Spotlights

2023 Year in Review: David Scotto, RM Friedland

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? The resurgence of food, fitness and entertainment uses have positively impacted our market. These uses were most impacted by COVID, and seeing them expanding and backfilling space is a win. 

2023 Year in Review: Scott Yanuck, Laurel Environmental Geosciences, D.P.C.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2023? In 2023 we finished work on our largest project to date. This mixed-use development in Long Island City encompassed a site across six lots that was excavated to 30 ft. below grade to allow for a basement and parking garage

2023 Year in Review: Barry Sunshine, Armanino LLP

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? The CPA profession is undergoing a rapid transformation so we can provide our clients with expertise and services beyond the normal income tax compliance and financial reporting.

2023 Year in Review: Jeff Hendler, Logical Buildings

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? Decarbonization, electrification, and Local Law 97 (LL97) significantly shaped our industry. The increased focus on the energy transition in built environment in NYC underscored the urgent need for building-level efficiency

2023 Year in Review: Donald Gelestino, Champion Elevator Corp.

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? The rapid adoption of smart elevator technologies significantly impacted our industry this year. These systems are revolutionizing urban vertical transportation, enhancing both efficiency and safety.

2023 Year in Review: Alex Lipsky, Lipsky Construction

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? In response to dynamic market shifts, Lipsky Construction has evolved into a true one-stop turnkey operation through our developer-focused construction management services.

2023 Year in Review: John Malizia, A-1 Roofing & Siding of L.I. Corp.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2023? The replacement of multiple roof surfaces at the eponymous Starrett-Lehigh building. Set upon the Hudson River with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, this project had it all; a multitude of trades

2023 Year in Review: Justin Hermann, smartIT LLC

How has your career path changed in 2023? I have taken my hands off the keyboard after being a technical leader for the past six years with our team at smartIT. My focus now is to help prospective and existing clients in their security and IT journey. I spend most of my time meeting with our clients helping them

2023 Year in Review: William O’Brien, M.C. O’Brien Inc.

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? Interest rate spikes while historically still not high have created issues as owners and developers have counted on super cheap money. That coupled with new underwriting requirements for institution financing have led to stress for many asset classes.

2023 Year in Review: Shimon Shkury, Ariel Property Advisors

What person, project, transaction, or market trend had the greatest impact on your industry this year? Affordable housing led the way in NYC’s multifamily market and proved a solid asset class of choice for mission-driven capital. Ariel’s team arranged two of the year’s significant affordable