James Costanza

President, Costanza Enterprises Inc.

Years in current role: 25

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with talented people to consummate development ideas and other interesting real estate opportunities.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

Understanding the new economic and work environment shaped by COVID, technology, and generational rotation and the repercussions of these forces on each sector of real estate.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the real estate and construction industries in the next 3-5 years?

Secular change brought on by COVID, the information age, and generational rotation.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

Board member of Nazareth College, Rochester Prep Charter School and Rochester Management. Education is a foundational element for a productive and happy life and especially for disadvantaged urban youth who have limited educational choices. Rochester Management is the largest local, nonprofit affordable housing provider, established in 1948 with 3,600 apartments serving rents 20%-30% below market. Quality affordable housing is an important basic need and increasingly difficult to attain, especially for those with limited resources.

What are you most looking forward to doing as COVID restrictions ease?

Unrestricted entertainment including dining, concerts, and honky tonks and face-to-face meetings.