Building Knowledge

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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:

From curb appeal to core systems, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to protect your property, control costs, and stay ahead of seasonal surprises.

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Episode 106 of Building Knowledge spotlights the work of “Unlock New York’s Future,” a coalition of more than 30 organizations representing housing, environmental, transit, community development, business, and civic interests across the state.

The coalition recently issued a joint letter urging the New York State Legislature to modernize the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) as part of the FY 2026–27 budget.

Our guest is Joshua Berman, Campaigns Manager for the Regional Plan Association (RPA), a coalition member. In this episode, we cover:

• What SEQRA is — and how it has evolved over time
• The key concerns the coalition has raised about how the law functions today
• Why calls for reform are gaining momentum statewide
• How support for modernization crosses both partisan and regional lines
• How targeted reforms could help advance attainable housing, expand child-care capacity, support environmental goals, and prevent critical community projects from being stalled by a small number of opponents

It’s a thoughtful, in-depth conversation on how modernizing SEQRA could help move New York forward.

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This episode of Building Knowledge features a wide-ranging conversation on Revenue Leadership Architecture across real estate platforms with Robert Withers, President of M1 Capital Corporation and RBW Consulting.

Robert is a nationally recognized analyst on issues impacting the finance and real estate sectors. His insights have been featured on NBC and CNN, and in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Journal News, Bisnow, Real Estate In-Depth (the official publication of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors), and IMPACT (the official publication of the Building & Realty Institute). He has also been a longtime contributor to BRI programming and a returning guest on Building Knowledge.

During the episode, Robert discusses:

Smart strategy, real-world experience, and zero fluff—this is a must-listen for leaders navigating the next phase of real estate finance.

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Is your multi-family property ready for the new state mandates?

In Episode 104 of Building Knowledge, we welcome back Leslie Liberatore, Health Services Coordinator for the Westchester County Department of Health. Following her introductory session in Episode 85, Leslie returns to provide a comprehensive deep dive into the New York State Lead Rental Registry and what it means for property owners and managers today.

As the state ramps up efforts for childhood lead poisoning prevention, staying compliant is no longer optional—it’s essential. This episode breaks down the complexities of the law into actionable steps for housing providers.

Key Topics Covered:

Whether you manage a single complex or a large portfolio, this episode serves as your essential toolkit for navigating New York’s evolving lead safety landscape.

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In this episode of Building Knowledge, we take a hard look at how building owners and managers can prevent disasters before they happen. Our guest is Miguel Quintanilla, Principal of Collado Engineering and a frequent contributor to the podcast.

Miguel analyzes recent and past tragedies—including a deadly New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort and the Station Nightclub fire—to identify critical life-safety warning signs and recurring failures. The discussion highlights the most important lessons owners and managers must take away, from the dangers of unpermitted renovations and inadequate egress to the risks posed by crowd density, special events, and pyrotechnics.

The episode also examines the role and effectiveness of automatic sprinkler systems, underscoring why proactive planning and code compliance are essential to protecting lives and properties.

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What’s happening with the U.S. economy—and what could be ahead as we move toward 2026? Episode 102 of Building Knowledge features the return of renowned economic analyst Dr. Robert Goodman for a timely, wide-ranging discussion.

A former Partner and Chief Economist at Putnam Investments, with past roles at J. & W. Seligman & Co., Citibank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Dr. Goodman is also well known from frequent appearances on CNN and CNBC’s Squawk Box. A longtime contributor to BRI’s former radio programs, this marks his third appearance on the podcast.

Dr. Goodman shares his insights on the current state of the U.S. economy, interest rate trends, the autonomy of the Federal Reserve, the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs, inflation and cost-of-living pressures, and the risk of an economic slowdown or recession. He also offers practical guidance for businesses and investors—and explains what makes him both optimistic and cautious about the road ahead.

A must-listen for anyone looking to understand today’s economic signals and what they may mean for the months to come.

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Episode 101 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) features a timely conversation with the BRI’s 2026 Leadership Team: Michael Murphy, President; Stacey Tompkins, Secretary; and Christine McCabe, Treasurer.

As the BRI prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026, the episode looks back at the organization’s evolution and ahead to its priorities for the year to come. Michael Murphy shares why BRI membership matters for today’s building, realty, and construction professionals, highlights key member services, and outlines his top objectives for the organization in 2026.

Stacey Tompkins discusses the growing impact of the BRI’s Hudson Valley Women in Construction group and reflects on the BRI's success in securing a meaningful voice in statewide business and policy discussions. Christine McCabe highlights the work of the BRI’s Cooperative and Condominium Advisory Council (CCAC), including its services to co-op and condo members, the near-launch of its Education and Training Program for Boards of Directors, and the CCAC’s goals for the year ahead.

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