How long have you been a BOMA New York member and how did you first get involved with the Association?.jpg)
In 1993, I applied to BOMA New York for an RPA scholarship, and this opened the door for me to all things BOMA. I received my RPA designation in 1996. Coincidentally, that was the same year the building I was working in at the time won a “Building of the Year” Pinnacle award. The simultaneous achievements marked the beginning of my professional relationship with BOMA New York. Since then, I’ve joined committees, supported events, became a board member, and ultimately was awarded a “Manager of the Year” award in 2017.
What is your favorite BOMA New York event and why?
The Pinnacles is hands down the best event of the year. I have been fortunate to enjoy being an award recipient, as well as a participant. It’s the ideal event to celebrate achievements, reconnect with old colleagues, and meet new people from throughout the CRE industry.
It’s clear that continued education is important to you via the investment you’ve made in your career. What continued education program has benefited your career the most?
Receiving my Bachelor of Science in Real Estate from New York University in 2005 was the highpoint of my professional journey. More importantly, the message it provided to my children, who attended my graduation, displayed the importance of hard work and education. As a result of that experience, both of my children have gone on to be very strong, independent, educated, and specialists in their respective careers.
As an operational strategist and trained engineer, you have to stay on your toes and continue to evolve. What’s your current go to methodology to engage tenants in today’s post-COVID world?
Communication and education are the two primary priorities for successful tenant engagement. It’s essential to provide tenants with updates on the latest technologies available in the marketplace, as well as share new R&M strategies; from sanitization of air handling equipment to filter technology. Our tenants have appreciated knowing how we are keeping their spaces clean, safe, and the fresh air sanitized.
Rockefeller Center is a global celebrity with multiple layers of operational activity. From NBC to Deloitte and from the ice-skating rink to the annual tree lighting, Rock Center epitomizes the ethos of NYC. How are you managing its energy efficiency and what are you doing to get ready for LL97?
The fundamentals of Rockefeller Center – including its location, layout, architecture, and aesthetic concept – are irreplaceable. With that said, Tishman Speyer recognizes that innovative technologies for new standards of energy efficiency are required to minimize its carbon footprint. With a focus on compliance, we’ve taken a dynamic approach for the iconic asset.
In recent years, Tishman Speyer replaced outdated equipment in both refrigeration plants (30 Rock and 45 Rock) such as chillers, pumps, and variable frequency drives, with the latest cutting-edge models. Free cooling was installed to take advantage of low ambient outdoor air temperatures during winter months, and two ice storage systems with over 100 tanks were installed to shift peak electrical consumption and reduce strain on the city grid. Rockefeller Center now has one of the largest thermal storage systems in the Country.
Other improvements include a complex-wide window replacement program that includes dual-pane, thermally insulated glass in all buildings. Original and bulky steam heaters are also being replaced with more slimline and efficient wall units, which use 40% less steam. We additionally worked on a significant external lighting replacement program, which resulted in the conversion of over 450 traditional bulbs (some of which were 1,320-Watt fixtures!) to low wattage LED fixtures.
It is important to appreciate that the manner by which Rockefeller Center is operated is just as vital as the equipment itself. Tishman Speyer has a large in-house team of engineers and building specialists; all dedicated to the smooth running of the central plant and general building operations that is here 24/7 to ensure that the Center operates at peak efficiency at all times.
As it relates to LL97, the comprehensive team is examining multiple methods to further reduce the carbon footprint of the Center. One of the more recent efforts has been to partner with NYSERDA to evaluate how we could convert portions of the Center to heat pumps and how that new system can be rolled out for the entire facility.
You’ve been privileged to work for a handful of great brands; having touched millions of square feet throughout New York City. What has been the most exciting Capex project to be involved with and why?
There have been so many great projects over the years that I have been fortunate to be a part of, including the people that I have worked with on these projects. Leading the boots on the ground for a complete redevelopment at 11 Madison Avenue was one of my favorite projects. Working with a vintage art décor building and new state of the art infrastructure was a dream come true. This included a new sky lobby, upgrading the elevators, chiller plants, BMS and a converged network that connected all building systems to coexist and share data on a single platform. Elevators, CCTV, card readers, and smart turnstiles all linked by an overhauled security center. The technology side of this project has been a passion of mine for many years. The gained efficiencies are amazing as we move closer to a single pane of glass environment whereby all building systems are available from any smart device.
Today is all about data. Building the fiber network and developing the necessary firewalls and securing access and data is the new world of building operations. The experience at 11 Madison prepared me for my current role at Tishman Speyer. This is a ground up project to completely replace and upgrade the BMS throughout Rockefeller Center. The project includes a new fiber network that is being built for today’s requirements, as well as future proofing for new technology that has yet to be unveiled. Currently, we are combining over 20 building systems throughout the Center. The new system shares information, provides analytics, and mines the granular data to helps all system operators run the various HVAC systems more efficiently.
You are known for being a leader as you recruit, train, supervise, and mentor engineering staff at Rock Center. How do you begin relationships with new employees and what’s your advice to folks entering the world of facility management?
I focus on education, communication, humility, leading by example, and have an open-door policy. Mentoring and leading starts with solid communication, strong messaging, and lots of contagious energy. I am very fortunate to have started my career in the engine room. As I worked my way up the ladder, each experience was invaluable, and all part of building my communication skills.
With new employees, I set achievable goals, with deliverables whereby the results provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. Asking for feedback and getting people involved in the planning and execution of building operations provides ownership and pride for each person. In fact, I would say that annual reviews are underrated. Sitting down with your people to provide coaching, advice, honest feedback, praise – all via positive messaging – nurtures talent and establishes loyalty.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing with your spare time?
I like to create and build things. Growing up, I exercised that muscle with Lego and model airplanes and tanks. Today, I am all about technology and home automation. I enjoy experimenting with computer controls for the various items around my house. Everything from controlling garage doors, lighting, audio visual, to HVAC control in my home. In fact, I used to build computers for my kids and their friends that helped introduce this technology to them at an early age.
What’s your favorite movie?
I love movies that are inspirational, with solid story lines that show struggle through adversity with a strong will to survive. “Behind Enemy Lines” with Gene Hackman and Owen Wilson, “Shawshank Redemption” with Tim Robbins, and “Enemy at the Gate” with Jude Law. Overcoming the odds, showcasing anything is possible once you set your mind to it.
What’s your favorite book?
Tis’ by Frank McCourt, tells a story of an Irish immigrant coming to America with very little education. This story is a mirror image of my own life and became very inspirational. So much so that it led to my decision to go back to school late in life to complete my very own education, graduating from New York University in 2005 with my degree in Real Estate and Construction. This book and story continue to fuel my passion for learning.
