I’ve come to learn that stories in our People on the Move section are among our most popular online and in print. I understand why — relationships in commercial real estate go back years or decades in many cases, meaning there’s no shortage of interest when a friend or business partner earns a promotion or a position at a new firm.
That’s especially true when it comes to developers and owners, as I was reminded earlier this year when we covered two major moves by Accordia. The Fairfield-based firm announced this past spring that Frank Recine and Matt Pizzolato, both prominent brokers with JLL, had joined its leadership ranks as part of a carefully planned transition. As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, Accordia is entering a new phase as a developer, investor and asset manager, with a revamped business plan and a slate of new projects and acquisitions on the horizon. That reboot, which comes 19 years after the firm’s founding by Joe Romano and Jason Bogart, is now in full view with the high-profile additions of Recine and Pizzolato. Both of which come after Romano’s decision to retire late last year, leaving the company’s future in Bogart’s hands and a chance to chart a new course.
“It’s just an exciting time,” Bogart said, later adding: “I think that the reason this is going to be wildly successful is because we are all of the same mindset and … we complement each other with our personalities.
“It’s going to be a very exciting ride for the next three to five years as we build this thing up.”
Our October issue also includes a collection of Q&As from our second annual Owners Council, part of a special content partnership program for developers, investors and property owners that advertise with Real Estate NJ. We’re lucky to have these insights from six of New Jersey’s top real estate executives, who shared their thoughts on the health of the market, what they learned in 2024 and how they’re navigating any number of challenges. I was especially interested to learn how and when they expect to feel the impact of lower interest rates, which varied considerably from one executive to the next, reminding us just how nuanced the industry can be. In any case, we’re excited to share those answers and others — including our council’s top picks for Jersey diners, vacation spots and movies — with some returning participants and some new faces.
You can find those features and more in the latest edition of Real Estate NJ, which comes with new hopes of an uptick as we make our way through the fourth quarter. I’ve heard that sentiment from many of you during the fall event season, even with the reality that the clock is running out on owners of distressed property. Either way, it’s likely to be a busy few months as we close out 2024, so I hope you’ll stay with us as we try to cover all of it. Until next time, thanks for reading and enjoy the issue!
Joshua Burd
Editor
