Jonathan Zuckerman By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa - Ian Wiant Photographer
H
e is tenacious, ambitious and driven by an unwavering vision of success. Jonathan Zuckerman acknowledges that he has always held high aspirations for himself, and readily meets challenges head-on. Determination has allowed him to cultivate professional success and to pursue opportunities that lead to a better big picture. “I’m constantly seeking to improve,” says Jonathan. “I never get too comfortable.”
Jonathan grew up in Huntington Beach and made his way to study Political Science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “I wanted to be a lawyer,” he recalls. But professional opportunities presented themselves and the entrepreneurial spirit within him couldn’t resist. He launched a career in mortgage lending, spending three years assisting clients in their steps to home ownership. “I enjoyed lending, but always felt the limitations associated with my work,” Jonathan notes. “I wanted to have the platform to deliver a higher quality of customer care, to connect with my clients on a more meaningful and profound level.” In 2004 he made the transition into real estate sales. From the onset, Jonathan employed a unique approach to the business. “It was evident early on that controlling inventory was the key to success,” he explains. “While other agents were focusing on managing leads and clients, I was working to acquire, market and sell listings.” His strategy worked; Jonathan established himself as a productive and accomplished agent. The signs were evident before the fall, but too many real estate professionals failed to notice the subtle shifts that foretold the market collapse of 2007. Jonathan, acutely involved in the business, recognized the need to adapt. “I saw that the players in the game were changing,” he states. “In order to stay relevant and active, I had to be proactive.” Jonathan pursued REO properties with a vengeance, employing his client-centric model as he approached banks, lenders and asset management companies. He was unrelenting, focused on achieving the momentum he needed to weather the coming storm. Whithin in no time, Jonathan held upwards of 160 REO listings. He had also aligned himself with MGR Services, a brokerage designed to accommodate agents specializing in property management, commercial and distressed properties. His first year with the company, he says, he achieved status as the organization’s top producer among approximately 500 agents. “I’ve maintained that spot for five years,” he adds. He has also become the company’s Director of Operations for the REO Division.
ExecutiveAgent Magazine