BOOK
Introdu cing
A SMARTER WAY to BUILD ON THE COAST
Written by Lisa Simek
On Long Beach Island, where land is finite and conditions are unforgiving, the true measure of a home reveals itself over time. A home proves its worth not in the first season, but years later, after exposure to the elements and seasons of storms, intense sun, salt air, and constant use. It’s in that smarter approach to coastal building where Ziman Development has built its reputation.
Founded in 1998 and shaped into its present form for over two and a half decades, the company has completed more than 200 homes across the Island’s most coveted and complex properties. Under the leadership of the founder’s son, Michael Ziman, Ziman Development evolved from a small, entrepreneurial operation into a high-end custom builder known for its discipline, adaptability, and deep understanding of coastal conditions.
Ziman joined the family business in the early 2000s, first learning by immersion: assembling deals, working in the field, and gaining firsthand knowledge of what works (and what doesn’t) in a beach environment. But the defining shift came when the company made a deliberate move to bring more of the construction process in-house. That decision wasn’t about scale; it was about control. Controlling quality. Controlling materials. Controlling outcomes.
By tightening oversight and execution, Ziman Development positioned itself to raise its standards and evolve with the market, moving toward more architecturally ambitious homes, more demanding sites, and a clientele seeking something distinctly non-generic. Oceanfront, bayfront, and lagoon properties became a natural focus, as did homes designed for expansive outdoor living and multigenerational use.
The result is a body of work that feels intentional rather than repetitive. A Ziman home is clearly custom, deeply considered, and designed to endure both aesthetically and structurally.
“Quality isn’t something you add at the end; it’s a mindset that has to be built into every decision, from inception.”
Photos by Laine Dupont
Photos by Laine Dupont
BUILDING RESPONSIBLY:
Sustainability as a Core Business Principle
For Michael Ziman, sustainability is not a marketing angle. It is a recalibration of how development should function in a fragile coastal environment.
That clarity came into focus during a period of reflection in the COVID era, informed by lived experience on Long Beach Island and the unmistakable impact of climate events like Hurricane Sandy. Ziman recognized a disconnect common in the industry: developers benefit from beautiful natural settings while often contributing to their degradation.
Rather than accepting that contradiction, he reexamined every layer of the building process: from materials and sourcing to systems, long-term performance, and overall carbon footprint.
The company’s sustainability strategy operates on two fronts. First, Ziman prioritizes materials manufactured as close to the region as possible, reducing the carbon cost of global shipping. Second, the company emphasizes durability paired with responsibility by selecting exterior materials that withstand salt air while incorporating high recycled content wherever petroleum-based products are unavoidable.
On Long Beach Island, low maintenance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Many traditional wood products deteriorate quickly in coastal conditions. Ziman Development responds with advanced exterior systems, including composite decking and siding materials with substantial recycled content, helping divert waste from the environment while ensuring longterm performance.
Equally important is what lies beneath the surface. The company invests heavily in building-envelope performance, using advanced sheathing systems, sealed joints, and refined insulation strategies to reduce air infiltration and energy demand. Improved airtightness directly lowers HVAC consumption, one of the largest contributors to residential emissions.
This commitment extends to innovation. Ziman
continues to test and adopt systems informed by passive-house principles, focusing on smarter efficiency rather than costly experimentation.
Perhaps the most visible expression of this philosophy is The One Tree Pledge, which is Ziman’s initiative to offset the environmental footprint of homebuilding. The pledge is simple and measurable: one tree planted for every square foot built, with a minimum of 5,000 trees per home. To date, the program has supported the planting of more than 260,000 trees through partnerships with reforestation organizations around the world.
For Ziman, the goal is alignment: building exceptional homes while actively investing in the health of the natural world that makes Long Beach Island worth building on.
“I wanted to align my personal beliefs with my business and leave the Island better than I found it.”
Photo by Laine Dupont
DESIGN WITHOUT A SIGNATURE, ONLY A STANDARD
Ziman Development resists being defined by a single architectural style, and that’s intentional.
The company operates in two parallel modes: spec homes designed to appeal to the modern coastal buyer, and fully custom residences shaped entirely around the client’s vision. While recent spec projects lean toward a clean, coastal-contemporary aesthetic (think: lighter interiors, simpler lines, and a refined
sense of restraint), custom builds are precisely that: commissioned entirely by the client’s vision. The common thread isn’t a single aesthetic or look, but the level of execution.
Over the years, certain architectural elements have become associated with Ziman’s work. A notable example is the gambrel roof profile introduced on a prominent North Beach estate more than a decade
ago, which was an elegant solution that balanced scale and proportion on a large oceanfront footprint. It was widely noticed, widely admired, and, since then, widely emulated.
But Ziman is quick to move forward. He sees architecture as responsive, not fixed, and avoids pigeonholing the firm into any single design identity. What matters more is how a home fits its site, frames views, and supports the way families actually use the space.
Ziman homes are designed with outdoor living as a priority, with large decks, seamless transitions, and layouts that encourage gathering. Many are multigenerational, built for families who host often and return year after year.
The aesthetic is confident but never loud. Clean but never cold. Designed to feel relevant now, and quietly timeless later.
“We can implement anyone’s aesthetic at a very high level. Our standard never changes.”
Photo by Michael Spark
A SMARTER WAY TO BUILD: Collaboration, Clarity, and Technology
In residential construction, problems often begin long before ground is broken. Ziman Development avoids that by entering the process early.
Approximately 95% of the company’s projects are developed collaboratively, with Ziman working alongside the client and architect from the earliest design stages. This approach allows the team to translate lifestyle needs into architecture while keeping real-world cost considerations front and center.
Clients are encouraged to share their inspirations of images, references, and ideas, then Ziman and his team refine those inputs into buildable solutions. Years of experience help identify opportunities that might otherwise be missed, from maximizing a view corridor to rethinking circulation for better flow.
Just as critical is budget intelligence. With multiple projects active at any given time, Ziman Development maintains up-to-date knowledge of pricing trends across materials and labor. That real-time awareness allows the team to guide design decisions intelligently, highlighting where investment has the greatest impact and preventing costly redesigns later.
Technology plays a central role in transparency. Ziman Development uses a client-facing platform that allows homeowners to log in at any time to view schedules, approved changes, budgets, and photo updates as construction progresses. Project managers document each phase of the build as it happens, so clients (many of whom live out of town) can see exactly what has been completed and what’s coming next, without ever having to wonder.
Internally, Ziman Development is also leveraging emerging tools, including AI-assisted material takeoffs and rapid exterior renderings. These technologies streamline decision-making and allow clients to visualize concepts early, without slowing the process.
Photo by Laine Dupont
The result is a build experience that feels organized, informed, and genuinely collaborative, a combination that
has become increasingly rare in residential construction today.
“Early collaboration is what turns a client’s vision into a home that feels perfect.”
THE TEAM BEHIND THE HOMES AND THE LEGACY AHEAD
Ziman Development’s output reflects not only systems and standards, but people.
In recent years, Michael Ziman has become increasingly intentional about team culture, prioritizing attitude and adaptability alongside experience. The goal is continuous improvement: people who want to evolve, question assumptions, and build better than they did last year.
A key addition to the firm is Kent Johnsen, who now leads construction operations. With experience spanning large-scale commercial work, including major projects with Turner Construction, as well as high-end residential builds in Napa and Hawaii, Johnson brings an exceptional level of technical expertise in coastal construction, paired with an even temperament and collaborative leadership style.
Ziman believes that energy matters. Negative attitudes spread quickly on job sites, while curiosity and accountability elevate everyone involved. That belief guides hiring decisions, even when it means passing on other-
wise qualified candidates.
Beyond Long Beach Island, Ziman’s sense of responsibility has broadened. In the past year, he supported the development of a clean water treatment facility in Tanzania through WaterAid America, a project designed to serve approximately 11,500 people and dramatically improve daily life in the region.
It reflects a growing perspective: that success brings obligation, and that building well can, and should, extend beyond property lines.
As for the future, Ziman Development remains focused on leadership rather than expansion for its own sake, continuing to refine methods, adopt better materials, and set examples others will follow.
The legacy, Ziman says, is already taking shape: homes built to last, families returning year after year, and a coastal community strengthened by thoughtful, responsible development.
Photos by Laine Dupont
“We’re not just building houses; we’re creating places where families make lifelong memories.”
The ultimate set and forget? Your landscaping. With thoughtfulness woven into every design, our team at Ash Outdoor can plan your ultimate 9-5 escape for today and years to come. Set that Out Of Office notification and relax.
Ask the Realtor
BONNIE WELLS BROKER | OWNER OF COASTAL LIVING REAL ESTATE
Specializing in Marketing Management since 1985, Bonnie Wells has built a distinguished career that began with a focus on the Eastern Seaboard for a D & B Software Company. She relocated to New Jersey in 1989, bringing her expertise and passion for real estate to new markets. Holding a Broker’s Real Estate License in both New Jersey and Florida, Bonnie has facilitated relocations for clients from all over the world.
Interviewed by Jenna Cowperthwaite
The real estate market has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride these past five years. We went from an extraordinarily high demand in the rental market during Covid, when even the shoulder seasons were booking up many months in advance, to a world that quickly opened up, drawing vacationers abroad to more exotic destinations. As families realized the hassles of lost luggage, travel sickness, and time zone chaos wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, many are returning to their beloved LBI as
the destination for special multi-generational memory making. The complicating factor for rental homeowners, however, is that the pool of rental properties looms large due to the Covid building frenzy. In short, renters have the upper hand. It is ultimately up to the homeowner to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience so that they will choose your property year after year.
Careful attention to details becomes even more import-
Photos by Real Estate Cinema
ant with multiple families often coming together for vacation, as it is no secret that different personalities living together under one roof can be a bit tricky. Let your home be the guardrails, so to speak, for keeping their vacation on a positive track. By eliminating the everyday stressors tied to a home, you can truly offer your guests a place of solace. The following are some tips to consider in hopes of building out a flawless setting for your renters.
The Interior of Your Home
Include a broom and dustpan on each level. Beach sand inevitably finds its way indoors, often becoming an aggravating nuisance to vacationers who want a peaceful place to relax. Easy access to a broom and dustpan casually invites renters to sweep up after themselves, also helping to preserve your flooring.
Curate an abundant supply of pots & pans, plates, glasses and kitchen utensils. It can be difficult to keep up with washing while in vacation mode, especially when entertaining a crowd, so having kitchen cabinets stocked with plenty of back-ups will be greatly appreciated.
Inspect mattress covers, sheets, comforters and pillows.
Bedding generally needs to be replaced every few years in a home with a lot of rental traffic. High quality items in prime condition position your home as a luxury vacation rental and help your guests get a good night’s sleep!
Ensure all appliances are in working order. Avoid the hassle of a renter having to deal with someone coming in to fix the dishwasher or washing machine. Even smaller items like ice makers and coffee makers, which see a lot of use in a vacation rental, ought to be checked regularly.
Check that window blinds are working properly.
Functioning window treatments ensure that your vacationers feel privacy in their home-away-from-home, a small detail that can make a significant difference in a guest’s experience.
Replace batteries and light bulbs.
We all dread the hassle of replacing dead batteries and light bulbs, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Plus, these issues always seem to occur in the middle of the night, interrupting a solid night’s rest! Anticipate your guest’s needs and ensure fresh batteries are in the smoke alarm, garage opener, keyless entry, TV remote, and even fan remote.
Address any insect pressure.
The sand and moisture of the summer season can bring ants and other pests, which are certainly an unsightly nuisance. Get ahead of any potential issues with a pest control expert to protect your home.
The Exterior of Your Home
Check your beach chairs and umbrellas.
You want to make sure chairs and umbrellas are operating smoothly and do not have any rust. After all, what’s worse than having a beach chair break as you are trying to relax and soak in the sun!
Invest in a beach cart.
This thoughtful extra will go a long way in pleasing your renters. Transporting the day’s gear to and from the beach can feel like a chore, but having access to a cart is a game changer.
Clean the grill.
Summers are made for cooking outside in the salty beach air, so grills receive a lot of use. Guests ought to feel comfortable using the grill, so hiring a professional grill specialist to clean it and replace the propane tank in between guests is a great idea.
Evaluate the number of trash and recycling cans you will need.
Overflowing trash cans on the curb is unsightly, often attracting seagulls and inviting a fine from the township. Consider how many receptacles a house of your size needs to keep all garbage carefully contained.
Remember to schedule your power washing. Give your entire home an instant facelift! When the siding and roof of your home are free from dirt and algae growth, your vacationer’s first impression will be a favorable one, starting their week off right.
These simple tips poise your home for maximum value as a true luxury vacation rental. And though something may still go awry, your response can make all the difference. It’s crucial to have a human on site within an hour of receiving the phone call that something has broken. The presence of a concerned homeowner or representative makes your guests feel cared for. In a saturated rental market, ensuring a flawless stay with these thoughtful touches is what will bring renters back year after year. An experienced agency that is well-versed in the nuances of Long Beach Island vacationers can help take things to the next level and ensure your rental property operates at its maximum potential.
David J Cowles, Broker/REALTOR
Michael Cowles REALTOR Office: (609) 492-1300
David’s Cell: (609)
Michael’s Cell: (609) 290-3680
SURF VIEWS on the top level of the home. The Beach Haven Gardens location is ideal for the whole family. Great rental history.
$3,995,000
Well located 2 Family Home that’s 1/2 block to bay and 2 1/2 blocks to the beach. Great investment potential and ideal for extended family use. The 1st floor apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, utility room, an open floor plan, gas heat & central a/c. The 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, open floor plan, 2 decks, gas heat and central a/c. The house itself is safely elevated with storage and man cave areas below deck and the backyard has plenty of room for patio and vegetable garden, offered partially furnished.
OCEANBLOCK, 5 HOUSES AWAY FROM THE BEACH. 2,400 SQ. FT., 5 bedrooms, 4 Baths, family room, like-new condition.
$1,199,000
$2,095,000 Fantastic LAGOON FRONT site for new construction! 50’ x 100’ lot w/vinyl bulkhead. Property offered strictly, “As-ls”. Buyer responsible for all due diligence and house demo/removal.
$1,399,000
$329,000 RENAISSANCE CONDO
David J Cowles, Broker/REALTOR
Michael Cowles REALTOR
Office: (609) 492-1300
David’s Cell: (609) 290-0779
Michael’s Cell: (609) 290-3680
KIM HANADEL
112 GIFFORDTOWN LANE
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ 08087
609-713-8906 | 800-299-2129
KIMHANADEL@GMAIL.COM
https://tinyurl.com/KimHanadelC21
LONG BEACH TWP
10 E 48TH ST - $1,549,900
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Best priced home on the BEACH BLOCK on LBI, just 6 homes from the beach path, minutes from the LBI Bridge, and room for the whole family --OR RENT IT for a few years, and then build the LBI home of your dreams. This raised Cape offers the perfect blend of charm and opportunity...
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
LITTLE EGG HARBOR
128 E DELAWARE DR - $715,000
Large enough for the whole family! This large home built in 2006 had no Sandy water and is almost 3000 Sq Ft. DOUBLE Cul De Sac lot with 168ft of Vinyl Bulkhead and dcoks, room for all. The pavered -circular drive gives plenty of parking on the cul de sac lot that is all one property. You can add a pool or a large shed and garage!
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP
20 W NAVASINK DR - $729,900
This is the waterfront lifestyle you’ve been waiting for! Just 12 years young, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers everything you need for summer fun or year-round living. With a full vinyl bulkhead, docks, and quick access to Roundabout Creek, the Mullica River, and Great Bay, it’s a fisherman’s paradise and a boater’s dream.
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
LITTLE EGG HARBOR
0 MAPLEWOOD DR - $4,999,999
Developers & Investors Opportunity! Rare chance to acquire 25 established residential building lots (200 x 200 each) in the desirable Little Egg Harbor area, plus 3 prime commercial lots directly on Route 9. A full map is included in the photos, lots are on Maplewood, Pinewood and Elmwood, Finish the streets and develop the community...
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
UNDERCONTRACT
LITTLE
EGG HARBOR TWP
32 W NAVASINK $729,000
Live the Waterfront Dream! Light, bright, and lovely, this home offers views of the wetlands and direct access to Roundabout Creek and the bay. Complete with a vinyl bulkhead, ramp, and floater, it’s the perfect retreat for boaters and nature lovers alike. Just 11 years young, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage is move-in ready—there’s nothing to do but bring your bags and your boat and start enjoying the bay life!
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
GALLOWAY
0 W WHITE HORSE PIKE - $495,000
Just under 5 Acres of Prime Commercial Land in Galloway. Across the Street from the Pomona Vol Fire Company, less than a 1/2 mile from the newest Wawa on Pomona Road, along with the new Wendys, and the premier Wash car wash on W. White Horse Pike and very close to the AC Airport, all in a up and coming business district.
TEXT KIM FOR MORE INFORMATION!
When considering buying, building, or refinancing a home, please contact Fulton Mortgage Company, a division of Fulton Bank.
• Conventional, FHA and VA1
• Jumbo
• Medical Professionals Program2
• Construction Loans
• First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Debra Botulinski Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 460206 908.400.8040 dbotulinski@fultonmortgagecompany.com
Fulton Bank, N. A. Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. 1Subject to FHA/VA/USDA approval. 2Medical doctorate degree required. Restrictions apply.
$7,495,000
• Rare opportunity to own one of the last legacy estate bayfront tracts on Long Beach Island
• Sprawling nearly 1.5 acre bayfront property with over 100’ of water frontage
• Spectacular, unobstructed bay views and breathtaking sunsets
• Includes a private tennis court and plenty of room for additional outdoor amenities
• Designed by famed Philadelphia Architect Beryl Price, FAIA, offers 5 bedrooms and 4 baths
• Separate guest suite with private entrance, kitchenette, and living area
• Quiet, private location with mature landscaping, expansive grounds, and riparian grant
• Ideal setting for a custom compound or subdivision
• Rare blend of development potential, privacy, and views on this bayfront estate property
Long Beach Twp., NJ
$1,995,000
Rare chance to own a thriving, unique restaurant, Isola, on the highly visible corner of Long Beach Boulevard in the highly desireable North Beach Haven. This beautifully renovated, turnkey property includes the restaurant, full kitchen with pizza oven, covered outdoor dining deck, and a private, spacious apartment above — perfect for live/work convenience. Situated oceanside just steps from Beach Haven’s vibrant dining and shopping district, this exceptional opportunity is ready for a new owner. Live, Work & Play on LBI, Call Today!
Weclome to The Team!
Rick Decker is a Long Beach Island based real estate advisor serving Ocean County and the surrounding Jersey Shore markets. Drawn to the island early on by a deep love for the ocean and surfing, Rick has proudly called this coastal community home for years and built his career around the lifestyle it offers.
Rick combines strong market knowledge, strategic guidance, and a highly personal approach to help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate every stage of the real estate process. Known for his resourcefulness, clear communication, and calm presence during high-stakes transactions, he works closely with his clients to ensure no detail is overlooked and no opportunity is left on the table.
Before real estate, Rick spent years in the island’s restaurant and hospitality scene, an experience that sharpened his people skills and strengthened his local network. Today, he lives in Ship Bottom with his wife and three daughters, surfing whenever the conditions line up, and helping others find not just a home but a lifestyle along the Jersey Shore.
A rare opportunity on exclusive Long Beach Island! This brand-new, ground-up bar, restaurant, and liquor store spans 10,000 sq. ft. across two stories, with indoor/outdoor dining, event space, and a private apartment with roof deck. Set on a prime, highly visible 18,000 sq. ft. property, the sale includes architectural plans, site plan, and a Broad C Plenary License. Ready for your vision today.
5 W 40TH STREET, BRANT BEACH
$2,343,000
“From day one, we had the trust and confidence in Denise and her ability to sell our shore home at the best price possible. She was amazing, understanding and comforting throughout the whole process. We greatly appreciate all of her efforts.” - John and Nancy, Brant Beach
“I was referred to The Petti Real Estate Group by one of the premier builders on LBI. Denise is professional, tech savvy and has an extensive knowledge of the local market. She has boundless energy and a strong drive to get the deal done. She staged the property beautifully, which definitely contributed to the success of the sale. I can honestly say this was a wonderful experience from beginning to end!” - Amanda, North Beach
“Denise did an amazing job selling our shore house. She staged our home beautifully and hired an amazing photographer and videographer that created spectacular photos and video. Denise is very responsive, professional and tech savvy.” - Kathleen, Surf City
DENISE PETTI REALTOR®
