How long have you been a BOMA New York member and how did you first get involved with the Association?
I started working for my family business in 1982 and took over the business in 1992. At that time, a colleague recommended that I check out BOMA NY, saying that it's a phenomenal networking organization. It couldn't have been more true and I never looked back. BOMA NY has helped shape my business and career. In fact, people wanted to do business with me because I was involved with BOMA NY.
Congratulations on celebrating your company's - Franklin Square Contractors - 100th Birthday. How did the company get started in 1919?
My great grandfather was from Hungry and was a fisherman that ended up in the United States on a fishing trip. The story goes that he missed the boat back to Hungry and stayed in New York. He got a job as a bicycle repairman, then became a blacksmith and ultimately started Franklin Square Ironworks. Since my grandfather took over the business, each of us (including my father) put their fingerprint on the company. I doubled the size of the business and evolved the name from "Ironworks "to "Contractors" in order to cater to more service lines than just steel.
You've been at the helm for more than 30-years. Can you tell us a little about the company and how it's evolved over a full century?
For the most part, we've stuck to what we’re good at. We are steel contractors. We focus on miscellaneous iron work and a significant amount of structural work to modify existing buildings for new safety protocols. An example of us leaving our lane with success was post-9/11. With the introduction of Local Law 26, we were a pioneer and lead installer of EverGlow into stairwells of more than 300 commercial buildings.
What is your favorite BOMA New York event and why?
Historically, my favorite events were the old monthly lunches that used to attract 200+ people. I used to say, "I would never leave a BOMA lunch without a new job." Now, I enjoy the big annual events, such as the Pinnacle Awards.
Over the years, who have been some of your mentors?
When I joined BOMA NY, I quickly learned how to become a better listener and take advice from people more seasoned than me. Specifically, I'd like to thank Tony Lifrieri, Louis Mantia, Mike Downey, John Griffin and Paul Magda - all of whom I met via BOMA NY.
If you could give some advice to someone starting out in the commercial real estate industry, what would you share with them?
Get involved. Go to the events and join a committee. I've been on the Membership and Ethics committee. The time I put into BOMA NY has returned in spades. Be proactive and get involved.
