2024 is off to a busy start for the Gramercy team with many major projects. As spring starts, we’d like to take a moment to recognize several dedicated members of our team. Thank you for your hard work and demolition expertise!

Sal Sciarrino, Teamster

Meet Teamster Sal Sciarrino, one of Gramercy’s drivers.

Sal has been driving for Gramercy for four years. He came highly recommended by the Union and prior to joining Gramercy, he spent a few years driving for a company that specialized in asphalt and concrete. Sal has held his Class B license for 30 years and obtained his Class A license four years ago. Before his driving career, he spent 12 years in the Sheet Metal union, holding a crane operator’s license for seven years.

Sal’s journey into the workforce began in high school when a friend’s father suggested he consider becoming a jockey. Though initially unfamiliar with the idea, Sal embraced the opportunity and spent his first year cleaning stalls, caring for the horses and learning the ropes. He eventually became a jockey for three years but retired due to injuries sustained from several accidents and struggles to maintain the required weight. Despite this, he continued working with horses for the New York Racing Authority.

Sal, who grew up in Port Jefferson with his parents, a brother, and two sisters, now resides in Nesconset, NY. He finds immense satisfaction in his current profession, fascinated by the intricacies of construction and the process of demolition.

Sal says he appreciates the dynamic environment at Gramercy and values the camaraderie among the crew, likening it to a well-oiled machine that operates safely and efficiently. He hopes to one day retire with the company but remains dedicated to contributing for many more years.

Thank you, Sal, for your invaluable contributions to the team. Your hard work is truly appreciated.

Joseph Buda, Corporate Safety Officer

We’re proud to take a moment to introduce you to our Corporate Safety Officer, Joseph Buda, CSP.

Joseph has been an integral part of Gramercy since 2016, boasting a diverse and fulfilling background. Following graduating from high school, Joseph served in the Navy for three active years and six in the reserves. He then transitioned into law enforcement, working as a police officer in the South Bronx for four and a half years before joining the FDNY.

Amidst his professional journey and while raising three children, he never stopped advancing his education, earning a Master’s degree in education, which led to him subsequently teaching special education in Freeport for a year before shifting his focus to safety management.

Twenty years ago, he began his tenure as a Safety Manager at MSG, a role he has excelled in ever since. Holding numerous prestigious safety certifications such as CSP, MS, CHST, CRIS, SSM, SST, and being an OSHA instructor, Joseph is dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth.

When asked why he chose safety, he emphasizes his passion for helping others, fostering camaraderie, and drawing upon the skills honed in his previous careers. Joseph’s mantra is one of perseverance and encouragement—he believes nothing should hinder one’s pursuit of their aspirations.

Joe cherishes spending time with his family. He is blessed with two daughters, a son, and two grandchildren with another on the way. Joseph finds solace in travel during his spare time, with plans to visit Paris and Dublin this year. His ethos revolves around treating others with kindness and respect.

Joseph embodies the values we cherish at Gramercy, ensuring the safety of our team and project sites, day in and day out. Thank you, Joseph, for your unwavering commitment—we are privileged to have you on our team.

Jason Sommeso, Estimator

We’d like to introduce you to one of our newest Gramercy teammates, Estimator Jason Sommeso.

Jason recently joined the Gramercy team, but he shares a history with many of our team members through his past employment where he worked closely with our own Bob Taikina.

According to Jason, Bob played a significant role in shaping his career as he learned the ropes of estimating, and he was thrilled to return to work alongside Bob to show him the impact of that influence. Recognizing this connection, we were delighted to welcome Jason on board.

Jason’s professional path took an unconventional turn after high school, initially working in his father’s welding business in Ozone Park, NY. Two years into this role, he found his calling and pursued a degree in construction management at Suny Farmingdale, where he excelled, earning a place on the Dean’s List.

During his college years, he interned at a design-build firm specializing in recycling plants, a pivotal experience where he not only honed his business knowledge but also met his wife, Marie, who worked as a Paralegal in the same building.

Since graduating, Jason has explored various roles in project management and project engineering. However, his true passion lies in estimating, aligning perfectly with his structured personality. He enjoys the many parts of the role, such as breaking down projects through blueprints, pricing, and other intricacies.

Outside of work, Jason is a family man. He and Marie share three beautiful daughters – Mia, Anna, and Ella – along with three dogs and two cats. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, he prioritizes the gym, indulges in the art of tattooing, cherishes family time, and finds joy in four-wheeling on the beach.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Jason; we are thrilled to have him as part of our team.

Celebrating International Women’s Day in March

As a woman-owned business, Gramercy Group is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and recognize the inspiring women within the construction industry who continuously move obstacles and break barriers, paving the way for the next generation of industry leaders. We’d like to send a big thank you to our own team of women leaders.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Gramercy Group would like to extend our appreciation and recognize the efforts of the women of our abatement team.

Jenny Vargas, Silvia Vivar, Maria Pilco, Rirg Molina, Beatriz Merchan, Giissela Suarez, Veronica Saenz, Vivian Rozasat – you are each a valued member of our team and truly an inspiration.