More Than a Broker: How Paul Zweben Builds a Business Around Family and Community

Success Stories

Jun 12

Paul Zweben

In real estate, trust isn’t built by chance. It’s built by how you show up consistently and with care.

That’s what defines Paul Zweben’s approach. A well-known New York City agent and team leader, Paul has built his business around the things that matter most: his family, his neighborhood, and the relationships that make this career personal.

His story isn’t about balancing two separate lives. It’s about building one that works - professionally and personally, without compromise.

From Restaurants to Real Estate

Before stepping into real estate, Paul worked in restaurants. It’s where he learned how to anticipate needs, handle pressure, and take care of people without overcomplicating things.

That background still informs how he runs his team. He’s known for hosting open houses that feel like gatherings, cooking in kitchens to help buyers picture themselves at home, and walking clients through complicated deals with clarity and patience.

Family is always nearby - even when it’s behind the scenes. One of his favorite videos was quietly filmed by his young son. The camera work wasn’t perfect, but the story was. “He wasn’t in the video,” Paul says, “but he was part of it.”

What Parenting Teaches You About Leadership

Ask Paul what parenting has taught him about leadership and the answer is simple: “yelling doesn’t work.” Whether it’s kids, clients, or colleagues, staying calm and clear always leads to better outcomes.

He doesn’t pretend real estate has predictable hours. It’s a business that demands flexibility. He works around school pickups and makes time for events when it matters.

“You can’t be everywhere,” he says, “but you can show up for what matters. And kids remember when you do.”

A Community-Based Business

Paul and his wife have lived in their Upper West Side building for nearly 30 years. They’re active in their co-op board, involved in their kids’ schools, and frequently the first people neighbors call when they need a contractor, a dinner recommendation, or advice on the market.

The reputation they’ve built isn’t for being flashy. It’s for being dependable. “People come to us because they know we’re here,” Paul says. “And we’re not just here for the deal - we’re part of the neighborhood.”

Advice for Agents Balancing Life and Business

Paul doesn’t try to “do it all.” What he does aim for is alignment - being clear about his priorities, keeping promises, and staying close to the people and moments that matter.

He leaves events early to make it home for bedtime. He makes room for school activities, where the conversations naturally shift to real estate. “Your next client might be sitting two rows behind you at a school play,” he says. “They just need to know you’re someone they can trust.”

The Moments That Stick

Paul’s proudest moments have nothing to do with awards or numbers.

There’s his young daughter, who attends Catholic school but spent two years learning Hebrew so she could read her full Bat Mitzvah portion—no memorization, just fluency. And in a moment that still makes him smile, the two of them were in a yellow cab watching a real estate video when she reached over, hit mute, and said, “That listing needs a price drop.”

His son, meanwhile, brings the same dry humor and sharp observation to the table. “They both notice everything,” Paul says. “And thankfully, they’ve inherited our sense of humor.”

A Career That Reflects the Life You Want

Paul credits his wife, Carolyn Zweben, as the reason it all works. She is his partner in both business and life, an essential component to the Zweben Team and the glue that binds their family together. Her partnership, presence, and support have made it possible to grow a business without losing sight of the bigger picture.

He’s not chasing volume for its own sake. He’s building something sustainable—something real. A life and career that reinforce each other, grounded in values, connection, and consistency.