Jason Dittenber is the new head of the ABI Multifamily Las Vegas office. ABI Multifamily is the western US’s leading brokerage and advisory services firm, focusing exclusively on apartment investment transactions. Learn about Jason Dittenber…
Hometown: Carson City/Reno/Tahoe area
First job: Throughout high school, I worked for a family-run machining company as a machine operator. It was a down and dirty job and involved a lot of manual labor, making steel and aluminum copper parts for cars and things like that. I’ve learned a lot about hard work by doing quite a bit of manual labor over the years. All that has shaped me to have the work ethic that I have. It’s also why I strive for a certain level of success. I was never given anything and always had to earn money for myself.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: I spend a lot of time with my 7-year-old daughter. She is into gymnastics, swimming and all the fun kid stuff that goes along with being 7 years old. I also like to watch sports and go to sporting events. Go Raiders and Golden Knights!
Person who has impacted your life the most and why: My parents. They taught me the value of hard work and to always be kind to people, be a good person and be generous. They gave me my morals which is why I am who I am. All these lessons have helped me throughout business and in my personal life.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes and why: Probably when I got my degree from college. My parents never went to college, and I went back to school a few years later in life. When I was younger, I didn’t think school was right for me. I had always excelled at other things like sports, but not academics. I wasn’t focused on it. After working as a bartender for a long time, I realized there was more to life and decided at age 22 to go back to school to get a degree.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: It wasn’t easy to get a late start in college — I was older than all the people in class. But I put my head down and did well in school, graduating in four years with my bachelor’s degree. That gave me the confidence that I could actually succeed in other things if I focused on it. Earning my degree gave me the needed confidence and motivation to jump start everything. I’m now on a nonstop path of learning and growth, and I’m truly excited about the future.
Someone who inspires you and why: When I first considered getting into the real estate business, I joined a mentorship program through UNLV and was paired up with Hayim Mizrachi (president of MDL Group). Hayim didn’t hesitate to provide helpful insight and introduce me to many other accomplished real estate professionals, so I could evaluate the many different aspects of the real estate industry. To this day, I can call him for advice, whether it be in business or in life. In an industry where the majority of people hold their cards extra tight and are reluctant to mentor the next generation, Hayim continues to mentor and motivate others to be the best they can be, even though not for personal gain. I respect his way of conducting business and constantly encouraging growth among the people around him.
Favorite quote: “When there is no consequence for poor work ethic, and no reward for good work ethic, there is no motivation.”
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Nothing is ever given to you. You have to have an extreme work ethic if you want to be successful. There are very few people who can be successful in this business because it takes a lot of perseverance. Especially early on in your career, it’s very difficult. A lot of people can’t handle all the no’s. You have to be willing to face a ton of rejection and stress, and it’s not for everybody. But for the right person, it’s very rewarding.