Mike Warner

With the world constantly changing, how has your job, or client’s job changed over the past 10 years?
When I started in 2000, we had a hard file system for building information. Now, we can find property information from online databases and view a site using Google without ever going to see the actual building.  This saves time to actually interact with clients, as we can create background materials very quickly.

More face time = better relationships.

What solution, achievement or moment are you most proud of while either working at Cushman & Wakefield, or in your personal life?
“A lifetime of knocking on doors.” I have been a salesperson since I was 8 years old, selling chocolate bars for school fundraisers. C&W has been a fantastic place to build a career and improve my skills. After my first year in the business, I was named BOMA’s Broker of the Year.

To be honest, though, I am most proud to have become a Dad this past year. My iPhone is constantly full with so many pictures!

Dianne Twinam

Tell us a little about your story. How did you come to C&W? What do you do?
I came to the firm in October 2010, which was a time of tremendous growth for Asset Services in the Washington, D.C. market. Bill Grillo and Ben Comm had teamed up the previous year to lead the group, and were enjoying enormous success. With this growth, they identified an opportunity to create a differentiator from their competition by hiring a local, dedicated transition manager to oversee the transition of the new business into the portfolio. My priority is to instill confidence in the client’s mind that they have made the right choice in appointing Cushman & Wakefield as their Property Management provider. We put emphasis on our experience, and our action-oriented transition process. Most importantly, we deliver results.
With the breadth of services we have now, how are you able to do more today for your clients?
Here’s a great example: We have a client who has owned their asset for over 25 years, and we have been managing it for them for less than 2 of those years.  They have used the robust cash flow to fund their mission for all these years, and have not put much money back into the property to properly maintain it and keep it competitive in the marketplace. Our client is now at the point where most of the building systems need to be replaced, the common areas need an overhaul, and oh, their two largest tenants are moving out within the next two years to brand new, more efficient buildings.

So, what now? Our client turned to Cushman & Wakefield to offer solutions; they ultimately decided to seek an equity partner to fund the capital needs while the building is repositioned. Valuations, Capital Markets, Agency Leasing, Project Management and Asset Services will all come into play to help our client in meeting their key business objectives.

Kate Sudol

With the world constantly changing, how has your job, or client’s job changed over the past 10 years?
As a real estate services provider, Cushman & Wakefield’s role, responsibilities and expectations have heightened tenfold. Each client’s business requires real estate decisions to drive financial results and support the organization’s response to industry competition.

The difference between now and 10 years ago is the extreme attention to accountability.