From Chaos to CEO: MaryAnne Gilmartin’s Journey to the Top of NYC Real Estate

Resilience, Grit & Grit: MaryAnne Gilmartin’s Journey from Queens to NYC Skyline Builder

What happens when a childhood filled with chaos becomes the foundation for a real estate powerhouse?

In Episode 08 of Confronting the Impossible, Leo Jacobs sits down with MaryAnne Gilmartin, founder and CEO of MAG Partners, for a deeply personal conversation on hardship, identity, and the inner fire it takes to navigate instability — and still rise to the top.

This isn’t your typical developer story.
It’s raw, real, and a reminder that grit matters more than privilege — especially when the odds are stacked against you.

From Chaos to Clarity: How Resilience Is Built

MaryAnne opens up about a turbulent childhood: absent father, stepfather jailed for tax evasion, and the burden of being the emotional anchor in a chaotic home. But instead of breaking, she built.

✅ Early adversity — and how it shaped her decision-making
✅ Why Jesuits at Fordham took a chance on her despite financial aid complications
✅ The importance of being a caregiver in a chaotic household
✅ How grit, curiosity, and education became her north star

"Nobody’s going to figure it out for you. You have to take control and build your own path.”

Redefining Success, One Decision at a Time

MaryAnne didn’t choose to be born into dysfunction — but she did choose how to respond.

In this episode, she reflects on:

• How a messy family can still be a nurturing one
• Why resilience and grit are earned, not inherited
• Why expecting others to bring you happiness is a losing game
• How adversity taught her to trust selectively and lead authentically

“Somewhere in that chaos, I found the fuel to fight for my future.”

Lessons for Developers, Dreamers, and Doers

If you’re navigating career roadblocks, personal instability, or just trying to figure out your next move — this episode is for you.

MaryAnne doesn’t just talk about success. She dissects it.

🎧 Watch the Full Episode Now
And see how one woman went from chaos in Queens to transforming the New York City skyline — on her own terms.

PODCAST - Confronting the Impossible with Leo Jacobs.

Leo Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Jacobs PC

Known for finding creative, expedient solutions to complex and high-profile cases, Leo excels in matters including distressed investment and asset management, real estate law, corporate law, dispute resolution, business divorces, negotiation, and more. Leo’s extensive expertise in debt and equity structures enables him to employ a full spectrum of legal tools to achieve swift, optimal results for clients. His practice, Jacobs P.C., bridges commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and financial rehabilitation, handling cases across federal, state, and bankruptcy courts, as well as administrative tribunals.

If you would like to join the podcast email requests to pr@jacobspc.com