Jesse Rathner

About Jesse Rathner

I lead commercial real estate assets with a simple belief:If the experience works, the business performs.Today, I serve as General Manager of a mixed-use property where I’m responsible for aligning operations, leasing, and customer experience to drive asset performance.My focus is not just running a property — it’s improving how it performs.That means: • Strengthening tenant relationships to support retention and long-term growth • Creating programming and experiences that increase traffic and repeat visits • Connecting leasing strategy with what the customer actually wants • Building teams that take ownership of the full experience, not just their roleMy background across hospitality, sports, and entertainment shaped how I approach this work. I look for gaps in the experience, fix what’s not working, and build systems that make it better over time.I’ve learned that strong properties don’t win because of location alone.They win because people choose to come back.That’s what I build toward every day.If you’re looking to improve asset performance through a more intentional, customer-driven approach, I’m always open to a conversation.

Experience

1. General Manager at the Van Aken District

   The Van Aken District

   Jun 2022 — Present · Shaker Heights, OH, US

   General Manager responsible for the day-to-day leadership and performance of a mixed-use retail district, welcoming 2+ million visitors annually, with full ownership of operations, leasing, tenant performance, and overall NOI.Own overall district operations for a RSF mixed-use asset serving 2+ million annual visitors, acting as the primary point of accountability for tenant performance, customer experience, and on-site executionLead all commercial leasing efforts, including tenant strategy, deal evaluation, negotiations, and onboarding, ensuring alignment with long-term asset goals and district positioningManage and influence the district’s overall NOI, balancing revenue growth, leasing strategy, operating efficiency, and tenant healthLead and support a diverse mix of retail, food & beverage, and service tenants, strengthening merchant relationships and aligning goals between ownership and operatorsDrive placemaking and community engagement through events, programming, and partnerships that increase repeat visitation, tenant sales potential, and local loyaltyPartner closely with ownership, city stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams to ensure consistent execution across operations, maintenance, marketing, and eventsTranslate high-level asset strategy into on-site action, identifying gaps, solving operational challenges, and improving how the district functions day to dayServe as a visible, hands-on leader on property, balancing strategic planning with real-time problem solving and team support

Education

• Temple University

  Master's degree, Tourism and Hospitality Management

  2014 — 2016

• Drexel University

  Bachelor of Science, Entertainment and Arts Management

  2006 — 2010

Skills

• Publicity
• Social Networking
• Brand Awareness
• Marketing
• Graphic Design
• Entertainment
• Dance
• Social Media
• Promotions
• Franchise Marketing
• Event Planning
• Event Management
• Market Planning
• Budgets
• Facebook
• Online Marketing
• Public Relations
• Budgeting
• Event Marketing
• Special Events