Spotlight on The Kislak Company’s leading women in business: Julie Gralla

Julie Gralla

Executive VP

Years with company/firm: 15

Years in CRE industry: 15

Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in: Having grown up within The Kislak Company, where my mother, Joni Sweetwood—now Executive Senior Vice President—has served as a distinguished broker for three decades, I was immersed in the real estate profession from an early age. In the fall of 2010, following a successful tenure in advertising at one of the world’s top four global agencies, I chose to transition my career to commercial real estate. I began by shadowing my mother and other seasoned professionals at Kislak, which laid the foundation for my continued growth and long-term commitment to the industry.

Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? I chose this field because I genuinely thrive on working with people and helping them realize their potential. I’m deeply invested in understanding my clients—their stories, goals, and motivations—and I take great pride in guiding them toward opportunities they might never have envisioned for themselves. What inspires me most about this profession is its limitless potential: every relationship, transaction, and challenge presents a new path for growth, both for my clients and for me. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the tangible success that comes from collaboration, trust, and strategic foresight.

How do you manage the work/life balance? I maintain a healthy work–life balance by being intentional about how I spend my time and focusing on what creates the most value—both professionally and personally. During the week, I concentrate my energy on the opportunities that matter most, and on weekends, I make it a point to spend meaningful time with my family, creating lasting memories together.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? Without question, my mother has been the greatest influence on my career. Her perseverance, work ethic, and remarkable success at Kislak have shaped my understanding of excellence in this industry. She’s shown me that consistency, character, and dedication are the foundation of lasting achievement.

What impact has social media/networking had on your business? Networking is truly the cornerstone of success in this industry, and I make it a priority to build and maintain relationships through every effective avenue. While I’ve always believed that the strongest connections are made in person, social media has proven to be an unexpectedly valuable complement. Through my real estate account, @Juliesellscommercial, I stay on top of market trends and maintain an informed presence in the industry, while my personal account has helped broaden my network and even led to meaningful business opportunities—including one notable deal that originated there this year. Still, I view social media as a supplement to, not a substitute for, the genuine relationships and trust built through personal interaction.

What unique qualities and/or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? I’m known for my organization, persistence, and unwavering commitment to my clients. I take pride in performing at a level few brokers do, ensuring every client feels supported and prioritized throughout the process. I’m consistently told that my accessibility and responsiveness set me apart, allowing me to build trust, anticipate needs, and deliver results that exceed expectations.

What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today? The last several years have presented an especially challenging economic environment, and navigating those fluctuations has required adaptability. Over the past 15 years, I’ve learned that while I care deeply about my clients—approaching every relationship as I would with family or close friends—I also needed to develop a thicker skin to thrive in this business. Balancing empathy with resilience has been essential, allowing me to advocate fiercely for my clients while maintaining the professionalism and composure necessary to succeed in a competitive industry.

What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced/conquered during your business career? One of the most memorable—and unusual—situations I’ve faced was when my client was on the verge of not receiving their Certificate of Occupancy. To secure it, I found myself listening to the inspector deliver an impassioned lecture on religion, complete with a full “hell and damnation” sermon. After navigating that unexpected tirade, I was able to secure the CO for my client. It’s a perfect example of how far I’ll go to advocate for those I represent.

What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Since returning from Ecore in 2024, an injury shifted my exercise routine, but my dedication to staying active remains unwavering. I primarily play tennis, which I find both challenging and energizing, and I also incorporate Pilates, barre, and spinning into my regimen. Staying physically active keeps me focused, energized, and centered, and I’ve found that maintaining a regular fitness routine is essential to thriving both personally and professionally.