JOURNAL ARTICLE

Zillow's CEO says his friends were shocked when he quit a cushy Microsoft job—but Steve Jobs led to his success at the $10.5 billion real estate firm.

  • Published In: Fortune.com, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Burleigh, Emma 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on Jeremy Wacksman’s career trajectory at Zillow, highlighting his transition from Microsoft Xbox to the real estate startup during the 2008 financial crisis. Joining Zillow in 2009 as vice president of marketing and product, Wacksman played a key role in the company’s shift to mobile platforms following the launch of Apple’s App Store by Steve Jobs. His willingness to take on responsibilities beyond his initial role contributed to Zillow’s growth into a $10.5 billion real-estate marketplace. Over 15 years, Wacksman advanced through leadership positions before becoming CEO in August 2024, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities and learning from both successes and setbacks. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Fortune.com. 2026/04, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:193089136
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