2021 Women in Building Services: April Intrabartola, Eastman Cooke Construction

Name: April Intrabartola

Title: Vice President

Company Name: Eastman Cooke Construction

Associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:

• Commercial Real Estate Women Network (CREW), New York Chapter, Member
• Family & Children’s Association: Board of Trustees
• Women Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI), Member
• Professional Women in Construction (PWC), Member

What led you to your current profession?

I grew up in the construction industry! My father owned a general contracting firm and I was always attracted to the detail and precision required to build things well. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor who encouraged me to trust my instincts and follow my heart, along with my beloved aunt, who taught me to be fearless. In many ways, our CEO Peter Morandi and I share similar backgrounds. From inception, we connected in terms of goals and standards. More than a decade later, our company is growing and expanding—and with the greatest team ever!

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?

Healthcare facilities are an integral sector in Eastman Cooke’s diverse client base, primarily the construction of hospital facilities, medical offices, and ASC’s. But for the past few years, a dominating trend has been the proliferation of healthcare centers in former retail spaces. Whether it is an urgent care practice, satellite location for a hospital group, or a specialized service unit, such as dialysis, vascular, etc., many have opened in formerly empty spaces along retail corridors.

It indicates more people will have better access to medical care in their communities and we are proud participants in helping to build these centers.

In the past year, what project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?

It has been a difficult 18 months for everyone on the planet and, needless to say, our industry was tremendously affected! Yet during this challenging period, we were awarded significant projects from leading healthcare providers, two dealership showrooms and service centers, and a beautiful office build-out for a non-profit organization, among others. I feel as if nothing could stop us this past year and, most importantly, we kept our team working! Eastman Cooke Construction is celebrating its 11^th year with the same ethics and commitment—and many of our original and repeat clients.

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

As a former educator, I take training and mentoring very seriously. One of my most important responsibilities is overseeing and developing staff training and on-boarding programs to help our team further understand our processes. We regularly contribute to non-profit organizations and participate in fundraising efforts and I serve on the Board of Trustees of Family & Children’s Association (FCA), as well as other associations. Another organization in which I am active is the Kathi Smillie Nursing Foundation. Started by my family in memory of my late aunt, who succumbed to breast cancer in 2002, it provides funds for nursing scholarships and cancer research.