Driving Deals: NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. Leaders Define CRE Excellence

Setting New Benchmarks for Success in Northern & Central NJ

Catherine Goski-Vasque

Associate Vice President

Years with company/firm: 12

Years in field: 12

Real estate organizations/affiliations: IOREBA, Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Association of Business Women

How do you define success, beyond transaction volume, and how has that evolved since you started?

Success is having solid relationships with clients and being able to work together to achieve their goals. Having a group of clients that trust me with their overall real estate needs, come back to me repeatedly and recommend me to their colleagues is something that has grown through the years and is very meaningful to me.

What is the most under-the-radar trend in CRE right now that you believe will fundamentally reshape the market over the next 5 years?

One that I believe will continue to reshape the industry over the next five years is the rise of adaptive reuse and mixed-use development. We’re seeing a clear shift away from single-purpose properties toward dynamic, multi-functional spaces that better reflect how people live, work and shop today. Ultimately, the next five years will be shaped by how creatively we can repurpose space to meet modern needs.

What advice do you have for other businesswomen on building a powerful, supportive network?

Getting involved in networking groups, local chambers of commerce and attending industry events is a great way to get to know women in the industry. The most impactful way is to take time to get to know people beyond work.

What is your most effective practice/routine for maintaining energy, focus and a sustainable work-life balance?

While this career allows a flexible schedule, I work at least eight hours a day and go to the office as much as possible. I have a set schedule for the gym and I try to shut down on the weekends. This creates a framework for productivity and being around other people energizes me.

Share a time when you had to rely on intuition and confidence for a deal others were hesitant about/what was the result?

It is actually something that I am in the middle of right now. A property that a client really wanted was a little out of market range. I did some homework on comps and shared the information with my client to come up with an offer substantially below asking. Without knowing how it would be received, we were able to get off the starting line and have entered into negotiations.