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. Episode 114: From Blueprints to Branding: Marketing for Building & Realty Companies

    HÁ 5 DIAS

    Episode 114: From Blueprints to Branding: Marketing for Building & Realty Companies

    Episode 114 of Building Knowledge dives into why smart, strategic marketing is essential for building, real estate, and construction companies—especially in a region as distinct as the Hudson Valley. This episode features first-time guest Katy Dwyer, Founder and Creative Director of KDD Marketing in Kingston, NY. She shares practical insights on how businesses can better connect with Hudson Valley audiences, from understanding the region’s diverse demographics to adapting to seasonal consumer trends. The conversation covers what makes marketing in the Hudson Valley unique, which tactics resonate most with local audiences, and the key strategies industry professionals should prioritize. Katy also breaks down common marketing challenges facing building and realty firms today—and how to adjust your approach during economic uncertainty to maintain trust and engagement. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing strategy or better understand your audience, this episode delivers actionable takeaways tailored to the Hudson Valley market.

    31 min
  2. Episode 113: Real Estate Wire Fraud: How It Happens—and How to Stop It

    14 DE ABR.

    Episode 113: Real Estate Wire Fraud: How It Happens—and How to Stop It

    This episode of Building Knowledge takes a closer look at the growing threat of online fraud in real estate transactions—and what industry professionals and consumers need to know to stay protected. Joining the conversation are Tom Linehan, Executive Vice President and Director of the National Deposits Group at Apple Bank, and Anastasios Papaioannou, Assistant Vice President of the same division.  Together, they break down how these fraudulent schemes originate, when they typically surface during a transaction, and who is behind them. The discussion also covers the latest financial impact of these crimes, practical steps to prevent and respond to fraud, and why education and immediate reporting to law enforcement are critical in stopping these activities. If you think wire fraud is “someone else’s problem,” this episode may change your mind—quickly.

    25 min
  3. Episode 112: Inside Co-ops & Condos United of New York

    7 DE ABR.

    Episode 112: Inside Co-ops & Condos United of New York

    Episode 112 of Building Knowledge spotlights Co-ops and Condos United of New York, a newly formed group representing more than one million New Yorkers living in cooperative and condominium communities across New York City. The episode features insights from Geoffrey Mazel, a founding member of the law firm Hankin & Mazel and a key leader behind the organization, alongside Michael Wolfe, President of Wolfe Realty Services and a prominent voice in the industry. Mazel also serves as legal counsel to the Presidents Co-op and Condo Council of New York (PCCC) and is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York’s Residential Management Council. Wolfe currently chairs that same council and serves on the board of the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums. Together, they discuss the formation of Co-ops and Condos United of New York, its mission, and its goals—particularly its focus on strengthening communication with elected officials and stakeholders to ensure legislation reflects the needs of co-op and condo homeowners. The conversation also explores the organization’s early media traction, key New York City and State policy issues, and a detailed critique of the proposed “Co-op Transparency Bill,” which the group strongly opposes. This episode also marks Michael Wolfe’s first appearance on Building Knowledge.

    1h 3min
  4. Episode 111: Lower Energy Costs & Clean Solutions: Insights from Westchester’s CEAC

    31 DE MAR.

    Episode 111: Lower Energy Costs & Clean Solutions: Insights from Westchester’s CEAC

    Episode 111 of “Building Knowledge” dives into the latest from the Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) of The Business Council of Westchester, featuring Ron Kamen, CEAC Director and Co-Founder. From skyrocketing energy costs to urgent climate realities, Ron breaks down what homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and local governments can do right now to lower costs and reduce emissions. The conversation explores overlooked solutions like solar parking canopies, the growing role of battery storage, and a cleaner fuel already making an impact across the New York metro area. Plus, a critical federal tax credit deadline is fast approaching—one that could significantly impact the future of solar and battery projects—and why CEAC’s upcoming conference on April 14 is a must-attend for anyone invested in the region’s energy future.

    20 min
  5. Episode 110: Outsourcing: The Secret to Cutting Costs and Boosting Efficiency

    26 DE MAR.

    Episode 110: Outsourcing: The Secret to Cutting Costs and Boosting Efficiency

    Episode 110 of “Building Knowledge” explores how outsourcing can help businesses operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. The episode features Lola Gazivoda, Founder and CEO of BOTA Consulting Group, which supports managing agents and other companies with back-office operations. During the conversation, Lola breaks down why businesses of all sizes—especially small firms—should consider outsourcing, while also addressing common misconceptions that often hold companies back. She provides insight into how service contract proposals work, and explains how outsourcing can help tackle major challenges facing businesses today, including operational inefficiencies, rising costs, and limited financial visibility. The episode also highlights which types of businesses are turning to outsourcing, the potential cost savings involved, and Lola’s perspective on the most pressing issues currently impacting companies across the New York metropolitan area.

    24 min
  6. Episode 109: Winter Weather, Middle East Tensions, and the Rising Cost of Energy

    10 DE MAR.

    Episode 109: Winter Weather, Middle East Tensions, and the Rising Cost of Energy

    “How This Winter’s Harsh Weather and Current Events in the Middle East Are Affecting Energy Costs” is the focus of this episode of Building Knowledge. Our guest is Tim Connors, Vice President of The Slattery Energy Consulting Group, returning to the podcast for his second appearance. During the conversation, Connors discusses how this winter’s unusually cold temperatures have driven up prices for natural gas and heating oil, and how repeated cold-weather events continue to expose pipeline and energy delivery constraints across the New York City metropolitan area. He also shares practical steps consumers can take to help manage rising energy costs and explains why power markets in the region remain vulnerable to volatility. The episode also explores the global factors shaping energy prices, including how potential disruptions to oil production or shipping routes in the Middle East could trigger spikes in global energy costs. Connors explains that while spare capacity elsewhere in the market could soften some impacts, more severe disruptions—particularly involving shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments—could have significant consequences. Finally, Connors outlines his broader concerns about energy reliability and pricing for the New York metropolitan area and the United States in the weeks and months ahead.

    28 min
  7. Episode 108: Protecting Your Workplace: ICE Visits & Handling Problem Employees

    3 DE MAR.

    Episode 108: Protecting Your Workplace: ICE Visits & Handling Problem Employees

    Episode 108 of Building Knowledge from the Building and Realty Institute delivers timely guidance for employers navigating today’s complex workplace challenges. Guest Matthew Persanis, Labor Counsel to The BRI and principal at Elefante and Persanis, LLP, breaks down what employers need to know if representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrive at a worksite. The conversation covers the types of warrants employers may encounter, how to respond if officials refuse to leave, what to do if an employee is mistakenly detained, and recent examples of enforcement activity at worksites. The episode also tackles best practices for managing difficult employees. Persanis explains why thorough documentation is critical, the key differences between handling union and non-union employees, why union employers must approach terminations with caution, the importance of legal representation at informal hearings, and the biggest challenges currently facing New York employers. Practical, direct, and grounded in real-world experience—this episode is essential listening for employers who want to stay prepared, protected, and proactive.

    35 min
  8. Episode 107: After the Freeze: Inspections, Repairs & Year-Round Maintenance Strategy

    25 DE FEV.

    Episode 107: After the Freeze: Inspections, Repairs & Year-Round Maintenance Strategy

    Spring is around the corner — is your building ready? On this episode of Building Knowledge, we explore what owners and managers should assess as winter ends — and why preventative maintenance isn’t just seasonal, it’s year-round strategy. Our guest, Alexis Ferrara, Account Executive at Ferrara Management Group (FMG) and a member of the Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) of the Building & Realty Institute (BRI), makes her first appearance on the program. The conversation covers: Post-winter inspections for exterior and interior areasIdentifying and addressing cold-weather damagePreparing properties for spring and summer conditionsWeatherizing multifamily and commercial buildingsKey checkpoints for plumbing, weather stripping, lighting, gutters, and drainageTiming repairs and seasonal upgradesGetting pools, decks, sky lounges, garages, and parking areas ready for warmer monthsBest practices for year-round preventative maintenanceFrom curb appeal to core systems, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to protect your property, control costs, and stay ahead of seasonal surprises.

    24 min
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Sobre

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.

Informações

  • Criado por
    The Building & Realty Institute
  • Anos de atividade
    2024 - 2026
  • Episódios
    115
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © 2024, The Building & Realty Institute, All Rights Reserved
  • Site do podcast
    Building Knowledge