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’s brokerage division 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 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.
Lawrence B. Brownridge
General Counsel
Larry has been a practicing lawyer in New York for over 30 years and is also a licensed real estate broker. Before joining Circle Realty Group, Larry was a partner at the law firms of Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Thelen Reid LLP where he specialized in real estate law. During the period he spent in law firm practice, Larry served as the primary real estate counsel to Circle Realty Group and assisted the company in the acquisition and leasing of all of its buildings. Larry has substantial experience in the acquisition, disposition, development and financing of various types of properties. He has also represented some of the largest landlords and tenants in New York City in the leasing, subleasing, ground leasing and master leasing of millions of square feet of office, retail, shopping center and mixed use space. In addition, Larry has lectured on leasing and related subject areas at St. John’s University and at other continuing legal education venues. He is a graduate of Tulane University Law School and became a member of the New York Bar in 1981.
Christopher Clarke
Vice President of Operations
Chris joined the Circle Realty Group in March 2014. As the Vice President of Operations, he works with building managers on all building matters, including day to day operations, capital improvements, tenant alterations. Chris’ talents and diversified background has also provided Circle with improvements in marketing and technology. Prior to joining the Circle Realty Group, he spent 20 years in the field of Higher Education in the Student Affairs division, where he held position as Director of Residence Life and Associate Dean of Students. He specialized in operations, risk management, student discipline and staff training. He holds a B.A. from LeMoyne College and then went on to get his Masters in Education from Manhattan College and his J.D. from Pace Law School. Chris also has a certificate in Commercial Property Management from NYU.
Peter Loi
Vice President of Finance
Peter joined Circle Realty Group LLC in December 2018. As the Vice President of Finance/Director of Payroll Services, 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
Assistant Vice President of Finance
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 and operations departments, and has most recently settled into a role within the Finance Department assisting with the day to day payable and receivables. Peter is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied Digital Media and Architecture. He currently resides in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where he manages his own residential property.