EXECUTIVE TEAM
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ERIK EKSTEIN
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Erik Ekstein is a developer, owner and manager of real estate as well as an entrepreneur. He has significant interests in over 3 million square feet of residential, industrial, office and storage facilities in the tri-state area.
In addition to his responsibilities with the Ekstein Development Group, Mr. Ekstein oversees other real estate related businesses including Mini Storage To Go (Pick-up and Delivery Self Storage), City Closet Self Storage (Self Storage Management Company), CCCS Corporate Storage (Records Management and Corporate Asset Management Company) TyJor Construction LLC (Commercial Construction Company), City Ice Pavilion and World Ice Arena (two NHL Ice skating facilities in Queens New York) and Empire Rehearsal Studios (music rehearsal studios).
KEVIN TOLBERT
VICE PRESIDENT/PARTNER - CONSTRUCTION
Kevin Tolbert was born and raised in New York City where he obtained his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the City University of New York, City College. He began his construction management career in 1995 and has since successfully managed over 3 million square feet of new construction and renovation projects. These projects consist of mid and high rise residential/commercial (mixed use) buildings and public facilities (i.e. schools, medical facilities, police precincts etc.), including projects as large as 450,000 square feet. His expertise spans a wide spectrum of construction types, technologies and methods. Mr. Tolbert has built structures with deep and shallow foundations (as deep as 30’ below grade and 15’ below the ground water table); masonry (block and plank), reinforced concrete and structural steel superstructures; and masonry, curtain wall and panelized facades. He has value engineered, built and commissioned innovative state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems. Kevin has also built and achieved LEED certification on sustainable energy efficient projects.
Throughout his career Mr. Tolbert has assembled an encyclopedic knowledge of construction systems and methods that has enabled him to assess and successfully optimize the quality, time and cost of our developments.
FRANK TUMMOLO
VICE PRESIDENT - CONSTRUCTION
JESSICA ZELNIK
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
A native New Yorker, Jessica Zelnik grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and graduated from Riverdale Country School. She continued her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she graduated with honors.
Following college, Jessica returned to NYC and started her own photography business specializing in family and children portraits. As a result of her passion and strengths as a people-person, her fast-paced New York City upbringing, and the influence of her family real estate company, Jessica ventured into the world of real estate.
Jessica began her real estate career in residential sales and realized her dream was to be involved in all aspects of residential development from the ground up. Jessica now specializes in real estate management, design and the marketing of new developments.
Jessica’s creativity, eye for detail, years of knowledge of New York City, and her devotion towards every project are what makes her so successful.
Jessica is a member of the Whitney Museum, supports the ASPCA, Make a Wish foundation, ALS, as well as other charities.
THELMA ALANO
VICE PRESIDENT - CONTROLLER
Thelma Alano serves as Controller with responsibilities including accounting, bookkeeping, benefits administration, sales tax management and collections. Prior to joining Ekstein Development, Thelma worked for Trust Company Bank. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines.
EUNICE VARGAS
VICE PRESIDENT - STORAGE
JOEL ARBERMAN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
Joel Arberman serves as Executive Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing. Prior to joining Ekstein Development, Joel was an analyst for two money management firms, partner of an investment banking firm and subsequently founded several businesses in finance, advertising and real estate. Joel has extensive experience in business development, marketing, finance and real estate. Joel graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a B.S. in Business Administration and concentrations in finance and marketing.