It seems to be the season of free agency in Greater Baltimore's commercial real estate industry.

After long stints with the same company, more than a handful of brokers are switching teams.

Colliers Pinkard's Michael Elardo and Manekin's Hayes Merkert decided to join Preston Partners Inc. earlier this month, kicking off the trend.

Meanwhile, Ira Miller and Michael Bender have left Coldwell Banker Commercial and formed Miller Investments LLC. Greg Friedman also bolted from Coldwell to form AGM Commercial Real Estate Advisors.

And, Manekin has picked up two new hires: Greg Masi as a senior vice president and Bill Martien as a senior leasing/sales associate. Masi punted to the Columbia-based real estate and development firm after 12 years as a senior vice president at Transwestern Commercial Services. Martien added his name to the roster after serving as senior vice president of IRC Real Estate Services.

Following years of brokerage, Miller and Bender are turning their attention to investment and development. Miller Investments LLC, based in the former Ilex building at 1700 Union Ave., is looking at "projects that are a little riskier," said Bender, vice president of the firm.

The concentration is industrial, land and retail projects throughout Maryland, he continued. To date, Miller Investments' portfolio is about 1 million square feet. With nine employees, the firm will expand as needed, Bender said.

Similarly, Friedman said he has launched his own firm. AGM Commercial Real Estate Advisors will focus on industrial and office brokerage as well as select investment acquisitions.

Based at 500 E. Pratt St., the new firm is sharing space with Corridor Reznick LLC, another Baltimore commercial real estate firm. Friedman said he does not have immediate plans to bring on additional staff. Instead, he will partner with Corridor on larger deals.