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Artists, architects, and designers have inspired each other and pushed each other to new heights since time immemorial, with their creations influenced by peers, honed by individual practice, and guided by effective mentorships. The entrepreneurial experience is much the same, with new , trends, and strategies being shared, observed, and taught year over year, pushing ambitious professionals to innovate and adapt. The intersection of these two worlds is, therefore, unsurprisingly, a field rife with innovation, ambition, and impressive individual portfolios that tell their own stories.

For Las Vegas-based entrepreneur and founder of real estate design firm DONTBECHI Designs, , the influence of his various mentors, peers, and competitors cannot be understated. Since starting his real estate journey with rental real estate LLCs in Chicago and delving into real estate analytics and investment strategies, Pocius has expanded his knowledge and changed his base of operations to the Las Vegas area. With nearly a decade of professional experience at a number of real estate firms performing acquisition and management roles, Pocius has proven his ability to navigate the dynamic real estate industry and produce his own aesthetic and functional community spaces.

By leveraging innovative design concepts that enhance both form and function, Jay Pocius applies his passion for architecture and carries on the lessons his mentors and peers have taught him. As a business owner in his own right, Pocius is more than just a student—he is a leader and teacher, a mentor for other, younger professionals working their way into an incredibly dynamic industry. In both roles, as mentor and mentee, relishes the valuable experiences that come from these reciprocal relationships.

Foundational Lessons From Chicago

When asked about the most impactful period of his professional life, Jayson R. Pocius immediately speaks of his time working under Hasani Steele at the Steele Consulting Group in Chicago. Pocius�� time working beneath the seasoned real estate developer taught him the importance of blending aesthetics with function, ensuring that every project not only serves its occupants�� needs but also enhances the community as a whole. Pocius�� own DONTBECHI Designs has been incredibly and directly influenced by the lessons he learned from Steele.

“One of the key lessons I took from Hasani is that the design of a space must tell a story and have an emotional connection with its users, all while maintaining sustainability and long-term viability,�� Pocius explains. “This has shaped the foundation of DONTBECHI Designs as a firm that focuses on design excellence while fostering a deep commitment to community-focused developments.��

While much of Pocius’s work at this time involved real estate acquisition and management, underwriting, and so on, his mentorship under Hasani Steele would teach him enough to change the course of his professional career. Like many great moments in a person’s life, a single conversation with his mentor changed his perspective and made all the difference. Steele’s lesson was simple: a development’s success doesn’t come from the financial numbers; it comes from the lasting positive impact it leaves on a community. This realization changed Jayson Robert Pocius�� career forever.

“That conversation made me realize that my true passion lay in the design and transformation of spaces, not just in acquiring land or maximizing profit margins,�� says Pocius. “This advice helped me shift my focus to establishing my own firm where I could blend design with real estate development, allowing me to have a more personal stake in the process of community revitalization.

Rising To The Challenge

As the founder of his design firm, has chosen to be a leader in his industry, with all the responsibility that entails. New professionals in real estate and design need guidance and an environment conducive to growth; Pocius and DONTBECHI Designs can provide precisely those. Jayson Robert Pocius chooses to lead by example as much as possible, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that empowered his own growth, while fostering an open, collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and all that entails.

“I encourage them to take ownership of their work while also providing the space for them to experiment and grow creatively,�� Pocius explains. “One of my approaches is to share both the successes and failures of past projects, helping them understand the real-world implications of their decisions.��

As a leader, Pocius is often looking for specific traits or values in new team members or mentees that indicate their potential. There are three of these specific traits that come up most often: a passion for design, the ability to think critically, and an openness to learning. Combined, these three traits often indicate a person who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and is eager to bring fresh ideas to meetings and development work. Once such promising candidates are identified, Pocius�� mentorship takes the form of guidance, encouragement, and accountability. By ensuring that his team members are encouraged to explore new aspects of the design process, as well as getting them access to continuous learning in the form of formal training, networking, or hands-on work, Pocius supports their development and passes on the lessons that have helped him so well.

“My leadership style has evolved to be more about empowering others, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,�� he says. “As a mentor, I now focus more on facilitating their growth rather than directing every decision, allowing space for them to develop their own leadership abilities.��

The Long-Term Value of Mentorship

Mentorship has made a long-lasting positive impact on Jayson Robert Pocius�� career and personal life, from both sides of the relationship. It’s impacted his career choices, his entrepreneurial journey, and his leadership philosophy in ways that are still playing out today. His mentorship under Hasani Steele and his time at KB �첩���¹��� shifted his perspective on developing to meet communities�� long-term needs, and his leadership of younger professionals has been incredibly fulfilling to him. From taking lessons on real estate acquisition and development to watching his own mentees apply new lessons to their own projects, these relationships have been life-changing. He still speaks with his old mentors on a regular basis, ensuring that these positive relationships endure the tests of time.

In Pocius�� own words: “Their insights continue to shape my thinking, reminding me of the fundamentals of good design and development while encouraging me to think big and stay true to my vision. Their experience in navigating the complexities of the industry has been a constant source of guidance, and I am grateful for their continued mentorship.��