THE Commercial Real Estate and Building Industry Breakfast
Thank you for joining us at the Building Foundations Breakfast!
The ongoing effects of inflation and a complex economic landscape negatively impacts many families experiencing financial hardships, struggling to pay rent and at risk of homelessness. For the first time in many years, our community recently experienced a spike in homelessness.
To take action and support our community, the commercial real estate and building industry came together and partnered with United Way to make a difference. Funds raised from this event benefit United Way and its supported programs focused on reducing and preventing homelessness in Greater Hartford.
At today’s event, you will hear stories full of information and inspiration. And, we are honoring the late Martin J. Kenny with an award named in honor of Jeff Digel, a pillar of our industry.
Thank you for your support, and thank you for taking action on behalf of families in need in our community. Together, we are closing housing gaps and creating equitable opportunities so everyone succeeds.
Sincerely,
Edmund Kindelan, Mark Vasington, David Soule, Michael J. Riccio, Mark Duclos, Nando Parete and Brian Zelman
Founding Building Foundations Committee Members
Planning Committee
Founding Members:
- Edmund Kindelan, Retired, Cohn Reznick
- Michael Riccio, CBRE
- Dave Soule, Smith Brothers
- Mark Vasington, Retired, First American Title Insurance Company
- Mark Duclos, Sentry Commercial
- Nando Parete, Cigna
- Brian Zelman, Zelman Real Estate
Members:
- Melissa Ferrucci, CohnReznick
- Christopher Arnold, Liberty Bank
- Jessica Dziob, Phase Zero
- Randy Salvatore, RMS Investments
- Mike Kolakowski, KBE Building Corporation
- Barrie Deschaine, KBE Building Corporation
- Jane Davey, LAZ Investments
- James Lane, Webster Bank
- Melissa Roy, Tecton Architects
- Greg Faulkner, Robinson+Cole
- Josh Sullivan, Standard Builders
Founding Members:
- Edmund Kindelan, Retired, Cohn Reznick
- Michael Riccio, CBRE
- Dave Soule, Smith Brothers
- Mark Vasington, Retired, First American Title Insurance Company
- Mark Duclos, Sentry Commercial
- Nando Parete, Cigna
- Brian Zelman, Zelman Real Estate
Members:
- Melissa Ferrucci, CohnReznick
- Christopher Arnold, Liberty Bank
- Jessica Dziob, Phase Zero
- Randy Salvatore, RMS Investments
- Mike Kolakowski, KBE Building Corporation
- Barrie Deschaine, KBE Building Corporation
- Jane Davey, LAZ Investments
- James Lane, Webster Bank
- Melissa Roy, Tecton Architects
- Greg Faulkber, Robinson+Cole
- Josh Sullivan, Standard Builders
Presenting Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Technology Sponsor
Emerald Sponsors
Premium Sponsors
All Waste
Marshall S. Ruben
Platinum Sponsors
Print and Media Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
RMS
Robert Samuels
Silver Sponsors
Builders Hardware
Fuss + O’Neill
Levy Properties, LLC and Coleman B. Levy, LLC
Spinnaker
XTX Associates, LLC
Bronze Sponsors
Amenta Emma Architects
Beacon Communities, LLC
CT Chapter CCIM
Fortunato Construction Group
Greater New York Insurance Companies
Guilford Savings Bank
Goman + York
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Hertz|Herson
MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman, PC
Marsh Surety
ORMS
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
Phase Zero Design
RM Bradley Management Corporation
Sam’s Food Stores
Silktown Roofing, Inc.
SIOR
United Steel, Inc.
Updike Kelly and Spellacy
Zenith Investment
Amenta Emma Architects
Beacon Communities, LLC
CT Chapter CCIM
Fortunato Construction Group
Greater New York Insurance Companies
Guilford Savings Bank
Goman + York
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Hertz|Herson
MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman, PC
Marsh Surety
ORMS
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
Phase Zero Design
RM Bradley Management Corporation
Sam’s Food Stores
Silktown Roofing, Inc.
SIOR
United Steel, Inc.
Updike Kelly and Spellacy
Zenith Investment
Trammell Crow Residential has been one of the largest developers in the United States for more than 40 years. Trammell Crow Residential builds premier residences, creating vibrant and amenity-rich communities that residents are proud to call home. Trammell Crow once said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” Thank you, Trammell Crow Residential, for your generosity!
Be Community Kind. Liberty Bank knows we all can do more to help our communities shine, encouraging us to spread kindness and create a ripple effect that lasts for generations to come. Established in 1825, Liberty Bank is the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the country with 56 banking offices across Connecticut and two in Massachusetts. Liberty Bank maintains a longstanding commitment to providing exceptional customer service and unparalleled community involvement. Thank you, Liberty Bank, for supporting Building Foundations and helping to make kindness the norm!
Jasko Development works hand-in-hand with communities to create inspiring places that bring a collective vision to life. Jasko Development’s principals boast decades of combined experience in development, financing, construction, asset management, public-private partnerships, community relations and related disciplines. Zelman Real Estate specializes in commercial real estate development, investment, consulting and brokerage. Thank you Jasko Development and Zelman Real Estate for your generous support!
Program
– Doors Open –
7:00 a.m.
– Networking –
7:30 a.m.
– Breakfast –
8:30 a.m.
– Welcome –
Eric Harrison
President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Mark Duclos and Melissa Ferruci
Building Foundations Breakfast Committee
– Special Messages –
Sean Rae
Trammell Crowe Residential
Arunan Arulampalam
Mayor, City of Hartford
Seila Mosquera-Bruno
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Housing
– Impact Report –
Brian Zelamn
Building Foundations Breakfast Committee
Christopher Arnold
Liberty Bank
– Presentation of the 2024 Jeffrey Digel Award to the family of Martin J. Kenny –
Michael J. Riccio and David Soule
Building Foundations Breakfast Committee
Alan Lazowski
2022 Jeffrey Digel Award honoree
Christopher
Covenant Preparatory Student
– Opportunity to Take Action –
Alan Lazowski
2022 Jeffrey Digel Award honoree
Keith McGilvery
FOX61
– Closing –
Mark Duclos
Building Foundations Breakfast Committee
Webster Bank, the Building Foundations Technology Sponsor, provides comprehensive financing solutions and alternatives for the purpose of acquiring, developing, constructing, improving or refinancing commercial real estate. Webster Bank is a leading mid-sized bank that has national-level strength with community-centered values. Their inclusive and diverse workplace along with their values of helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals is “The Webster Way.” Webster Bank works with local communities and knows their involvement makes a difference. Thank you Webster Bank for your generous support!
CohnReznick, a Building Foundations Premier Sponsor, is one of the most influential real estate practices in the industry. Their real estate division focuses on affordable housing, commercial real estate, construction, corporate real estate, opportunity zones and tax credits. CohnReznick’s innovative and client-centric culture views their success as a call-to-action … a means to improve our communities, promote beneficial legislative policies and progress the high standards of the accounting profession. Thank you CohnReznick for your generous support!
LAZ Parking, a Building Foundations Emerald Sponsor, is more than just the fastest growing and second largest parking company in the country – they believe that the work they do and how they treat people can really Make a Difference. LAZ Parking offers safe and convenient parking garages across the U.S. including Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, New York City, San Francisco and more. Known for delivering great service and maximum financial results, LAZ Parking helps its partners interested in leasing their facility, entering into management agreements or selling their parking facilities. Thank you, LAZ Parking, for your support!
Kelley Drye & Warren, a Building Foundations Premier Sponsor, is a powerhouse firm of skilled practitioners in the areas of litigation, regulatory, real estate, corporate and bankruptcy combine their talents to address the unique complexities of their clients’’ legal challenges. Kelley Drye & Warren is committed to diversity and inclusion, pro bono work to assist the underrepresented, and the gifts of service and resources. They take pride in making a positive impact on their communities, championing causes to foster a culture of compassion, generosity and social responsibility. Thank you Kelley Drye & Warren for your generous support!
Real estate combined Jeffrey Digel’s interest in architecture, finance, geography and economic systems. As he built his career, Jeffrey was drawn to the investment side of the business. He co-founded and served as Executive Vice President for iStar Financial Inc., where he helped build the company’s investment team and originate more than $3 billion in structured finance assets. He went on to Figure Eight Properties where he formed a company that bought personal, concierge-level services to his clients. Jeffrey was equally committed to philanthropy and community action. He was the co-founder and first chairman of the board of Covenant Preparatory School, an independent, interfaith, tuition-free middle school for boys from underserved families in the Hartford area. Jeffrey also served on nonprofit boards for organizations including: Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity and Achievement First Hartford Academy.
Annually, we will pay tribute to our colleague and friend by presenting the Jeffrey Digel Award to a member of the industry that embodies the characteristics of Jeffrey’s legacy.
2024 Jeffrey Digel Award Honoree: Martin J. Kenny, 1956-2023
Martin J. Kenny moved with his family from Long Island, NY to Connecticut in 1965. Kenny attended Glastonbury High School, graduating in 1974 and later graduating from Boston University in 1978 and Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1983. Kenny worked for United States Senator Richard Stone in Washington, D.C before returning to Connecticut to settle down and start his family.
Kenny began his long, illustrious career by first working the Commercial Real Estate division of a bank and then joining his father, Maurice Kenny, in real estate development. It was through a lifelong friendship and mutual interest in real estate that Kenny and Alan Lazowski founded Lexington Partners in 1994.
Kenny and Lexington became known for taking on difficult projects that required reimagining them and creating a compelling story to get community buy-in. Kenny grew Lexington into a larger property management company and welcomed his two sons, Patrick and Kevin, into the business.
Along with his successful professional career, Kenny maintained a deep, but very private connection to the community through philanthropy. He supported Covenant Preparatory School, which his good friend Jeff Digel helped to start and continued his father’s practice of supporting Open Hearth throughout his life.
ALL WASTE
All Waste, a Building Foundations Premium Sponsor, is dedicated to serving its Commercial, Industrial, Municipal and Residential Customers. Its management team has more than 100 years of industry knowledge and experience. All Waste’s top priority is providing superior customer service. Its team of experts will customize your refuse and recycling service. Its employees live in the communities it services, and All Waste believes in giving back through charitable organizations, donations and volunteerism. Thank you, All Waste, for your support!
CBRE, a Building Foundations Premier Sponsor, provides commercial real estate services to property owners, investors and occupiers. CBRE believes sustainable success can only be built on a foundation of responsible business practices, and that everyone gains an advantage by subscribing to the values of “RISE” (Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence). They recognize the impact they have on their communities, clients, employees and stakeholders, and their pillars of corporate responsibility (environmental sustainability, people and culture, procurement, communities and giving, workplace safety and well-being, ethics and compliance, and governance) are key to providing industry leadership that grows their business in socially responsible ways. Thank you CBRE for your generous support!
American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is an institutional fund manager and operating partner focused on office, industrial, data center and residential/mixed-use repositioning and development throughout the East Coast. AREP provides expertise in all ownership disciplines, including acquisitions and asset management, development and positioning, property management, leasing and market research, construction management and engineering. Thank you AREP for your generous support!
Brand Street Properties, a Building Foundations Premium Sponsor, is a multigenerational team of real estate professionals providing best-in-class operating services, disciplined investment focus, innovative solutions and optimal results. With a vertically integrated platform – Investment, Development and Asset Management – Brand Street combines an entrepreneurial mindset with institutional capabilities, driving value creation and long-term stability. Thank you, Brand Street Properties, for your support!
Cigna describes itself as a ‘catalyst of action and a convener of stakeholders who, together, can make a difference…” Focusing on three strategic areas (Health and Well-Being, Environment and Inclusive and Responsible Business), Cigna applies its expertise, resources and innovative thinking to help solve complex challenges globally and within key markets. Thank you, Cigna, for your generosity!
Institutional Property Advisors (IPA) was founded by George Marcus and William Millichap in 1971 and revolutionized the commercial real estate brokerage industry with a business model dedicated to maximizing value for investors. With more than 80 offices across North America and five decades of experience, IPA helps its clients manage risk and craft strategies. Thank you IPA for supporting Building Foundations!
JLL “Sees a Brighter Way” forward for their clients, people, our planet and our communities. By combining innovative technology with world-renowned expertise, JLL unveils opportunities that create a brighter future for all. JLL sees the built environment as a powerful medium with which to change the world for the better. Thank you JLL for your generous support!
Lexington Partners-InnoConn, a Building Foundations Premium Sponsor, is one of New England’s most respected development companies over the last 30 years. Its success, built on a foundation of visionary growth, makes them one of the most sought-after development, construction and property management partners in the Northeast and beyond. Its three wholly-owned subsidiaries headquartered in Hartford, CT – Lexington Partners, Lexington Property Management and InnoConn Construction Management, LLC, have a well-earned reputation for taking on complex projects and seeing them through to a successful conclusion. Thank you, Lexington Partners-InnoConn, for your support!
Marshall Ruben
Marshall S. Ruben, Principal, Ruben/Horan, P.C. Attorneys at Law, has considerable experience in commercial real estate investment and finance transactions, corporate and partnership matters and federal income tax planning. Marshall S. Ruben represents Fortune 500 clients and individuals throughout the U.S. and abroad in the acquisition and development of commercial real estate and in the origination, acquisition and restructuring of mortgages and corporate debt obligations. Thank you Marshall S. Ruben for supporting Building Foundations!
M&T Bank’s purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in their neighborhood to create the right opportunities for the people they serve. Committed to making our community better, M&T Bank encourages giving back, investing in driving change and empowering people. Thank you M&T Bank for your generous support!
Smith Brothers, a Building Foundations Premium Sponsor, is one of the largest and most respected independent insurance firms in New England. Their mission is to build a growing, profitable company that demonstrates a level of service higher than industry standards and delivers it in a professional way to their clients – offering the best products available and providing knowledgeable advice so their clients know they have an advocate and their assets are protected. Their strategic priorities include being a great place to work, client experience, profitable growth and a culture of helping others, their big purpose. Smith Brothers donates both volunteer hours and resources to causes in their community. Thank you Smith Brothers for your generous support!
Put the FUN in FUNdraising!
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, a Building Foundations Platinum Sponsor, has grown from a small quasi-public organization with $5 million to lend for first-time homebuyer mortgages in 1969 to an organization that lends more than $500 million dollars each year for affordable housing across all 169 Connecticut townships. CHFA leverages its financial strength in partnership with public and private investors, resulting in more than 150,000 Connecticut residents purchasing their first homes with a CHFA below-market interest rate mortgage, allowing them to begin building their financial futures. Additionally, CHFA’s investments have built or renovated more than 60,000 affordable multi-family apartments that hundreds of thousands of residents call home. Thank you, CHFA, for your support!
Cumming Group, a Building Foundations Platinum Sponsor, is passionate about helping its clients execute large-scale, complex projects on-time and within budget. Its project and cost-management services are specifically tailored to each client’s needs and add meaningful value at every step of a project’s development. Cummings Group takes corporate social responsibility seriously and continuously looks for meaningful ways to give back to the communities where people live and work, whether through volunteering, donations or other charitable activities. Thank you, Cumming Group, for your support!
FOX 61 is “Making an Impact” in the communities where we live and work. As “Connecticut’s News Station,” FOX 61 delivers the latest on breaking news, severe weather, sports and more, and is committed to lifting up people, causes and communities. Thank you FOX 61 for supporting Building Foundations!
Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) is a media organization providing business news, information and analysis for business owners and decision makers. HBJ’s mission is to be the leading source of business news and analysis. HBJ delivers coverage of business and economic trends, issues and news through credible, evocative and stimulating writing. Thank you HBJ for your generous support!
Harvest Investments, located in West Hartford, CT, and is part of the Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers Industry. Thank you to Harvest Investments for your generous support of Building Foundations!
Walton Street Capital, a Building Foundations Platinum Sponsor, has developed the expertise to underwrite, acquire, originate, manage and service commercial equity and debt investments across asset sectors for more than 25 years. Walton Street has garnered a reputation for forging relationships that endure thanks to the values that drive its culture. The expertise and experience it has developed has led to a unique perspective on the real estate industry fuels its dynamic and research-based sourcing strategy. Thank you, Walton Street Capital, for your support!
Standard Builders has been offering sophisticated pre-construction and construction services since 1949. Their long-term partnerships are built through their ability to solve difficult challenges with creative and cost-effective solutions, allowing their clients to focus on their business objectives without compromising project quality, safety or business interruption. Thank you Standard Builders for supporting Building Foundations!
About United Way
For 100 years, United Way has closed gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make the 860 region an equitable place where everyone succeeds. United Way does this by aligning partners across sectors to end poverty; leveraging information and experience to deepen impact; connecting people with resources and opportunities to make a difference; and, transforming the future with game-changing solutions.
If you contributed $1,000 or more at today’s Building Foundations Breakfast, you are automatically going to be recognized by United Way as a leadership donor. Through your generosity, leadership donors demonstrate a true commitment to creating positive impact and lasting change in the lives of children and families.
Support Matters
When you support Building Foundations, you are preventing and reducing homelessness for children, adults and families in our community. In 2023, thanks to the generosity of Building Foundations Breakfast supporters, more than $450,000 of much-needed funds were raised to ensure that:
- More than 1,000 people received emergency shelter;
- More than 1,500 people avoided homelessness through the shelter diversion programs and rental assistance;
- Information and referral services through United Way 211 continued to be funded; and,
- Two (2) students at Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford have their tuition fully paid each year they attend the school.
Funds from the Building Foundations Breakfast benefit United Way and its supported programs focused on providing emergency shelter, shelter diversion efforts (including rent and utility assistance) and systems coordination.
Benefiting Partners:
- Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH)
- Hartford Interval House
- Journey Home
- Network Against Domestic Abuse of North Central Connecticut
- Prudence Crandall Center, Inc.
- South Park Inn
- The Salvation Army Southern New England Division
- YWCA of Hartford
In addition to providing funding for direct services, United Way also helps support the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) and shelter diversion initiatives in Greater Hartford. United Way also serves as the administrator for the Emergency Food and Shelter program which allocates federal funds to supplement the work of human services organizations.
Women United’s 13th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction presented by KeyBank Key4Women
June 6, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Connecticut Convention Center
For more than 13 years, United Way Women United’s Power of the Purse has raised critical resources to close financial gaps and create opportunities for local women and their families achieve financial secure. Enjoy high-quality networking with 1,000 area professionals, a robust silent auction, lively entertainment and an inspirational program featuring keynote speaker Rita Moreno, iconic actress and first Latina EGOT best known as Anita from West Side Story.
Upcoming Events
FOX61 and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut present: The ImpaCT Awards
October 25, 2023 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Hartford Marriott Downtown
FOX61 and United Way are joining forces to recognize and honor individuals, groups and organizations who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and/or education in Connecticut. Nominations open May 6, 2024.
Upcoming Events
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Centennial Gala
December 14, 2023 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Connecticut Convention Center
United Way’s Centennial Gala brings generations together to close gaps and create equitable opportunities for everyone in our region to succeed. Enjoy high-quality networking with 1,000 area professionals, lively entertainment and the debut of the Onward860 Strategic Plan that will unite our region, forge a new path and end poverty in all its forms.
Cloud + Robinson Development
Friends of Building Foundations
- Bozzuto’s
- First Peak Construction Company
- GFI
- Meyer, Inc.
- Penwood Realty Advisers, Inc.
- Shelbourne
