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RESTON, VA-Jonathan Hipp, formerly a senior vice president with Grubb & Ellis Co. has launched his own firm, Calkain Realty Advisors. Based here, the firm will, at first, focus on Hipp's specialty, net-lease investments. The firm currently is marketing properties valued at more than $100 million consisting of retail and industrial assets.

With Grubb for six years, he says now is the time to fulfill his goal of running his own shop. "Grubb & Ellis is great. It was just time to move on. It's the right time to be stepping out on my own and building my own company," Hipp tells GlobeSt.com.

The strong Washington, DC market was one factor that enabled him to make his decision. "It's been a good market." That good market also allowed him the flexibility to self-finance the venture.