48 — August 2026 — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
M id A tlantic R eal E state J ournal
BR&D strengthens team with addition of Shlomo Aron
Julie Gralla, Senior VP at Kislak
my previous career in ad - vertising. While many new continued from page 8
A Few of my Favorite Things: College: University of Delaware — Go Blue Hens! Sport: Tennis — I love to play! Restaurant: Too many to name! I love the atmosphere at Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park, and Fanny’s in Bloom- field has been a recent favorite. I’m also looking forward to returning to Osteria LK in Maplewood, and I’ve had some great meals at Lupa in Berkeley Heights. Montclair is another favorite for dining — Zeugma Grill, Luigino’s and so many more.
and institutional investors, delivering tailored investment strategies and market insights throughout every stage of the transaction process. Throughout his career, Aron has built a reputation for identi - fying investment opportunities, structuring successful transac - tions, and delivering exceptional client service. His expertise in retail investment sales, market analysis, and investment strat - egy makes him a trusted advisor for clients seeking to buy, sell, or expand their commercial real estate portfolios. “This move allows me to better serve my clients by partnering with a brokerage that is involved in every stage of the commercial real estate lifecycle,” said Aron. “Ben - nett’s strong leasing platform, development division, and in - vestment sales expertise give me the ability to provide more value throughout the entire deal cycle, from lease-up and tenant strategy through acqui - sition, disposition, and long- term asset planning.” MAREJ
HOLMDEL, NJ — Ben- nett Realty & Develop- ment (BR&D) announced
brokers don’t close a deal in their first year, I was fortunate to do so. That early success gave me con - fidence and taught me to
that Shlomo Aron has joined their team as an investment associate. With over $60 million in closed trans - action experi -
Julie Gralla
keep pushing, even when the market gets difficult. I try to carry that same persistence through challenging interest- rate environments today. What unique qualities and/or personality traits do you feel make you most successful in your profession? I pride myself on being or - ganized, detail-oriented and persistent. My background in advertising has also given me a unique perspective on mar - keting properties. Most impor - tantly, I genuinely care about my clients, which motivates me to go above and beyond to get the deal done. I believe that being transparent, honest and willing to do whatever it takes to get the deal done sets me apart. What challenges and/or obstacles did you need to overcome to become as suc- cessful as you are today?
Shlomo Aron
Because I care so deeply about my clients and my deals, I’ve had to learn to grow a thicker skin. What was the most defining moment for you? When I closed my first few deals, I quickly became ad - dicted to the feeling of suc - cess. I remember rewarding myself after my first year with the “big” purchase of a Keurig coffee maker — at the time, it felt like I had truly made it! That feeling after a closing is still euphoric and it’s what fuels me through even the most difficult deals. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? My mother, Joni Sweetwood. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced/conquered during your career? Or in your life?
I used to say it was when an owner unfortunately passed away during one multifamily transaction, and I ended up taking over management of the property to get the CO in - spections completed and keep the deal moving. Management certainly wasn’t part of my job description, but I do what I need to do to get a deal across the finish line. More recently, I’ve had two deals in a row where one side ultimately lost their attorney, so that’s been an unusual obstacle this year! What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time? Any time I can play tennis or spend time with my sons, it’s therapy. I’m a big believer in balance, although some weeks I’m still working on mastering it! MAREJ
ence, specializing in investment sales and net lease properties, Shlomo will serve as an in - vestment advisor for the firm. At BR&D, he advises private investors, family offices, and property owners on acquisi - tions, disposition, and long- term investment strategies. With specialized expertise in child daycare properties, pet-related daycare facili - ties, and net lease retail as - sets, Aron has developed a relationship-driven approach that helps clients navigate complex transactions with confidence. He works closely with both independent owners
continued from page 6 Mentorship completely ac - celerated my growth by provid - ing a blueprint for long-term success in a highly competitive industry. Early on, watching veteran leaders handle com - plex transactions taught me that successful brokering isn’t about having all the answers right away – it’s about asking the right questions, remaining adaptable and keeping a cool head when challenges pop up. My mentors didn’t just teach me the mechanics of industrial and office leasing, they showed me how to build a business with integrity because that is one key trait that will never become out - dated. They reinforced the importance of active listen - ing, preparation and always putting the client’s interests first. The lessons I learned at their side shaped my work ethic and defined the kind of advisor, teammate and future leader I strive to be. MAREJ Jared Licht, Vice President at NAI Mertz Chris Chiusolo, NAI DiLeo-Bram
Matthew LoBocchiaro, Sales & Leasing Associate at Kislak
continued from page 8 graduating from college. I was drawn to the profession be -
A Few of my Favorite Things:
cause I want - ed to be in a field where my hard work and effort could directly influ - ence my suc - cess, while also allowing me to make a
College: Monmouth University Book: Moneyball
success. They also instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age, which has played a major role in my success and continues to influence how I ap - proach my career today. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? In my free time, I enjoy staying active by playing ten - nis and pickleball. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and going out to eat with friends and family. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive gradu- ating from college today? Work hard and always be willing to learn. When you are starting your career, focus on learning as much as you can from the people around you and gaining experience. Put in the extra effort, ask questions, and do not be afraid to take on new challenges. MAREJ Sports Team: NY Rangers Restaurant: McCormick & Schmick’s Hobby: Pickleball
Movie: Miracle App: Instagram
it is understanding the market, navigating transactions, or find - ing new ways to create value for clients. I am willing to put in the time, ask questions, and learn from those around me. At the same time, I understand how important relationships are in this business and make an ef - fort to build genuine, long-term relationships with clients and other professionals. I believe consistently putting in the work, continuing to learn, and build - ing strong relationships has helped me grow my business and develop as a broker. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? My parents have been the most influential people in my life when choosing my profession. They have always supported my goals and encouraged me to pursue a career where I could have more control over my own
honors the commercial real es - tate brokers and teams within the NAI Global network who achieve the highest transac - tion volumes and gross com - mission milestones globally, so being recognized at that level — especially doing it together as a team — means a great deal to me. MAREJ
continued from page 7
Matthew LoBocchiaro
Producing Team status alongside my father for three consec - utive years. It’s an annu - al corporate ranking that
meaningful impact on my cli - ents. I enjoy assisting property owners, tenants, investors, and developers navigate real estate decisions and find opportuni - ties that meet their goals. To - day, I focus primarily on sales and leasing and continue to build relationships and grow my business throughout the Central New Jersey market. What unique qualities and/ or personality traits do you feel make you most suc- cessful in your profession? I believe my work ethic, deter - mination to learn, and ability to build genuine relationships are three qualities that have contributed most to my suc - cess. Commercial real estate is constantly changing, and there is always more to learn, whether
Jared Licht
Sandro Randazzo, Director at NAI Mertz
tionship-driven approach. Commercial real estate, and industrial leasing in particu - lar, is a long game — deals and client relationships are built over years, not weeks. I’ve always focused on being consistent and dependable for clients so that the outcomes I deliver support their long- term success, not just the im - mediate transaction. MAREJ
What unique qualities and/ or person- ality traits do you feel make you most suc- cessful in your pro- fession? continued from page 7
Work ethic and a rela -
Sandro Randazzo
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