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"Boot Camp for Builders in a Troubled Economy" Featured at Atlantic Builders Convention


"Adjust densities, revise unit and home designs, create more open floor plans, and update marketing strategies for today's buyers and renters." That advice and more was offered by industry veterans from a recently formed Strategic Alliance of eight real estate-related companies during a "Boot Camp for Builders in a Troubled Economy." The two-session program took place at the spring Atlantic Builders Convention in Atlantic City, N.J.

The Alliance was formed at the start of 2009 to offer builders and developers a full range of real estate-related services required for site evaluation and development. The combined workforce of member companies exceeds 500 professionals with offices in the New York Tri-State and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Alliance members include:

  • Feinberg & Associates, an architectural design firm;
  • Joseph L. DiBernardo & Associates, a real estate acquisition and development consulting firm;
  • C.H. Kauffman & Associates, a financial company servicing the development and construction industry;
  • O'Donnell & Naccarato, a structural engineering firm, which also specializes in parking functional design work;
  • AKRF, an environmental, planning and engineering consulting firm;
  • Patton Harris Rust & Associates, a civil engineering firm;
  • The Marcon Group, specializing in residential new construction marketing, sales administration, advertising and model merchandising; and
  • The William E. Becker Organization, marketing and sales experts focused on 55+ Active Adult Lifestyle Communities.


Representatives of the Alliance discussed a variety of challenges during the Boot Camp, and responded to many questions. Topics included how to finance projects; new trends in redevelopment and sustainable design; what buyers are looking for in different market segments; and the role of the active adult housing market, which has seen an influx of seniors aged 55-65 who have never been married, yet are looking for more than a small apartment. Young, first-time homebuyers are also inquiring about "green" practices according to the presenters.

"This was a great venue to offer builders insight into the current state of the economy, buyer trends and builder options," stated Bill Feinberg, president of Feinberg & Associates. "Our alliance members include experts across different real estate sectors that work together seamlessly to assist with all aspects of building and developing, which is proving very helpful in this market."

The Atlantic Builders Convention (www.abconvention.com), the largest building industry trade show in the Northeast, attracted thousands of participants this year from a six-state region. This included residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors and consulting professionals.

In addition to the Boot Camp seminar, the Strategic Alliance provided an exhibit booth joined by NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Donnie Neuenberger and Dion Ciccarelli, who signed autographs. A show car, featuring the names and logos of all members of The Strategic Alliance was also on display.

"The convention was surprisingly upbeat, with many exhibitors, programs and people coming together to share ideas and strategies," noted Scott Wolford, vice president of Patton Harris Rust & Associates. "The fact is, there are opportunities in this market that require a combination of experience, creativity and flexibility to take full advantage, and the building industry has many strong and talented members who are doing just that as they work to satisfy the desires of a new generation of prospects."