Spotlights
2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Sam Martorella, Ripco Real Estate
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I developed and have begun implementing Panera Breads market strategy for their new urban concept. This includes identifying markets and submarkets throughout New York City, Manhattan. There are many phases of this process that I have been fortunate enough to work on and have enjoyed.2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Stephen Asihene, SAB Capital
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? My most recent transaction that I’m particularly proud of was the execution of a 1031 exchange for a client into a Hooters site in Columbia, SC, which was significant to me due to the market conditions we were operating in. At a time when rates were high and changing daily, we were able to take advantage of a great spot2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Stephen Vorvolakos, Ariel Property Advisors
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Over the course of my career, I’ve been involved in the valuation of over $1.5 billion in properties, participated in the sale of over 40 transactions valued at over $360 million and have an additional $20 million2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Alexis Majano, Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 19 and served for five years in the reserves while completing my undergraduate degree, maintaining stable employment, and subsequently completing law school at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Once I joined Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz,2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Gianni Sbarro, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Assisted a large academic medical center in obtaining approvals from the town of North Hempstead Board of Zoning and Appeals in connection with their proposed plan to convert an existing commercial retail building in Manhasset2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Victoria Bruno, Kings Capital Construction
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Two accomplishments to note: Recently appointed chairperson for The Business Council of Westchester’s StarPower Program where I work directly with senior staff to collaborate, recruit, and welcome2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Austin Provost, Robinson & Cole LLP
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Robinson+Cole is outside counsel to a multinational corporation handling their real estate portfolio throughout North America. In that role, I handled the day-to-day interactions with the company’s real estate team, negotiating various real estate transactions. I worked on over one hundred locations throughout North America2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Aakash Badjatya, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers RLLP
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? We recently fixed a leaking basement for an owner in the city. The building was old and its basement would occasionally flood on rainy days. The project team decided to install a large precast sump pit and a network of internal subsurface drainage lines to collect the water and pump it outside.2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Ida Phair, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Number of years at firm: 4 One thing on my bucket list: To go on safari. When I am not working, I am: Playing tennis or traveling with my husband and two children. What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? In 2020, I was the lead associate representing Edward J. Minskoff Equities
2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Travis Selesky, Grassi Advisors & Accountants
Number of years at firm: 2.5 One thing on my bucket list: Travel to Australia When I am not working, I am: Spending time outdoors either hiking with my wife or golfing with friends.