Our Team
Joe Cordaro
Principal
Joe has a deep understanding of the Des Moines Real Estate market. He has owns and manages nearly 500,000 square feet of commercial real estate in Iowa – most in the Des Moines. Joe previously worked for the US Department of State, Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and The Members Group. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting from Drake University and a post-graduate diploma in strategy from the Navy War College.
Brian Johnson
Legal Affairs & Operations
Brian is tasked with overseeing Benchmark’s legal affairs and general operations. Prior to joining Benchmark, Brian worked in the Los Angeles area as an attorney, and previously spent seven years working for the U.S. Department of State. He brings a wealth of knowledge and wide-ranging background to the organization. He is a licensed attorney and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree, both from Gonzaga University.
Michelle Coffey
Associate
Michelle has joined Benchmark in her encore career. She has a broad-based background and wide-ranging skillset honed over thirty-plus years in the workforce. She spent the majority of her first career with John Deere Financial. She is active in the community and has volunteered with the Girl Scouts organization, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, United Way, and her local church and schools. Michelle comes from a family of small-business entrepreneurs, with a history of owning and operating a commercial cleaning business, as well as residential property ownership and management. She is a lifelong Des Moines area resident and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa.