2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Carlos Laboy-Diaz, MHACY

“Carlos knows this industry inside and out. He has done every job and knows when things are being done right or wrong. That kind of first-hand knowledge also gives him a sixth sense of what is the cause of any problems. He is collaborative and likes to work with a group. He also likes to mentor the staff and is very giving and sharing of his expertise and time. His loyalty is second to none.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

I successfully brought LaMora, the first senior modular passive house affordable housing development in NY, online. The building was recently featured in Monica Makes It Happen on WPIX 11 and is receiving a BuildGreenCT Merit Award. I also oversee the Mulford Corp., MHACY’s development arm. MHACY now runs affordable housing ordinance compliance for private developers in Yonkers, is taking the Grant Park properties back into its portfolio and issued an RFQ for homeownership partners.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

Hard work and dedication. Long hours. If your staff sees you making the extra effort, they will too.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

I have overcome many challenges. The most recent is the loss of domestic gas at MHACY’s largest development, Palisade Tower. 415 families suddenly had no cooking gas and no hot water for showers Labor Day Weekend, the start of school. Through grit ad determination a plan was put together that had short, medium and long term objectives including temporary boilers for the hot showers, and changing the buildings (8) from gas to electric while still occupied. It’s been a two year marathon but the $32m is finally in place and the first electric stoves are being installed this week.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom of an organization and work your way up so you know every aspect of the industry. You need that knowledge when you get to the top and you are tackling complex finance and construction questions.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

Use a white board to work through issues and challenges and create flow charts.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

The weather channel. Our industry is weather dependent - cost and schedules.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

My mother raised three children in Puerto Rico by herself. She knew how to multi-task.