Spotlight on The Kislak Company’s leading women in business: Janet Bortz

Janet Bortz

Executive VP

Years with company/firm: 25

Years in field: 27

Years in CRE industry: 27

Real estate organizations/ affiliations: NJAA, NJ Professional Real Estate Women and EWGA (Executive Women Golf Association)

Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in: About 27 years ago I changed careers, moving from product marketing to real estate. After working two years in real estate development, I joined The Kislak Company, a commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment real estate. I began my career at Kislak as a Sales Associate and was promoted to a Vice President in 2006, Senior Vice President in 2019 and Executive Vice President in 2022. I continue to rank as a top producer.

Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? After working in the corporate sector for over 10 years, I wanted to move to a more entrepreneurial environment with more independence and higher income potential.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2025? With higher interest rates and perceived economic risk, deals were challenging to close. It was typical to have multiple buyers on deals. Both buyers and banks had tight parameters and were extremely cautious on every issue. Given this difficult environment, I closed over $28M in multifamily transactions.

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2025? A multifamily property of 100+ units in Dutchess County, New York. It took three buyers and nine months before closing. Very challenging.

How do you manage the work/life balance? I focus on transactions in my primary markets and work only on exclusive listings. Time management and targeting salable assets results in balance.

What impact has social media/networking had on your business? Digital access moves deals, due diligence and closings, much more efficiently and faster. The client reach has dramatically grown for access to real estate information globally, as well as brokers ability to promote and market.

What unique qualities and/or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? Organized, assertive, persistent, thorough and hard working. Enjoying people and having a sense of humor and a realistic and intuitive feel for what is required to make a deal. Time management is a must.

What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today? Learning to accept failure as part of growth and success. Need to persevere over adversity. Second is to welcome constructive criticism to facilitate personal and career growth.

Do you feel being a woman is an advantage, disadvantage or no advantage in today’s business world? Why? Why not? No advantage. Success is all about human relations skill development and exceeding personal and company performance goals. Getting results for clients is what matters.

What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field? Working hard and staying humble enough to listen and learn. Be confident, genuine and your own style. Don’t imitate, create!