Category: Spotlight Content

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Since joining Reidy Contracting Group in April 2022, I’ve focused on strengthening how we use data to drive smarter decisions. I’m most proud of expanding our company-wide analytics and reporting, identifying KPIs that provide meaningful insight into performance.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? I had the opportunity to originate the construction financing for 179 N. 10th St. in Williamsburg, currently the tallest mass timber project in New York City. This was particularly meaningful as it provided exposure to innovative, sustainable construction methods

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is the pace and scale my team has achieved this year. In under four months, we’ve completed 50 commercial leases, building on 127 deals last year.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Recently, we represented a first-time client in the sale of an asset that is now under a hard, non-refundable contract above the asking price, marking its first trade in over 25 years.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Leadership tends to follow people who consistently solve problems, build trust, and make things easier for both clients and teammates. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t shy away from taking on tough challenges...

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? One of the most defining challenges in my career was leading the integration of seven companies in the A/E/C industry into a single operating platform as Chief Operating Officer.

What recent accomplishments or initiatives are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Over the past year, as we’ve entered our 12th year, we’ve continued to evolve our role from execution into a more strategy-led partnership with our clients. Strategy has always been a core part of what we do, but we’ve placed a stronger emphasis on leading with it

Garden City, NY Schroder & Strom, LLP is a real property tax litigation firm known for its depth of experience, technical precision, and consistent success representing commercial and residential property owners across New York State. Founded in 2000 by Michael Schroder and Karen Strom

What drives your philosophy on hard work, and how has it evolved over time?  I value hard work above everything. My father was a strong influence in my life and career. He ran a small business in West Chicago, IL, and from a young age I understood the type of investment it takes to run a business and the work ethic it takes to succeed in a cutthroat world.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Joining the Center for Economic Growth’s leadership board is something I’m proud of. It’s given me a more direct role in helping attract new companies to the Capital Region while supporting the growth of businesses already here.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? We recently began integrating AI into our processes after seeing real value emerge about six months ago. It now supports plan reviews by checking drawings against codes and coordinating across disciplines, improving quality and reducing risk.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? Learning to have confidence in myself is the biggest challenge I faced as I started my career. Out of college, I was scared. Afraid to fail. But when I started at OMARA in 1992, it dawned on me that I was a pretty bright guy, and I had a natural ability to solve problems and to connect with people – clients, architects, engineers, and tradesmen.