The first topic of this week’s episode was hunger on Long Island, and we were happy to have Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest Food Bank’s President and CEO, with us to address this critical issue. While the statistics about hunger on Long Island are distressing and even shocking (it’s estimated that Island Harvest’s services touch one in 10 Long Islanders), Island Harvest delivers sustenance and hope. She talked about the organization’s focus on treating everyone with dignity, its efficiency (94 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to support their programs), and the insatiable philanthropic appetite of millennials.
Next, Don Catalano, President and CEO of iOptimize Realty, joined us to discuss the future of commercial real estate here on Long Island. Don explained the many ways his incredible military background in the U.S. Army Special Forces HALO (High Altitude – Low Opening Parachutist) and SCUBA translated into running a successful business. iOptimize is an exclusive tenant rep, working with national clients including Coca-Cola, Progressive, and Allstate. He explained how his unique approach in auditing the market and making landlords compete for a tenant’s business adds value – not to mention the amazing aerial shots he’s able to take for clients as an avid pilot and photographer.