Eric Hazen.
Eric Hazen, 28
Senior Associate at Cushman & Wakefield
Growing up in Stamford, Conn., Eric Hazen couldn’t help but notice scores of construction cranes swinging across the fast-changing city skyline.
“Stamford has been developing over the entire course of my life,” Hazen said. “When you’re surrounded by development, it’s easy to get attracted to it and say, ‘What’s going on over there, what are they building?’ That’s how it starts.”
After a stint at the University of Rhode Island, Hazen delved into finance at the Barnum Financial Group. In 2016, he left to become CFO of a New Jersey-based prepared meals startup where he helped restructure its business plan while studying for his real estate license.
Two years later, Hazen joined Cushman & Wakefield as an associate. He worked on leasing assignments for corporate accounts such as Verizon and served as one of the leads at 575 Fifth Avenue, which had 400,000 square feet of leasing at the site.
When the pandemic struck, Hazen found he had to adapt, not only by working from home sometimes but also to meet the changing needs of companies and property owners. He’s noticed a flight to quality and an emphasis on amenities that attract workers who may be reluctant to leave their home offices.
“Employers and landlords recognize they have to provide space that’s very welcoming,” Hazen said. “If you want employees to come to the office, you have to provide a more collaborative space. Creating those spaces to help companies move to the next era is very important.”
Hazen is particularly proud of Essex Crossing, the mixed-use tower that houses the beloved multicultural Essex Market on its ground floor. The onslaught of COVID-19 put a damper on the grand opening, but New Yorkers and tourists have realized the market has reclaimed the title of Manhattan’s premiere food hall.
“A lot of those vendors on the top floor are from the area, too,” Hazen said. “It’s been awesome to see it take shape over the last four years. You can leave your office, go food shopping, grab dinner and everything’s fresh. It’s an amazing amenity.”—A.S.
