The Zolan Rossiter Team’s real estate journey is a powerful example of how collaboration, mentorship, and infrastructure can redefine success in a competitive market. As the hosts of Leads & Leverage, we had the privilege of hearing their stories and uncovering valuable insights for real estate professionals.

Jacqueline Zolan and Debbie Rossiter’s partnership has become a model of teamwork and growth. With over 35 years of combined experience, they have mastered the art of balancing client relationships, agent mentorship, and operational excellence. Here’s how they’ve built their thriving team.

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Establishing a Solid Foundation Through Partnership

Jacqueline and Debbie collaborated long before they formally became a team. Their partnership grew from mutual respect and a shared vision. By blending their unique strengths and expertise, they created a framework based on trust and shared goals that allowed them to excel as individuals and as a team.

They attribute their success to a few key principles:

• Mutual Respect: Each partner recognizes and appreciates the other’s talents and areas of expertise, allowing them to complement one another.
• Clear Boundaries: By delineating individual responsibilities from team objectives, they avoid conflicts and ensure smooth operations.
• Proactive Communication: Open discussions about challenges and solutions keep the partnership running efficiently and harmoniously.

This foundation has not only helped them navigate the complexities of real estate but also allowed them to build a team culture rooted in collaboration and trust. The result is a partnership that enhances their ability to serve clients and support team members.

Clients First: The Core of Their Philosophy

For the Zolan Rossiter Team, the client always comes first. Their client-centric philosophy has driven their business and solidified their reputation as trusted advisors in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Over 93% of their business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the relationships they’ve built over the years.

Their dedication to clients goes beyond the standard expectations of a real estate agent. Some examples of their commitment include:

• Advocacy: They consistently prioritize their client’s best interests, even if it means advising them to wait on a sale or consider alternatives that might not be immediately profitable.
• Personalized Service: They go above and beyond to meet their client’s needs, assisting with repairs and last-minute fixes and ensuring every detail of a transaction is handled.
• Consistent Communication: Monthly newsletters and personal outreach keep them top-of-mind for their clients, providing updates on market trends, design ideas, and lifestyle tips.

This level of care fosters trust and loyalty, ensuring that their clients not only return but also enthusiastically recommend them to others.

Creating a Culture of Mentorship

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the Zolan Rossiter Team’s approach. Jacqueline and Debbie understand that investing in their agents’ growth benefits everyone involved—the agents, the team, and their clients. Their mentorship philosophy is built on the following:

• Guidance and Support: They offer step-by-step coaching to agents, helping them navigate complex transactions and build confidence.
• Credibility Boost: By allowing new agents to leverage the team’s extensive experience, they instill trust in clients and create opportunities for agents to shine.
• Growth Opportunities: The team’s supportive structure enables agents to transition from rentals to sales, fostering long-term career development.

Through this approach, Jacqueline and Debbie create an environment where agents can thrive, contributing to a cohesive and high-performing team.

Streamlining Success with Infrastructure

Behind every successful team is a robust infrastructure, and the Zolan Rossiter Team is no exception. They’ve built systems that enable efficiency, scalability, and superior service. Key elements of their infrastructure include:

• Virtual Administrative Support: Their virtual admin handles a wide range of tasks, from CRM management to transaction coordination and marketing materials, freeing the team to focus on client interactions.
• Dedicated Marketing Resources: With Compass’s tools and dedicated professionals managing their social media and online presence, they maintain consistent visibility in their market.
• Streamlined Operations: By implementing efficient systems, they’ve reduced redundancies and maximized productivity, allowing them to handle increased demand without compromising service quality.

Additionally, their network of trusted professionals, including mortgage brokers, ensures seamless client experiences. This strategic infrastructure allows the team to focus on their strengths while delivering exceptional value to their clients.

Actionable Advice for Aspiring Team Leaders

Building a real estate team is no small feat, but Jacqueline and Debbie’s insights offer a roadmap for success. Their advice to aspiring team leaders includes the following:

1. Invest in Infrastructure: Lay the groundwork with strong systems and support before expanding your team.
2. Cultivate Trust: Build trust with your clients and within your team to foster loyalty and long-term relationships.
3. Be Adaptable: Address challenges swiftly and remain flexible to maintain momentum.
4. Prioritize Mentorship: Empower your agents with knowledge and guidance to help them achieve their goals.

These lessons provide a solid framework for building a sustainable and high-performing team.

Inspiration Through Continuous Learning

One of the standout aspects of the Zolan Rossiter Team is their commitment to learning. They consistently seek out resources, such as industry podcasts, to stay informed and inspired. This dedication to growth helps them adapt to market changes, embrace new strategies, and deliver exceptional results for their clients.

Tune in to the Leads & Leverage Podcast

My conversation with Jacqueline Zolan and Debbie Rossiter revealed a wealth of insights into what it takes to succeed in real estate. Their stories are testaments to the power of prioritizing relationships, fostering mentorship, and building a strong operational foundation. Here’s what I learned from hosting them on Leads & Leverage.