Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Zolan And Jacquelynn Rossiter.

Hi Debbie Zolan And Jacquelynn Rossiter, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

Debbie Zolan – I started my career in advertising and PR right out of college, working my way up from an assistant to VP, Director of Client Services at a European branding firm. After five years there—and right after getting married—I realized I was working so hard for others when I really wanted to build something of my own. So, I took the leap and launched my own marketing consultancy. Helping other brands grow was incredibly rewarding, but I wanted to take everything I had learned and create something of my own. That’s when I started Cherry Tee, an online-only t-shirt business at cherrytee.com.

A couple of years into retail, the economy took a downturn, and a close friend suggested I consider real estate. He pointed out that I had the perfect blend of experience—an extensive network, a background in luxury goods, branding, and marketing, and a natural way with people. The idea caught me off guard at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it just made sense. In 2011, I got my license, and that was it—my third and final career. I love it; it’s the perfect culmination of everything I’ve done before.

Jacquelynn Rossiter – Real estate is more than just a career for me — it’s a passion, a lifestyle, pretty much all I know! I started my real estate journey when I was 24. Real Estate is my first and only career, and to this day, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Growing up in Brooklyn, I would walk through the picturesque streets of Brooklyn Heights every day on my way to work, admiring the classic brownstones and their intricate details. There was something about these buildings that sparked my imagination. Real estate felt like a great fit because it’s an industry with endless opportunities. Needless to say, I was hooked from the start and still love it to this day.

What began as an initial curiosity evolved into a full-fledged career. I got my real estate license in 2005, and my first big break came a year or two into my career. I developed a strong relationship with the sponsor of a 549-unit cooperative complex and began selling there. Fast forward over 20 years, and I’m still doing a significant amount of business in that same complex. That is a testament to the power of persistence and building lasting relationships in this business and in life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Debbie Zolan – It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve had incredible years and a couple of tough ones—one being during the pandemic. Real estate in NYC is not for the faint of heart. I’ve been fortunate to have another source of income in the family, which has helped weather the challenging times. But overall, it’s been fantastic. My strong work ethic and loyal sphere of influence have been key. When you reach a point where business comes from referrals rather than constantly pitching for listings, you’re in a great place. But that only happens if you consistently deliver.

As a Principal of a real estate team at Compass, the challenges have evolved. One of the toughest is hiring the right agents—it’s not just about talent, but finding people who align with our culture and can bring in their own business. Balancing day-to-day operations while managing HR, branding, marketing, and client relationships is a lot to juggle. Thankfully, we now have an incredible Manager of Operations who has been a game-changer. But building the right team remains an ongoing challenge—it’s essential to find agents who not only support us but also contribute to the team’s growth.

Jacquelynn Rossiter – It hasn’t always been smooth! ! I’ve been licensed since 2004 and have seen it all. I’ve experienced market crashes, booms, and every shift in between. The real challenge came in 2015, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37. Going through chemotherapy, I looked visibly different. My clients (who are more like family)didn’t want to burden me, but for me, staying busy with work was a healthy distraction. I wasn’t always sure I could keep up, but I did, and somehow still had a great year despite everything.

One thing I’d change looking back: I spent a lot of time being the “go-to” agent at one property, selling hundreds of units. While that success was and still is great, I wish I’d diversified my business earlier and communicated effectively to my clients that I could help beyond just that one complex. It’s a lesson I won’t forget. Be clear in your message and your value and never put all your eggs in one basket.

Fast forward to today, and I’m fortunate to work with an amazing partner. Our collaboration has been a game-changer. We complement each other’s strengths, and together, we’ve built a solid team with the infrastructure to grow. We’re able to give our clients the feeling they’re our only clients, and that’s what it’s all about. We love mentoring our agents and seeing them thrive it’s all incredibly rewarding.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Zolan Rossiter Team @ Compass?

We’re most proud of the team we’ve built and the relationships we’ve cultivated over the years. As a women-led, tight-knit team, we’ve created an infrastructure and level of organization that’s typically found on much larger teams, allowing us to work efficiently while staying personally involved in every aspect of the business. With over 35 years of collective experience, we’ve been fortunate to help buyers, sellers, landlords, developers, investors, and tenants navigate NYC’s ever-changing real estate market. More than anything, we’re grateful for the trust our clients and colleagues place in us—reflected in the fact that 93% of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients. That means everything to us.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

Debbie Zolan – What I love most about being a real estate agent in New York City is the energy—the fast pace, the constant movement, and the sheer volume of deals we navigate. Every day is different, with a diverse range of people, neighborhoods, and property types. There’s always someone looking to make NYC their home, which keeps the market dynamic and exciting. I thrive on the speed and adaptability this city demands, and I honestly can’t imagine doing real estate anywhere else.

Jacquelynn Rossiter – What I love most about New York City is the energy; it’s contagious and like no other. The city offers everything: incredible food from every region, cozy coffee shops, endless events for singles, couples, and families alike, great parks, and the beauty of the water and bridges. As a salsa dancer, I feel incredibly fortunate to live in the heart of Salsa ON2—there’s always somewhere to dance. In real estate, the city’s energy is impossible to ignore. The neighborhoods throughout the city are so incredibly different, each offering something special. Whether it’s working through the ups and downs of the market or helping people find the right home, there’s always something happening, and it keeps me engaged and excited every day.

That said, sometimes I fantasize about life in the suburbs—pulling into a driveway and having a little peace and quiet. Maybe one day I’ll have that, but honestly, I wouldn’t give up the city. The highs and lows of New York make it unique, and no place feels quite like it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thezolanrossiterteam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezolanrossiterteam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560457896738&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thezolanrossiterteam
• Other: https://flow.page/thezolanrossiterteam

Image Credits

Ddreps
Flash Frame NYC
Sofia Verzbolovskis