Epstein, Kingsley and Oelsner join Grubb & Ellis' Private Capital Markets Group as executive VPs

Grubb & Ellis Co. appointed three former top middle-market specialists from Cushman & Wakefield's Capital Markets division. The newly hired team includes Jon Epstein, Charles Kingsley and Yoav Oelsner. "While other real estate firms are downsizing, Grubb & Ellis is recruiting and attracting top talent," said David Arena, president of Grubb & Ellis New York. "Our investment sales capabilities are strong because of institutional quality expertise and execution within the middle market size range - properties trading at or under $100 million. Jon, Charles and Yoav will play a huge role in taking our business to the next level." Grubb & Ellis has expanded its Capital Markets platform in recent months. Since January, the company has added 29 investment sales professionals throughout the country. Epstein, Kingsley and Oelsner all join Grubb & Ellis' Private Capital Markets Group as executive VPs. Over the past six years, the team's total sale volume has exceeded $2.2 billion. Epstein, Kingsley and Oelsner's high-profile transactions have included the Plaza Hotel, 530 Broadway, 225 Fifth Ave., 90 West St. and 610 Lexington Ave. Since the beginning of 2000, other institutional investment sales brokerage firms have focused on larger trophy deals, leaving a void in the middle-market deal segment. This opened the door for high-quality, professional brokerage representation. The Epstein/Kingsley/Oelsner team recognized this void and focused its efforts on building a sophisticated middle markets practice. According to Epstein, Grubb & Ellis' diverse market range will allow the team to focus on a broader range of transactions. "By coming to Grubb & Ellis, we are joining an expanding platform that will allow us to better serve our clients. We can focus on institutional properties as well as private capital transactions going forward," Epstein said. "It truly is a win-win situation all around."