Glenn Talavera, a 25-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, has joined Cushman &
Wakefield, Inc. as a sales associate in the firm's industrial transaction services practice,
announced Gualberto "Gil" Medina, executive managing director of the firm's New
Jersey operations. He represents the latest of several Cushman & Wakefield hires from
non-traditional backgrounds during the past few years.
Talavera is specializing in agency leasing and tenant representation work, as well as
prospecting and market research for business development opportunities as part of Cushman &
Wakefield's Edison-based industrial team. The group has nearly 50 years of experience and has
represented clients in acquisitions and/or dispositions that total more than 40 million square
feet and are valued at more than $2 billion.
With the New Jersey State Police, Talavera ascended to the rank of lieutenant. His
assignments included various field operations stations, the training bureau, street gang
bureau, and computer crimes bureau. He also was assigned to the executive protection unit,
providing security for governors Christine Whitman, Donald DiFrancesco, James Florio and Thomas
Kean.
While the jump from police work to brokerage may seem far, there are a number of parallels,
according to Talavera. "Intelligence-led policing requires intensive information gathering
and a thorough analysis of that data," he noted. "For years, I have been analyzing
data to not only solve crimes, but also to monitor criminal patterns and trends in an effort to
anticipate where and when criminal activity might occur. These skills translate well into real
estate."
Talavera considered other opportunities - ranging from background and insurance fraud
investigations to teaching - before joining Cushman & Wakefield. "I was eligible to
retire from the State Police and wanted to take on a totally new challenge," he said.
"I looked at a number of alternatives and did a lot of research. In the end, my decision
to pursue Cushman & Wakefield was an easy one. Everyone I talked to who knew this firm had
nothing but praise for the company and the brand name."
Medina first met Talavera when he was serving as state commerce secretary under the Whitman
administration. "Glenn was responsible for the governor's security detail for trade
missions all around the world," Medina said. "The amount of talent he exercised in
coordinating the security and logistics of these trips was remarkable. He has an exceptional
capacity for organization and extremely good diplomatic skills. Glenn truly is a quality
professional, and I have great confidence that he will be successful in this
business."
According to Medina, Talavera is a great example of the well-rounded professionals from
varied backgrounds that Cushman & Wakefield has brought on board in New Jersey.
"Hiring ‘outside the box' isn't a new concept at Cushman & Wakefield," said
Medina, whose own background in public service, accounting and law illustrates this point.
"In fact, enhancing our staff with both seasoned industry professionals and newcomers has
been working to our advantage for many years.
"Cushman & Wakefield's strong track record makes it a great training ground for
people looking to learn the business," he added. "At the same time, we are benefiting
from the histories of the professionals who have made a switch to real estate - from financial
services and accounting, to engineering, law and more. Their diversified, non-traditional
backgrounds reflect this firm's commitment to being a strategic partner that brings a unique
and broad skills set to our clients."
Talavera attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned a bachelor's degree and a
master's degree in administrative science, specializing in leadership and management
philosophies for public and not-for-profit organizations.
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Cushman & Wakefield is the world's largest privately held real estate services firm.
Founded in 1917, the firm has 215 offices in 56 countries, and more than 12,000 professionals.
Cushman & Wakefield delivers integrated solutions by actively advising, implementing and
managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate
process. These solutions include helping clients to buy, sell, finance, lease, and manage
assets. The firm also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio
analysis, site selection and space location assistance, among many other advisory services. To
find out more about Cushman & Wakefield, visit the firm's Web site at
www.cushmanwakefield.com.
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