Peter comes from a long line of contractors. Growing up just outside Boston, he watched his father, grandfather, uncles and cousins build the business by managing workers’ personalities, keeping the equipment running and living up to clients’ expectations. He learned a lot in those formative years, and never doubted that construction would be his life’s work. Peter studied Construction Management and Engineering at Roger Williams University and headed south to New York shortly after graduation. After 10 years as a construction manager, director of operations and chief operating officer for a leading NYC contractor, Peter started Eastman Cooke in 2009. Taking great pride in his team and projects, he runs the company with a focus on collaboration, innovation, safety and reliability. He believes in asking clients the right questions, creating solutions, and delivering projects without surprises.
“Using the experiences we have as a foundation, we build on a client’s individual needs. We always want to create value in everything we do.”
As an experienced director, April brings a wide variety of skills to Eastman Cooke. From project accounting and business development to office management and human resources, April is the heart of the organization. Her unlimited energy, meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills help make our firm a trusted advisor and partner to so many clients.April is also a key contributor to ECA’s strategic planning team. Her in-depth knowledge of all facets of the business make her an invaluable resource for ensuring ECA’s business operations are aligned with the company’s long-term strategic plan. April currently serves on the Associated Builders and Contractors board and chairs the Event Committee for the organization.
“We’re here to build our clients’ vision. We listen to their needs, come up with a solution, and build the job together. As a client-focused company, we have the freedom to do whatever it takes to get there. We’ll go to the end because we want our clients to be satisfied.”
Robert Hancock – Project Manager Robert brings more than twenty-five years of construction management experience to Eastman Cooke. As a project manager and former business owner, Robert has completed large commercial construction projects including renovations and new buildings as well as multi-million-dollar public sector projects. Robert manages his work proactively, finding creative solutions and strategizing how best to get the job done. Having the support of management and his colleagues through constant communication and collaboration is critical to his projects’ success.
“Instead of saying something can’t be done, we think outside the box to say, ‘this is how it can be done.’ We are creative and we find solutions. As a result, the client knows their project means as much to our team as it does to them.”
As one of Eastman’s Cooke’s project managers, Benjamin is responsible for the oversight of several large-scale projects across the New York area. With a deep commitment to being process-driven and maintaining standard operations and safety protocol, Benjamin’s careful attention to detail helps navigate complex logistical issues and keeps projects on schedule. Working as an Owner’s Representative and Contractor Project Manager has enabled him to experience both sides of construction while bringing vital skills to the table, including budgeting and scheduling. Previous projects include out-of-ground, demolition and renovations of luxury high-rises, educational facilities and religious institutions. In addition to receiving his certification in Construction Management, Benjamin holds an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University, a BSBA in Aviation Management from Auburn University, and is also a certified sailing instructor.
“Working with the ECA team, consultants and design teams I lead each project with vision and discipline to deliver complete solutions for our clients.
As Assistant Project Manager at Eastman Cooke, Kristyna brings more than a decade of construction experience, managing complex documents and logistics to ensure projects run smoothly. From executing change orders and equipment releases to tracking closeouts, Kristyna serves as the “right hand” to project managers and jobsite superintendents, giving them the freedom they need to guide clients and subcontractors through the job. Her strong knowledge of project management software, along with her careful attention to detail, helps to track costs and keep jobs on-budget. Kristyna’s meticulous organizational skills have contributed to major construction projects, including Jaguar Land Rover and South Street Seaport (NYC), Riverwalk in New Orleans, the Summerlin Mall in Las Vegas, Ward Village in Honolulu and Port Imperial in West New York, New Jersey.
“Working with Eastman Cooke is like working with family. Personal one-on-one interaction and a commitment to going above and beyond are at the center of everything we do. Our clients are our number one priority, and through extraordinary teamwork, Eastman Cooke ensures that every product we create successfully meets their needs.”
In his role as superintendent for ECA, Ray supervises and coordinates all construction activities in the field including trades, materials, permitting and logistics. With over 20 years of industry experience, including the construction of major new buildings and interiors for retail, commercial institutional and residential clients, Ray tackles all of his projects with a client-centric approach.
“ECA is a company that cares about its employees and its clients. It provides the environment I need to manage my projects with personal attention and exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Art is one of Eastman Cooke’s most seasoned superintendents, with experience managing a variety of complex and unique commercial projects. Responsible for all aspects of onsite job coordination, his calm demeanor and high level of expertise in large-scale, out-of-the-ground buildings is unparalleled.
“Our clients like the way our projects are run. We have very innovative construction management procedures in place that allow us to give them excellent service while building their projects.”
Paul Weiss brings more than 15 years of experience in residential construction to his role as Assistant Superintendent. Growing up on Long Island and working for the family business, Paul got involved with every aspect of a project. He has made a successful transition to commercial work for Eastman Cooke, currently supporting project management on site by managing reports, lists and logs, while coordinating laborers and subcontractors to keep the project on time and on budget. He enjoys the variety of project types and challenges that arise, because it gives him the opportunity to learn from his colleagues at all levels of the firm.
“As a young company, we’re adaptable to new technology and other changes in the construction business, and we work together to solve problems. Our clients see that we are all on the same playing field, and it gives them a good feeling.”
Curtis McLeer – EstimatorAs an Estimator at Eastman Cooke, Curtis utilizes his knowledge of the construction industry along with the team’s experience to prepare complete and accurate bid packages for major renovations and ground-up construction projects. In addition to demonstrating strong estimating skills, Curtis serves as an important liaison between subcontractors, project managers and various vendors. Early in his career, he gained “hands-on” experience installing drywall, insulation and caulking while working as a carpenter’s assistant. Curtis is now a LEED Green Associate and is certified in OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER and Project Management (PMI). Outside the office, Curtis enjoys giving back to the community and is a supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University and an A.S. in Mathematics from Ocean County College.
“At ECA, our estimating process allows us to execute our client projects in the most cost-effective, efficient way possible.”