Retail Veteran Robert Kunikoff Joins Lee & Associates NYC

March 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Lee & Associates NYC has taken another step in fortifying its already formidable retail arm with the addition of Robert Kunikoff, a former executive managing director of Grubb & Ellis New York Inc. Kunikoff spearheaded the national and New York Retail Group where he specialized in strategic roll-outs for retailers’ expansion into the New York market. With 25 years of real estate experience, coupled with his impressive list of clients served, Kunikoff will give Lee NYC yet another powerful tool in its arsenal of top retail brokers.
Kunikoff comes amid a hiring blitz at Lee NYC, which has seen the addition of powerhouse brokers Kenneth Salzman, Howard Rosen and John Cannon in the last two months. And more brokers are on tap to join this month, which is expected to take the Manhattan office to about 28 office, retail, investment and multi-housing brokers.

“Our goal is simple; to get the best of the best,” said James Wacht, president of Lee NYC. “We may be seen as the new kids on the block, but our talent is experienced and professional and we’re setting our standards high.”

While at G&E’s Retail Services Group, Kunikoff sourced and executed acquisition and disposition transactions on behalf of local, regional and national retailers, and represented owners as an exclusive leasing representative. In his position with Grubb & Ellis’ Retail Group, which he held from October 2006 to February of this year, he was integral to the group’s expansion, both in New York and nationally. Additionally, he acted as an important resource for clients looking to access G&E’s retail services in multiple markets. Prior to joining Grubb & Ellis, Kunikoff was a top producer at Garrick-Aug Associates, where he spent 19 years of his career.

“This was one of those rare opportunities that only come around once in a great while,” said Kunikoff, who is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). “I know Lee & Associates are new to New York, but its reputation is firmly planted in the brokerage community. With the roster of professionals, and that list will grow, it’s very exciting to be part of something at the start.”

During his years in real estate, Kunikoff has produced a who’s who of clients, including notable transactions involving Applebee’s (largest unit in Times Square), Honora, Cosi, JP Morgan Chase, Biscuits & Bath, D’Agostino’s, Valley National Bank, Robert Clegerie Shoes, Shoe Mania, Price Wise, Famous Famiglia, Cingular Wireless, Washington Mutual, Garden of Eden and Data Vision and the lease-up and subsequent sale of 668 Sixth Ave.

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About Lee & Associates NYC:
Celebrating more than 33 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with over 46 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Lee & Associates NYC, a member of the Lee & Associates group of companies, provides office, retail and multifamily/investment brokerage services throughout the metropolitan New York City region. With its affiliate, Sierra Real Estate, Lee NYC also provides services in Property Management, Investment & Acquisitions and Construction Services. For more information about Lee & Associates NYC or Sierra Real Estate, you can contact us at: (646) 723-4707 or visit us at www.leeassociatresnyc.com; www.sierranyc.com.