Team

Jacob Wolkenfeld

Jacob joined Norman Bobrow & Co., Inc.—New York City’s largest privately held, tenant-representation-only commercial real estate brokerage—at the age of 21. Since then, he has established himself as one of the city’s top-producing tenant representative power brokers.

Jacob has been awarded Broker of the Year four consecutive times, becoming the youngest professional in the firm’s history to earn the distinction. He also set the company record for the most transactions completed over three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025).

His exceptional deal volume enables him to provide clients with real-time, data-driven insight into current office market conditions—insight that few in the industry can match.

Jacob is directly involved in every stage of his clients’ transactions, from market research and financial analysis to strategic planning and lease negotiations. He is known for his transparency, tenacity, and full engagement throughout the entire process. His record-breaking transactional activity has afforded him a deep and nuanced understanding of the New York City office market.

Outside of real estate, Jacob is a twin, a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan, and a board member of a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food to families in need.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from Yeshiva University.

Benjamin Schanzer

Benji joined Jacob at Norman Bobrow & Company in 2025, bringing extensive experience in both retail and office leasing, with a background representing landlords and tenants.

Benji emphasizes accuracy, organization, and professionalism, with a strong ability to clearly articulate financial and business considerations critical to their clients’ real estate strategies.

Working alongside Jacob, Benji advises a diverse range of New York City businesses, including firms in engineering, fashion, media, finance, and technology.

Cesar Ripa

Cesar Ripa is an International Commercial Real Estate Advisor at Norman Bobrow & Co., specializing in tenant representation, office leasing, retail leasing, and site selection for both domestic and international companies throughout New York City.

As one of the few multilingual commercial real estate professionals in New York, Cesar advises companies expanding into the U.S. market and helps businesses navigate the complexities of commercial leasing in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the greater New York metropolitan area. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Catalan, he regularly works with executives, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors from Europe, Latin America, and North America.

Cesar earned an MBA in Real Estate Development from Thomas Jefferson University and a Bachelor of Business Management with a Minor in International Business from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

He is an active member of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Mexican Chamber of Commerce, German American Chamber of Commerce, and Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, maintaining strong relationships with international business communities throughout New York and abroad.

Whether representing an AI startup seeking its first headquarters, a European company entering the U.S. market, or a retailer evaluating expansion opportunities, Cesar combines local market expertise with a global perspective to help clients make informed real estate decisions.

Norman Bobrow

Norman Bobrow has represented and personally participated in the negotiation of more than 3,000 leases and the acquisition of over 300 properties nationwide. His firm is built on a commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and clear communication—ensuring clients fully understand the financial and business implications of every transaction. Norman’s expertise lies in securing the best available space while negotiating the most favorable lease terms for his clients.

Beyond his professional work, Norman is a dedicated philanthropist, actively supporting over 100 charities each year. He also serves on the boards and advisory committees of numerous nonprofit organizations.