2021 Women in CRE: Zeynep Ekemen, Silver Defender Corp. and Z Realty Group, LLC

Name: Zeynep Ekemen

Title: CEO and Managing Partner 

Company Name: Silver Defender Corp. and Z Realty Group, LLC

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
In both the real estate world and the nano technology world there are many accomplishments that make me proud. Z Realty Group has executed eight deals with one if it’s longest running clients, The Learning Experience. In 2021 I was honored with the NJBIZ Best Fifty Women in Business. In 2020, Silver Defender was awarded the ISSA Innovation Award for Services and Technology. In 2021, Silver Defender was awarded the Gold Stevie Award for Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing and the Silver Stevie Award for Startup of the Year in Business Products Industries. Previously I was named Costar Power Broker of the Year in 2014 and 2015. For both years, I was the only woman listed in my category.

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?
Every book that has been written by Napoleon Hill. I would also highly recommend reading “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi. I have written down so many great ideas from this book that has impacted both of my businesses. Listen to Just B podcast with Bethenny Frankel–listen to the episode with Barbara Corcoran.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
In 2021, I was nominated for Woman of the Year by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2020, Silver Defender announced its partnership with Table to Table - not-for-profit, food rescue program. Silver Defender covered all the truck handles and steering wheels to ensure the safe delivery of food throughout the community and donated its films for Table to Table’s offices. We additionally donated its antimicrobial adhesive films to the rescue program’s 5^th Annual Golf Classic. Over 550,000 meals were provided as a result of the fundraising event. Silver Defender also collaborated with YAI, one of the largest developmental disabilities service providers in the New York metropolitan area, to protect one of the most vulnerable populations in the pandemic.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
At its core, Silver Defender’s products give back to everyone they touch. The nature of Silver Defender products creates cleaner spaces–work, home, transportation–anywhere you go, we go. We have learned quickly over the past year that cleanliness isn’t personal, it’s global. It is not just about the business; it is about the greater good and ensuring cleanliness for people around the world. I’ve always been driven by a deeper purpose to make the world a little better and that feeling has driven me to accomplish a lot. That hope and vision of a better future is an incredible motivator.

How do you advocate for your fellow women in real estate?
I have been paving the way for women across all industries–both nano technology and commercial real estate, and I have proven successful in both of these male dominated fields. I initially had the idea of creating an all-women commercial real estate brokerage with Z Realty Group. For 11 years, I have continued to mentor women sales agents on an individual basis. I believe that it is important for women to be guided in heavily male dominated fields to foster confidence and success.

Why should women consider a career in commercial real estate and related services?
Commercial real estate can be a very heavily male dominated field. Women need to remain confident in their abilities to share their ideas and take charge. No one inherently knows better than you, or works harder than you, but it’s up to you to remember that along the way, particularly when you are an outlier in your environment. Build your confidence in explaining why your work, service, or product is different and how it helps others and you’ll be several steps closer to making the sale. Knowing that you are working harder will be the most rewarding in the end.

Tell us a thing or two about you that is NOT on your resume or LinkedIn profile?
When I was 12 years old, I emigrated to the United States from Turkey. I have always had a sort of entrepreneurial spirit but having that drive to achieve the American Dream has kept me going throughout these years and many projects.