Episode 117: AOAC Prepares for Westchester Rent Guidelines Board Hearings

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.

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.

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 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 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.