NAI James E. Hanson announced the promotion of Russell “Pepe” Smith to Analyst within the firm’s fast-growing Institutional Services Group.
Smith, who originally joined the Teterboro-based firm in November 2025 as an associate, has quickly become a key player in Northern New Jersey’s industrial and office sectors. In his new capacity, he will provide critical support for underwriting, asset valuation, and market analysis, while assisting in the execution of high-stakes industrial transactions across the Tri-State region.
The Institutional Services Group, launched to meet the sophisticated needs of institutional capital, has seen a whirlwind of activity in 2026. Smith joins a powerhouse team that includes Senior Managing Directors Jordan Avanzato and Christopher Todd, Managing Director William Ericksen and Analyst Philip Park.
“Success in the Tri-State industrial market requires an experienced, specialized team,” Smith said of his new role. “I’m looking forward to bringing a data-driven approach to help our clients navigate this complex landscape.”
Jordan Avanzato, emphasized that Smith’s promotion is a direct response to the increasing demand for high-level market intelligence. “The addition of another dedicated analyst reflects our continued investment in building a best-in-class platform,” Avanzato stated.
The promotion comes on the heels of several landmark deals closed by the Institutional Services Group this year, showcasing the firm’s dominance in the industrial sector:
- $73.6 Million Sale: The team recently finalized the sale of a 241,200-square-foot Class-A distribution center in Piscataway.
- $37 Million Acquisition: NAI Hanson represented the buyer in securing a 7.81-acre industrial outdoor storage (IOS) site in South Plainfield.
- Westchester Portfolio: The group successfully closed the sale of the Westchester Industrial Portfolio in Mamaroneck, New York.
As an original member of the NAI Global network—which spans over 325 offices worldwide—the firm continues to blend local expertise with international reach. With Smith now bolstering the analytical side of the Institutional Services Group, NAI James E. Hanson is well-positioned to maintain its streak of high-profile transactions through the remainder of 2026.
