Before eco-conscious building practices were a national trend or sustainability a buzzword, John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale was already leading the charge. In the 1980s, as head of Atlas Paper Company—then Manhattan’s largest private recycling firm—Pasquale was at the forefront of a new era in urban environmental responsibility. Atlas Paper wasn’t just another paper company; it played a pivotal role in handling the initial rollout of New York City’s Department of Sanitation recycling program in the early 1990s, setting a precedent for commercial recycling operations across the five boroughs.
Pasquale’s commitment to sustainability didn’t end with paper. It evolved into a broader philosophy about urban living, building, and development. His early advocacy for green building systems earned him recognition in The New York Times and the New York Real Estate Journal—well before LEED certifications and ESG standards became industry norms. Today, that same spirit of innovation and civic responsibility underpins the mission of his real estate enterprise: PEP Real Estate.
As founder and chairman of PEP Real Estate, Pasquale has transformed his deep roots in New York City into a boutique firm that blends commercial expertise with a uniquely human touch. With decades of experience in SoHo and Lower Manhattan, PEP Real Estate manages and brokers some of the city’s most iconic lofts and creative spaces. From early leases to cultural giants like Yoko Ono, Grace Jones, and even Andy Warhol, to ongoing work with cutting-edge startups and production companies, PEP has consistently been at the heart of New York’s cultural and entrepreneurial energy.
That legacy is no accident. It stems from Pasquale’s wide-ranging industry involvement and unwavering standards of professionalism. His affiliations span the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), BOMA International, the National Association of Realtors, the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, and the New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM), among others. A licensed broker in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut—as well as a property and casualty insurance broker—Pasquale’s knowledge base is as comprehensive as his commitment is personal.
As chairman of NYCRS (New York Commercial Realty Services), he leads with integrity, ensuring all company agents are empowered to build long-term careers while facilitating seamless, respectful transactions between tenants, landlords, buyers, and sellers. His additional work on the SoHo and Chinatown Improvement Steering Committees reflects a deep dedication not only to real estate, but to the long-term vitality of the neighborhoods he has called home for decades.
At a time when sustainability, authenticity, and legacy matter more than ever, John Pasquale and PEP Real Estate stand as a rare combination of vision, action, and soul—bringing past innovation into step with future growth.
The official website for Pep Real Estate may be found at https://www.peprealestate.com
