Season 2: Ilene Jablonski - Director, Marketing & Communications @ First Service Residential

🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Ilene Jablonski, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at FirstService Residential, to talk about brand, leadership, and what it takes to build meaningful connections in real estate.Ilene leads marketing strategy and communications for FirstService Residential’s East Region, where she oversees everything from brand positioning and internal messaging to business development initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she brings a rare blend of creativity, strategy, and execution to her role.Before joining FirstService Residential in 2018, Ilene spent 17 years with Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and Roseland Residential Trust, where she helped shape major branding and communications programs. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing marketing teams, launched award-winning campaigns, and consistently elevated brand recognition across competitive markets.What made this conversation special was Ilene’s authentic leadership style and her passion for building strong teams and community impact. We talked about how marketing has evolved in real estate, what truly differentiates brands today, and why internal culture matters just as much as external messaging.In this episode, we dive into:(1) Ilene’s journey through real estate marketing leadership(2) How to build a brand that actually resonates(3) The role of communication in strong company culture(4) What young professionals should focus on to grow in their careersBeyond the office, Ilene is deeply involved in her community — serving on boards with the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Jersey City Economic Development Association, and the NJCU School of Business Advisory Council. Her commitment to giving back mirrors the same values she brings to her professional work.Ilene’s story is inspiring, thoughtful, and incredibly insightful — a must-listen for anyone interested in marketing, leadership, or building influence in real estate.🟢 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.