VANGUARDCON.COM - Key Persons
Formerly a draftsperson and Asst. Construction Project Manager, Alan has since focused his considerable talents on estimating. Having produced his own shop drawings, Alan combines this firsthand insight with his background in architecture and building to intuit design intent and value engineering on all the projects he prices. His experience working on the Schinasi Mansion, a 1907, 35-room marble mansion at 351 Riverside Drive, a NYC Historic Land-
mark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offered ripe opportunities to restore the limestone exterior, as well as the historical plaster, stone, mosaic, millwork and metalwork inside. In his spare time, Alan creates art.
From 20 years of experience as a Superintendent, Project Manager, and Owner Representative at firms such as RXR Realty, Phoenix Diversified Group, Omnibuild, and Masterpiece Construction, Alek has gained a multi-disciplined approach to building and site management. From first-hand experience overseeing superstructures out of the ground, through all interior disciplines performing finish work, he supervises the full diversity of construction trades while maintaining the highest standards of safety and workplace compliance. No matter what challenges he faces on site, Alek maintains a cool, positive attitude and encourages his team to perservere.
"Never say, ‘I can't do it'. With persistence, self-discipline, and support, you can do anything."
Alek holds a degree in Business Management and Construction Management from San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, and also successfully completed the Field Ironworkers Apprenticeship Training Program in Benicia, CA. He is a licensed NYC Construction Superintendent, Construction Site Safety Supervisor (CSST), a Union Ironworker, a Qualified Rigger, and holds certifications in forklift operation, welding, MTA Track Safety, scaffold use and dismantling, as well as 30HR OSHA.
With her prior experience, including schematic design, skills in 3D modeling, and high-end residential project management, Ana contributes a unique insight to the projects she works on. Ana especially enjoys working on design-intensive projects, especially restaurants. Applying her deeper level of comprehension, Ana interprets to our subcontractors a comprehension of what their scope is. This results in more thorough and accurate submission packages on her jobs, and improvement in satisfying a client's expectations.
"Working with the Architect and Interior Designer gives me be a better understanding of the project's design intent. So when I work with our subs, I can help clarify scope and project requirements. I do my best to connect the dots."
Ana holds a BA in Architecture from The University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico. On weekends, she encourages her son to join her doing outdoor activities. Ana doesn't want to persuade or dissuade him from pursuing architecture. She looks forward to recognizing his intent one day and helping him along his way.
Well versed with the New York City construction industry, Anna joins Vanguard to contribute her expertise in preliminary budgeting, forecasting, estimates with highly detailed scopes of work. As an Assistant Project Manager with Diamond Crow Mechanical, Anna also supervised projects on site, adding to her first-hand knowledge of construction logistics, staging, installation efficiencies, and maintaining quality control, adding to her skills of engaging clients with first-hand experience, professionalism, assurance, and support. While working on Pre-Construction projects, Anna contributes curiosity and diligent follow-through to engage the consultants into delivering more exacting specifications or additional details, efficiently and promptly. A new mother, Anna now spends time when not at work caring for her young son.
"I love taking care of my baby, but I did not realize how much I would miss spending time with myself. Someone told me to remember the oxygen mask story. It's important for me to be healthy so I can take care of my family."
Anna received an Associates in Accounting degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College, and completed a Project Management Course at New York University. She holds a certificate in Project Management and is quickly becoming expert at managing her ongoing happy household.
Christopher holds a BS in Finance from St. John's University. In his free time, he likes to play basketball and racquetball at his local gym. While he enjoys the teamwork, Christopher admits, he likes being competitive!
Formerly a teller at TD Bank, Christopher took an opportunity to join Vanguard as an estimating clerk, growing steadily into becoming a Junior Estimator, and more recently, a full time Estimator. Christopher has emerged as a knowledgeable tactician familiar with the wide base of subcontractors we work with. Whether researching new sources or suppliers, or creatively assembling a final list of the most competitive, qualified trades, Christopher applies the skills learned over the years to tackle estimates with perseverance and creativity. When not working, Christopher enjoys riding his bike.
"I'll bike trails around Bethpage or head toward Jones Beach, then check my app to see my workout results. It's rewarding to know my baseline and strive to do even better."
Trained in Construction Management, Dana's experience interning with Clark Construction and Herrero Builders on commercial projects allows her to supervise, document, inspect and liaise between multiple disciplines. Dana is responsible for producing and updating initial Master Project Schedules across all of our active projects. She works closely with clients and the Vanguard Operations team to interpret project drawings, review Long Lead Items, and intuit the constructability and logistics of building a job. Her ultimate goal is to create and maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect with the Vanguard team, our clients, and our trade partners. When she's not at the job site, you can find her in various contemporary dance studios around the city.
"As a choreographer of contemporary dance, I have to put myself in the shoes of the unique movements and artistry of every dancer onstage, whether there be two dancers or twenty. I imagine all the dancers as one flowing, ever-changing entity, even if they all are doing remarkably different movements onstage. My strength of seeing the bigger picture shows up in my ability to schedule construction projects. I understand all the moving parts, the way they interact, and how they can benefit from each other's successes to create a finished product. Like dancers onstage, each trade onsite flows beautifully together with the proper schedule management."
Dana holds a BS in Construction Management from the California Polytechnic State University. Last year, she participated in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Student Competition and won 1st place in the Region 7 Mixed-Use category. As a dance minor at Cal Poly, she worked as a student director and choreographer and earned the Founders Award for Outstanding Choreography from the Cal Poly Dance Department.
Dan joined Vanguard in 2015 following a career as a Project Superintendent at construction firms in New York City and New Jersey, overseeing ground-ups, healthcare work, infrastructure upgrades or additions to existing buildings. Familiar with retail and commercial fit-outs, Dan is a "takes no nonsense" supervisor of his projects. He prides himself on maintaining safe, orderly job sites while demanding performance and quality installations from his subcontractors. His utmost priority is to deliver satisfaction to his clients. Affable and knowledgeable, Dan is one of Vanguard's most dependable superintendents to anchor any job. On weekends, Dan can be found in his garden.
"I like to prune. I'm not as fast as Edward Scissorhands, but I enjoy shaping my junipers into crisp, round balls. Weeding, I try to do every day so as not to let it get ahead of me. When it's all done, admiring my plants in bloom, I get to relax."
An experienced Project Manager, Dan approaches his jobs with an analytical mindset and a talent for leadership and communication. Having honed his construction skills on large scale institutional, commercial and healthcare projects, Dan constantly diagnoses the well-being of his projects by consistently ensuring the schedule, deliveries, or quality of install is to the highest standards and on track.
In college, Dan started out as a Pre-Med. Little did he realize he would not just become a doctor but a "chief physician" running his ward. From directing plumbers who install the "arteries" or electricians connecting the "nerves," Dan oversees the creation of completely new spaces for his clients to inhabit and enjoy.
"I've always been someone who enjoys being physical. I like the interaction. I'm happy to be putting things together and using my mind."
Dan holds a B.S. in Bio-Chemistry from the University of Hartford. He likes hiking outdoors and playing leisure sports.
Job Titles:
- Creative Director
- Vice President
From an initial career working in Interior Design, Dorothy has successfully transitioned to a twenty-year stint in construction, contributing her insight into the design process toward building every possible project type. From hospitals to hospitality, offices to retail, and residential to institutional, she consistently delivers well-executed jobs while keeping clients informed in a personable, timely manner. Seasoned in both Project Management and Marketing, Dorothy enjoys mentoring the next generation of Vanguard professionals. She is also a former instructor of Creative Writing at Stony Brook University.
"I started off giving students specific feedback, then realized they learned best if I gave them some direction while encouraging them to do well on their own. In construction, it's necessary to intervene immediately, but I try to pull someone aside and challenge them to do better. ‘Look here. What do you think? If you agree it's not level, how do you think the client would feel? Let's fix it and show them your best work.' Learning to be better is a lesson that never ends."
Dorothy holds a BS in Interior Design from Cornell University and an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook University. A writer who posts on Medium, she is the proud mother of two daughters and three beloved cats who remind her daily there are those who will never learn.
Eddy has established himself as a detail and quality minded professional with strong field management skills. He focuses on training, safety, and sharing his varied experience to provide top quality construction for our clients and industry partners. Supervising his projects on site, Eddy provides clients with steady assurance, maintaining quality control, design conformance, steady resources, and adherence to schedule management. He also contributes to producing schedules, formulating site logistics, and liaises with all necessary regulatory agencies. Eddy's experience on the job site has come in handy with his new hobby, hiking.
Eddy has over 10 years experience overseeing projects at every level. His vast and varied construction experience in the commercial, retail, hospitality and residential sectors, enables Eddy to go the extra mile and bring extensive knowledge to each project.
Trained in engineering in his native Turkey and the Czech Rexpublic, Emre arrived in the U.S. to further his business education and learn more about construction. Armed with a certificate in Construction Management, Emre worked as an Assistant Project Manager for Kota Drywall Corp., BRF Construction Corp., and Ant Yapi US in assistant project managing and site-supervising a broad range of commercial and institutional projects, including 8-story and 30-story concrete hotels. Experienced with coordinating paperwork, fieldwork, as well as project participants--from subcontractors, to government agencies, to architects and clients--Emre contributes his management skills to run his jobs efficiently like a well-maintained machine. When not working, Emre loves spending time with his 3-year-old daughter.
"Recently, I taught her how to ride a bike, holding it behind her until she is ahead of me, on the other side of the field. I knew she would fall and cry when she realized I let go. But I told her, I cried when I was little, too. Now look, you learned! How easy it is! Then she tells me, ‘I trust you.'"
Emre holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic, an MBA from Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington, CE and a Construction Management certificate from Baruch College, NYC. In addition, he holds certificates in OSHA 30HR, Fitness for Fire Guard for Torch Operation (F60) and Torch Use with Flammable Gases (G-60). He enjoys hiking with his family, and also taught his daughter how to swim. He says she is a Lego sponge; everything he says, she repeats. Like her father, she enjoys building information inside her head.
As a design professional, working with Vanguard, Flavia Scognamillo found the experience so enjoyable, she decided to join us to further her career in the world of construction. Bringing to her role of Associate Project Manager an exacting eye for detail, Flavia is sensitive to how clients will ultimately live in the spaces we build. Her oversight of the critical submittal process, and coordination of timely information between project team members and the Vanguard staff, are executed with careful consideration given her prior experience. Arriving from the field of design, now tasked with bringing it to reality, Flavia is an effective, positive, and resourceful communicator who puts everyone around her at ease. A native of Naples, IT, Flavia now sees her homeland in a different way.
"Visiting Rome, I see the aqueducts. I used to think they were just beautiful. After I studied architecture, I recognized they were engineered. Now I appreciate how they were built.Amazingly, there are still working! Being Italian, I like applying my knowledge of ancient ways to the modern things I do."
Flavia holds a MA in Architecture from the University of Naples Federico II, Naples, IT and an MSc in International Cooperation in Sustainable Emergency Architecture from UIC Barcelona, Barcelona, SP. She enjoys traveling to see architecture and also goes camping. Flavia will admit, Mother Nature is the best architect and builder around.
A twenty-year veteran at Vanguard, George leads our department of estimators and administrative assistants. After reviewing each incoming bid, George will assign it to the person whose experience best matches the scope of the proposed project. By applying his deep knowledge of our subcontractor base, George helps direct how we can source the most competitive bids for our clients while providing them with the highest level of professional service and also a quality build-out. While his sons are enamored with wrestling, George prefers to engage them in watching and discussing soccer.
"I tell them, you need to be prepared for anything in life. Practice. Learn about the other side. I feel the same way working with my fellow estimators and our subcontractors. I ask--What are their best qualities I can learn about? --so I can do better."
George holds a BS in Architecture from The City College of New York, an Associate Degree in Construction and Design Technology from the Institute of Design and Construction, Brooklyn, and studied architecture at the University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador. He plays league soccer, fishes, and hikes with his family, and is figuring out how to escape from being pinned down by his boys.
Since joining Vanguard in 2010, Gesualdo has become one of our strongest, most reliable superintendents, with the capability to manage intensive infrastructure or interior buildouts while finessing the high-end installations demanded by world-class architects. Contributing his strong field management skills, Gesualdo has built restaurants, offices, museums, residences, and institutions as well as multi-story, ground-up buildings. In all his jobs, he focuses on safety and directing his subs, applying decades of know-how and experience while providing personal, attentive service to his clients. An active participant in pre-construction, and diligent at looking ahead, Gesualdo will advise on critical path issues, long-lead concerns, or logistics and constructability, while always hewing to the project's budget and schedule. He is a consummate professional, and also a dad.
"Recently, I allowed someone else to take the lead. My daughter started driving. At first, I was cautious, giving directions at every turn. I've since managed to keep it to an occasional cough or clearing of the throat. I see her put into action everything she's learned from her parents. Most importantly I've learned, if you allow young adults to take charge, even if they fail occasionally they'll surprise you. They look forward to being independent."
Gesualdo holds a NYC DOB Superintendents License in addition to certificates for 30 HR OSHA and 62 HR Site Safety Training. When at home, he relishes spending time with his wife and too-quickly, growing up children. Gesualdo looks forward to their being independent, but he hopes not to be too surprised!
Jack joins Vanguard after an extensive career in construction project management at A D Baker in the UK, experienced in the high-end retail sector taking projects from pre-construction to turnover. He effectively coordinates trades, builds partnerships, and works collaboratively with clients, architects, engineers, suppliers, and local officials to ensure the timely and budget friendly completion of his jobs. On Pre-Construction, Jack develops preliminary budgets with allowances and follows up with consultants and subcontractors confirming scope and specifications, finalizing the project's total costs within expectations. He demonstrates the ability to tackle challenging, high-pressured tasks while prioritizing the project's success and client satisfaction. Outside of work, Jack enjoys playing rugby.
"I've found playing Rugby to have carry over into my career. Building a project is all about teamwork, processes, and strategic thinking. I can analyze the rugby field just as I can analyze a project's scope to assess risk. Working effectively with my team is key to success -whether combining with teammates to score or estimating and building a new project."
Jack holds a BA in Physical Sports Education from St. Mary's University, London, UK, where he also played Rugby. He is a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card holder and is certified in AutoCAD 2022 and UKATA Asbestos awareness.
Jacqueline is an experienced estimator with a strong and varied background in commercial, retail, and institutional work. Prior to joining Vanguard in January, she honed her experience at various national and international construction firms, including Structure Tone, SPK/Lewis., and EXA Group, to name a few. Jacqueline has extensive experience in value engineering, construction phasing, cost control, overseeing change orders, and working alongside project teams to level and confirm subcontractor pricing. Jackie uses her experience to not only produce the best value available on her estimates, but also examines each job thoroughly to ensure its utmost potential can be realized. In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys -
Jacqueline has a B.A. in Art History from Temple University's Tyler School of Art & Architecture, where she studied abroad in Rome her junior year. When she's not estimating or thinking about possible future clients and projects, she volunteers for City Harvest, and is an avid supporter of the activist group #SaveNYC.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
Experienced in site supervision and assistant project managing from stints at Myriad Construction Services, Casella Construction, and LAB Plumbing and Heating, Jake has come a long way from his studies in political science and urban planning. Anchoring projects with confidence, he distributes essential information - daily reports, drawings, samples, or specifications - and facilitates clear lines of communication. By expediting submittals, reviews and approvals, Jake helps maintain a project's schedule while also holding the collective project team accountable to respond. When asked how he got involved in construction, Jake describes his initial expectations of change.
"Following my collegiate and graduate school studies, I learned that projects don't always come to fruition so quickly. I have friends who have worked in city planning offices and engineering firms for years doing nothing but environmental impacts and feasibility studies. In construction, I realize my impact can be much more immediate. I get to say, ‘Wow, I built this!' and help make something that an everyday person can experience and enjoy."
Jake holds a BA in Political Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and an MUP Master of Urban Planning from Hunter College, and a 62 Hour SST card. He looks forward to building and realizing even more dreams for society to benefit from.
James joined our firm in August 2024, bringing with him over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Starting out as a carpenter for residential projects, James used his technical skills and to work his way up the ranks at major construction firms like Sphere Construction, Reidy Contracting, and Petreti and Associates. As an Executive Project Manager, James brings to Vanguard a wealth of knowledge and proven track record of successfully overseeing diverse projects. James' commitment to excellence is demonstrated through his effective leadership constructing high rise ground-up buildings, healthcare, residential, or retail projects for demanding clients. Other than his construction experience, James says that becoming a parent made him a better manager.
Adept at optimizing resources, fostering teamwork, and delivering results, his understanding gained through hands-on experience positions him to navigate the daily challenges of construction with calm and reassuring expertise. James holds an OSHA 62 Hour SST card.
Familiar with fast-paced, competitive environments, Jeffery supervises his projects toward beating the clock; his opponent is always time. He is skilled in traditional and current practices of building commercial, interior, and residential projects and has built for the NYC School Construction Authority while keeping students safe. Jeffery's goal is to construct safely and to high-quality levels within schedule. A former lead carpenter and skilled framer, Jeffery is adaptable and a team player. He does not hesitate to step up and lead his jobs. Focused, efficient, and professional, Jeffery resolves the challenges of construction head on, and wins every time.
With Vanguard for nearly thirty years, Jeffrey helps manage our active projects, contributing his expertise toward all stages from logistics to staffing, oversight of safety, quality control, and close-out. Kicking-off jobs, he meets with our project team of Estimator, Project Manager, Assistant PM, and Superintendent, to identify Long Lead items, review logistics and staging, confirm means, methods, and sequencing, and help set standards of Quality Control. Jeff is also our Director of Safety, performing ongoing reviews of Fire Safety, OSHA and Covid-19 regulations as applied to all our active sites. Working behind the scenes, he makes himself available to resolve knotty accounting, or steps in on a late afternoon or weekend, to ensure whatever needs to be executed will get done. Jeff is also a master jigsaw puzzle solver, often completing one once a week.
Jesse Ramirez joined Vanguard as a Local 79 Laborer in 1997. Since then, he has risen the ranks to superintendent, overseeing ground-ups, healthcare work, infrastructure upgrades, and additions to existing buildings. Jesse has established himself as a detail oriented and dedicated construction professional with strong field management skills. His ability to oversee multiple aspects of a project, and consistently deliver on timelines has quickly earned him loyalty and confidence among clients and team members alike. When he's not on site, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family. One of his greatest experiences was as Scout Leader for his sons Boy Scouts troop.
"As a Scout Leader, I had the opportunity to work with and see my own sons advance and grow from Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts. I not only learned how to be a strong leader during my tenure, I also learned the importance of being a good listener. If we don't understand the needs of those we serve, then we will not be able to offer guidance. I often think of one of my favorite quotes from the founder of Boy Scouts, Robert Baden-Powell, ‘Happiness is open to all, since, when you boil it down, it merely consists of contentment with what you have got and doing what you can for other people.'"
Serving up and down the east coast on various bases, John learned how to machine things. Trained as a cabinet maker in the military, he made metal castings and custom woodwork, and learned how to create patterns. After joining the Carpenters Union, John transitioned into a career as a Superintendent, and eventually a Project Manager overseeing construction projects. He performed excavation and site work for a ground-up nursing home in Pawling, NY, and 37-story towers on the City Center at White Plains.
After project managing for Lehr McGovern on prestigious Goldman Sachs jobs, John returned to being a site super. Familiar with restoration, he has scrounged in warehouses to source matching wood doors to incorporate as pockets or pivots in a Brooklyn Heights brownstone. He has surveyed and maintained seismic monitoring on the properties of neighbors. Recognizing the patterns in his life, John chose to remain a builder as a hands-on guy.
"People get serious in this business. Everyone is too stressed out. Getting things done, I try to keep smiling. Make my work fun. Seeing others on my site smile too makes me happy."
John has taken courses at Pratt Institute in construction management and holds a 62-Hour NYC Site Safety Training and 30-Hour OSHA certificate, in addition to a NYC DOB Superintendent's License. He also served in the United States Navy. We are proud to have John on our side.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Director of Sales and Estimating
From a lengthy career in development and hospitality as a Construction Manager and Account Executive, realizing ground-ups, hotels, public institutions and private universities, John brings his exceptional talents to Vanguard. We are privileged to have John lead our next generation as Vice President and Director of Sales and Estimating. John builds client relationships by offering the best value for money. Practiced in pre-construction budgeting, contract review, scheduling, or stepping in at critical junctures to resolve issues and move the project along, John keeps a responsible, watchful eye on his projects. By delivering competitive fees, the highest quality of construction and service, along with a completed, successful job, he consistently achieves his goal--to earn our client's trust. Outside of work, John engages in go-cart racing. He enjoys the rush of commanding the wheel and being in control. John also likes playing chess.
"Growing up, my father taught me to play chess, a tradition I've since passed on. Playing chess is no longer about the outcome, but more learning about my son. For him, chess is an emotional rollercoaster. When we play, I remind him to not be so reactive, stay calm, or take a deep breath before making his next move. As builders, we embark on a similar journey with our clients. It's our responsibility to guide them through the construction process without overreacting and remaining calm, while recommending they make the best moves to ensure their success."
John holds a B.A. in International Marketing & Finance from SUNY University of Albany, and a 30 Hour OSHA certification. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his toddler daughter who constantly reminds him, she is the one in control.
Job Titles:
- Director, Institutional and Public Work
As a former owner of a construction and millwork business, John is familiar with what challenges a job. From his deep experience, John will provide numerous solutions to resolve conflicts while anchoring the project team with his steady presence. He is a thorough, nostone- unturned professional who leads his jobs with an attention to detail, authority, and an absolute commitment to servicing the client. John especially enjoys jobs that support good collaboration. The positivity he feels from working with others becomes even more special when those projects are public.
"I love the culture of learning and mentorship and sharing what I've learned with colleagues. The Stony Brook Hybrid OR was especially challenging. There were so many new technologies to integrate. It's always great to be part of something that serves the community."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
Trained in Mechanical Engineering, Kadir worked as a Project Engineer on thermal power plants in his native Turkey before embarking on stints in Iraq and Sudan as a Construction Manager building power plants and generators on site. He worked in over five countries before an opportunity in the U.S. arrived. Soon Kadir was managing steel site installations for a local vendor. His remarkable experience, combined with growing skills in directing submissions and supporting our jobs, will no doubt lead to Kadir managing a different type of "power" project here in New York.
"Traveling to over 35 countries, I enjoyed so many different cultures. I was happy visiting workers in the field. I saw. I touched. I talked to people. I find stereotypes often prevents communicating. Once you open up to other human beings, you will always find similar things to share."
Kadir studied at Siauliai University, Siauliai, Lithuania, holds a M. Sc. from Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay, Turkey, and a B.S. from Curkurova University, Adana, Turkey, all in Mechanical Engineering. He holds an SST Card, a 30HR OSHA certificate and attended courses in Green Building Guidelines and Environmental Safety at Cooper Union, New York. Now married and a Brooklyn resident, Kadir need only hop on the subway to visit neighborhoods where immigrants of 180 nations call home.
Managing his jobs, Kerim considers himself as a construction project's "CPU", a unit that "processes" consultants and subcontractors to coordinate a smooth running machine. He enjoys finding solutions to challenges which seem impossible to overcome. Kerim is most proud of a restaurant he completed during the COVID pandemic. With the world seemingly turned upside down, he steered his job to a successful conclusion. For his client, made the world right.
Off-duty, Kerim tinkers on woodwork projects. When a good friend was going through chemo, Kerim built him a man cave. After he passed from cancer, Kerim crafted a box of teak and mahogany boat parts the friend had collected. Presenting this to his widow, Kerim showed her the compass rose carefully inlaid in the lid, to help guide his way.
"I try to build at work like this, too. With direction, detail and care."
Kerim studied Management Information Systems and Finance at Boston University and spent a year studying Psychology and International Business in Istanbul. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and building Lego projects with his daughters.
Kyle has established himself as a detail and quality minded construction professional with strong field management skills. He focuses on training, safety, and sharing his varied experience to provide top quality construction for our clients and industry partners. He actively participates in pre-construction identifying construction issues, producing schedules, formulating site logistics, and acts as a liaison with all necessary regulatory agencies.
Kyle holds a BS in Construction Management from Temple University. He is also a NYC DOB licensed Superintendent, in addition to certificates for 30 HR OSHA and 62HR Site Safety Training.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
Educated in Business Administration, Luke worked in the insurance industry and in building management before seizing an opportunity to transition into project management. At Vanguard, Luke brings his enthusiasm and an eye for detail to his current role as Assistant Project Manager. Supporting our jobs with consistent communications in moving drawings, submissions, samples, and questions or answers to Requests for Information across our project team, Luke has become an invaluable contributor, helping to deliver to clients his service and a commitment to teamwork. When not at work, Luke enjoys his favorite sport, playing in a Harlem football league.
"Football was my first love. As a tight end, I helped win our high school championship. Now I'm a wide receiver. I like to play hard and compete. Working as a team, we rely on each other. I enjoy winning for the people right next to me."
Luke holds a BS in Business Administration from Fordham University, NY. He enjoys listening to music, reading, and plays basketball in the wintertime, ensuring that he gets to be a jock for all seasons.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
MD joins Vanguard shortly after various internships at major firms including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JLL, WSP, and AECOM. MD contributes his expertise in project documentation, client communications and a familiarity with designing to code toward his role at Vanguard. Across all of his projects, MD provides confident, solid support: securing submissions, tracking approvals, procuring materials, or chasing urgent replies. By coordinating the smooth movement of communications and timely information, MD has become an invaluable anchor to his projects, and an ultimate team player critical to our success.
"I've always been someone who values the process of creation. In a bustling city like NYC, where everything is constantly changing, I take pride in knowing my work will stand the test of time. There's a sense of fulfillment in being able to reflect on what I've built, seeing the pieces come together, and knowing I contributed to something meaningful and lasting."
MD holds a BE in Civil Engineering from Stony Brook University. He is certified in Autodesk AutoCAD and Procore.
A senior executive at established construction firms, Michael is a longtime builder who has contributed to prestigious jobs such as Yankee Stadium, Condé Nast and a technology lab for Weill Cornell. At the very first meeting of each project, he discreetly assesses the fellow team members assembled to understand what their respective goals are. The client may be nervous about adhering to budget. The architect may be concerned that their vision is maintained. By listening to concerns that appear to conflict, Michael draws on his years of experience to propose sound solutions, allowing multiple parties to achieve shared objectives. He prides himself on identifying hot button issues. By recognizing big and small challenges and resolving them as soon as possible, Michael avoids endless cycles of back and forth while driving the project along. Similar to his practice of archery, Michael knows to be patient, take a deep breath, and release his arsenal of solid ideas until one hits its target. He also relaxes by ice skating indoors year round.
"Skating, I cruise the rink. My brain chills. Tricky situations can appear fresh. I'm able to put things into context. Once, a solution for temporary door handles suddenly came to me. I rushed to the info desk, borrowed a pen, and sketched the custom design on the back of a hockey schedule to bring to work on Monday."
Michael joined Vanguard in 2018 and has over 15 years of experience as a Superintendent. Before joining our firm, he honed his construction management skills and specialized in large scale commercial and interior projects. Michael is a driven and detail-oriented superintendent who prides himself on the meticulous execution of each project. He is extremely talented at selecting teams, field management, budgeting, and implementing operational and safety protocols. Michael is committed to delivering all of his projects on time and on budget all without compromising quality and individual safety.
"With over 40 years of experience , I have successfully led diverse construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and on time delivery. My expertise lies in fostering collaboration among teams, optimizing workflows, and consistently exceeding client expectations."
Job Titles:
- Principal
- President and Founder / Vanguard Construction & Co.
Trained as an architect, with a degree in Fine Arts, Michael founded Vanguard Construction & Co. in 1986 to offer his clients a different type of service. Entrusted with building their projects, Michael will earn that trust with leadership, courage, and expertise, and always with a personal touch. After three plus decades in New York City's construction industry, Michael will travel up and down the avenues and say, "I built that restaurant. I built in this hospital. That office space over there? I built it twice." He is extremely proud of his legacy, yet Michael is most proud of training everyone at Vanguard to advocate on behalf of their jobs and their clients with proactive thinking, exemplary professionalism, and transparency of information.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Vice President
From her start as Assistant PM, through her job as Director of Hospitality, to her newest role as Vice President and Director of Operations, Nes has demonstrated exemplary growth and commitment over two decades within the construction industry. We could not be prouder Nes has dedicated her career and future with Vanguard. A firm, conscientious and steady leader, her ability to zoom in on granular details while focusing on the big picture at hand allows Nes to resolve challenges with a minimum of fuss. In addition, Nes explores ways our company can modernize, improve our process, or add more talent. She converts our client's dreams into reality by delivering the highest standards of service. Nes utilizes her training as a yoga instructor to help maintain her calm.
"In yoga you move very fast from one pose to the next. Some you stay in a bit longer. My favorite is the extended side angle bend. You need to be flexible, twist and stretch, and be strong to hold it. It's difficult yet also really relaxing. It's like running a project. Everything moves fast but at the same time, you focus on certain things to anchor the job in order to make it successful. Coming out of that pose, I feel different. Finishing jobs can be tough, but I always feel tremendous satisfaction afterwards."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Insurance / General Admin