10 — August 2025 — Thriving Under 40 — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
T hriving U nder 40 NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co., Woodbridge, NJ | Commercial Real Estate Brokerage A Q&A with the visionaries shaping NAIDB’s future
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everaging the powerful support of the NAI Glob- al Network, NAI DiLeo- Bram & Co. (NAIDB) offers a full suite of CRE services backed by over 88 years of experience. The firm’s profes - sional team offers the person- alized service and knowledge of a local firm backed by the resources of a global company. Kelly Bayer, Associate Vice President Years with Company: 5 Years in CRE: 21 Q: What is one defining moment in your career that shapes your perspective or trajectory? A: Closing my first major transaction was a defining mo - ment. It wasn’t just about the specific transaction – it was about building trust, navigat- ing challenges and learning to truly listen. That experience taught me that successful bro- kerage is rooted in relation- ships and resilience. It shaped how I approach every client in- teraction, focusing on long-term value rather than quick wins. It also gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and advocate strongly for my clients. That moment set the tone for how I lead, communicate and grow in this industry every day. Christopher Chiusolo, Vice President Years with Co.: 6 months Years in CRE: 7 Q: What role has cross-
Kelly Bayer
Christopher Chiusolo
Robert V. DiLeo
Kyle Gerace
Catherine Goski-Vasquez Sweemit Goswami
forward – and that’s what makes it exciting. Sweemit Goswami Associate Years with Company: 1 Years in CRE: 1 Q: How do you see your- self contributing to your company or the broader industry, considering the current market dynamics? A: As a college student work- ing at NAIDB, I bring a fresh, relevant perspective on how my generation views CRE and how emerging technologies like AI are being integrated into the industry. Because our education system is still transitioning to meet new de- mands, I offer insight into how future talent is being shaped. Starting my career during the current market cycle is an in- valuable learning opportunity. This is when you gain a deep understanding of the business and build resilience. I’m grate- ful to be here now, laying the groundwork to make strong, lasting contributions as the market evolves. MAREJ
had learned in the brokerage business. This business truly showed me that if you work hard, learn and do everything the right way, with some luck, you will be rewarded. Catherine Goski-Vasquez, Associate Vice President Years with Company: 12 Years in CRE: 12 Q: What kind of profes- sional satisfaction do you get that sets CRE apart from other career paths? A: In industrial real estate, you’re not just finding space – you’re solving problems. I love helping businesses find locations that streamline their operations, support growth and make their day-to-day more efficient. Whether it’s improving logistics, expand- ing warehousing or unlocking access to new markets, every transaction directly impacts a company’s success. It’s reward- ing to know the work I do helps businesses run smarter and scale faster. Commercial real estate may seem “behind the scenes,” but it drives industry
Watching my dad hustle taught me that relationships are everything, and trust isn’t given – it’s earned through each transaction. Every cold call, every walkthrough, every signed lease is part of the long game. You’ve got to stay curi- ous, grounded and consistent. You learn fast that brokerage success is less about luck and more about mindset, relation- ships and showing up when others don’t. Kyle Gerace, Vice President Years with Company: 5 Years in CRE: 5 Q: Some say CRE gets “in your blood.” When did you first feel this industry was more than just a job? A: As a young broker, I leaned heavily on my bosses to guide me through nearly every part of the transaction process. But after about a year and a half in the business, I completed a transaction that I had sourced, without any assistance, and it sparked a real sense of prog- ress based on everything I
property expertise played in your success and ability to serve clients? A: Having the ability to be open-minded and understand your clients’ needs is critical to achieving success on behalf of the companies and people I represent. You may be show- ing one property and for one reason or another, it does not work. However, there might be another property down the road that does work. You need to be a chameleon in some ways and learn adaptation. There’s also a reason people have two ears and one mouth – you need to be an excellent lis- tener and respond accordingly to the information you learn. Robert V. DiLeo, Associate Vice President Years with Company: 6 Years in CRE: 6 Q: What does building a successful brokerage ca- reer look like in the initial years? A: The early years are a grind – long hours, cold calls, rejec- tions and learning by doing.
Celebrating more than 88 years of offering dependable real estate solutions based on knowledge, experience and vision
Commercial Real Estate Services, Worldwide. Since 1937
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