Building Knowledge

As the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to tackle essential maintenance projects that protect—and even enhance—the value of your property. In this episode of Building Knowledge , we welcome Mitch Berliner , Owner and President of CertaPro Painters of Westchester and Southern Connecticut , and Eric Lester , Residential Account Manager for CertaPro Painters, for a timely discussion on fall m...

Energy prices are heating up — and building owners, managers, and homeowners are feeling the pressure. In this episode of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) , we dive into what’s really happening across the energy markets and how to prepare for the months ahead. Our guests, Jim Slattery (CEO) and Tim Connors (VP) of The Slattery Energy Consulting Group Inc. , break dow...

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives at your job site, what happens next can make or break your business. In this episode, BRI Labor Counsel Matthew Persanis, Esq. breaks down exactly how to prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement — from understanding warrants to protecting employees’ rights and your company’s legal standing. You’ll also hear Persanis’ expert take on:...

Episode 88 of “Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” explored the concept of Universal Design —an approach to creating environments accessible to all people, regardless of age, ability, or mobility. Our guest was Carlos Martinez , Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Bridges , a West Nyack–based nonprofit Independent Living Center dedicated to promoting inde...

In this episode of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) , we dive into the major legal and operational challenges confronting Co-ops and Condos across the New York metropolitan area. Our guest is Richard Klein, Esq. , Partner at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer, LLP , making his first appearance on the show. Richard shares expert insight on issues boards and property managers...

Episode 86 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) focused on problem gambling among employees and what employers need to know to effectively address these situations. The featured guest was Leilani Yizar-Reid , Team Leader at the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center . A returning guest, Yizar-Reid has previously appeared on Building Knowledge and on BRI’s former...

Episode 85 of Building Knowledge tackled a critical topic: New York State’s Lead Rental Registry. Our guest, Leslie Liberatore — Health Services Coordinator for Immunization Action and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs at the Westchester County Department of Health — made her first appearance on the show to break down what building owners and managers need to know. Highlights include: 1...

Episode 84 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) spotlighted the latest work of the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign—a county-wide advocacy effort uniting diverse partners to address Westchester’s housing shortage. Our guest was Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, making her first appearance on Building Knowledge. The conversation covered:...

Episode 83 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) explored “What Energy Costs Could Be for Fall and Winter.” Our guest, Dan Singer of Robison , returned for his second appearance on the podcast. Robison, based in Port Chester, is a leading energy company serving Westchester and beyond, and Dan has long been a trusted voice on energy trends through his past appearances o...

Episode 82 of “Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” spotlighted the Alexander Development Group’s latest milestone: receiving Site Plan Resolution approval for 140 East Prospect Avenue , a 21-story mixed-use tower planned for Mount Vernon in Westchester County. Our guest, Nicholas Alexander, Managing Director of the Alexander Development Group , made his debut on the po...

Episode 81 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into today’s financial climate and the challenges it poses for the building, realty, and construction industries. Our guest, Robert Withers , Principal of M1 Capital Corporation , shares his expertise on financing trends, hurdles, and strategies for industry professionals. A longtime friend of the BRI,...

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at New York State’s new law phasing out the most common refrigerant used in HVAC systems—and what the transition means for contractors, building owners, and design engineers. Our guest is Miguel Quintanilla , Principal of Collado Engineering in White Plains, NY. This marks Miguel’s second appearance on Building Knowledge , following his insightful discussi...

Episode 79 of Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into how the Village of Port Chester in Westchester County is putting its Smart Growth Housing Plan into action — and seeing results. Our guest, Stuart Rabin, Village Manager of Port Chester, shared insights on the driving forces behind the village’s housing strategy, its goals, and the roadblocks along...

In this episode, we dive into the critical steps property owners and managers should take now to prepare for winter. Our guest is Robert Ferrara , President and CEO of The Ferrara Management Group, Inc. , based in Bedford Hills, NY, and a board member of the Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) —an affiliate of BRI representing top property management firms across Westchester and the Mid-Hud...

In this episode of Building Knowledge with The Building and Realty Institute (BRI) , we’re joined by insurance expert and returning guest Jason Schiciano , Co-President of Levitt-Fuirst Insurance and Bonding , based in Tarrytown, NY. Jason breaks down the most pressing insurance issues facing the building, realty, and general business sectors as of mid-2025. Tune in for insights on: The top insura...

In this episode of Building Knowledge , we’re joined once again by marketing and PR expert Michael Dardano, principal of The Buzz Potential, a Tuckahoe-based firm serving the New York metro area. We dive into actionable marketing strategies for businesses as they navigate the summer and prepare for the fall. Topics include: Which social media platforms are best for summer outreach Whether broadcas...

In this episode of Building Knowledge with The Building and Realty Institute (BRI) , we’re joined by returning expert Thad McKeown , Director of Sales at Integrated Protection Services, to talk all things security —just in time for the busy summer season. Whether you manage a multifamily property, own a commercial building, or just want to protect your home, this episode is packed with practical t...

Episode 74 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into a topic that every property buyer, owner, and real estate pro should understand: Title Insurance. Our guest, Patrick Anarumo , Vice President of Sales at Madison Commercial Real Estate Services, makes his debut on the podcast to break it all down. From decoding what title insurance actually covers...

Episode 73 of Building Knowledge with the BRI dives into why this year’s decisions by the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board are so crucial for owners and managers of rent-stabilized multifamily buildings. Our guest, Alana Ciuffetelli , Chair of the BRI’s Apartment Owners Advisory Council (AOAC), returns to the podcast to break it all down. A longtime voice in BRI media, Alana shares key ins...

In Episode 72 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) , we welcomed back Michael Fazio, Executive Director of the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA), for a timely discussion on the pressing challenges facing builders across New York State. This marked Fazio’s second appearance on the podcast—he previously joined us in Episode 20 and was a familiar voice on BRI’s...

In this episode of Building Knowledge with the BRI , we welcomed Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations (CHI), for his first appearance on the show. The conversation explored CHI’s pivotal role in addressing housing needs across the New York metro area. Key topics included: A preview of CHI’s 2025 Homeownership Expo, happening June 28. The recent opening of a new affordable housing develop...

Episode 70 of “Building Knowledge with The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” dives into the current state of the remodeling market—locally and beyond. This episode offers a comprehensive look at remodeling activity in Westchester County, the Mid-Hudson region, and the broader New York metropolitan area, while also forecasting what may lie ahead for the industry. Joining us for the conversation:...

“A Review of Westchester County’s Commercial Real Estate Market in the First Quarter” was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” The guest for this segment of our series was Garry Klein, the Regional Manager of Houlihan Lawrence Commercial. Houlihan Lawrence Commercial’s recent report on the conditions of the Commercial Real Estate Market in...

Episode 68 of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” examined the importance of the Permanent Co-op Carve-Out Bill to housing cooperatives in New York State. Our guest was Geoffrey Mazel, Legal Counsel for The Presidents Co-op and Condo Council (PCCC) of New York, which is also known as the PCCC. Geoffrey Mazel is also an attorney with Hankin and Mazel of New York, N.Y.,...

What Property Owners In New York State Should Do As the Deadlines for Property Tax Challenges Approach” was the topic of this episode of “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI).” Our guest was Kevin Staudt, a partner with McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP, Attorneys at Law. McCullough Goldberger and Staudt is based in White Plains in Westchester County in New York S...