THE Commercial Real Estate and Building Industry Breakfast
Thank you for joining us at the Building Foundations Breakfast!
The ongoing effects of inflation is negatively impacting many families experiencing financial hardships, struggling to pay rent and at risk of homelessness.
To take action and support our community, we brought companies across the commercial real estate and building industry together and partnered with United Way to make a difference. Funds raised from this event will benefit United Way and its supported programs focused on reducing and preventing homelessness.
At today’s event, you will hear stories full of information and inspiration. We also will be honoring Bill Farley with an award named in honor of Jeff Digel, a pillar of our industry.
Thank you for joining us today, and thank you for taking action for families in need in our community. You are examples of what it looks like to LIVE UNITED.
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, 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
- Frank Appicelli, Carlton Fields
- Jane Davey, LAZ Investments
- James Lane, Webster Bank
- Matt Halprin, New England Retail Properties, Inc.
- Frank Apicelli, Carlton Fields
- David Ingram, UBS
- Licia Ciotti, United Property Restoration Services
- Gregory R. Faulkner, Robinson+Cole
- Dave Ingram, UBS
- Vin Bergen, M&T Bank
Founding Members:
- Edmund Kindelan, 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
- Matt Halprin, New England Retail Properties, Inc.
- Frank Apicelli, Carlton Fields
- David Ingram, UBS
- Licia Ciotti, United Property Restoration Services
- Gregory R. Faulkner, Robinson+Cole
- Vin Bergen, M&T Bank
- Dave Ingram, UBS
- Frank Appicelli, Carlton Fields
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
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!
Networking Sponsors
Technology Sponsor
Elite Sponsor
Media Sponsors
Premier Sponsors
Marshall S. Ruben
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
RMS Companies
Silver Sponsors
All Waste, Inc.
Levy Properties, LLC
Spinnaker Real Estate
Bronze Sponsors
Axela Management
Consoli Bortolan Law Group
Crosskey Architects, LLC
CT CCIM
Express Kitchens
GeoQuest, Inc.
Hillwood Investment Properties
Hinckley Allen
Jacobs Real Estate Advisors
MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman
Marsh Surety
The Martin Architectural Group, P.C.
Monarca Masonry, Inc.
NBT Bank
ORMS
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
PES Structural Engineers
RM Bradley Management Corporation
Rogin Nassau
Sams Food Store
Shelbourne CT, LLC
SIOR
Solli Engineering
Tecton Architects
United Property Restoration Services
United Steel, Inc.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC
West Hartford Lock
Axela Management
Consoli Bortolan Law Group
Crosskey Architects, LLC
CT CCIM
Express Kitchens
GeoQuest, Inc.
Hillwood Investment Properties
Hinckley Allen
Jacobs Real Estate Advisors
MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman
Marsh Surety
The Martin Architectural Group, P.C.
Monarca Masonry, Inc.
NBT Bank
ORMS
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
PES Structural Engineers
RM Bradley Management Corporation
Rogin Nassau
Sams Food Store
Shelbourne CT, LLC
SIOR
Solli Engineering
Tecton Architects
United Property Restoration Services
United Steel, Inc.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC
West Hartford Lock
“Be Community Kind.” Liberty Bank knows we all can do more to help our communities and encourages making kindness a habit that inspires us and creates a ripple effect. Established in 1825, Liberty Bank is one of the oldest and largest mutual banks in the country with 56 banking offices across Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. Liberty Bank maintains a longstanding commitment to superior customer service and unparalleled community involvement. Thank you Liberty Bank for supporting Building Foundations!
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
– Networking –
7:00 a.m.
– Breakfast –
8:00 a.m.
– Welcome –
8:30 a.m.
Eric Harrison and Vicky Pace
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Edmund Kindelan
CohnReznick
– Special Messages –
Seila Mosquera-Bruno
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Housing
Alexandra Daum
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Introduced by Sean Rae, Trammell Crow Residential
– Impact Report –
Christopher Arnold
Liberty Bank
Introduced by Brian Zelman, Zelman Real Estate
– Opportunity to Take Action –
Mark Duclos, Edmund Kindelan, Michael J. Riccio and Brian Zelman
Founding Building Foundations Committee Members
Symphonie Privett
FOX61
– A Tribute to Jeff Digel –
Michael J. Riccio
CBRE
– 2023 Jeffrey Digel Award Recipient –
Bill Farley
Founder, The Farley Company and Journey Home
Introduced by Jim Carter, Carter Realty
– Closing –
Mark Duclos and Edmund Kindelan
Founding Building Foundations Committee Members
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!
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!
A Tribute to Jeff Digel
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.
2023 Jeffrey Digel Award Honoree:
Bill Farley
Farley, who grew up in industrial Brockton, MA, arrived in Hartford in 1958 for a job offer from Connecticut General. After multiple leadership positions in the real estate industry, Bill then joined the College of Holy Cross at Worcester by invitation from its President to be part of its development team. Farley ultimately returned to Hartford with his family to start his own company. The Farley Company founded in 1968 grew and became the largest commercial real estate firm in the state with more than 50 employees. The firm was always a leader in community involvement.
Along with his successful professional career, Farley’s philanthropic spirit has always been at his core. Participating actively on many boards and accomplishing countless efforts for the community, his most recent and impactful achievement around the issue of homelessness is founding the nonprofit Journey Home. After being asked by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair a Commission to End Chronic Homelessness in the Greater Hartford Region, Farley helped increase its membership from 16 to nearly 140 members, the commission presented their recommendations resulting in the inception of Journey Home. Today, Journey Home celebrates its 16th year of service.
Put the FUN in FUNdraising!
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!
Smith Brothers, a Building Foundations Premier 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
About United Way
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s mission is to engage and bring together people and resources committed to the well-being of children and families in our community. Our vision is a community where opportunities are available for every child to succeed in school and for every family to achieve financial security.
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. Click here to learn more.
Why Your
Support Matters
Support Matters
When you support Building Foundations, you are preventing and reducing homelessness for children and families in our community.
In 2022, thanks to the generosity of Building Foundations Breakfast supporters, more than $420,000 of much-needed funds were raised and ensured that:
- More than 4,300 people received emergency shelter;
- More than 900 people avoided homelessness through the shelter diversion programs and rental assistance
- Nearly 53,000 calls were made to United Way 211 regarding housing and shelter needs across central and northeastern Connecticut; and,
- Two (2) students at Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford have their tuition fully paid each year they attend the school.
Did you know? Even before the pandemic, 38 percent of Connecticut families cannot afford the basics of housing, food, health care, child care and transportation. United Way calls these households ALICE, an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE is your friend, your neighbor and your relative. ALICE lives in every community in Connecticut.
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!
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!
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!
Cushman & Wakefield believes that life is what we make it, which is why they make an impact with everything they do, all around the world. For more than 100 years, Cushman & Wakefield’s people, clients and ideas have been at the heart of everything they have achieved. Thank you Cushman & Wakefield for your support!
Marshall S. 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!
Upcoming Events
United Way’s 3rd Annual LIVE UNITED Golf Tournament
Presented by Stanley Black & Decker
May 22, 2023 10:00 a.m. | Shuttle Meadow Country Club, Kensington, CT
United Way is committed to addressing immediate needs and finding long-term solutions to challenges facing our community. The LIVE UNITED Golf Tournament presented by Stanley Black & Decker is an opportunity to bring local companies, organizations and donors together on the golf course to raise funds allowing us to build toward a future with more equitable outcomes for all. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Proceeds from this event benefit United Way-supported ALICE* and basic needs initiatives.
Individual, twosome and foursome golfers wanted!
*ALICE is a United Way-coined acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Women United’s 12th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction
presented by KeyBank Key4Women
June 8, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Connecticut Convention Center
For more than 12 years, United Way Women United’s Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction has raised critical resources to help women and families achieve financial security. Enjoy a robust silent auction, lively entertainment, high-quality networking with 1,000 of our area’s business leaders and an inspirational program featuring keynote speaker Jessica Bruder, journalist and bestselling author of “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century.”
Funds from the Building Foundations Breakfast will 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:
- Catholic Charities (Diocese of Norwich/Diocese of Hartford)
- Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH)
- Hartford Interval House
- Journey Home
- Network Against Domestic Abuse of North Central Connecticut
- Prudence Crandall Center, Inc.
- The Salvation Army (Hartford, New Britain and Windham)
- South Park Inn
- Windham Area Interfaith Ministries
- YWCA of Hartford
In addition to providing funding for direct services, United Way also helps support the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) and shelter diversion efforts in our region. 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.
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