The Team

Gretchen S. Wilcox

Gretchen S. Wilcox founded G.S. Wilcox & Co. in 1994, becoming the first woman in the nation to open a commercial real estate mortgage banking firm that is a sole proprietorship. She remains actively involved in all aspects of the business even after twenty-nine years. She oversees the firm’s growing staff and guides the team towards achieving any objectives their clients set forth. Gretchen is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP).

 

She has served on the National Board of NAIOP and was a Trustee for its New Jersey Chapter for 15 years. Gretchen also previously served on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade. She has regularly been recognized by NJ Biz, ROI-NJ, and Real Estate NJ as one of the most influential people in New Jersey real estate. Forum Magazine previously named her a “Woman of Influence”.

 

Most recently, in 2022 she was honored by NAIOP New Jersey as a Hall of Fame inductee, she received a Legacy Award from Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, and she was acknowledged as NJ’s Top 15 Influencers in Real Estate by ROI-NJ. Gretchen is equally passionate about helping child-victims of domestic violence. In 1998 she created The Daniel J. Wilcox Memorial Fund, in honor of her late husband, to send children to The Daniel J. Wilcox Camp Hope every summer in partnership with Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS). Gretchen is a graduate of Babson College with a double major in Finance and Quantitative Methods. She can be reached at gwilcox@gswilcox.com or 973-538-0008 x111.

Partners

Wesley Wilcox

As a Partner at G.S. Wilcox & Co., Wesley assists with the underwriting and origination functions. He is charged with expanding the firm’s client relationships as well as leading several new initiatives for the firm. Prior to joining G.S. Wilcox & Co., he worked as a financial analyst in the Institutional Properties Group at CBRE and at Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a Program Analyst in the Financing and Futures Department.  Wesley is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New Jersey. He has held a leadership position for several years with NAIOP and serves as a Trustee for the New Jersey chapter.  Wesley is also involved with ULI’s Young Leaders as well as several local philanthropic organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University. Wes is an avid fly fisherman who also enjoys playing golf and traveling. Wesley can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext. 124 or  wwilcox@gswilcox.com.

Bridget B. Wilcox

As a Partner at G.S. Wilcox & Co., Bridget is responsible for originating and underwriting debt and equity financings. She is tasked with growing the firm’s client base and expanding the firm’s capabilities.  Bridget is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New Jersey. Prior to joining G.S. Wilcox & Co., she worked as a real estate investment analyst at Loews Corporation where she underwrote, negotiated, and closed over $450M of commercial mortgage loans. Before Loews, Bridget was an analyst in UBS’s highly selective two year rotational Wealth Management Graduate Training Program.  She holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from Columbia University in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Minor in Chinese from Bucknell University where she also captained the women’s golf team to its first NCAA Patriot League Championship her senior year.  She still holds the school record for the lowest 18-hole round at 3 under par (69). In addition to her passion for golf, Bridget enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks and traveling. Bridget is also a member of the Morris Arts Board of Trustees. She resides with her husband Glen in Hoboken, NJ.  Bridget can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext. 133 or bwilcox@gswilcox.com.

Originations

Joseph N. Smerdon, Jr.

Joe has been an integral part of the firm since its founding in 1994. As Principal in Charge of Operations, he oversees all loan closings, manages the firm’s $1.5B servicing portfolio and internal management functions in addition to accounting and human resources.  Joe holds degrees in Management and Accounting, and contributes his skilled expertise to many other special projects for G.S. Wilcox & Co.  He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the state of New Jersey, and lives in Somerset County with his wife and two children. Joe can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext.113 or jsmerdon@gswilcox.com.

Al Raymond

As Principal of the firm, Al is in charge of underwriting, origination development and IT management. He oversees all executive summaries and loan submissions and acts as liaison between the borrower and lender from application to commitment. Al is also responsible for keeping track of the local real estate markets. Al has been with the firm since 1997, and has worked in commercial banking since 1989. A licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the state of New Jersey and a graduate of Saint Peter’s College with a BS degree in Economics, Al resides in Morris County with his wife and two children. He is a former coach and Board Member/Treasurer of the Jefferson Youth Football League. Al can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext. 115 or araymond@gswilcox.com.

David J. Fryer

David has been a Principal since 1998 and provides advice and placement of commercial real estate capital to clients who include some of the region’s leading private owners, REITs and funds.  David credits his success in this industry to the relationships fostered on both sides of the transactions.  He is a graduate of Samford University and a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New Jersey.  David is active with IOREBA, NAIOP and ICSC.  He is also involved with Friends of the Upper Delaware River, an advocacy group working for the preservation of this great resource.  David resides in Morris County with his wife and enjoys fly fishing, woodworking and golf. David can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext. 126 or dfryer@gswilcox.com.

John Cree

As Senior Financial Analyst to the Origination Department, John coordinates the underwriting, marketing, and research functions of the firm. He is tasked with developing new client relationships and managing existing ones. John also assists with due diligence and closing processes. Prior to joining G.S. Wilcox & Co. full time, he interned at the firm as well as at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. John graduated from Bucknell University in 2019 with a B.A. in International Relations and minors in Economics and French. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of New Jersey and participates in a host of industry events. In his spare time, John enjoys sailing, skiing, and surfing, playing hockey and golf, and above all, spending time with his family and friends. He can be reached at 973-538-0008 x116 or jcree@gswilcox.com.

Will Gallagher

As a Financial Analyst for the Originations team, Will is tasked with assisting with all facets of the origination process. These tasks include conducting detailed market research and performing financial modeling as well as spreadsheet analysis. Will began gravitating towards Real Estate Finance after shadowing his brother at Monarch Investment & Management Group. He graduated in 2017 from Bergen Catholic High School and in 2021 cum laude from Bucknell University. At Bucknell he earned a BSBA in Accounting & Finance with a concentration in Finance, Real Estate, and Data Analytics. During Will’s Junior spring semester, he studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of New Jersey. Will can be reached at (973)-538-0008 ext. 131 or wgallagher@gswilcox.com.

Loan Closings

Valerie Weinstein

As Senior Vice President of Closings, Valerie is responsible for all phases of the loan closing process from commitment through funding.  She serves as a primary liaison to our lenders and borrowers in this role.  Valerie is also a senior member of our Servicing Department where she provides critical support with lender certifications, lease analysis, property inspections, escrow analysis, and insurance compliance for the firm’s $1.2B portfolio.   Valerie joined G.S. Wilcox & Co. in 2006 and draws on more than 25 years of commercial mortgage finance experience, beginning her career at New York Life Insurance company and taking on positions of increasing responsibility at Commercial Mortgage Capital and Moore Title Services.  Valerie holds a BS in Business Administration from SUNY Albany and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from New York University. She lives in Bergen County with her husband, three children and two dogs. Valerie can be reached at (973) 538-0008 ext. 122 or vweinstein@gswilcox.com.

Loan Servicing

Tyler Goldmann

As a Servicing Analyst, Tyler assists with operational support, loan event management and compliance enforcement within the Loan Servicing department. Tyler became interested in Commercial Real Estate during his time in college and recently graduated in May of 2021 from Rutgers University – New Brunswick as a Finance Major. He joined the servicing team in June of 2021. Tyler can be reached at (973-538-0008) ext. 114 or tgoldmann@gswilcox.com.

Administrative