New York – Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) announced today that the real estate services firm has been recognized as a Top Ten Military Friendly® Employer for the fifth consecutive year. As the nation celebrates America's 250th anniversary, the firm continues expanding opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, with a particular focus on skilled trades and technical professions.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, we're reminded that the country's strength has always depended on people willing to serve something larger than themselves,” said Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage. “Veterans leave the military with experience leading teams, solving problems under pressure and taking responsibility when the stakes are high. Those qualities are increasingly difficult to find and impossible to teach overnight. Creating opportunities for veterans isn't simply a way to honor their service. It's an investment in the future workforce and leadership of this country.”
Cushman & Wakefield employs more than 1,400 veterans across its U.S. operations and has plans to hire an additional 500 veterans this year. Through its Military & Veterans Programs, the firm provides recruitment, mentorship and career-transition support, including participation in the Department of War’s SkillBridge program and military spouse employment initiatives. The firm's approach to veteran hiring and engagement has also been shared with more than 300 companies nationwide as a model for building effective post-military career pathways.
The opportunity is significant. U.S. employers reported approximately 325,000 job openings in construction and 608,000 in manufacturing in July 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 160,000 people leave military service annually with experience maintaining aircraft, vehicles, facilities, electrical systems and heavy equipment. These capabilities can translate directly to civilian careers, including building engineering, HVAC, facilities operations and project management.
To help veterans and military spouses explore careers in the skilled trades, Cushman & Wakefield partnered with 50strong in September to launch the Skilled Trades Mentor Hub. The initiative connects transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses with professionals who can help them understand career options and how their experience translates to civilian roles.
“Much of the conversation today is focused on AI, automation and how technology is reshaping the workforce,” added Matt Disher, Executive Director, Military & Veterans Programs. “What often gets overlooked is that service members have been operating sophisticated technologies, complex systems and mission-critical equipment for years. They understand how to adapt when technology changes because they've been doing it throughout their military careers. As employers look for talent that can learn quickly, solve problems and operate in high-consequence environments, veterans are exceptionally well positioned to help lead that transformation across industries.”
In addition to being named a Top Ten Military Friendly® Employer for the fifth consecutive year, the firm was recently recognized as one of America's Most Patriotic Companies 2026 by Newsweek for its support of veterans, service members and military-connected communities.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation are evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 companies participated in the 2026 survey.
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge; it’s a reflection of deep-rooted values and strategic foresight,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®. “These organizations don’t just open doors for veterans, spouses, and service members; they build pathways for lasting impact. Their commitment isn’t performative; it’s transformative. It’s proof that honoring military talent is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
Cushman & Wakefield will be featured in the 2027 Military Friendly® Employers list published in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and online at www.militaryfriendly.com.
