Meet Jiangwei Zhou

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jiangwei Zhou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jiangwei , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, has been both a skill and a necessity, honed over years of working in the dynamic and sometimes unforgiving world of New York real estate. I believe my resilience comes from a combination of early influences and professional experiences. Growing up, I was inspired by my family’s work ethic and commitment to seeing things through, no matter the obstacles. This foundation was crucial, but the real test came when I stepped into the real estate industry—a field where the landscape can shift overnight and where only those who adapt and push forward succeed.

Starting in residential real estate, I helped clients achieve their dream homes, but as I transitioned to commercial real estate, I realized the stakes were even higher. Every deal, every client interaction, came with its unique challenges. There were times when deals fell through after months of hard work, or when a promising lead went cold. It would have been easy to feel defeated, but instead, I viewed these setbacks as stepping stones—lessons to refine my approach and build a stronger foundation for my business.

Today, resilience means more than just bouncing back from setbacks. It means anticipating challenges, learning from every experience, and remaining optimistic even when the path ahead isn’t clear. It’s what drives me to keep growing, both for myself and my team, and to continue seeking opportunities to bring value to my clients. I don’t just endure challenges—I embrace them, knowing that every hurdle I overcome makes me a stronger, more adaptable leader

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey in real estate began over a decade ago with a focus on residential properties, helping clients find homes that fit their dreams and needs. Over time, I discovered a passion for commercial real estate, which offers a unique mix of challenges and rewards. Now, as the leader of the OWT Team at eXp Commercial, I specialize in representing tenants and buyers, particularly international brands looking to establish a presence in the vibrant New York City market.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bridge cultures and visions—helping overseas clients navigate the complex U.S. market and find spaces that embody their brand’s identity and ambitions. I believe that commercial real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about building connections, creating value, and supporting businesses that bring new energy to the community.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding our referral program with Nu Media, offering incentives for colleagues and partners who help us connect with high-quality leads. This program is a testament to my commitment to collaboration and my desire to bring a fresh, network-driven approach to commercial real estate. We’re also exploring new location intelligence tools, which allow us to provide clients with even deeper insights into potential properties, giving them a strategic advantage in a competitive market.

Looking forward, my goal is to continue growing the OWT Team and to make commercial real estate more accessible and navigable for international clients. Whether you’re a new business owner looking to establish your first storefront or a seasoned brand ready to expand, I’m here to provide guidance, expertise, and a partnership built on trust and results.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three most important qualities I’ve found essential in my journey are resilience, relationship-building, and strategic insight.

Resilience: Real estate is a demanding field, filled with highs and lows. My resilience has been a cornerstone, helping me navigate setbacks and keep pushing forward. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges but about adapting to them, learning from every experience, and maintaining the drive to achieve long-term goals. For those early in their journey, focus on building a mindset that embraces challenges as learning opportunities.

Relationship-Building: Success in real estate, especially in commercial transactions, is built on trust and strong relationships. From clients to partners and colleagues, I prioritize genuine connections that go beyond just business. Building and nurturing relationships has allowed me to establish a supportive network that continually opens doors. I advise newcomers to prioritize relationships by listening, understanding others’ needs, and showing a commitment to mutual success.

Strategic Insight: In a market as dynamic as New York’s, strategic thinking is crucial. Knowing how to analyze trends, assess opportunities, and anticipate market shifts has allowed me to provide added value to my clients. For those starting out, take the time to learn from mentors and immerse yourself in the industry’s data. A strategic mindset will set you apart and equip you to make informed decisions.

Developing these qualities has shaped my path and allowed me to overcome obstacles. My advice to others is to stay committed to growth in these areas, as they are fundamental to achieving both personal and professional success.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’ve been fortunate to have two incredibly strong women guide and inspire me—my mom and my wife, both accomplished businesswomen in their own right. My mom built and managed multiple businesses, from a restaurant to a spa, showing me firsthand what resilience and adaptability look like. Watching her navigate the complexities of each venture taught me the importance of perseverance and the courage to take risks, qualities that are foundational to my work today in real estate.

My wife, Ada, brings her own unique set of strengths. She’s the CEO of Nu Media, an INC 5000 marketing agency, and her strategic thinking and visionary leadership have been invaluable to me. Ada’s journey has shown me the value of precision in decision-making and the power of a clear brand message, skills that are essential in building trust and visibility with clients. Together, these two women have shaped my approach, helping me build the essential skills of resilience, strategic thinking, and people-focused leadership.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynezhouowt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayne.zhou.3/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiangwei-wayne-zhou-66095a92

Image Credits

Maggie Chen