What separates great retail leasing brokers from everyone else? It’s not just market knowledge—it’s the ability to build lasting relationships, understand what retailers need, and stay patient enough to see opportunities through.
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Cory Zelnik, Founder and President of Zelnik & Company, to discuss the retail leasing strategies that have made him one of New York City’s most respected commercial real estate brokers.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Cory shares how he helped bring Panda Express to New York City after an eight-year pursuit, why long-term relationships consistently outperform short-term transactions, what national retail tenants look for when expanding into new markets, and how curiosity, consistency, and patience have shaped his career. Whether you’re a commercial real estate broker, landlord, investor, or retailer, this episode offers practical insights into retail leasing, tenant representation, and building a lasting commercial real estate business.
Key Topics Discussed
- Retail leasing strategies from one of New York City’s top commercial real estate brokers
- How Cory Zelnik helped bring Panda Express to New York City
- Why long-term client relationships are the foundation of brokerage success
- What national retail tenants look for when selecting new locations
- How patience and consistency lead to career-defining opportunities
- Retail tenant representation best practices
- Typical lease terms for national retail tenants
- Emerging retail trends, including experiential retail and pickleball concepts
- How New York City’s retail market continues to evolve
- The mindset and habits behind a successful commercial real estate career
About the Guest
Cory Zelnik is the Founder and CEO of Zelnik & Company, a New York-based commercial real estate brokerage specializing in retail leasing and investment advisory. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Cory has helped lead some of the East Coast’s largest retail expansions, representing prominent property owners, institutional landlords, and national retailers. He is widely recognized for his expertise in retail real estate, tenant representation, landlord advisory, and for sharing educational commercial real estate insights through his podcast and social media platforms.
About the Host
Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker and Owner of the Warehouse Hotline, a Denver commercial real estate brokerage specializing exclusively in industrial properties. She leads the firm’s brokerage operations, negotiates industrial sales and leasing transactions, advises clients on acquisition and disposition strategies, and oversees the company’s marketing and business development efforts. Through Commercial Real Estate Secrets, she interviews leading investors, brokers, developers, and industry experts to provide actionable insights on commercial real estate investing, brokerage, leasing, development, and market trends.
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