Bernard Zimmel
Chairman, Zimmel Associates

With more than four decades of corporate real estate experience in the New Jersey marketplace, Bernard Zimmel has witnessed and participated in the flow and ebb of numerous real estate cycles. As such, his knowledge, insight and negotiating abilities are highly valued by Zimmel Associates' clients.

A true innovator, Bernard Zimmel was the first proponent of the flex space concept, which changed the face of commercial and industrial space in the state of New Jersey over the past two decades.

In the years prior to forming Zimmel Associates in 1986 with his son David, Bernard's ingenuity, drive, and integrity had already contributed to a successful career. Two weeks after his tour of duty in the Army Signal Corps ended in May of 1953, Bernard Zimmel was newly married and had obtained a sales position with Leslie Blau Co., a real state brokerage firm.

He earned his first exclusive by calling on a building owner who already had two other brokers' signs on his property. Why should I put up your sign?", the owner asked, "I already have two on the property."

"They're obviously not getting the job done," replied Zimmel. "Put my sign up and I'll get it leased."

Admiring Bernard's boldness, the owner allowed him to put up a sign, and many deals and years later, he is still a client of Zimmel Associates to this day.

"Long term relationships are an important factor in our success," says Zimmel, as he calls off a list of clients that reads like a Who's Who in New Jersey business, that he has represented from 25 to 35 years.

"We are devoted to our client base. We put their minds at ease because they know we are going to do what they ask us to do. Being fair and bringing to their attention the things we should be looking for -- and this goes for both sides, owners and tenants -- has cultivated a track record and quality reputation that we can be proud of."

David Zimmel
President, Zimmel Associates

David Zimmel, President, Zimmel Associates began his successful real estate career in 1978, shortly after graduating from Rider College with a degree in Political Science. For close to nine years he specialized in office, industrial and shopping center space with a well known New Jersey based brokerage firm before joining forces with his father in the mid eighties to form Zimmel Associates.

Over the past 29 years, David has developed strong relationships with real estate investors, developers and tenants and has closed in excess of 2,500 transactions. His thorough market knowledge, experience and ability to listen to have contributed to his standing as one of the most successful brokers in the state. A past president of IOREBA, David is regularly named an All-Star Broker by Co-Star and numerous property owners.

"When David speaks with a prospective tenant about their requirements, his knowledge and experience enable him to get a clear understanding of what they need, and to match them up with the optimum space in short order," says Aaron Tucker, principal of Tucker Enterprises, and a long term Zimmel client.

Whether negotiating a deal for 350,000 square feet, such as the French Fragrances lease in Woodbridge, NJ or helping a small business find the right 5,000 square feet in a tight market, David Zimmel has the skills and resources necessary to bring deals to closure, time after time.

"Coming up with a formula that satisfies both parties, and getting to a point where the contracts are finalized, provides a professional gratification that never gets old," he says.

"For me every transaction is important and every client, large or small, deserves the best level of service that we can provide."