Manhattan, NY SCG Retail, a division of The Shopping Center Group, has hired three people. Grant Holtan and Seth Kessler are senior retail leasing agents for SCG Retail. Both are responsible for helping landlords formulate leasing strategies and finding appropriate tenants. Amanda Keller is a retail leasing associate, and will assist David Firestien, managing partner at SCG Retail, with tenant representation.
Holtan was a member of the United States Army Special Forces Group where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor for actions in combat. He was also a retail leasing consultant at Williams Jackson Ewing. He worked on properties such as Grand Central Terminal, Chrystie Place, CityCenterDC and Industry City, working with some of the city’s top developers including Hines, AvalonBay, and Jamestown. A Columbia University graduate, at SCG he is responsible for assisting landlords and developers with leasing strategies and deal negotiation.
“Grant brings the same laser-focus to overcoming the obstacles to getting deals done in NYC that he did as a sharp-shooter for the special forces. He was a hero for our country, and although the stakes are different in real estate, our clients recognize effort that goes beyond the ordinary, and I have no doubt that Grant will bring it every day,” said Jeff Pandolfo, head of leasing for SCG Retail.
Prior to joining SCG, Kessler spent 10 years at Cornerstone Group, where he started as a leasing associate and then became a vice present of leasing, and a head project manager. During his time at Cornerstone he closed 45 transactions totaling over 300,000 s/f. He has worked with such brands as Hale & Hearty, Washington Market Pediatrics, FDNY, Grishko Ballet Shoes, and many others. At SCG Retail he helps landlords on several significant developments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
A graduate of the University of Tampa, Kessler was a division II varsity golfer. He was also a founding board member of the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Academy.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity here at SCG,” said Kessler. “Their commitment to going the extra mile for their clients is what it takes to be successful here in New York City.”
Keller is responsible for working with Starbucks, assisting Firestein, who brought Seattle-based coffee chain to NYC in 1994 and has continued to represent them exclusively in the city.
She was an investment sales associate at TerraCRG in Brooklyn prior to joining SCG where she worked on new business development for building sales, mixed use and multifamily unites. She also worked at Massey Knakal as an operations and finance associate. She’s a Fairfield University graduate and a division I field hockey player.
“Since opening our Manhattan office three-years ago, business has skyrocketed. Jeff’s done a great job building the team to support our landlord services division. Our tenant rep business continues to be strong even in an environment when rents continue to hover at record highs. I’ve very pleased to have Grant, Seth and Amanda join our team,” said Firestein.