Jonathan Weiss admits he can’t draw a straight line even though he has a degree in landscape design. He worked his way through school in the family’s car dealership business, but ultimately it was a tip from a former employee that led him to Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Co.

“My passion is dealing with people, and I get to be in the people business with the coaching I do,” said Weiss, managing director and senior vice president at the Encino office.

Besides overseeing the firm’s largest and most profitable office, Weiss is in charge of training and continual education for Marcus & Millichap agents in its 38 offices.

“A lot of agents have never sold commercial real estate before so I grow their skill set,” said Weiss. “I educate them on the Marcus & Millichap core philosophies, our track record and how to underwrite and value income property, since that is what we focus on here.”

Weiss was a broker at the firm for nine years but has since become more of a coach. “Our business is significantly enhanced by the relationships that agents have with their clients,” he said. “If you’re an agent, you can do transaction after transaction but it’s a difficult business. It makes it a lot more enjoyable when your business comes from relationships, when Joe Client will only use you.”

In his off hours, Weiss has competed in over 25 triathlons and is trying to incorporate his hobby into the workplace by getting almost half of his Encino office to do the Sept. 25 Malibu triathlon.