Jacob Tzfanya, 40, died unexpectedly on August 28 in New York City.
Mr. Tzfanya was a senior vice president in CBRE’s industrial, logistics and retail advisory team in the outer boroughs.
He joined the firm in 2018 with Eastern Consolidated colleagues Brad Cohen and Jon Kamali to focus on owner and occupier advisory in the outer boroughs,
During his career, Mr. Tzfanya became one of New York City’s most prominent industrial commercial real estate brokers.
While with CBRE, he sold the 1.2 million-square-foot Bradley industrial park in Rockland County for $116.8 million and Modell’s Bronx distribution center for $115 million in a sale/lease back deal.
While with Eastern Consolidated, he sold the former Bulova watch factory in Queens for $25.2 million and helped negotiate a lease with Amazon for a fulfillment and distribution center when he joined CBRE.
During his time in the industry, Mr. Tzfanya led teams of brokers that transformed industrial areas throughout New York City.
He was responsible for many transactions that helped shaped neighborhoods, particularly in his home borough of Brooklyn where he attracted dynamic businesses to Gowanus including The Cliffs rock climbing gym, Kick Axe Throwing, Goldfish Swim School, Court 16, Littlefield NYC, Threes Brewing, Fresenius Kidney Care, Jonden Manufacturing, VERG animal hospital, Turman Woodworks, Grey Matters and many more.
Born in Israel and raised in Brooklyn and Florida, Mr. Tzfanya received his B.S. from New York University and immediately began working as a construction foreman, developing condominium projects throughout the Lower East Side, Soho and Brooklyn.
Prior to joining CBRE, he worked for CPEX Real Estate and Eastern Consolidated.
Mr. Tzfanya and is survived by his wife, Zoe, two sons, Ben-Tzion and Judah, mother Shelly Sohne, father Eli Tzfanya and sisters Ayelet and Tamar.
Mr. Tzfanya was a devoted father, loving husband and adored son who was also fully committed to his clients and co-workers alike.
“I really appreciated his honesty, direct approach to life and his tough can-do attitude. He was definitely one of the most unique people I have ever met and I am thankful I got to know him,” said Mark Hansen, Investment Officer, Prologis.
A spokesperson for CBRE said, “We offer our deepest condolences to Jacob’s family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.”
