Real Estate Power Players

Marc Herbst serves as the executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, the premier regional trade association of the heavy construction industry. Since 2006, he’s managed services and programming, labor, and safety training for more than 170 member firms, and acts as the voice for the industry’s public and government advocacy. Herbst serves concurrently as president of the New York Roadway and Infrastructure Coalition. 

Since 2019, Tessa Hultz has served as CEO of Long Island Board of REALTORS®, a leading regional REALTOR® trade association that serves over 30,000 real estate professionals throughout Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. Through her leadership, Hultz has guided many others to realize their potential through new learning opportunities. She has served as a volunteer mentor, instructor, and speaker for new Association Executives. Hultz’s passion lies in advocating for safe, affordable housing for all. Her personal mission for LIBOR is to continue to create a new identity as a national leader in equality and opportunity in homeownership.

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
I started in the real estate industry working at a small, local association in the Midwest. I quickly learned that the local REALTOR® Association, and others like it all across the country, was lobbying on issues impacting real estate ownership like the Mortgage Interest Deduction, First Time Homebuyer Programs and the National Flood Insurance Program. Understanding that we were the lobbyists for America’s home and business owners transformed my job into a career.

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
The people and how much they love Long Island! It is impossible to not join them in their enthusiasm for this beautiful place.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
Growing up in the landlocked Midwest, any place I can see the ocean is my favorite place!

Scott Jaffee is the managing member and founder of Metropolitan Realty Group. He founded the company over twenty years ago after working in various roles within the real estate industry. He’s a licensed real estate broker, a Certified HUD manager, a certified tax credit specialist, and a member of numerous industry associations. He’s managed many properties with an aggregate value close to $1 billion dollars and annual revenues that exceed $60 million dollars. Through understanding the need to invest in safe and decent housing, Scott’s efforts have had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless tenants, employees, and business associates.

Mark Kaplan oversees all day-to-day activities for RIPCO Real Estate, and leads the growth of the brokerage and management businesses. Before joining RIPCO, Mark worked for Kabro Associates and Credit Suisse. He’s a co-founder of LIREG’s Next Generation Division, where he’s an executive board member, and is a licensed real estate broker and member of the New York State Bar Association. He earned his JD with honors from Columbia Law School, and graduated with honors from Tulane University with a BSM in Finance.

David M. Katz is a partner of Sterling Equities, where he evaluates acquisition opportunities and manages the day-to-day operations of Sterling’s non-real estate affiliate companies. Mr. Katz has been responsible for a wide variety of real estate commercial and residential developments, overseen condominium conversions, and evaluated acquisition opportunities since joining the company in 1987. Additionally, Mr. Katz is a board member of the New York Mets. Mr. Katz participates in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations, and is president of the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. He received a BA degree from Hofstra University.

Jennie Katz is the president and a founding partner of Blue Island Homes, a real estate brokerage and development firm in Nassau County. Her background in apparel and design provides a strong foundation for the company. She inspires her team through her passion for selling homes and building relationships with clients. Jennie is committed to philanthropy and supporting local charities and schools, which is a group effort at Blue Island Homes.

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
Jennie Katz, a Long Island native, has been working in the real estate industry for over two decades. After taking a break from her career in the garment industry and raising four children, Jennie was drawn to the local real estate market. With her strong leadership skills and business acumen, Jennie founded Blue Island Homes, a full-service real estate brokerage and development company

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
Jennie is passionate about real estate on Long Island because she’s a local resident who cares deeply about the area and its people. Long Island presents a range of opportunities in the residential market. Jennie understands the unique qualities that make Long Island a desirable location for real estate investment. She is committed to helping her clients find the perfect property that meets their needs while also contributing to the community’s growth and development.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
As a real estate agent, I have the privilege of exploring and appreciating all the beautiful areas of Long Island, from the North and South shores to the Hamptons and everything in-between.  As a result, I have no boundaries when it comes to helping my clients find their dream home. My goal is to find the perfect property that meets their needs and fits their lifestyle, no matter where it may be on Long Island.

Daniel Knopf has been a leading commercial real estate broker with a major firm in New York City for more than a decade. He has represented many of New York City’s most prestigious landlords and tenants. Knopf shared in the 2005 “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” award, presented annually by the Association for a Better Long Island. He is a trustee of the Development School for Youth.

As one of the founding partners of B2K Development, Steven Krieger has been an integral part of building the communities, the brands, and the relationships that the company is so well-known for. He masterfully negotiates complex contracts and transactions, including purchase, sale, loan, and acquisition agreements. Armed with over 30 years of industry experience and innovation, he brings unrivaled insight and expertise when it comes to identifying viable opportunities and creating value through real estate dealings.

Ken Kroncke loves what he does. As your professional real estate advisor, he focuses on client satisfaction. His business is about service, and he isn’t happy until you’re happy. His years in the business have provided him the experience to assist you with nearly every real estate need. He’s been a licensed realtor for over twenty years, and covers the area of Nassau and Suffolk counties, and NYC.

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
I always wanted to do real estate. I went to a high school career day and said “that’s something I could see myself doing”. Even though it wasn’t my first career out of college, it was one that I always wanted to do. So I started part time, and then eventually decided to go full time.

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
The people! I’ve met so many different people from all walks of life. From the first time buyer, to the person who lost their significant other, to the person that has done very well. Everyone has a story to tell and I find that part very interesting.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
There are so many. The downtowns, to the beaches, to the wineries. We really do have it all!

Whitney Finn-LaCosta is a second-generation realtor and owner/broker of Record for Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors. Holding executive offices in the Women’s Council of Realtors and serving as Chairman of the Board for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global relocation network serving over 70 countries, Whitney was also recognized by the Long Island Board as a Top Ten 40 Under 40 realtor and by RIS Media as a 2019 Real Estate Newsmaker.

How did you get involved in the real estate industry?
I was born into it! Coach Realtors began with a friendship founded during WWII. In 1954, that friendship transformed into a business partnership. From a young age, I paid attention to my parents, the business, and the work they did. When I was old enough to join my parents, I worked in the relocation department, became a top sales agent, opened new markets for the company, and participated in agent training.

What’s the best thing about working in Long Island real estate?
Long Island is very provincial, each town with a unique character and residents with strong community pride. I love the variety in neighborhoods, which creates a wide range of price points, architecture, and features. Agents can build a profitable specialized business or leave their business door open to an entire local market. There is excitement in never knowing where the next prospect may take them.

What’s your favorite area of Long Island?
I love my hometown of Huntington, NY. Huntington has a cosmopolitan vibe, encompassing a quaint downtown village. Huntington has everything anyone could desire, from restaurants offering every type of cuisine, to museums and concert venues hosting shows with big-name talent and cultural movie houses, to great shopping. There are public parks, beaches and marinas, and lots of outdoor activities for the family. What Dorothy said is true: “There’s no place like home!”