Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon and known by most by the label of “richest man in the world,” wrote something in his annual shareholder’s letter that I will never forget. “The very best leaders empower others,” said Bezos. That message has resonated with me for many years as I built my business on this exact foundation. I pride myself on doing whatever I can to equip anyone I speak to, with as much advice, guidance, insights, and expertise on everything that I can offer for their real estate and financing endeavors.

In that regard, I decided to reach out to other likeminded professionals, who shared the same premise as I do in this regard, and who would be willing to collaborate on an event to help others learn as well. The event that I have organized (see article on next page and our ad on inside back cover) will feature several local professionals who have agreed to join me on stage and share some of their branding and marketing “success strategies” to other real estate and business professionals.

David Stanton | Eastern Union

David entered the highly competitive commercial financing scene and quickly made a name for himself via LinkedIn as a motivation & networking guru, and an instant social media phenom. This event will be David’s public speaking debut as he teaches others to capture and captivate their audience.

Laibel Schwartz | Schwartz Photography

Within a few seconds of meeting Laibel Schwartz, one is immediately captivated by his presence and realizes he is more than a mere photographer. Laibel is a master branding and corporate image expert, whose passion brings more than a headshot to life. Known for his inspiration and creativity, he helps reveal the humanity behind your business.

Michael Meier | Meier Real Estate

Michael Meier is the CEO and principal broker of a highly innovative luxury brokerage in the extremely competitive New York City marketplace. Michael is a well-regarded real estate expert who has shared the stage with icons such as Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, Daymond John, Sylvester Stallone, Magic Johnson, to name a few.

Michael Sweetney | Former NBA Player

Michael is a former NBA player who was drafted #1 by the New York Knicks. After the loss of his father before his rookie season, Michael’s career and life took a turn for the worse. After retransforming his life, Michael is now a Mental Health advocate and Motivational Speaker addressing audiences at fortune 500 companies – all the way down to high school students – inspiring them all.

Michelle Vernuccio | North Jersey Chamber of Commerce

Michelle is the spirited president of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Michelle enables and empowers North Jersey’s finest business leaders to establish business connections via strategic networking and marketing innovations. Michelle is an award-winning communication and marketing expert, utilizing her skills and expertise to help others grow their network and their business.

Nekije “Nikki” Rizvani | KW Village Square

Nikki is an NJAR Circle of Excellence award-winning “Platinum” real estate professional – its highest tier awarded to only a very small percentage of professionals. As head of The Rizvani Group, she has grown her business through innovative marketing strategies and genuine customer service efforts online and offline.

Isaac ‘Yitzi’ Nussbaum | KW Shore Properties

Yitzi is an NJAR Circle of Excellence award-winning “Platinum” real estate professional – its highest tier awarded to only a very small percentage of professionals. Yitzi is head of The Nussbaum Team and, in a few short years, has established himself as one of the premier real estate professionals in Ocean County, NJ, with his prominent brand and marketing efforts.

Zohar “Zack” Zamir | KW Town Life

Zohar is an NJAR Circle of Excellence award-winning “Platinum” real estate professional – its highest tier awarded to only a very small percentage of professionals. Zohar leads The Zamir Group, a leading team in Bergen County, recognized as #1 in Sales in the entire NJMLS from 2016–2019. Zohar’s relentless efforts have solidified him as a premier agent within all of the Keller Williams franchise.

Within moments of announcing this event, the instant reaction was unexpected and touching. Hearing such favorable feedback from professionals of all experience and seniority levels, such as Karen Behfar of the Behfar Team, Rivka Feferkorn of Team Ari Realtors and Chaim Blau of Keller William Shore Properties – to name a few, quickly made me realize that an event of this nature is undoubtedly sought-after and valuable. I am looking forward to inspiring and being inspired by all in attendance.

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected].