portfolio which consists of 6M sf and 120+ tenants.
2. Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I’ve had the pleasure of learning from so many incredible people in this industry—it’s hard to name just one! Everyone I’ve crossed paths with has shared something new, whether it’s a helpful trick or a valuable piece of advice that I’ve been able to apply in my career.
3. How long have you been involved with NAIOP and what do you view as the benefits of your NAIOP Developing Leader membership?
This is my first year being officially involved with NAIOP, even though I’ve been attending events since I started in the industry. Being part of the Developing Leaders program has been such a great experience. It’s given me the chance to meet new people that I probably wouldn’t have connected with just by going to the occasional event. Instead of only having surface-level conversations, I’ve had the opportunity to actually build relationships and get to know what other people are working on across different areas of the industry.
What’s been really valuable is seeing just how important those connections are—not just for today, but for the long run. This industry is all about relationships, and through the DL Membership, I’ve been able to connect with peers, mentors, and future collaborators. It’s been awesome to hear others’ stories, share experiences, and find common ground that can lead to long-term friendships and career growth. These kinds of connections make showing up to events more meaningful, and they’ve definitely helped shape how I see my future in the industry.
4. What are your future career goals?
As I continue to take on more responsibility, I’m excited by the opportunity to expand beyond the Chicago market on the leasing side and gain insight into how other markets operate. One of my long-term goals is to lead a team of my own and share the knowledge and skills I’ve built over the years to help others grow in their careers.
5. What is the most important lesson you have learned during your career?
One thing I’ve learned—and honestly, something I don’t think gets talked about enough in college before starting your first real job—is that it’s completely okay not to have all the answers right away. When I first started out, I felt this pressure to know everything, which is just so unrealistic considering I barely knew anything about the industry at the time. What I’ve come to realize is that being upfront and saying, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out and get back to you,” is way better than giving someone the wrong answer. Taking that extra time to really understand what they’re asking not only helped me respond more accurately, it also got me thinking a few steps ahead and better prepared me for additional questions they might ask. It’s a game changer for building confidence and credibility in the long run.
6. What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to meet everyone you can—because people love to share what they’re working on! I make it a goal to connect with at least one new person each week. It’s been such a fun way to not only learn about different projects but also to build real connections beyond just a phone call.
7. Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider most significant in your career:
A project I know I’ll remember for the rest of my career is the first leasing deal I ever worked on solo. With the support of our amazing listing brokers and guidance from my manager, it felt really rewarding to lock in a tenant at a fair rate. Over the course of a few months—and lots of back-and-forth with the tenant’s broker—I learned so much just by observing and asking questions. It ended up being a fantastic experience that really opened my eyes to the leasing side of the business. If I had continued just shadowing my manager, I don’t think I would’ve discovered this path. That deal gave me the chance to negotiate, understand the submarket, research competing properties, and really get a feel for the business. Knowing what the client wanted to achieve with their renewal helped me see the big picture and gave me the confidence to step into leasing with a whole new perspective. I still think back to that experience often—and I’m even still in touch with the brokers on both sides. It was a major learning moment… and honestly, some pretty funny stories came out of it too.
8. Outside of work, how do you enjoy spending your time?
During my free time I enjoy hanging out with my husband, Mike and our mini dachshund, Lola! I like to make sourdough bread, hangout outside, and watch reality tv! I’ve recently started golf lessons so a goal of mine by the end of summer is to complete 18-holes.
9. Where is your “hidden gem” location in Chicago?
Since I’ve lived in the Chicago burbs my whole life, I don’t really have a go-to spot in the city. But there’s this place in Geneva, IL—Villa Verona—that’s easily my favorite. It’s an authentic Italian restaurant inside an old house they turned into the coziest little spot. The food is incredible, the staff are super friendly, and whether you’re hanging out on the patio in the summer or getting together during the holidays, it’s honestly the best place to visit!