Jimmy Carchietta, The Cotocon Group

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? By taking deliberate steps to understand other companies' innovations and how they relate to our own firm's ways of thinking and functioning, through thoughtfulness and care, we have increased our chances of success by borrowing ideas and, in the process, acquired new knowledge that will help improve our business in the long run. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? Obtaining (EPA's) ENERGY STAR certification for the largest footprint of a facility on Long Island - i.park Lake Success, managed by George Mullen and his Team at Winthrop Management, has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ENERGY STAR certification. This signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? With the right tools and training - and with a network of positive and enthusiastic people to encourage and support The Cotocon Group - we can accomplish anything we dream of, faster than we thought possible. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? Personally I think the real estate market, especially in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island are experiencing economic expansion, which is translating into strong office market fundamentals. Demand, particularly for newly constructed or refurbished space, is on the upswing.