Real Estate Project Manager

STEVE CRUZ

** ******** ****** ***/***-****

Closter, NJ 07624 **********@***.***

Director of Real Estate

PROFILE

Successful senior leadership and high-energy abilities in general management, real estate development, multi-project oversight, acquisitions, enterprise planning, cost/benefits analysis and organizational development in both corporate and large-scale development environments. Widely recognized in the real estate industry for comprehensive expertise in new business development, strong analytical skills, executive presentations, program implementation, process improvements, workforce planning, conflict resolution and delivery of innovative business solutions.

Results-oriented formation and delivery of profit-building initiatives, master plans, pro forma documentation, accurate reports and continuous improvements; completion of major infrastructure projects with full compliance to government regulations and industry requirements.

Effective hiring, motivation and deployment of cross-functional teams to achieve peak performance, ensure timely project completion, maintain peak quality service and meet aggressive sales objectives.

Expertise in estimating, negotiating and executing complex contracts with top management, industry vendors, government agencies, legal entities and key decision-makers; fully accountable for P&L, budgeting, estimating and cost controls.

Multi-tasking talents in team building, organization, administration, needs analysis, program implementation and accurate documentation in deadline-driven situations.

Exposure to cross-cultural dynamics and business practices through multi-site locations. Fluent in Spanish.

Fully familiar with essential professional specialties, including legal, survey, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and code compliance, including DCHR rules & regulations.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

New Business Development ● Strategic Planning ● Profit Building ● Customer Service ● Consulting ● Cost Controls ● Government Regulations ● Vendor Relations ● Project Expediting ● Site Inspections ● Portfolio Management ● Operational Streamlining ● Financing/Funding ● Real Estate Law ● Market Forecasting ● Construction Operations ● Financial Controls ● Contract Negotiations ● Public Relations ● Branding Strategies ● P&L ● Entrepreneur

EMPLOYMENT & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ConCru Inc., Closter, NJ 2010 – Present

Principal

Started this business to manage a family-owned portfolio of properties spanning Nova Scotia to the Caribbean, while currently developing newly acquired properties into new applications, such as retail shopping center, residential market and rent leveled units, and solar farms. Focus on maximizing portfolio potential, value planning and timely revenue distribution to ownership. Accumulated key data to support investments.

Efficiently disposed of Caribbean properties that represented ongoing liability issues and achieved 50% higher revenue distribution to ownership.

Evaluated and purchased new properties at below market rate and converted them into commercial and residential units as well as preserves that resulted in tax shelters and new income streams.

Increased cash flow by over 40% after executing capital improvements on underperforming properties.

McDonald’s USA LLC, Roseland, NJ 2004 – 2010

Area Real Estate Manager

In charge of acquiring, developing and redeveloping company restaurants in specific geographic market spaces for this world-class fast-food company. Coordinated the smooth flow of many real estate transactions each year in

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connection with both internal and external resources. Worked closely with leaders in such areas as Legal, Operations, Marketing, Franchising and others. Performed financial analysis in support of purchases and dispositions.

Consistently negotiated best terms and conditions for leases and purchases that exceeded system returns by over 15%.

Reviewed and closed numerous billboard contracts to exploit under-utilized advertising space over an existing site in New York City’s Times Square, resulting in $5 million in new revenue for the region.

Originated and administered a corporate-sponsored “Broker’s and Landlord’s New York Metro Regional Conference” that boosted potential site inventory by 25%; this method now deployed companywide.

Partnered with a construction team counterpart to deliver new restaurants on time and within budget.

Stonehenge Partners, New York, NY 2000 – 2004

Vice President/Director of Operations

Responsible for all business and budgeting functions with a staff of 100 and a portfolio of 28 properties for this New York-based real estate management firm. Headed up expenditure approvals, construction planning, job bidding, legal, finance and interaction with architects, contractors and governmental authorities. Handled leasing and marketing functions for residential, commercial and retail properties. Including parking garages and office space. Assisted with acquisitions and divestitures.

Finalized a previously-stalled environmental hazard situation and completed a 2-year remediation process that met DEP requirements and recovered $2 million in property value.

Received up-market media coverage, such as the “Today Show,” with creative, tenant-focused programs.

Reduced workforce expenses by an average of 10% after eliminating employee benefits/redundancies and outsourcing services to external vendors.

Insignia Residential Group, New York, NY 1998 – 2000

Executive Manager

Oversaw 11 Manhattan hi-rise luxury condo and co-op buildings, including budget execution, variance reporting and regular Board interaction. Utilized expertise in marketing, strategic planning, deal negotiations and portfolio administration. Acted as Project Manager in guiding all capital improvements from initial concept, bidding, contract award and final delivery. Approved all invoices and handled legal actions.

Pioneered and negotiated vendor contracts that allowed for installing commercial laundry equipment and storage facilities at no cost to ownership, generating new revenue streams.

Introduced heat timer technology, remote security camera monitoring and remote elevator troubleshooting that resulted in lower operating costs and more accurate reports.

Personally directed critical capital improvements that saved 5%-10% in project management fees.

WILDER RICHMAN MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Elmsford, NY 1997 – 1998

Portfolio Supervisor

Supervised multi state income generating assets consisting of 4,000 affordable housing units and 250,000 square feet of commercial space. Achieved recognition for directing the first privatization of affordable housing in Stanford Ct.

Responsible for the East Coast region of the portfolio.

Monitored to ensure regional compliance with the various governmental regulatory agencies.

Formulated and implemented regional capital and operating budgets.

Negotiated construction contracts and oversaw capital improvement projects within the region.

Responsible for timely collections of accounts and legal issues related to lease compliance.

Hired, supervised and trained union and non-union portfolio personnel.

Established and maintained productive relationship with community leaders, media and local government.

CAROL MANAGEMENT Corp. New York, NY 1992 –1994

Director of Operations

Managed 2,500 units of multi-family high-rise and garden type residential and unsold cooperative shares. Including office buildings, retail commercial, underground parking facilities, market and stabilized rental units and the Doral brand portfolio of hotel and resorts.

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Responsible for leasing, marketing and maintaining of all residential, commercial and retail properties.

Supervised trained and hired all employees, including administrative personnel, resident managers, lease administrators, mortgage administrators, construction crews, supervisors and multi-site building staff.

Served as Director on over 13 Cooperative Boards.

Pioneered and directed the use of an in-house construction crew for renovations and maintenance.

Led the day-to-day and long-term budgeting, marketing, capital improvements, and financial health of all properties in the portfolio. Regional responsibility for properties in New York, Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Held management and professional positions in real estate development, leasing operations and portfolio management for regional industry leaders within the real estate sector in the New York Metropolitan area.

Gained hands-on expertise in long-term budgeting, pro-forma and financial analysis, contract negotiations, capital improvements, union relations, construction planning and multi-site accountability.

Recognized for solid team leadership, new business development, persistent portfolio growth, job thoroughness, site inspections, market trend analysis and compliance with project requirements.

Established network of brokers, landlords, investors and developers that consistently acquire superior unadvertised under market investment opportunities with high returns.

EDUCATION

Baruch College / CUNY, New York, NY

B.B.A. Degree

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

* Certified New Jersey Fire Safety Manager.

* NYS Real Estate Licensed Salesperson.

* Completed courses in Advanced Site Development, Presentation Skills, Leadership Principles and Organizational Dynamics through Fred Turner University.

* Member of the Real Estate Board of New York, International Council of Shopping Centers and Community Housing Improvement Program.

* Proficient in MS Office, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Yardi, GIS, Lotus Notes, Alterra and many other industry applications.

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