Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Zussman.
Jodie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating Syracuse University in 1981 with a degree in Family and Community Services, I found that jobs were paying roughly $15,000 a year and I knew that was not going to allow me to be totally independent and it was hard to find work in the early 80’s. I worked about a year at Levitz Furniture as a management trainee and then moved to Philadelphia to get married. That is where I got my second job selling personal computers which at the time were only being sold by radio shack or small private stores. After about a year of that, I decided I needed a greater challenge and more of a career than a job. I began looking into real estate, specifically property management. My father had a thriving real estate development business in Boston and I thought, I could bluff my way through using him for advise. So, I landed an Assistant Property Manager position with Franklin Realty Group in Blue Bell, PA. I learned quickly, listened to my mentors and learned as much as I could. About a year later, I was hired by a local developer as a Property Manager and worked my way up the ladder to Director of Property Management and within a few years was made Vice President. I always had the entrepreneurial bug but along the way, I found I was missing one particular strength, I needed to succeed on my own. I needed the financial experience. After about 5 great years with the developer, I went to work for Grubb and Ellis. I started as a Regional Manager, grew my region quickly, was promoted to Vice President and during that time, I was fortunate to gain that missing piece. Three years later, I started my own company with $11,000 and three clients. I spent about 25 years in Philadelphia in the real estate industry and loved every bit of it. Personal circumstances lead me to Boca Raton, Florida where I obtained my brokers license and stayed active in real estate. Once the nest was empty, I took a little time to ply golf and I finally bought the horse I had wanted my whole life. A call came from my sister in Boston asking if I would be interested in coming back to help with family business. Since this was my expertise and I had no ties to Florida, I was on my way. Our family owns and manages about 20 buildings in Boston and the western suburbs. I run the leasing, management, construction and accounting for all the properties. I work with our CFO on our asset management, acquisitions and dispositions.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was very lucky always falling into the right job at the right time and I had great mentors along the way. I made great relationships and hope that they last a lifetime. In a family business, it is always a bit difficult because you have emotional ties and you want to be professional. Our CFO recently brought in an expert in family succession and he has been amazing. We are working through this now and he is getting us on the right track for a smooth transition and helping us set up for the next generation.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Boston Development Group – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full service real estate company. We develop, renovate, property, asset management and lease our own properties. My father was the first developer in MA to do condominium conversions when there were few condominiums on the market. We deliver great service to our tenants, we maintain our buildings and try to create the highest efficiencies when possible. I pride ourselves on integrity. If we say, we will do something, we follow through. If one of my employees makes a promise and it’s not something I would have endorsed, I stand behind them because they gave their word. Things come and go but no one can ever take that away from you.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
Not a thing, at least not in my professional life. If I have ever failed at anything, at least I learned a lesson from it. Adversity makes you stronger and I am thankful that I was born with a positive attitude and I am always willing to learn from my mistakes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 93 Union Street Suite 315 Newton Center, MA 02459
- Website: BDG1.COM
- Phone: 617-332-6400 x21
- Email: jzussman@bdg1.com
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