Jason Zimmel, 25, sales associate, Zimmel Associates, has just marked his one-year work anniversary at the Edison, NJ-based corporate real estate services firm. He has a degree in business management from Monmouth University, where he studied at the prestigious Kislak School of Real Estate. He is a member of the New Jersey chapter of IOREBA. “I have always known that I wanted a career in real estate,” he said. “I think to be successful and happy in life, you have to enjoy what you do for a living. Real estate is a family tradition for us and I grew up in and around people in the industry.” Established in 1986 by his father, David Zimmel, CEO, and grandfather, Bernard Zimmel (1928-2014), Zimmel Associates handles more than 5 million s/f of New Jersey industrial and office space on an exclusive basis and is consistently awarded Power Broker status by Co-Star. Two of Jason’s older brothers, Jordan Zimmel, vice president, and Jaime Zimmel, vice president, work at the firm. Jason said that during his first few months at work he found out that closing deals was not as simple as he anticipated. “My father’s experience and long-term relationships with clients and leaders in the industry makes it look easier than it is,” he said. “Learning the nuances of the industry and how to best serve clients is an on-going process.”Jason focused on the office and industrial space market in 2017 and through hard work and perseverance closed numerous lease transactions in his first year. “I felt a sense of relief with my first office space deal and gained more confidence with every transaction I handled,” he said. “My grandfather’s philosophy was to try to truly understand the needs of a tenant, how his or her business works, to ensure our recommendations work for them for the short and long term. I keep that principal in mind because our company is built on repeat business, referrals and long-term relationships. One of the highlights of his first year was working with David Zimmel on an office building sale to Cyzner Properties. “I mentioned that the building was well suited for conversion to storage space. My father liked the idea and presented it to Cyzner, who agreed to buy the building. Working with my father and my brothers, who are successful brokers in their own right, gives me the opportunity to take part in a wide range of transactions.” “I am lucky to be in an environment that supports my professional growth,” he said. "The other side of that is there are expectations to live up to as my brothers have preceded me in joining the business and are making their own mark on the industry and Zimmel Associates." Jason played hockey in college, as did both of his brothers. Today, he is an avid golfer with a 5 handicap and plays golf regularly with his father, David Zimmel and brothers, Jaime and Jordan. He said they all have a competitive spirit that drives them to succeed.“My father and grandfather taught us how to compete and still enjoy and support each other’s successes,” he said. “At work we are all on the same team. A love of sports is one of the bonds we all share. We have a great time on the golf course and often play with others in the industry.” When asked what he would say to other young sales associates who are new to working in the industry he said, “I was hard on myself the first few months. If a deal did not happen, I was concerned that I should have shown more properties or did something wrong. The best advice my father gave me was to not be afraid of making mistakes. Instead, be productive, persevere and always move forward.”With an eye on the future, Jason said he wants to introduce new clients to Zimmel Associates, forge new business relationships and make more deals. “I strive to continue the Zimmel Associates legacy of high productivity and integrity, while learning as much as I can, in order to succeed."