Building Knowledge

The Building & Realty Institute

Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

  1. 6 days ago

    Episode 126: Building More Housing: Westchester County's Programs & Incentives

    Westchester County needs more housing—but what resources are available to help make it happen? In Episode 126 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Blanca Lopez, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, for a conversation about the county's housing initiatives, funding opportunities, and programs that support new development, rehabilitation, and preservation. Commissioner Lopez explains how the Department of Planning is working to address Westchester's housing shortage and highlights the incentives available to developers, contractors, property owners, and municipalities. She also shares her perspective on how local and state leaders are responding to the region's growing housing challenges. In this episode, you'll learn about: The role of the Westchester County Department of PlanningCurrent housing needs and efforts to expand the housing supplyAffordable housing funding opportunities and the Affordable Housing Investment FundThe Affordable Housing Rehabilitation and Preservation InitiativeLead Safe Westchester's grant program for lead hazard reduction in pre-1978 homesThe Community Development Block Grant ProgramThe future of housing policy and development in Westchester CountyWhether you're involved in development, construction, real estate, property management, or simply interested in the future of housing in Westchester, this episode offers valuable insights into the programs and partnerships helping shape the county's communities.

    Episode 126: Building More Housing: Westchester County's Programs & Incentives

  2. 30 Jun

    Episode 125: Welcome Home Westchester: A 2026 Housing Update

    In Episode 125 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, to discuss the coalition's ongoing efforts to address Westchester County's housing shortage. Sarah explains the coalition's mission, membership, and the local policy options that cities, towns, and villages can adopt to expand housing opportunities. She also shares an update on the municipalities already taking action, outlines Welcome Home Westchester's revised 2026 campaign, and discusses how recent reforms to New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) support the coalition's goals. The conversation concludes with Sarah's message to local and state lawmakers on the urgent need to tackle the housing crisis facing Westchester County and New York State. Whether you're interested in housing policy, community planning, or the future of housing in the Hudson Valley, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the region's most pressing challenges.

    Episode 125: Welcome Home Westchester: A 2026 Housing Update

  3. 23 Jun

    Episode 124: Summer Is Here – Is Your Building Secure?

    Episode 124 of Building Knowledge explores security considerations for building owners, property managers, homeowners, and consumers as summer gets underway. Guest Thad McKeown, Director of Sales for Integrated Protection Services in Darien, Connecticut, returns to the podcast to discuss seasonal security challenges and best practices. Topics include summer security planning for residential and commercial properties, the importance of after-hours lighting, emerging security products for multifamily communities, and considerations for office, retail, industrial, and warehouse facilities. Thad also discusses the connection between environmental damage and property security, shares general security recommendations for owners, managers, and residents, and offers his perspective on the current business climate throughout the New York metropolitan area.

    Episode 124: Summer Is Here – Is Your Building Secure?

  4. 16 Jun

    Episode 123: The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers

    “The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers” is the topic of Episode 123 of Building Knowledge. Our guests are Scott Scarpato Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Automatic Laundry, and Matthew Mariella, Regional Sales Manager for Westchester and Fairfield Counties. This marks the first appearance on Building Knowledgefor both guests. During the episode, Scott and Matthew discuss how mobile app technology is changing the laundry experience for residents of multifamily buildings and users of commercial facilities. They also provide an overview of Automatic Laundry’s Laundry Connect Services and Laundry Card Technology, and explain how these innovations can improve convenience, efficiency, and revenue accountability for building owners and managers. Additional topics include the benefits of Automatic Laundry’s free site surveys, how they compare to services offered by other providers, when property owners should consider upgrading their laundry rooms and equipment, and the biggest challenges currently facing the laundry industry. This version is concise, professional, and in line with the style typically used for podcast episode descriptions.

    Episode 123: The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers

  5. 10 Jun

    Building Knowledge Special Edition: Celebrating Tim Foley, 2026 C-Suite Honoree

    Episode 122 of Building Knowledge pays tribute to Tim Foley, CEO of the Building and Realty Institute, as he is recognized by Westfair Business Journal as a recipient of its prestigious 2026 C-Suite Award. The C-Suite Awards celebrate the outstanding leadership, vision, and achievements of senior executives and organizations throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. The program honors leaders whose strategic direction and innovative initiatives have made a meaningful impact on their businesses, industries, and communities. Tim will be honored during the awards ceremony on June 10 at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains. To commemorate this achievement, representatives from across the building, real estate, and business communities joined Episode 122 of Building Knowledge to share their congratulations, reflections, and appreciation for Tim's leadership and dedication to the industry.

    Building Knowledge Special Edition: Celebrating Tim Foley, 2026 C-Suite Honoree

  6. 2 Jun

    Episode 121: What’s on the Minds of Hudson Valley Business Leaders

    Episode 121 of Building Knowledge explores the challenges, concerns, and opportunities facing business leaders across New York's Hudson Valley region. Our guest is Michael Dardano, principal of Buzz Potential, a respected public relations and marketing firm based in Tuckahoe, N.Y. A familiar voice to BRI audiences, Michael has appeared on both the Institute's former radio programs and previous episodes of Building Knowledge. During the conversation, Michael shares insights into what local business leaders are experiencing amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Topics include the impact of global events on business confidence, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, labor shortages, regulatory compliance challenges, cybersecurity concerns, and the growing shortage of affordable and workforce housing. He also discusses why maintaining strong marketing and public relations efforts remains critical for businesses, even during difficult economic times. Tune in for an informative discussion on the issues shaping the Hudson Valley's business climate and what leaders can do to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace.

    Episode 121: What’s on the Minds of Hudson Valley Business Leaders

  7. 29 May

    Episode 120: Exploring Trends in Wood Maintenance & Restoration

    This episode of “Building Knowledge” focuses on trends in wood maintenance and restoration projects with guest Willy Montano, Principal of Montano Wood Care Corporation in Yonkers, New York. A former guest on the Building and Realty Institute’s radio programs, this marks Montano’s first appearance on “Building Knowledge.” Topics include the lasting appeal of wood in commercial buildings, the importance of incorporating wood refurbishing into long-term maintenance plans, and current trends involving elevator cabs, lobbies, doors, furniture, and other building components. The discussion also covers refinishing and restoration processes, the current business climate in the New York metropolitan area, rising material costs, workforce development, and the growing need for renovations as the region’s housing stock continues to age.

    Episode 120: Exploring Trends in Wood Maintenance & Restoration

  8. 19 May

    Episode 119: Annual Meetings for Co-ops & Condos: What Boards Need to Know

    Episode 119 of “Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” takes a closer look at how Co-op and Condo Boards can effectively prepare for and conduct successful Annual Meetings. Our guest is David Amster, Chairman of the Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) of the BRI and Principal of Prime Locations, a leading property management company based in Yonkers, New York. During the episode, David discusses the purpose and importance of Annual Meetings, the key steps boards should take when planning them, notification requirements for shareholders and unit owners, and best practices for keeping meetings organized and productive. He also shares insights on when building consultants should attend, why following the meeting agenda matters, the importance of reviewing committee reports and budgets, and the growing challenges facing Co-ops and Condos today.

    Episode 119: Annual Meetings for Co-ops & Condos: What Boards Need to Know
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About

Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

Information

  • Creator
    The Building & Realty Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024, The Building & Realty Institute, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Building Knowledge

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