8 — August 2026 — Thriving Under Forty — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
T hriving U nder F orty
Julie Gralla Senior Vice President Kislak Years with Company/Firm: 15 years Years in Field: 15 years Years in Real Estate Industry: 15 years
Matthew LoBocchiaro Sales and Leasing Associate Kislak Years with company/firm: 3 Years in field: 3 Years in real estate industry: 3 Real estate organizations / affiliations: NCJAR
What is your greatest professional accomplishment? Hitting 15 years in the business this year. I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone! What is your most notable project, deal or transaction? I’ve had quite a few memorable transactions over the past 15 years, from setting a record per-unit price in South Orange early in my career to more recently selling properties in Plainfield at record per-unit prices for their vintage. One especially memorable transaction was selling a 134-unit complex in Bridgewater for the original builders. This was the first time it had traded since it was built nearly 30 years earlier. I’m also proud of the development deals I’ve been a part of, particularly several in Plainfield. I love being a part of creating positive change. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I’m orga - nized, detail-oriented and persistent, and I stay on top of a deal from start to fin - ish to make sure it gets to the closing table. I’ll do nearly anything to get a deal done, often going well beyond the traditional broker’s role. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? My mother, Joni Sweetwood. She’s an Executive Vice President at Kislak and was Kislak’s highest producer for many years. She inspires me every day to work harder. Her passion for the business and her clients is unparalleled, and I aspire to be the champion in this industry that she has become. There is truly no stopping her. What impact has social media/networking had on your career? Networking is everything in this industry, but I’ve found that it’s most effective in person. I use publications and the internet to market listings and maximize exposure, but my greatest success has come from building strong, personal relationships over time. Tell us how and when you began your career, about your current position and why you chose this field/profession. I started my career in advertising before joining Kislak in December 2010. I’ve stayed in real estate because, while I love the flexibility and earning potential, what I really love is being with people. It’s especially rewarding when clients become trusted friends. What were some of your early goals, and did anything happen to change them? When I started, my goal was simply to surpass what I had earned in continued on page 48
What is your greatest professional accomplishment? One of my greatest professional accomplishments has been representing Our House, Inc. in securing a new location for their headquarters and day programs. I am proud to have helped identify a space that meets their operational needs and supports their continued efforts to provide important services to adults with intellectual and developmen - tal disabilities. The transaction is particularly rewarding because my work as a broker allowed me to directly support an organization that has such a meaningful and positive impact on the community. What is your most notable project, deal or transaction? One of my most notable transactions has been the Brooks Brothers lease at 32-34 Broad Street in Red Bank. The transaction was a great opportunity to work with a national retailer and play a role in bringing the brand to a prominent location in Red Bank. I was involved throughout the process and gained valuable experi - ence working through the negotiations and details of the transaction. It was a significant deal for my business and an experience that helped me continue to grow as a commercial real estate broker. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I contribute to my company and the commercial real estate industry through sales and leasing, helping property owners, tenants, investors, and developers navigate transactions and make informed real estate decisions. I focus on building strong relationships, identifying opportunities, and creating value through effective marketing, nego - tiation, and deal execution. What impact has social media / networking had on your career? Social media and networking have allowed me to expand my professional network, meet more people, and stay connected with contacts more consistently. It has made it easier to maintain relationships, which is especially valuable in commercial real estate, where relationships and referrals are critical to success. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today? I began my career in commercial real estate shortly after continued on page 48
CONGRATULATIONS
to Julie Gralla and Matt LoBocchiaro for recognition in the Thriving Under 40 . We celebrate their accomplishments and honor their hard work, integrity, and client dedication.
Julie Gralla Senior VIce President
Matt LoBocchiaro Sales & Leasing Associate
The Kislak Company, Inc. | kislakrealty.com | 732 750 3000
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