Shown from left: Jason Lynch, Jessica Vasil, Brian Lynch and Richard Marchisio
ELMWOOD PARK, NJ — Lee & Associates New Jersey professionals have moved their affiliation to the new, Garden State-based Lee & Associates – WBE, LLC. The transition of the firm’s regional operation establishes the largest Woman-owned Business Enterprise commercial real estate brokerage firm in the New York Metropolitan area, and the only national brand with a WBE-designated operation.
Lee & Associates’ Jessica Vasil, the firm’s long-time regional operations leader, is serving as president of Lee & Associates – WBE. She will drive the company forward alongside principals Richard Marchisio, Brian Lynch and Jason Lynch. The same executive team has guided and expanded the New Jersey operation of Lee & Associates since its founding in 2009.
“We are thrilled to announce this next chapter for our organization, which coincides with Lee & Associates’ milestone 15th anniversary year in New Jersey,” Vasil said. “Our executive team has always looked holistically at how the commercial real estate industry is changing and how we can make it better. Our transition to Lee & Associates – WBE provides our current and future brokers with additional opportunities to succeed while reinforcing our corporate culture of inclusion.”
Vasil added that Lee & Associates – WBE is committed to providing an environment that can help move the needle for women in commercial real estate, an industry that still lags in the presence of female leadership at the SVP/partner and c-suite levels. CREW Network’s latest study on gender and diversity shows those metrics at just 22% and 9%, respectively. “To that end, our introduction of the WBE platform and the resulting empowerment have been met with great enthusiasm here,” she noted.
The formal roll-out of Lee & Associates – WBE occurred through the first months of 2024, with broker licenses moving from Lee & Associates New Jersey to the new entity. In late February, Lee & Associates – WBE achieved the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification, “the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses,” according to the program website. Due to the in-depth qualification process, WBENC certification is considered the industry’s gold standard.
“From a business development standpoint, the WBE is intended to open new doors for our brokerage professionals; the WBENC certification standard is accepted by thousands of corporations and government entities,” Vasil said. “Our New Jersey brokers are now positioned to serve local, state and federal government agencies; businesses and healthcare networks; and property owners. Further, our new designation has enabled the creation of a nationwide Lee & Associates WBE network spanning all 50 states and Canada.”
Vasil noted that although Lee & Associates’ Garden State offices have a new name, the company maintains the same quality service standards clients have come to expect, with an added layer that supports them in achieving their supplier diversity goals. The Lee & Associates – WBE team brings over 600 years of combined practice in commercial real estate brokerage, receivership, property management and consulting.
Lee & Associates – WBE has locations throughout New Jersey. The company is the regional operation of Lee & Associates.