MIAMI-Just a few months after Flagler CEO Jose Hevia left the firm, George Pino, former senior vice president at Flagler Real Estate Services, is launching out on his own. The 20-year commercial real estate veteran launched State Street Realty, a brokerage and advisory firm that will represent property owners, investors and tenants in South Florida.

Pino says his departure from Flagler has nothing to do with Hevia leaving. He tells GlobeSt.com, “As the economy continues to recover, I firmly believe that this is the appropriate time to start an entrepreneurial firm focused on assisting clients to navigate through the challenges facing the commercial real estate industry today.”

Apparently, other Flagler employees agree with him. Joining Pino are Ed Lyden and Ana Lopez. Lyden, who has been a consistent top-producer throughout his 20-year career, will serve as senior vice president. Lopez, who has extensive experience in the marketing and sales of commercial real estate properties, will serve as the company’s marketing manager. Lopez was previously a marketing assistant at Flagler Real Estate Services and Lyden was a vice president at the firm.