Meet Aviva Sonenreich

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aviva Sonenreich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aviva, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room has been a recurring theme in my career, especially as a young woman in a field traditionally dominated by more experienced men. When I joined my family’s commercial real estate business at just 22, I was frequently the youngest and often the only woman at the table, especially in high-stakes meetings or industry events. Initially, this was intimidating; I felt the weight of representing not only myself but also the potential of what a new generation could bring to commercial real estate.

I knew that simply being in the room wasn’t enough—I had to show that my perspective and approach were valuable. So I focused on being incredibly prepared, knowing every detail inside and out. That included leveraging the very thing that set me apart: a fresh take on marketing and technology in a field that was, at the time, just beginning to catch up to the digital age.

Over time, I learned to embrace the uniqueness I brought to the table rather than trying to blend in. My success on social media and the growth of our company through these methods have become proof that stepping into my strengths, even when they differ from the norm, is not only powerful but necessary. Now, when I’m the only one who looks like me in the room, I see it as an opportunity to bring something unique and impactful to the conversation.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My story is rooted in family and tradition, yet it’s very much about embracing change. I’m the managing broker at Warehouse Hotline, a company with three generations of experience in commercial real estate. Joining the business was never a given—I wanted to earn my place and bring something unique to the table. I saw an untapped opportunity to use digital strategies and social media to expand our reach, allowing us to connect with people in ways that were new to this industry.

Today, my role combines everything I love: helping clients, leading our team, and educating others about commercial real estate. But what truly excites me is our ability to empower people to make informed real estate decisions. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, I share insights on everything from leasing to investing, making this knowledge accessible and engaging. Our @Avivarealestate handle has grown to over a million followers, and the level of interest people have in this traditionally ‘closed-door’ industry has been phenomenal. It shows that people want to understand this world—they just need the information presented in a way that’s approachable and relatable.

Our work is about more than just transactions; it’s about helping people create stability, opportunity, and even legacy. That’s why I launched my podcast, Commercial Real Estate Secrets. It’s a platform where we dive deep into the industry’s nuances, from market trends to individual success stories, and break down the information so that newcomers or experienced professionals alike can gain something valuable.

And one of my proudest achievements is that the podcast has resonated so widely—it’s now in the top 50 on Apple Podcasts for investment content. That milestone speaks to how hungry people are for genuine insight and practical advice.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that we’re here to disrupt the traditional way of doing things. Our goal is to make commercial real estate accessible and engaging for everyone, from seasoned investors to first-time renters. At Warehouse Hotline, we’re not just brokering deals; we’re building a community and fostering a new generation of informed, empowered real estate participants.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: adaptability, resilience, and commitment. Each of these has been essential in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in commercial real estate.

Adaptability was vital, especially as I entered an industry deeply rooted in tradition. I quickly realized that to succeed, I had to blend my family’s legacy with modern methods that hadn’t yet taken hold in commercial real estate, like data-driven marketing and social media strategies. For anyone starting out, I’d say adaptability means being willing to try new things and to pivot quickly. The industry changes fast, and the sooner you can embrace change and even thrive in it, the stronger your foundation will be.

Resilience was equally crucial. There were countless times when my age or different approach made others skeptical. But resilience kept me pushing forward, using these moments as fuel to prove what could be possible. To build resilience, focus on your ‘why’—the bigger reason that drives you—and hold onto it tightly. Real estate, like any career, has ups and downs, and remembering your purpose will help you stay the course.

Lastly, commitment has been the backbone of my journey. I knew that to make a meaningful impact, I had to be fully invested, even when success wasn’t immediate or easy. Commitment isn’t just about working hard; it’s about continuously showing up, learning, and growing with every challenge and opportunity. For those starting out, my advice is to commit fully to whatever you pursue. Treat each step as a building block and keep sight of your long-term goals. Commitment will be the key to achieving them, even when the path seems uncertain.

To anyone early in their journey, invest in developing these qualities, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Seek out experiences that stretch you, surround yourself with people who challenge you, and trust that each challenge will build the skills you need. Commercial real estate is all about creating value, and that starts with bringing your unique strengths to the industry.

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 incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system, and if I had to pinpoint one person who’s been most instrumental, it would be my family, especially my father. Growing up around a family business rooted in commercial real estate, I had the unique advantage of seeing firsthand what it takes to succeed in this industry. My father’s example instilled a deep sense of work ethic and resilience. He didn’t just teach me about deals and transactions; he showed me the importance of integrity, patience, and always keeping the client’s best interest at heart. These lessons have become core principles I carry into every interaction.

On the other hand, Gary Vaynerchuk was a game-changer for my perspective on digital strategies and innovation. He showed me how powerful it could be to connect with an audience directly, authentically, and through the platforms where people spend their time. Gary’s message of staying agile, embracing social media, and focusing on value-first content really pushed me to transform our approach at Warehouse Hotline. His influence made me realize that being different—bringing a fresh voice to a traditional industry—could be my strongest asset.

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