Ryan Acone, co-founder and managing partner at EVO Real Estate Group, began his real estate career seven years ago as a developer. Acone founded ROCK Development in 2015, a partnership in which he spearheaded acquisitions, marketing and sales for the firm. Focusing primarily on zoning deals and condo conversions in the city, he quickly developed a niche for identifying off-market opportunities.

Recognizing a void in construction expertise in the broker space, Acone pivoted from his focus as a developer to launch the EVO Real Estate Group in 2019. Partnering with fellow developer Ricky Beliveau and general contractor Jack Ordway, the firm quickly established itself as an industry leader in new-construction representation. Now representing many of Greater Boston’s most respected builders and developers, Acone has negotiated hundreds of real estate transactions totaling over $500 million in traded assets.

Acone credits the firm’s construction, development and investment background as a major differentiator from the traditional brokerage experience. “When working with our developer clients, we understand what they want and need because we’ve been in their shoes,” he says. “We have a thorough understanding of the costs, materials, timelines and other nuances involved in the zoning and construction processes.” This knowledge is also beneficial when assisting savvy investors and first-time homebuyer clients. “Understanding the long-term trajectory of property values, which are often driven by future local development projects, can help position a client for financial freedom,” he comments. “We pride ourselves in being the experts in new-construction representation and investment strategy, so it’s crucial every agent on our team is well-versed in these realms,” he added.

As managing partner of EVO, Acone provides leadership and support to everyone at the company. The team, he notes, is truly collaborative but also competitive. “As the great Jim Rohn said, ‘Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.’”