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Robert Stokes

What year did you join Cushman & Wakefield, in what office, and what role?
I started in December 1979 in the Vancouver office as a ‘sales trainee’ which at that time meant ‘here’s a phonebook to call, good luck!’ As it turned out I was rookie of the year in 1980.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen over the decades?
Technological advancements are the definite changes. In the early ’80s there was no word processing, computers, fax machines, cell phones, smartphones or internet. Amazing that business was done at all but it was. The phone was and, in my opinion, still is your friend.
Describe some high points in your career.
Being with basically the same company for 37 years is a point I’m proud of. Working with a great group of people in the office, some for over 25, 30, and 35 years is very satisfying to me. I’ve seen many people come and go and look forward to seeing many more. I’ve had many significant transactions that I was a part of including the largest build-to-suit lease in my market, which still stands today. Recognition by NAIOP twice for industrial broker of the year was a nice acknowledgment.
If you had to describe yourself in just 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Loyal, honest, and reliable.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be, and why?
Winston Churchill would be fun! He was a true leader who was honest, persistent, and visionary. His wit and speaking skills were amazing, as would having a scotch with him before dinner.
What have you liked about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
The people! I know in my office over the years there are very few doors ever closed. People basically embrace each other’s ideas and views, which I know with our competitors doesn’t exist.
What are some of the secrets to your personal success?
No secrets. Being honest and sincere. I come to work every day to accomplish something. If you don’t have the answer don’t lie or guess. ‘I’ll find that out and get back to you’ works every time. Persistence pays off and, even today, I believe in the phone and conversation.
What’s one or two things that many of your colleagues would not know about you?
I live for my family including daughters and grandkids. To relax, I try to ride my mountain bike at least four to five times a week. From my downtown condo, I am minutes from riding the trails of Stanley or Pacific Spirits Parks, which are world renowned.
What do you see as becoming the biggest future drivers of change for clients and real estate strategies as we move forward?
I’m not sure about the biggest; however, social and mobile media will be up there. Global and geopolitical influences are more prevalent than ever. Technological influences as well will continue to reshape business and everything in our lives.
What advice do you offer young people getting into the business today?
Simply, do the best with what you’re given and work hard. Make relationships, build relationships, and keep relationships. I still believe what we do is a people business and will be for some time to come. When things go right we may not be needed; however, my experience shows there is always something that can change, go wrong, or requires input, which is why the client needs us.
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Chris Vardon

What year did you join Cushman & Wakefield, in what office, and what role?
I joined the firm in the summer of 1986 as an assistant to Bruce Andrews in the midtown office of Yonge and Eglinton. I still remember him telling me that we have summer hours here: we work hard and long Monday to Thursday, but leave at noon on Friday. I thought that was fantastic, and have been here ever since.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen to the way business is done over the decades?
Information and technology has made it easier to obtain sales data and therefore produce a report more efficiently. In the early days, sales had to be researched at the registry office, which was a time-consuming process.
Describe some high points in your career.
We were awarded the site-acquisition contract to acquire telecommunication sites for a start-up called Clearnet across the country. Today, that company is known as TELUS Mobility and is one of the three largest cellular providers in Canada. I was part of a great team that worked on that contract for over five years, which led to other cellular acquisition assignments.

On the valuation side, the people have been fantastic in terms of mentoring and sharing of ideas and projects. I have been fortunate to have valued a wide variety of assets including camps, auto dealerships, schools, retail, office, and industrial.
If you had to describe yourself in just 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Driven. Impatient. Friendly. I am an early riser that gets up without an alarm. I enjoy my work and look forward to coming to work but also realize the importance of a good work-life balance.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be, and why?
That would be my father. He passed away when I was 12 years old, and I would like to spend some time with him.
What have you liked about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
The people at all levels are very supportive in terms of your success and well-being. A number of my co-workers over the years have left Cushman & Wakefield only to return years later. I like the global feel and work with people across the world.
What are some of the secrets to your personal success?
My motto has always been: ‘What goes around, comes around.’ I try to be fair and treat other people with respect.
What’s something that many of your colleagues would not know about you.
I once tried to be a Good Samaritan and picked up a hitch hiker during a snow storm on my way into work. She turned out to be a prostitute. The family still laughs about that.
What do you see as becoming the biggest future drivers of change for clients and real estate strategies as we move forward?
I am fascinated by the images that the drones can produce these days and would like to see them used in valuation reports. Currently, such reports are typically pretty dry reading material. Imagine if there was a link showing an overview of the property and the comparables via drone technology.
What advice do you offer young people getting into the business today?
Don’t be afraid to try new challenges. Get to know as many people within your organization.
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John Welch

John Welch, an Associate Vice President in Toronto’s Office Leasing division, is an award-winning broker who specializes in the downtown market and has represented a long list of large corporations. Still going strong, John has rolled with relentless changes that have transformed Toronto, client priorities, brokerage, and our firm. Through it all, he’s retained many clients and renewed some leases four and five times over.

John first joined Royal LePage Commercial (now Cushman & Wakefield) in 1969 as a corporate pilot to the President. After two years, he transferred to the Office Leasing Division. Among other credentials, John maintains a Canadian Airline Transport Pilots License and First Class Marine Certificate in Radio Telephony and Telegraphy from the U.K.

Below, the high-flying executive grounded in Toronto’s new office answers a few questions about the past and his steadfast focus on the future.
What year did you join the firm, in what office, and what role?
I joined A.E. LePage in April 1969 as a Corporate Pilot to the then President, Gordon C. Gray, who was a true ground breaker in our industry. After two years, I decided to transfer to the residential department of the company, where I become a member of the Presidential Round Table (top producer) in my first year. I joined office leasing in 1974, where I’ve been ever since.
Briefly describe your day-to-day activities.
My activities focus on assisting long-term clients. I have the good fortune of not having to make cold calls any more, as most clients call me for repeat business!
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen over the decades?
In the early days of no computers, the office operated on a card index system. It seemed to work very well, but was a far cry from today’s technology!
Describe some high points in your career.
A signature deal would be leasing two-and-a-half floors on a short-term lease to Royal Trust at 33 Yonge with George Tedder in the late eighties. The sub landlord asked me once the deal was done, how much were our fees. I cheerfully responded, ‘oh, just one month’s rent.’ He was in shock when he realized that was $750,000! George asked me if he should buy me a Cadillac.
If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would they be?
Honest, integral, and caring.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be, and why?
Dinner preference would be Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon. As a pilot, I have huge respect for his amazing achievement and he was known to be a real gentleman.
What have you liked about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
Since I joined the company, we have moved from 50 Holly St, TD Centre, 33 Yonge, and now BCE Place. Our new location is outstanding and one of the best things that’s happened during my tenure—love it and Thirsty Thursdays!
What are some of the secrets to your personal success?
Joining a club to meet people both for recreation and business. In my case, I joined the National Yacht Club (NYC) in downtown Toronto in the late seventies and it’s been an excellent source of contacts and revenue. Also, through a cold call in 1984 to the CFO of the former Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), we were able to secure that account for close to 20 years. The former CEO is still a good friend at the NYC. Once you see an opportunity, don’t ever let go!
What’s one or two things that many of your colleagues would not know about you.
Back in the early nineties, I had a deal conditionally done for 25,000 square feet at 208 Queens Quay, which fell through because the CEO’s assistant thought it was too far from the downtown core. However, I really did not lose, as I married his assistant Julie!
What do you see as becoming the biggest future drivers of change for clients and real estate strategies as we move forward?
The future is now. Our new headquarters office in Toronto is a prime example; six months from now who knows? At the end of the day, personal intervention, regardless of technology, is how deals get done.
What advice do you offer young people getting into the business today?
Stick with it, cold call, don’t take no for an answer, use your resources. When I started, I was given an interior office, a pen, and a pencil, and a phone book, that was it!
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Kevin Arnold

Since joining Kilpatrick Green in 1984 as an electrician, Kevin’s career has taken him through almost a dozen different companies on the journey to becoming Cushman & Wakefield. Since January 2016, he has served as the National Operations Manager, Caltex Account – part of the Global Occupier Services business – where he is responsible for the account’s operational and financial WIP reporting, as well as overseeing vendor contracts and the national preventative maintenance program for Caltex.

Kevin’s says his attitude towards work has always helped him on his career journey: ‘I find when I’m proactive, I achieve my goals.’ It was by putting this idea into action on a previous account that led him to being recognized for outstanding contract performance – and to where he is today.

Nearing the start of his 34th year, Kevin says that working for Cushman & Wakefield has given him amazing opportunities, great colleagues, and new and exciting roles.

Find out a little more about Kevin’s career journey below.
What year did you join Cushman & Wakefield (or one of the merged firms) and in what role?
I joined in January 1984 as an electrician with Kilpatrick Green.
What is your title? Briefly describe your day-to day-responsibilities.
I’m the National Operations Manager for the Caltex Account. My day-to-day responsibilities include, among other things, operational and financial WIP reporting as well as the management of preventative maintenance systems and the management of vendors.
Describe some of the changes you’ve seen take place in your role and our firm.
Over the last 33 years, I have worked for 11 different companies under the one group, relocated offices 10 times and, as a result, I have quite an extensive business card collection.

I still remember when “The Brick” mobile phone was first introduced into the company; it was a hazard on its own due to its weight and size. We also had a large digital camera. Images were recorded on a 3.5” floppy disk and then copied to the PC via a disk drive. Now we have the luxury of the smart phone that does both and more.
Describe some high points in your career.
From 2003 to 2011, I managed a state-based telco contract as a Facility Manager. Due to the outstanding contract performance and client relationship, we were awarded a national contract in 2012, and I was promoted to National Contract Manager.
What are some things that many of your colleagues would not know about you?
I am married with three children – two girls and a boy. As a family, we enjoy snow skiing and beach holidays, while my personal interests include living healthily, eating real food, and following the MotoGP.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Action gets results. I find that when I’m proactive I achieve my goals.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be and why?
I’d choose the Australian chef Pete Evans – I’m interested in his ‘Food is Medicine’ philosophy.
What do you like best about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
There have always been great opportunities, friendly colleagues, and new and exciting roles along my 33-year journey.
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Justina Yap

Today, Justina works as an Administrative Officer at Springleaf Tower in Singapore – an office building for which Cushman & Wakefield provides building management services. Although officially taking on the position in 2005, Justina was also a driving force behind the company achieving the international ISO standard for quality management and quality assurance and served in other key roles since that time, which only reinforces her value to the client– and Cushman & Wakefield.

Outside of work, Justina enjoys spending time with her daughter and volunteering in her community.

Read below to find out more about Justina’s journey and tap into her secrets for success.
What was your first role and what was it like to work for the firm and industry in your first years?
I first joined Temasek Holdings, a Singapore investment company with strong government links, back in October 1979. I worked as a Secretary to the General Manager. I had no idea then that were so many companies reporting to Temasek Holdings – the size of the company at that time made my work there an eye-opening experience.
What major roles have you played over the years?
In 1996, I was very much involved in the certification of ISO 9000 – an international standard for quality management and quality assurance. Although I was posted to Springleaf Tower in 2005 – an office building for which Cushman & Wakefield still provides building management services – I was roped in to help coordinate the internal and external audits for the then-called Premas (an employer that would eventually become part of Cushman & Wakefield) for several years.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen to the way business is done over the decades?
The ISO certification process is one thing that has changed. Before, all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had to be printed and circulated. Now, every SOP is online – certainly a dream for the document controllers, who have to manage the huge amount of paperwork needed for internal and external audits.
Describe some high points in your career.
The company attaining ISO 9000 certification was a high point in my career. This was really gratifying as I had to work through many late nights with my team to meet deadlines and make ISO meetings.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Adaptable to change – to improve oneself.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be, and why?
My only daughter! We would exchange notes on work and life, and enjoy each other’s company.
What have you liked most about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
The company is generous in rewarding staff loyalty and I am grateful for that. During my 25th year with Cushman & Wakefield, I was rewarded with a $5,000 voucher for continuous service within the company.
What are some of the secrets to your success?
Plan ahead, and never stop anticipating questions or potential issues to help the team meet tenants’ questions or needs before they are even brought up.
What’s one or two things that many of your colleagues would not know about you?
I have been doing grassroots work on the Moulmein Novena Neighbourhood Committee for about 10 years, helping out with public initiatives and seasonal events during my free time to give back to the community. I feel a sense of fulfillment when I give my time to volunteer work. Community events are always short on volunteers to help out at old folks’ or children’s homes, and whenever I am able and have the time, I like to contribute in a meaningful way.
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Sandra Seeley

What year did you join Cushman & Wakefield (or one of the merged firms) and in what role?
I joined in June 1984 in Human Resources as an administrator at A.E. LePage. Shortly after, we merged with Royal Trust and became Royal LePage. I became the administrator for the Residential Divisional Manager for North and Eastern Ontario, which included three regions and approximately 75 branches. From there, I became Executive Secretary to the President of Residential and later joined the commercial end of the business. I probably have been through seven-plus mergers and name changes.
What’s your present title – and briefly describe your day-to-day responsibilities.
As Operations Manager in the Toronto East office, I run the entire operations of the office, managing support staff, facilities, HR, recruitment, financial forecasts, costs controls, charitable and social events, and more.
Describe some of the changes you’ve seen take place in your role and our firm.
Originally, I used a typewriter, then slowly the word processors came on board, and finally an actual computer was used, with no mouse initially. We used fax machines with rolls of shiny paper. There was no email system back then everything was typed and mailed or delivered to various colleagues, clients, and suppliers.
Describe some high points in your career.
I headed up the United Way for GTA and organized a black-tie casino event with all the senior management running the various games. We organized client golf events, which raised a great deal of money for children in need. We had executive dinner, silent auctions, and even offered a car for a hole in one, which was won by one of our agents. I’ve also enjoyed organizing picnics, afternoon BBQs for support staff with various games, and many great networking events. I used to travel to Ottawa frequently, where I organized many dinners and awards programs. On the commercial side, I’ve organized our client ski day, Christmas parties, and various social and client events in the GTA.
What are some things that many of your colleagues would not know about you?
I was a single Mom when I began with the company and had twin boys who were approximately 4 years of age. They are now 37 and I have two grandchildren, a boy and girl who are 4 and 2 years old.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Reliable, truthful, and family-orientated.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be and why?
My Mom. Being a single parent, my Mom was always there to support me and my sons. She came from very meager beginnings in Scotland and loved Canada. She was my best friend and even though it’s been over 14 years since she passed, I still miss her.
What do you like best about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
The people.