Staying Ahead in the Talent-Retention Game

Panelists Tony Long (left), Marla Maloney and Rick Graf discussed their rules for success and what they would have done differently.

SAN DIEGO—Remaining an employer of choice for CRE talent requires focusing on flexibility, a strong, positive company culture and the human touch in all areas of the organization, panelists told moderator Jana Turner, principal of RETS Associates, during the IREM Fall Conference Industry Leaders Luncheon here Friday. Marla Maloney, president of asset services for Cushman & Wakefield, AMO; Tony Long, global director of client care for CBRE, AMO; and Rick Graf, president and CEO of Pinnacle, AMO, discussed best practices for hiring the right people, training them and retaining them for the long haul.

To remain an employer of choice, large CRE firms must look at the newest and best practices as well as legacy practices that work, Maloney said. “It’s critical for the leadership team to challenge the status quo. At our firm, we take a well-established industry and look at how to do it better.”