Senior Housing Advisors Jandris & Gardner Join Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield has announced the addition of Josh Jandris and Brett Gardner to the firm, with both assuming the role of Vice Chair. Recognized as industry leaders in Seniors Housing capital markets advisory, Jandris and Gardner bring a wealth of expertise and an extensive track record of success, having facilitated investment sales in the sector that exceed $15 billion. Their team, based in Chicago, will provide institutional and private-capital investors with advisory services on asset dispositions spanning the entire Seniors Housing spectrum, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, independent living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and age-restricted communities.
According to Jandris, the move to Cushman & Wakefield will allow the team to provide highly tailored capital solutions to clients, ensuring that their unique assets are well positioned within an evolving market. “With Cushman & Wakefield, we can best tailor capital solutions for our institutional and private clients and their unique assets,” Jandris stated. “We are perfectly positioned to guide clients as Seniors Housing investment grows amidst a deeper and broader pool of investors.”
Gardner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strong platform and resources provided by Cushman & Wakefield. “Cushman & Wakefield provides the ideal platform to expand our business as commercial real estate capital markets – and Seniors Housing, specifically – gain momentum. The firm’s vision, resources, and growth trajectory are a catalyst for our commitment to delivering unparalleled service representing Seniors Housing investors.”
Bringing more than four decades of combined experience in the Seniors Housing sector, Jandris and Gardner are expected to strengthen Cushman & Wakefield’s presence in the market, reinforcing its commitment to providing premier advisory services to investors and stakeholders in the industry.
Their transition to the firm comes at a time of significant momentum in the Seniors Housing market. In late 2024, a survey by the Urban Land Institute ranked Seniors Housing as the second most promising sector for risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, investment activity in the space has surged, with trades of $25 million or more seeing an 80% increase in the past year, reaching a total of $6.24 billion. This growth is fueled by rising occupancy rates and strong rent appreciation, making the sector increasingly attractive to investors.
Blake Okland, President of Multifamily Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, welcomed Jandris and Gardner, highlighting their industry leadership and expertise. “J.J. and Brett are the industry’s leading Seniors Housing investment sales team and a tremendous addition to our capital markets platform,” Okland said. “Their addition is a prime example of our dedication to serving investors across the sector as they increasingly deploy capital into Seniors Housing and alternative assets.”
Miles Treaster, President of Capital Markets for the Americas at Cushman & Wakefield, also underscored the strategic value of their arrival. “Josh and Brett demonstrate our commitment to growing our capital markets platform with the right expertise, and they deliver a proven track record of exceptional advisory services representing the industry’s leading investors. What’s more, they are integral to our broader growth plans both in Seniors Housing and across Americas Capital Markets.”
Beyond bolstering Cushman & Wakefield’s advisory capabilities, Jandris and Gardner’s addition will enhance synergies with the firm’s existing Seniors Housing services, which encompass Valuation & Advisory, Equity, Debt, and Structured Finance. Their expertise will also align with the firm’s joint venture with Greystone, a prominent national commercial real estate finance company specializing in Seniors Housing financing. Greystone holds the distinction of being the No. 1 HUD lender for healthcare and a leading financing provider for the U.S. Seniors Housing sector, offering diverse financing solutions, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA/HUD loan programs, as well as bridge, mezzanine, CMBS, and private-label loan executions.
Nikhil Kanodia, Head of FHA Lending at Greystone, emphasized the strategic benefits of the new team’s addition, stating, “This is a tremendous addition benefiting our clients in the Seniors Housing sector. Adding this industry-leading team perfectly positions us as a one-stop shop to serve Seniors Housing investors’ investment sales, acquisition-financing, agency-financing, and other needs. It’s a game changer for both our joint venture and the industry.”
Cushman & Wakefield’s expansion in the Seniors Housing sector comes at a pivotal time as the market continues to attract increasing levels of institutional and private investment. The demographic trends driving demand for Seniors Housing—such as an aging population, the growing need for specialized healthcare facilities, and evolving preferences for high-quality residential options—underscore the long-term viability of the sector.
Jandris and Gardner’s expertise will play a crucial role in helping investors navigate these market dynamics, optimizing portfolio strategies and unlocking new growth opportunities. Their approach to investment advisory integrates data-driven insights, deep market knowledge, and a strong network of industry relationships to maximize value for their clients.
As Cushman & Wakefield continues to expand its presence in the alternative asset space, the firm remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive advisory services across Seniors Housing and related sectors. The addition of Jandris and Gardner solidifies its leadership position and reinforces its ability to deliver high-impact investment strategies tailored to the evolving needs of investors.
With their extensive track record and deep understanding of the Seniors Housing landscape, Jandris and Gardner are set to drive Cushman & Wakefield’s continued success in this thriving sector. Their expertise, combined with the firm’s extensive resources and strategic partnerships, ensures that institutional and private-capital investors will receive best-in-class service and innovative solutions to capitalize on the growing opportunities in Seniors Housing investment.
As the industry continues to evolve, Cushman & Wakefield remains committed to advancing its position as a leading advisory firm in Seniors Housing. The firm’s investment in top-tier talent, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive market insights positions it for sustained growth, ensuring its clients remain at the forefront of one of the most dynamic and promising sectors in commercial real estate.
