Monthly Archives: June 2026

Aghfar Arun Named to GlobeSt.’s CRE’s Aspiring Leaders of 2026

Published June 4, 2026

CHICAGO — Bradford Allen today announced that Aghfar Arun, executive director, hospitality, has been named one of GlobeSt.’s CRE’s Aspiring Leaders of 2026, a national recognition honoring emerging commercial real estate professionals who are making a significant impact across the industry.

Arun leads Bradford Allen’s hospitality platform, which has expanded significantly under his leadership. Since joining the firm, he has helped grow the portfolio to eight hotels totaling more than 1,100 keys and recently spearheaded the $30 million redevelopment of Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare. GlobeSt. recognized Arun for his leadership, operational expertise and ability to drive both financial performance and guest satisfaction across the firm’s hospitality portfolio.

“I am honored to be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of commercial real estate professionals,” said Arun. “This award reflects the work of an incredible team and the opportunities Bradford Allen has provided to build and grow its hospitality business. I look forward to continuing to expand our platform and create value for our guests, partners and investors.”

Prior to joining Bradford Allen, Arun worked at Hodges Ward Elliott, where he participated in hospitality transactions exceeding $100 million and supported assignments totaling more than $1 billion. Today, he oversees a growing portfolio of hospitality assets while leading investment, operational and asset management strategies across the platform.

The annual CRE’s Aspiring Leaders award recognizes emerging leaders whose achievements are driving growth and innovation across commercial real estate.

 

Bradford Allen Expands New York Retail Team with Addition of Jessica Hedrington

Published June 3, 2026
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NEW YORK — Bradford Allen has hired Jessica Hedrington as director in the firm’s New York office, strengthening its retail brokerage team as the company continues to expand its presence in New York City. Hedrington brings 14 years of experience representing landlords, developers and retail brands on leasing and expansion initiatives across the market.

Prior to joining Bradford Allen, Hedrington spent more than a decade at RiPCO Real Estate, where she advanced to director of retail leasing. During her tenure, she worked with developers including RXR, Acadia Realty Trust, The Richman Group, Grid Properties and L+M Development Partners. She also supported the growth of retail brands, including Exponential Fitness, the parent company of Club Pilates and Pure Barre, and Juici Patties.

“Jessica’s experience across both landlord and tenant representation, combined with her deep knowledge of the New York retail market, makes her a strong addition to our growing team,” said Ben Azulay, president, national brokerage. “She brings an entrepreneurial approach to leasing and understands how to create value for owners and retailers.”

Hedrington is a recipient of the CoStar Power Broker Award for Top Deal in the NYC Outer Boroughs and is a member of ICSC. Throughout her career, she has completed transactions across a variety of neighborhoods and asset types, with expertise in Upper Manhattan.

“At Bradford Allen, I’m excited to help grow the retail practice alongside a team I respect,” said Hedrington. “New York’s retail landscape continues to evolve, and I look forward to creating opportunities for the businesses and landlords that make the city thrive.”

About Bradford Allen: 

Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.