Building Knowledge

Episode 101 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) features a timely conversation with the BRI’s 2026 Leadership Team: Michael Murphy, President; Stacey Tompkins, Secretary; and Christine McCabe, Treasurer. As the BRI prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026, the episode looks back at the organization’s evolution and ahead to its priorities for the year to com...

In this episode of Building Knowledge , we sit down with Michael Fazio, Executive Director of the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA), to review the key issues shaping the building and construction industry as 2025 comes to a close. Michael shares insights on the significant victory NYSBA achieved in its legal challenge to New York State’s All-Electric Code Amendments, ongoing obstacles to...

In Episode 99 of Building Knowledge , we take a deep dive into Welcome Home Westchester’s newly released Municipal Housing Policy Scorecards—and what they mean for the future of housing across Westchester County. Joining us once again is Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, returning to the podcast after her previous appearance on Episode 84. Sarah breaks down the Decemb...

As winter approaches, keeping your property secure becomes more important than ever. In Episode 98 of Building Knowledge , we sit down with Thad McKeown, Director of Sales at Integrated Protection Services in Darien, Conn., and our go-to expert on security trends and products. Thad shares critical insights for building owners, managers, and homeowners, covering: Key security considerations for res...

Episode 97 of Building Knowledge takes a deep dive into the Hudson Valley’s real estate sales markets with special guest Vlora Sejdi , President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR), marking her first appearance on the podcast. Vlora breaks down what the latest OneKey Multiple Listing Service data reveals about sales activity, pricing, and market conditions across Westchester, Putn...

This episode of Building Knowledge —recorded live at the BRI’s November 20, 2025 General Membership Meeting—features a special conversation with Westchester County Legislators Benjamin Boykin II and Catherine Parker as they complete their twelfth and final year on the Board of Legislators. They reflect on the biggest wins and toughest challenges in their districts, the accomplishments they’re most...

In this episode of Building Knowledge , we sit down with George Asante, the inaugural Director of Westchester County’s new Office of Housing Counsel, for his first-ever appearance on the show. He walks us through why the county created the office, how he stepped into the role, and what services it now offers tenants and landlords navigating today’s challenging housing landscape. We explore how res...

In this episode of Building Knowledge , we take a deep dive into what really happens when disaster hits a home or building. Joining us are Jeff Stillman and Mitch Berliner, Co-Owners of Rainbow Restoration of Westchester. While it’s Jeff’s first time on the show, Mitch is no stranger to our audience — he was a regular voice back in our WVOX days from 2017 to 2023. Together, they walk us through th...

In this episode of Building Knowledge , we dive into smart, strategic advertising for the 2025 holiday season—and how businesses can tee up strong marketing plans for 2026. Our guest is the always-insightful Michael Dardano, principal of The Buzz Potential in Tuckahoe and a longtime friend of the program. Michael breaks down what companies should prioritize as they shape their holiday campaigns, f...

The Hudson Valley Women in Construction group has quickly become one of the Building and Realty Institute’s most dynamic and fast-growing affiliates. In this episode, hosts sit down with two of its leaders — Stacey Tompkins and Jane Anne Cavallaro — to discuss how the group was formed, what drives its mission, and how it’s empowering women across all sectors of the building and construction indust...

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...