Portland’s Benchmark Residential & Investment Real Estate recently hired eight new staffers, according to a release from owner Tom Landry. Joining the team are:

n Doug Cook, a former television news anchor and reporter at WGME and WMTW who obtained his real estate license after some successful real estate investments.

n Jon Howard, a former food broker for Hannaford Supermarkets who works in residential and investment property.

n Shannon Miranda, a licensed Realtor who has spent the past five years helping her family grow its community-based investment company.

n Nicole Poirier, who began her real estate career as a buyer’s specialist before creating Purty Poirier Properties at Benchmark with partner Amber Purty, an owner of a local multi-unit property and also a new member of the team.

n Ezra Provost, who has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

n Rich Robinov, who previously founded Paradigm Windows in Portland.

n Chris Schmidt, who specializes in residential real estate in the Portland area and southern Maine.