Building Knowledge

This episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” featured thorough discussions on 1) The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC’s) Freshwater Wetlands Regulations that were recently amended in New York State. The amendments of the regulations have produced big issues for the building and construction sectors; and 2) Some of the challenges currently facing...

Episode 65 of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” featured a discussion on The Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) of The Business Council of Westchester (BCW). The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), according to officials from the organization, began the inaugural year of The Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC), that year being 2025, with a transformative initi...

This episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” reviewed how Boards of Directors of Co-ops and Condos should prepare for - and conduct – their respective Annual Meetings. Our guest was David Amster, Chairman of The Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) of The Building and Realty Institute (BRI), which is known as “ACMA.” ACMA is an affiliate association of th...

The Many Negatives of Good Cause Eviction” was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge.” Good Cause Eviction is a New York State law that affects the Landlord/Tenant Sector. The law went into effect on April 20th, 2024. The building and realty sectors in New York State are seriously concerned about the many negatives of the Good Cause Eviction Mandate. Two well-known representatives of th...

Episode 62 of “Building Knowledge” provided a thorough discussion on Sprinkler Systems. Our guest was Miguel Quintanilla, the Principal of Collado Engineering. Collado Engineering is based in White Plains in Westchester County in New York State. It was the first appearance of Miguel Quintanilla on “Building Knowledge.” The segment featured: 1) Miguel Quintanilla providing a history of Sprinkler Sy...

Reducing Energy Costs In Sustainable Housing Facilities” was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge.” Our guest was Wilson Kimball, the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY). Wilson Kimball is also the Executive Director of the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association (NYSPHADA). It was the second app...

This episode of “Building Knowledge” covered what Building Owners and Managers, and Homeowners, should look for regarding their Windows and Doors as Spring and Summer approaches. Our guest was Michael Rosenberg, the president of M & R Windows, which is based in the Bronx in New York City. It was Michael Rosenberg’s second appearance on “Building Knowledge.” He was also a regular guest on the f...

Restoration Essentials For Building Owners, Managers and Homeowners” was the topic of this segment of “Building Knowledge.” Our guest was Lisa Scherrer, the Chief Executive Director of The New Crystal Restoration Enterprises, Inc., which is based in Port Chester in Westchester County in New York State. It was Lisa Scherrer’s second appearance on “Building Knowledge.” Topics discussed during the ep...

Episode 58 of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” examined the Tariffs of President Trump and their possible effects on the U.S. economy. Dr. Robert Goodman, a well-known Economic Analyst, was our guest. Dr. Goodman was a regular contributor to the former radio shows of The Building and Realty Institute (BRI). He is a former Consultant for Putnam Investments. While wi...

Important Topics Affecting New York State Employers” was the topic of this segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Our guest was Matthew Persanis, Esq., who serves as Labor Counsel to The Building and Realty Institute (BRI). Matthew is an attorney with the well-known law firm of Elefante and Persanis, LLP, which is based in Eastchester in Westchester County in...

This segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” examined the current real estate sales markets in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Our guest was Leah Caro, a member of the Board of Managers of One Key Multiple Listing Service. Leah Caro is a Past Chair of One Key Multiple Listing Service. She is also a Past President of The Hudson Gateway Association of...

What The Business Community Is Saying About President Trump’s Tariffs” and “Marketing Processes For Businesses As Spring Approaches” were the topics of this segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Michael Dardano, the principal of The Buzz Potential, was our guest. The Buzz Potential, which is based in Tuckahoe in Westchester County in New York State, is a wel...

Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” provided its listeners with a different type of format for this episode of the show’s series. “Building Knowledge” has covered a variety of topics affecting the building, realty and construction sectors - as well as the general business community - during the one-year run of our show. Prior to this episode, “Building Knowledge” has n...

A discussion on what is happening in the Building and Construction Sectors in the Westchester County and Mid-Hudson Region in New York State - as well as in the New York metropolitan area - is featured in this segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” JD Summa, the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Capital Construction, and Victoria Bruno, the Business Developmen...

This episode of “Building Knowledge With the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” featured discussions on two issues - the effects of the Los Angeles Wildfires on the Insurance Sector and the key Insurance Subjects for members of the building, realty and construction industries in 2025. Our guest was Jason Schiciano, Co-President of Levitt-Fuirst Insurance. Levitt-Fuirst Insurance, which serves as...

Navigating the Real Estate Development Lifecycle: Entitlements, Acquisitions, and Financing” was the topic of this segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Our guests were Lucia Chiocchio, a Partner at the law firm of Cuddy and Feder, and Amy Natsoulis, who is also a partner at Cuddy and Feder. Cuddy and Feder is based in White Plains in Westchester County in N...

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals – The Differences” was the topic of this segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).”  Daniel Finger, an attorney with Finger and Finger, A Professional Corporation, was the guest. Finger and Finger, which is based in White Plains in Westchester County in New York State, is Chief Counsel to the Building and Realty...

A comprehensive discussion on some of the key phases of construction projects is the topic of this episode of “BuildingKnowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” James Madison, the Chief Estimator for Mid-Hudson Construction Management, was the guest. Mid-Hudson Construction Management is based in Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County in New York State. It was the first appearance of James...

This episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” reviewed key energy issues for Building Owners and Managers. Nick Stolatis, Vice President of EPN Real Estate Services, Inc. - which is based in Pleasantville in Westchester County in New York State - was the guest. His company is a member of the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) and its affiliate group known as BA...

The Economy – Where We Are and Where We’re Going In 2025” is the title of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Gus Scacco, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, was the guest. Gus Scacco has over 35 years of investment experience. He has managed equity and balanced portfolios, and equity and fixe...

This segment of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” provided a series of Security Updates for Building Owners and Managers for Winter. Thad McKeown, the Director of Sales for Integrated Protection Services of Darien, Conn., was the guest. It was Thad Keown’s second appearance on “Building Knowledge.” Thad McKeown was a regular guest on the BRI’s former radio shows, ap...

An overview of Marketing and Advertising Processes for businesses during the 2024 Holiday Season was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” The segment also provided a look at what businesses should do regarding their Marketing and Advertising Strategies for 2025. Our guest was Michael Dardano, the principal of The Buzz Potential, a well-kno...

Westchester County’s Commercial Real Estate Market” was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Garry Klein, the Regional Manager of Houlihan Lawrence Commercial - a commercial real estate company that is based in Rye Brook in Westchester County in New York State - was the guest. The topic of this segment was inspired by the Houlihan Lawrence...

This episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” featured a discussion on the intersection between real estate and estate planning. Nicholas Preddice, a Partner with Affinity Advisors, was the guest. Topics covered during the segment included: 1) How individuals should begin their Estate and Succession Planning as soon as possible in order to protect their families...

The ‘5 in 25’ Housing Agenda of Welcome Home Westchester, a coalition that is producing important and consistent conversations on the serious lack of housing in Westchester County in New York State, was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Kate Slevin, the Executive Vice President of The Regional Plan Association (RPA), a member of the coa...