Stephen Versace was recently promoted to Property Manager at The Durst Organization.
Stephen graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from St. John’s University in January of 2001. While he always envisioned following in his father’s footsteps as a Commercial Property Manager, life had other plans for him, and you will see they did ultimately come full circle.
He joined the FDNY in January 2002 after the tragic events of September 11th. Unfortunately, due to an injury his career was cut short and he retired in October of 2010. After retirement, Stephen became a Construction Fire Safety Manager where he met Michael McDonnell who was the One World Trade Center Fire & Life Safety Director. Mike mentioned a position had opened as the Assistant FL/S Director and he thought Stephen might be a good addition to the security team. Stephen interviewed in early September 2014 and thankfully was selected for the job.
He started with the Durst Organization on 11/17/2014 as the One World Trade Center Assistant Fire & Life Safety Director. Eight months after starting this new chapter, he was promoted to the Property Management Team as an Assistant Manager. During his time at OWTC Stephen had the honor and privilege to work under and alongside some amazing people. His team was fortunate enough to win not one, but two Pinnacle Awards. One in 2017 for New Construction and the other in 2018 for Operating Building of the Year (Over 1 Million S/f).
“Through taking the utmost pride in my job, hard work and dedication I was recently promoted to Property Manager at 825 Third Ave. Although it is bitter sweet to leave One WTC, which I will always hold close to me, I am excited to start this next chapter in my career. This has been an amazing journey which would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife and kids. I’m excited to see where this new path brings me” stated Stephen.
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Israel Yanez was recently promoted to Assistant Property Manager at The Durst Organization.
Israel started his career at The Durst Organization in July 2003 as a porter; 18 years old, straight out of high school. Two years later he was promoted to fire safety director at 733 3rd Avenue. In 2008 Israel graduated from CUNY John Jay with a B.A in Judicial Studies. 2008 was a tough year to graduate due to the housing market crash; which prompted him to look deeper into his future thanks to the guidance of the assistant chief engineer where he worked. He changed direction and obtained the refrigeration machine operators license in 2011. His first opportunity came in June 2013 when he became an engineer. 1133 6th Avenue had major construction plans lined up for 4 years which included a complete renovation of the engine room, mechanical fan rooms, generators, installation of a boiler plant, and the complete restacking of the tenant floors 2-45. A wealth of knowledge to be obtained which allowed him to gain promotion to Assistant Chief Engineer in 2017. Fast forward three years, he was promoted to Assistant Property Manager for One Bryant Park. Today, almost 19 years from when Israel began his career, he has the honor and privilege to join the World Trade Center Operations Team.
“There are people both in my personal and professional life who have left a huge impact in my career, I am forever thankful to them and a special Thank You to The Durst family and organization for all the years past and years to come” stated Israel.
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