Building Knowledge

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...

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...