Home2025G to MROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — G to M
Home2025G to MROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — G to M
2025G to MROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — G to M

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — G to M

As one of the most vibrant and dynamic real estate markets in the nation, New Jersey is home to a diverse group of professionals who are driving innovation, influencing trends, and shaping the industry landscape. Our annual feature on “Real Estate Influencers” shines a spotlight on over 200 key figures who stand out for their remarkable contributions and impact. These influencers encompass a range of roles. From developers and brokers to thought leaders and advocates, each plays a pivotal role in transforming the real estate sector across the state.

The selection of these influencers is based on criteria that reflect their level of impact and leadership within New Jersey’s real estate market. One of the key factors that contributed to their inclusion is their innovative practices. Many of these leaders are at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge technologies and approaches that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall customer satisfaction. They are adopting smart building technologies, green building practices, and data analytics to optimize both development and operational processes.

Market influence is another critical aspect of their selection. These individuals often hold significant sway in shaping trends within the industry. Whether through market strategies, investment decisions, or public advocacy, their actions directly influence housing availability, commercial development, and overall economic growth in New Jersey. A commitment to community engagement characterizes several of our influencers. They understand the importance of integrating local needs into their projects, advocating for affordable housing, and supporting economic initiatives that benefit underserved populations.

Included in this list are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership by holding key positions in industry associations, participating in noteworthy panels, or mentoring emerging professionals. Their dedication to fostering the next generation of talent ensures the continued growth and evolution of the real estate sector. Notable achievements also bolster their profiles, with many having received industry honors, completed significant deals, or led transformational projects that invigorated neighborhoods and commercial districts throughout the state.

The impact of these individuals extends beyond mere transactions; they are essential figures in navigating the complex and often changing landscape of New Jersey’s real estate industry. Many real estate influencers are actively involved in urban redevelopment projects that breathe new life into aging infrastructure and bring economic vitality to struggling areas. By investing in these communities, they foster job creation, increase property values, and enhance community pride. Sustainability initiatives play a crucial role in their contributions as well. With an increasing focus on eco-friendliness and environmental stewardship, many influencers are leading the charge in developing sustainable projects that prioritize energy efficiency and resource conservation. These initiatives not only align with but also contribute to New Jersey’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green living.

Further amplifying their impact, several are advocates for change at the legislative level, fighting for policies that encourage responsible development while balancing the interests of various stakeholders. Their voices help shape regulations affecting zoning, housing affordability, and urban planning, ensuring a comprehensive approach to real estate development.

The economic contributions of these business leaders are undeniable. Their work directly creates jobs, attracts investments, and generates tax revenues for the state. Their success stories serve as benchmarks for other professionals and inspire confidence in New Jersey’s real estate market. Additionally, by building networks and fostering collaborations among key stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and industry professionals, these influencers create opportunities for synergy that benefit the entire real estate ecosystem.

Highlighting New Jersey’s real estate influencers serves as an important reminder of the significant impact individuals can have within a community. As they continue to drive change and innovation, we not only celebrate their achievements but also recognize the vital role they play in shaping the future of real estate in New Jersey. Their combined efforts promise to elevate the industry, making it more resilient, equitable, and sustainable for generations to come. Through transformative projects, community engagement, and legislative advocacy, these influencers exemplify the best of what the New Jersey real estate sector has to offer.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Gary Gabriel

Gary Gabriel Executive vice chairmen Cushman & Wakefield Leads C&W’s New Jersey investment sales team, overseeing property management, underwriting, marketing, and joint venture arrangements for high-value investment properties.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Chris Galiano

Chris Galiano Managing director & principal NAI DiLeo-Bram Galiano leverages deep industrial market expertise and a relentless commitment to uncovering client opportunities, consistently ranking as a top performer at NAI DiLeo-Bram and across NAI Global.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Sal Garcia

Sal Garcia Founder & Principal MAS Development Group Sal Garcia is Founder and Principal of MAS Development Group, leading innovative real estate development projects and shaping strategic growth initiatives across residential and commercial markets.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David Gardner

David Gardner President & CEO Larken Associates Under Gardner’s leadership, Larken Associates evolved from a small family-owned firm into a leading, highly respected developer and property manager across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jeff Garibaldi

Jeff Garibaldi Senior Vice President NAI James E. Hanson Key contributor in bringing Freshpet to Bedminster, overseeing the leasing of a new build-to-suit headquarters office building.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Alberto Garofalo

Alberto Garofalo Chief CRA Officer and Community Banking & Development Executive Bank of America Through Garofalo’s strategic direction, Bank of America continues to advance its reputation as a top-tier business banking institution.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Richard Gerwitz

Richard Gerwitz Managing Director and Co-head, Citi Community Capital Citibank Gerwitz leads U.S. lending initiatives for affordable rental housing and actively engages in diverse community development and building projects.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Don Ghermezian

Don Ghermezian CEO Triple Five American Dream has expanded and continues to grow, offering an even bigger and better experience than ever before.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Craig M. Gianetti

Craig M. Gianetti Partner Day Pitney, LLP Craig M. Gianetti is a Partner at Day Pitney LLP, providing strategic legal counsel and expertise to businesses across diverse industries.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Francis Giantomasi

Francis Giantomasi Member CSG Law A recognized authority in Newark and statewide, he leads in planning, zoning, development, and tax abatement law.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David Gockel

David Gockel President & CEO Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. Langan delivers integrated engineering and environmental consulting services, supporting land development, corporate real estate portfolios, and the energy sector with expertise and innovative solutions.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Carl Goldberg

Carl Goldberg Principal Canoe Brook Management Goldberg is a recognized leader in New Jersey, with extensive experience in political advocacy and industry initiatives, and a track record of driving innovative transit-oriented development projects.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Robert S. Goldsmith

Robert S. Goldsmith Partner and co-chair, Redevelopment & Land Use Department Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP Specializes in urban redevelopment, downtown revitalization, transit-oriented projects, project financing and incentives, sustainable building initiatives, and public-private partnerships, driving impactful, community-focused real estate solutions.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Meryl A.G. Gonchar

Meryl A.G. Gonchar Member Sills Cummis & Gross Leads the Sills Cummis & Gross Redevelopment and Land Use Law Practice Groups, specializing in land use, zoning, and redevelopment litigation, representing clients at all stages of project approvals.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jarrod Grasso

Jarrod Grasso CEO New Jersey Realtors Supports members’ professional needs by developing programs and services that promote ethical, successful business practices while actively advocating for the industry.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David Greek

David Greek Managing partner Greek Real Estate Partners The family-owned firm is driving significant industrial development in the state, including a recently commenced 216,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse in Mount Laurel.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Frank Greek

Frank Greek Founder Greek Real Estate Partners The family-owned firm is driving significant industrial development in the state, including a recently commenced 216,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse in Mount Laurel.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jeffrey Greif

Jeffrey Greif Service Provider Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association Leads IOREBA, the nation’s largest and oldest regional industrial and office real estate association.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Tim Greiner

Tim Greiner Executive managing director, leasing advisory JLL Specializes in corporate representation for commercial real estate transactions, overseeing acquisitions, dispositions, strategic planning, and site development to drive business growth and operational success.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Bernel Hall

Bernel Hall President & Chief executive officer N.J. Community Capital Leads the state’s largest CDFI, overseeing four business lines: lending, real estate development, investment ventures, and strategic community consulting.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jon F. Hanson

Jon F. Hanson Chairman The Hampshire Cos. Under his leadership, The Hampshire Companies manages over $2.4 billion in assets, with an additional $1.2 billion in development projects, reflecting strategic growth and industry impact.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — William C. Hanson

William C. Hanson President NAI James E. Hanson With 30 years leading the firm, he brings hands-on expertise across sales, leasing, investment strategies, property management, and ownership, shaping every facet of the business.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — James E. Hanson II

James E. Hanson II Principal & CEO, fund manager The Hampshire Companies A driving force in the firm’s growth, Hanson has attracted national and global investors, helping raise over $1.5 billion in equity and overseeing operations and investments across $2.4 billion in managed assets.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Matthew K. Harding

Matthew K. Harding Chief executive officer Levin Management Corp. Recognized as an industry thought leader, he specializes in retail property repositioning and renovation.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Randy Horning

Randy Horning Vice president NAI James E. Hanson Since 2014, Lizzack-Horning has been a trusted brokerage team specializing in healthcare, office, and investment property transactions, delivering expert guidance and strategic solutions for commercial real estate clients.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — John P. Inglesino

John P. Inglesino Managing/Founding Partner Inglesino Taylor John P. Inglesino is the Managing and Founding Partner at Inglesino Taylor, guiding the firm’s strategic direction and delivering expert legal and business solutions to clients across diverse industries.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Joseph Jingoli, Jr.

Joseph Jingoli, Jr. Chair & CEO Jingoli Owner, investor, and developer across multiple sectors, Jingoli brings versatile expertise and strategic insight, making them an ideal inclusion for any influential business list.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Paul Josephson

Paul Josephson Partner Duane Morris LLP; Regional Plan Association A widely respected strategist who counsels top executives and government leaders on critical issues spanning public interest, compliance, and highly regulated environments.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Sonny Jumani

Sonny Jumani President & CEO Tulfra Real Estate Specializing in retail, industrial, and self-storage, the group is renowned for residential projects. Delford, a 160-unit luxury apartment community in Roselle Park, has maintained strong leasing performance throughout the year.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Pradeep Kapoor

Pradeep Kapoor President & CEO DMR Architects A leading firm in the state, particularly Bergen County, entered a new era under Kapoor, who assumed CEO leadership in January, driving strategic growth and innovation for the next generation.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Peter Kasabach

Peter Kasabach Executive director New Jersey Future His career has focused on sustainable community redevelopment, setting a standard that the rest of the state is only now beginning to follow.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Joseph Kelley

Joseph Kelley Partner CHA Partners Expert at bridging private and public sectors to successfully drive projects to completion.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Taiisa Kelly

Taiisa Kelly CEO Monarch Housing Associates With nearly 20 years advancing affordable and supportive housing, she now serves her fifth year as CEO, driving strategic growth and impact in the sector.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy CEO NAIOP New Jersey Chapter He has effortlessly assumed leadership of a prominent association representing 800+ commercial real estate developers, owners, asset managers, and investors across office, industrial, mixed-use, and retail sectors, making complex challenges look seamless.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — George Kimmerle

George Kimmerle president & senior partner Kimmerle Group With 40+ years in the industry, this registered architect and professional planner also serves as an adjunct at Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Urban Planning and Public Policy.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Bob Klausner

Bob Klausner Partner Fox Rothschild Renowned across the industry, he plays a pivotal role in the state’s most significant deals and is widely respected by peers and stakeholders alike.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Michael Klein

Michael Klein Senior managing director, New Jersey Office Co-Head JLL Leads JLL’s Morristown-based practice alongside Senior Managing Director Jose Cruz, who drives the firm’s regional investment sales platform.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David Knee

David Knee Vice chairmen JLL Leads the firm’s Northeast industrial platform, collaborating with top developers including Prologis, Brookfield Logistics, Hampshire Companies, Hartz Mountain Industries, Russo Development, and Seagis Property Group.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jeff Kolakowski

Jeff Kolakowski CEO New Jersey Builders Association Oversees all day-to-day operations of NJBA, leading its government relations and advocacy initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Kara Kopach

Kara Kopach Executive director Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Oversees redevelopment of a 1,100-acre former military installation, driving a $2 billion capital investment and the creation of more than 1,500 jobs.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Robert C. Kossar

Robert C. Kossar Vice chairmen JLL Leads the firm’s Northeast industrial platform, collaborating with top developers including Prologis, Brookfield Logistics, Hampshire Companies, Hartz Mountain Industries, Russo Development, and Seagis Property Group.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Katie Kurtz

Katie Kurtz CEO Denholtz Properties Since joining in September, Kurtz oversees the strategic refinement of Denholtz Properties’ operations to leverage emerging commercial real estate investment opportunities nationwide.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Charles Kushner

Charles Kushner Founder Kushner Cos. Charles Kushner, part of a multi-generational real estate family, learned the business from his father, Joseph, and has continued the legacy, developing properties through the company he founded.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jonathan Kushner

Jonathan Kushner President Kushner Real Estate Group Completed the 60-story third tower at Journal Squared, revitalizing Jersey City, and spearheaded efforts to preserve Pompidou Centre x Jersey City, reinforcing the group’s influence and prominence in the region.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Murray Kushner

Murray Kushner Founder Kushner Real Estate Group Founder of KRE Group in 1970, he remains an influential figure while his son, Jonathan Kushner, manages day-to-day operations.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Allison Ladd

Allison Ladd Deputy mayor & director of economic and housing development City of Newark Ladd plays a pivotal role in driving the city’s development initiatives and expanding housing availability, delivering measurable progress.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Ronald S. Ladell

Ronald S. Ladell Senior vice president AvalonBay Communities, Inc. A respected industry leader with a longstanding record of success at one of the state’s top multifamily development firms.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Greg Lalevee

Greg Lalevee Business manager International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 825 Lalevee’s team is involved in virtually every major infrastructure project across New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Ralph A. LaRossa

Ralph A. LaRossa Chair, President, & CEO Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. Essential to any development project, especially data centers, this utility leader ensures the infrastructure can meet growing data demands. CoreWeave’s Kenilworth expansion highlights PSEG’s critical role in powering progress.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jamie LeFrak

Jamie LeFrak Vice-Chairman LeFrak Jamie LeFrak, Vice Chairman of LeFrak, brings extensive leadership experience in real estate development, investment, and management, guiding the company’s strategic growth and influential presence in the industry.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Mark S. Levenson

Mark S. Levenson Member Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. Manages diverse transactions for domestic and international clients, including acquisitions, development and land use projects, company relocations, and office and retail leasing.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Mindy Lissner

Mindy Lissner Vice chair Cushman & Wakefield Lissner leads a top-tier industrial team, consistently ranking among the top 10% of brokers across all business lines for performance, expertise, and client results.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Tim Lizura

Tim Lizura EVP, real estate & capital projects N.J. Performing Arts Center Leading the $336M reimagining of NJPAC’s 12-acre campus, creating residences, retail, dining, outdoor spaces, and a unique education and community center with professional rehearsal facilities, transforming the city’s cultural and urban landscape.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Darren Lizzack

Darren Lizzack Founder CREA United Since 2014, Lizzack-Horning has been a trusted brokerage team specializing in healthcare, office, and investment property transactions, delivering expert guidance and strategic solutions for commercial real estate clients.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Dan Loughlin

Dan Loughlin Vice Chairman, Brokerage JLL A driving force behind New Jersey's most significant life science deals, his expertise and influence continue to shape the state’s thriving sector.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Clark Machemer

Clark Machemer Senior managing director Crow Holdings Industrial He develops award-winning industrial sites, exemplified by the company’s striking 207,000 SF facility on the former Marcal site in Elmwood Park.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Christopher Maher

Christopher Maher Chairman & CEO OceanFirst OceanFirst Bank – A leading community-based financial institution offering commercial and residential lending, treasury management, trust services, and asset management, with deep roots and decades of experience serving businesses and individuals statewide.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David Mandelbaum

David Mandelbaum General partner Interstate Properties A legendary industry figure, he has served as General Partner of Interstate Properties since 1968, Trustee of Vornado Realty since 1979, and Director of Alexander’s since 1995.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Dean Marchetto

Dean Marchetto Founding principal MHS Architecture With decades of influence, he is widely recognized as a leading authority in architecture and design in the state.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Sandee Markwith

Sandee Markwith Principal/Owner Studio 1200 Named 2023 Architect of the Year by AIA New Jersey for her outstanding contributions to architecture, community service, and mentorship of emerging professionals.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — W. Nevins McCann

W. Nevins McCann Partner, co-chair, Real Estate and Land Use Connell Foley McCann is a leading figure in New Jersey’s legal and political arenas, with deep roots in Jersey City and influence extending far beyond the Gold Coast.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Andy Merin

Andy Merin Executive vice chairman Cushman & Wakefield Merin has consistently ranked in the top 2–3% of brokers, overseeing more than $34.2 billion in property sales over his three-decade career.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Nicole Kushner Meyer

Nicole Kushner Meyer President Kushner Cos. Spearheaded the $500 million Monmouth Mall transformation and Pier Village, while also leading high-profile projects like Jersey City’s The Journal, with its twin 64-story towers now topped out, among numerous other developments.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jeff Milanaik

Jeff Milanaik Northeast region partner Bridge Industrial LLC A major industrial sector player, expanding into Pennsylvania while maintaining a strong New Jersey presence, exemplified by projects like Bridgeport II in Perth Amboy.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Gus Milano

Gus Milano President & chief operating officer Hartz Mountain Industries Milano has been a prominent figure in New Jersey’s commercial real estate market for over 50 years.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — David A. Minno

David A. Minno President and Principal Minno & Wasko Minno delivers expertise across multifamily, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, transit-oriented, commercial, and hospitality projects — all executed with a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable design.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Steven G. Mlenak

Steven G. Mlenak Partner/Co-Chair, Redevelopment & Land Use Department Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP Steven G. Mlenak is Partner and Co-Chair of the Redevelopment & Land Use Department at Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP, specializing in strategic legal solutions for complex redevelopment...

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Tom Monahan

Tom Monahan Vice chairman CBRE A leading industrial producer in New Jersey and consistently ranked among the top CBRE industrial brokers nationwide, recognized for exceptional performance and industry impact.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Lauren H. Moore, Jr.

Lauren H. Moore, Jr. President Atlantic County Economic Alliance Advocates for diversified development in the greater Atlantic County region, promoting growth beyond hospitality and casino industries.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Laurent Morali

Laurent Morali CEO Kushner Cos. Spearheaded the $500 million Monmouth Mall transformation and Pier Village, while also leading high-profile projects like Jersey City’s The Journal, with its twin 64-story towers now topped out, among numerous other developments.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Judy Moriarty

Judy Moriarty First Vice President New Jersey Realtors Judy Moriarty serves as First Vice President of New Jersey Realtors, bringing extensive leadership and expertise in real estate advocacy, professional development, and industry advancement across the state.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Kathy Morin

Kathy Morin President New Jersey Realtors Kathy Morin, President of New Jersey Realtors, leads the state’s premier real estate association, driving industry standards, advocacy, and professional development for real estate professionals across New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Jack Morris

Jack Morris CEO Edgewood Properties Beyond Edgewood’s statewide projects, his dedication to the $750M Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick—a 12-story, 510,000-square-foot facility—stands as a lasting legacy.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Alex Motiuk

Alex Motiuk Director of Acquisitions Greek Development Alex Motiuk is Director of Acquisitions at Greek Development, leading strategic property acquisitions and driving growth through innovative real estate investment and development initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Chris J. Murphy

Chris J. Murphy Partner Murphy Schiller & Wilkes The box may resemble a team photo, but it’s the collective effort that has positioned this firm as a leading player in Newark and North Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Kellen F. Murphy

Kellen F. Murphy Managing partner Murphy Schiller & Wilkes The box may resemble a team photo, but it’s the collective effort that has positioned this firm as a leading player in Newark and North Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2025 — Vincent Myers

Vincent Myers President DIGroup Architecture DIGroup Architecture is an award-winning firm specializing in architecture, design, and environmental graphics, serving clients in education, civic, healthcare, and senior living sectors.

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