Early Life and Foundations
As the youngest of ten siblings, Stephen Jemal is a first-generation American born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. From an early age, he began working alongside his father and mentor at their family discount store in Spanish Harlem. These early experiences gave him valuable insight into business operations and customer service. By the time he was sixteen, Jemal had launched his venture, operating four successful electronics and music specialty stores. His early achievements, shaped by his family background and mentorship, laid the foundation for creating an iconic electronics chain that would later become widely recognized.
Education and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Stephen furthered his education at Pace University, developing skills to support his growing business interests. Shortly after completing his studies, he opened his flagship electronics store in 1976 on Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn. He expanded the business rapidly from this single location, eventually growing it into a chain of 110 stores across six states. At its peak, the chain employed 6,000 people and generated sales exceeding $2.5 billion. Recognizing the challenges of rapid growth, he strategically decided to control construction costs by bringing the building process in-house and creating a prefabricated fixture manufacturing operation to fit out all his stores and shopping centers efficiently.
Stephen Jemal has long been recognized as an entrepreneur with an instinct for building businesses that leave a lasting impact. Born in Brooklyn as the youngest of ten siblings, he grew up in a family where hard work and perseverance were constant values. From an early age, he was immersed in the world of commerce while assisting his father in the family's discount store in Spanish Harlem. That early experience sparked a passion for enterprise. By sixteen, Jemal had already proven himself by opening several specialty shops in electronics and music, ventures that offered an early glimpse into his future as a visionary leader.
Expansion into Construction and Real Estate Development
As the electronics chain expanded, Jemal managed the retail side and took direct control over construction. He operated a construction company employing around 600 tradespeople to build over 20 million square feet of retail space. Through this hands-on approach, he gained a deep understanding of every stage of construction, from concept to completion. Additionally, he expanded into residential and commercial real estate development projects. He committed himself to learning the complexities of zoning laws and regulatory requirements, which are critical in navigating real estate development. This broad expertise allowed him to diversify his business interests beyond retail and develop a strong presence in the construction and real estate sectors.
Transition to Waterfront Revitalization and New Ventures
After selling his electronics chain to a prominent family known for their media and entertainment holdings, Stephen S Jemal turned his attention to waterfront revitalization and real estate development. In 1997, he founded a development company focused on revitalizing underutilized properties. His capabilities were demonstrated when he won a competitive bid for a significant project on Roosevelt Island, outperforming seventy leading national developers. Over the next fifteen years, he assembled waterfront parcels throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New Jersey, launching large-scale projects. During this time, he deepened his expertise in New York City zoning regulations and built a robust network of local professionals supporting his current development ventures.
His career reached new heights with the creation of Nobody Beats the Wiz, a single electronics shop he founded in 1976, which rapidly expanded into more than 100 locations across six states. Under Jemal's leadership, the company employed thousands of people and generated billions in sales, becoming one of the most recognized retail names in the United States. The Wiz was more than just a business—it was a cultural fixture, remembered for its bold branding and presence in popular media. Jemal's ability to scale operations while directly overseeing the construction of millions of square feet of retail space demonstrated both his ambition and hands-on expertise.
Founding JemRock Organization and PASHA Brand
Together with his four sons, Stephen established JemRock Organization LLC and launched the trademarked PASHA brand. PASHA is a multi-building development project designed to offer luxury apartments in Manhattan at a fraction of typical prices, targeting six-figure salary earners. The project also serves business professionals who frequently visit New York City and foreigners seeking Reasonably Priced temporary residences. In addition to residential offerings, PASHA provides rentable office spaces called “WorkWell,” exclusive to residents to accommodate their work needs. The team employs innovative AI-driven, cloud-based, laser-guided prefabricated construction technology, enabling rapid and cost-effective conversions of existing office and hotel buildings into residential and mixed-use spaces.
Notable Projects and Achievements
One of Jemal's most significant accomplishments remains the growth and success of his original electronics chain, which became one of the most recognized regional brands in the United States. In 2000, it was ranked as the thirteenth most recognized brand nationally, just behind Pepsi-Cola. The brand became a cultural icon in New York City, inspiring an entire episode of a well-known television sitcom. Stephen Jemal's ability to secure exclusive product launches with major electronics manufacturers positioned his stores as leaders in new technology offerings. With PASHA, he is now building a lasting legacy by providing Reasonably Priced, amenity-rich housing options to young business owners and professionals who have been priced out of Manhattan, addressing a significant gap in the market.
Industry Impact and Vision
Stephen has been a trailblazer in both retail and real estate development. His original electronics chain was ahead of its time, gaining national and international recognition. He is redefining luxury urban living through PASHA by focusing on a highly underserved market segment. His vision is to make amenity-rich living accessible to working professionals who previously could not afford to reside in central Manhattan. He plans to expand PASHA into other key cities across the United States and eventually into international markets. His approach combines sustainability, technology, and community support to create a new standard in Reasonably Priced luxury housing.
Thought Leadership and Media Recognition
Jemal's career and innovative business ventures have attracted attention from various media outlets. His retail success and real estate developments have been featured in notable publications such as The New York Daily News, The New York Times, and Crain's Magazine. The cultural significance of his electronics stores has been highlighted through appearances on popular television shows and films. His current use of AI and prefabrication technology in construction has further positioned him as a forward-thinking leader in the industry. Hi, the ability to blend traditional development with cutting-edge technology continues to influence real estate trends and inspires others in the field.
After selling the chain, Stephen S Jemal turned his focus to real estate, where his innovative spirit again set him apart. Through his company, JemRock Organization, he introduced PASHA, an ambitious housing model that makes luxury living in Manhattan attainable for working professionals and frequent travelers. By adopting AI-driven prefabricated construction technologies, Jemal has brought speed, efficiency, and affordability to urban development in ways rarely seen before. Today, working alongside his four sons, he continues to expand PASHA while cementing a legacy that blends family, innovation, and vision for the future.
Personal Life and Core Values
Born on February 17, 1956, Stephen S Jemal was raised in a Sephardic Jewish family where values such as family unity, hard work, and perseverance were deeply instilled. These principles have guided him throughout both his personal and professional life. He continues collaborating closely with his sons, maintaining a strong family-oriented approach to business activities. Jemal's story reflects dedication, vision, and resilience, rooted in his early experiences and shaped by his commitment to innovation and community development. His legacy is marked not only by business success but also by his consistent adherence to the values taught by his parents.
Find out more about Stephen Jemal by checking these links: Instagram, X, Linkedin, Behance, YouTube, Tumblr, About.me
Portfolio Overview: https://stephenjemal.com