2024 Ones to Watch - Innovators in CRE: Zeynep Ekemen, Z Realty Group, LLC

As founder and managing partner of Z Realty Group, Zeynap “Z” Ekemen has overseen the company’s real estate operations since 2009. Ekemen’s primary responsibility is managing site selection, acquisition, and development for The Learning Experience centers, a national chain of childcare facilities. With a team of five and close collaboration with TLE’s executives, Ekemen has successfully developed numerous high-quality, strategic locations across the country, tailored to meet TLE’s demographic and operational requirements.

Innovative Solution:
In today’s challenging market, I’ve developed innovative strategies to overcome the unique hurdles of childcare facility development, particularly rising land and construction costs in high-demand areas. By leveraging data on demographic trends and deep knowledge of zoning regulations, I pinpoint underutilized areas that align with community needs and The Learning Experience’s mission. My approach combines strategic site selection with creative solutions, such as negotiating favorable terms with property owners and adapting site plans to optimize usability. This proactive, data-driven approach enables us to expand TLE’s presence nationally, making quality early childhood education accessible in underserved markets across the country.

Innovative Outlook:
I see immense potential in the use of data analytics and technology to optimize site selection and streamline project development. In the commercial real estate sector, especially in niche areas like childcare, harnessing predictive analytics can help identify underserved markets and forecast growth areas. I believe the future lies in enhancing operational efficiency and creating real estate models that can adapt quickly to shifting community needs and demographics.

“Zeynep Ekemen has redefined commercial real estate strategies for childcare development, a sector known for its complexities in land acquisition and high construction costs. As the leader of Z Realty Group since 2009, Zeynep has played a pivotal role in expanding The Learning Experience (TLE) locations nationwide, creating innovative solutions to secure cost-effective sites and streamline development. Her work has not only fostered growth in communities but also provided accessible early education to countless families.” - Dana Morgan, Z Realty Group.