The early days of a career may sound like they'd be light on responsibilities and free from significant worries but, as we all know, that is simply not true. The first decade or so of professional work can make or break a career; certainly they establish a reputation in a market for better or worse. With these thoughts in mind, we set about finding 50 individuals under 40 who have forged a strong career path for themselves by delivering a strong value-add to their companies. We hope you agree that we hit the mark with our selection this year.

THOMAS S. ALLEN During the pandemic, the Practice Cos. didn't lose a single employee despite enormous uncertainty in the broader market. As the pandemic progressed, CEO Thomas Allen led the firm to a twofold increase in revenues. Allen has 14 years of industry experience, including eight years as the head of the Practice Cos., which includes Practice Real Estate Group, Practice Transitions Group and Practice Capital. While the company continues to expand, he is responsible for leading development projects and acquisition efforts, while also managing his own list of clients. Allen is a top-performing broker within the firm. He holds a deep understanding of how each business works in commercial real estate negotiations; handling each transaction from the perspective of his clients with the goal of reducing risk and creating a strong economic deal. He is described as ambitious and always on the lookout for growth opportunities. As the organization's leader, Allen focuses on the values that build trust with each client and each member of his team. He demonstrates the importance of the company's core values in his own business dealings, as well as with the company as a whole. Allen was initially drawn to commercial real estate because of its entrepreneurial aspect and the fact that it provides compensation based on effort. He encourages others to outwork everyone around them and to seek growth opportunities that are always available to those willing to work for them.

SARAH ANDERSON Sarah Anderson has been involved in more than $10 billion in real estate equity and financings with major institutional and private owners during her decade-long career in seniors housing capital markets. Anderson began her career in senior housing in 2012 at a time when the investor landscape had shifted from REIT buyers to private equity looking to invest. As a result, Anderson worked alongside many private equity buyers entering seniors housing and devoted much of her time to educating new lending sources and private equity investment committees on the dynamics of the seniors housing industry, a priority she maintains today. As a managing director in Newmark's healthcare and seniors housing platform, Anderson is responsible for senior housing-related debt origination and structured finance throughout the US. Her expertise includes sourcing construction financing, bridge financing, joint-venture and preferred equity placement, and permanent financing through government-sponsored enterprises and life companies. During the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Anderson and her team facilitated successful transactions and closed more than $2.5 billion in senior housing financings despite severe headwinds and the need to restructure transactions to account for short-term pandemic-related risk. Anderson was introduced to the industry by her husband and her late father-in-law, both of whom worked in the industry. She was drawn to the fast-paced and challenging nature of capital markets, the outgoing personalities and the opportunity to nurture her competitive spirit that she developed as an athlete growing up.