Real Estate Power Players

Russell Arceri has been in the financial services industry since he was right out of college, with 20 years as a district manager in Prudential Financial in Brooklyn. He started originating mortgages in 1995, and only does reverse mortgages. He is the owner of Five Star Reverse Funding. He has closed over 900 loans, and is with the borrower from start to finish. He offers traditional reverse mortgages, jumbo reverse mortgages, and NYC Co-ops. 

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
I got into real estate when I bought my first home at the age of 21, and ended up buying a total of 13 by the age of 40. I had my real estate license in 1978, and always enjoyed the world of real estate, as my dad got me into it early on in life.

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
The best thing about Long Island is the beauty of the area, along with the fascinating people I meet. My clients are over 60, some well into their 90s, and I love hearing the stories of what line of work they were in, and the family history of their home.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
I love the east end of Long Island, as I am the leading East End reverse mortgage originator. My wife and I love Montauk and go out there at least three to four times a year. Along with the hotels and VRBO we also take our trailer out to Montauk county park along the sound. 

Anthony Baronci is a real estate partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek. His practice concentrates on acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and leasing. He devotes his practice primarily to commercial properties, retail, office, and multifamily properties. He is proficient in handling 1031 transactions and reverse exchanges. He represents owners and developers of malls, strip centers, and mixed-use town centers; and lenders and borrowers with respect to construction and permanent financing, securitized loans, mezzanine financing, and IDA financing.

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
I developed an interest in real estate from a young age, helping my father maintain his six-unit dwelling located in Queens. After graduating law school, I joined the NYC Council as legislative attorney, where I served as counsel to the Committee on Housing and Buildings. Facilitating passage of legislation favorable to the real estate industry, such as vacancy decontrol and expansion of the benefits of 421-a, contributed to my move to the private sector.

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
The best thing about working in Long Island real estate is that, as a resident of Long Island, I get to see first-hand the impact my work has on Long Islanders. This is especially true where I handled matters involving IDA projects, retail centers, and/or office buildings. As a real estate attorney practicing and living on Long Island, I am proud that I am able to contribute to improving the lives of every Long Islander.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
Although Long Island is known for its magnificent shore lines, quiet neighborhoods, good school districts, and plenty of good eateries, my favorite attributes of Long Island are the many miles of single-track mountain biking trails that it has to offer, including Stillwell Woods, Glacier Ridge, East Setauket, and the Greenbelt. In addition to providing a great workout, mountain biking through the pristine and quiet woods of Long Island makes me feel like a kid again.

Steve Bellone was sworn into office as Suffolk County Executive on January 1, 2012. He was re-elected to a second term on November 3, 2015 and a third term on November 5, 2019.  Bellone is the 8th County Executive in County history, and previously served as Babylon Town Supervisor from 2001-2011. County Executive Bellone’s Economic Development plan has focused on leveraging the region’s abundant assets to create sustainable economic growth.

An experienced leader in government and homeland security, Bruce Blakeman pledges to fix the error-ridden property tax assessment system and provide police the resources needed to combat a rise in crime and shootings. A former Hempstead Town Councilman, Presiding Officer of the Legislature, Port Authority Commissioner and advocate for law enforcement, Bruce Blakeman is using his experience to make Nassau County an affordable suburb and emblem of the American Dream. 

Alison Brennan is CEO of Einbinder Development, and is the third generation to join the real estate business founded in 1965 by Joseph Einbinder. Since joining Einbinder Development, she has been focusing her work on leasing, management, financing, and real estate development in affiliation with First Development Corporation. Together, the companies own and manage over forty properties consisting of retail, office, flex space, and apartments. The properties span across Long Island, Queens, Philadelphia, and Massachusetts. Alison’s expertise also encompasses tenant relations, project management, construction, property maintenance and negotiating leases with major national and regional tenants.

Wilbur F. Breslin has diversified experience in all facets of the real estate industry. He is the owner and developer of many commercial and residential properties across the nation, and has expertise in construction, land planning, real estate appraising, brokerage, tenant negotiations, property management, and financing. Breslin made his mark on the tri-state area through the development of 12 residential communities, 30 retail centers, and the management of over 10 million square feet of real estate. 

As chief executive officer, Lee J. Brodsky oversees BEB Capital’s overall direction and spearheads strategic planning for the business, including the execution and management of key partnerships. He also serves on the company’s Investment Committee, which makes continuous contributions to drive BEB Capital’s growing real estate and investment portfolio. In addition to his contributions on the investment side of the business, Lee leads all asset management related functions. 

Catherine Castagna carries on her family’s legacy as president of Castagna Realty. Along with her team, she continues the mission of developing and managing premier properties while contributing to the community. Catherine’s role as president includes upholding her family’s vision of philanthropy, compassion and integrity. She leads the Castagna family’s longtime involvement with charitable organizations that support a multitude of worthy causes. She serves on the board of The Viscardi Center, supporting their efforts to educate, employ and empower disabled children and adults. 

Robert Coughlan is a principal of TRITEC Real Estate Company, which he co-founded with his brother Jim in 1986. TRITEC has successfully developed millions of square feet of property, earning a reputation as a nationally recognized premier project delivery company. Bob guides and oversees all aspects of the company. Robert gained a BS degree in finance from Northeastern University and attended NYU Real Estate Institute. He serves on multiple boards, including the Long Island Housing Partnership, St. Anthony’s High School, Hope House Ministries, and the Long Island Association.

Jim Coughlan is a principal of TRITEC Real Estate Company, which he co-founded with his brother Bob in 1986. TRITEC creates a wide range of innovative commercial and residential projects. With his brother Bob, Jim guides and oversees all aspects of the company. Jim is involved with multiple charitable and non-profit organizations that strengthen the quality of life in Long Island, and serves on multiple boards in the area. He studied at Brown University and NYU’s Shack Institute of Real Estate.