Jay Futersak
President
Jay began his Real-Estate career over 25 years ago, working with his family in managing a portfolio of multi-family apartment buildings on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. During this period, Jay learned the technical skills needed to operate properties as well as the importance of strong tenant relations. He took this knowledge with him when he moved into the Commercial Real Estate sector, joining Circle Realty Group over 19 years ago. Working alongside his mentor and former CEO Michael J. Close, Jay has been directly involved with over two billion dollars in Real Estate transactions.
Under the leadership of Michael’s successor, Nancy L. Close, Jay assumed the reigns of Circle Realty Group in 2013. Through his vast relationships in the real estate industry he has been involved in several million square feet of office and retail leasing as well as “off market” sales for a variety of different companies and has often been referred to as the “Leasing Machine” by his clients. Jay takes a “hands-on” approach to each deal and uses his extensive knowledge of the real estate market to obtain the best possible deal for his client. Together with his team of seasoned real-estate professionals, he has built Circle Realty Group into a full-service management and brokerage business offering clients and landlords his expertise, commitment and dedication.
Jay has been instrumental in building Circle Realty Group’s portfolio and solidifying its exemplary tenant roster with higher rents and credit tenants. He has fostered solid relationships with the portfolio’s tenants and has demonstrated admirable dedication in all areas of the operations of the company. Through his leadership he has created an unparalleled level of excellence for his team and the organization.
Nicole Serras
Leasing Associate
Nicole first joined Circle Realty in January of 2017. As a Sales Representative, Nicole is responsible for Showings and Tenant/Client Screening. She also handles Marketing, Outreach and conducts surveys to find new and current clients office and retail space that best fit their business needs. Nicole supports each stage of the Brokering process and maintains constant communication with clients, tenants, agents and brokers. Nicole’s Philosophy is that by constantly researching New York City’s office and retail market and general trends, she provides vital information to keep the Circle Realty staff informed and provides the best insight to our clients looking for a place of business at a fair price. Nicole has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch in Manhattan, with a double minor in Marketing and Psychology.
Prior to joining Circle Realty, she obtained her license as a Real Estate Salesperson while working at Nest Seekers International, which focused on residential leasing and sales.
Peter Loi
Vice President of Finance
Peter joined Circle Realty Group LLC in December 2018. As the Vice President of Finance, Peter is responsible for accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for all real estate properties under management and for providing all Company payroll services. Additionally, he coordinates numerous building-related projects including due diligence efforts for new tenants and lease renewals and also manages specialized tax reporting requirements. He is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of both his team members as well as our tenants in the buildings we manage. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brooklyn College. Peter began his career at Leipziger & Breskin LLP, a Manhattan-based accounting firm that combined with Marks Paneth LLP in 2006 where he refined his New York City commercial real estate knowledge and was promoted to Director in 2017. Peter is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is licensed as a CPA in the State of New York.
Outside the office, you’ll catch Peter at Madison Square Garden watching the Knicks, catching up on the latest cinematic release, or planning his next travel adventure.
Peter Hempel
Director of Operations & Construction
Peter joined Circle Realty Group in November of 2012 as an Executive Assistant. He has since served in several different rolls, supporting every department in the company and learning about every aspect of the business along the way. A “jack-of-all-trades”, he has worked within the administrative, legal, leasing, finance, and has most recently taken a role as the Director of Operations. Where he now oversees day to day operations as well as all construction projects. Peter is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied Digital Media and Architecture. He currently resides in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where he is renovating and managing his own residential property.
Nancy Wilson
Reception, Notary Public
Nancy Wilson joined the Circle Realty Group team in 1998. A native of California, Nancy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Languages from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by a year of post-graduate studies in German language and literature in Heidelberg, Germany.
Nancy served as a commissioned officer in U.S. Naval Intelligence for six years in San Diego, the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, and fulfilling top secret assignments at NSA focusing on Russian Soviet missile strategies. After resigning her commission, she relocated to New York City. She is a graduate of the Art Students League of New York and has illustrated books and stories penned by her husband, a writer. Nancy has a background in performing arts (theater and ballet) and likes to think of her 22-year tenure at Circle Realty Group as her longest-running role to date!
Roderick “Rocky” Brown
Landlord Representative
Roderick Brown, known by most as Rocky, first joined the Circle Realty Team in 1985 as the Lobby Director at 445 Park Avenue. There he developed his communication and leadership skills, working closely with Tenants, Building Management and Staff to bring a warm, welcoming, and caring experience to whomever came to the building. This year in 2020, Rocky made the transition to Circle Realty’s other property, 14 Penn Plaza. Though a different building Rocky brings the same dedication and enthusiasm as he has in years prior. He takes on a new leadership role at 14 Penn Plaza, acting as a Landlords Representative. With his new title he becomes a jack of all trades, handling Tenant requests, building staff matters, making sure the building is clean and safe, and ensuring the buildings daily activities and needs are running smoothly.