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.”
As Eastman Cooke’s Director of Operations, Tony brings more than 25 years of experience managing major construction projects in New York City. While overseeing projects ranging from $15 million to $150 million in his career, Tony has been instrumental in ground-up construction and renovations of several Manhattan hotels and luxury residences, as well as large-scale renovations at LaGuardia Airport and Mutual of America Headquarters. Other clients he has worked with include British Airways, Merrill Lynch and Tiffany & Co. At Eastman Cooke, Tony works closely with project managers, superintendents, contractors and design teams to embrace innovative technology and tools, ensuring the safe, successful and timely delivery of projects. When he’s not guiding teams at jobsites, Tony supports several nonprofits, volunteers as a youth baseball and football coach and has served on the Westfield Baseball League Board of Directors for more than a decade.
“Why should a client choose ECA? – Because of our vast experience in a multitude of sectors. By taking a ‘family’ approach, our honesty, integrity and commitment to flawless execution shine through in all that we do.”
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 a Project Manager at Eastman Cooke, Nichole brings vast experience overseeing logistics at commercial, industrial and residential construction jobsites. Major projects include a multimillion LEED project at Adelphi University, as well as ground up/renovations for notable clients such as AC Marriott, OSI Pharmaceuticals and Ralph Lauren. Nichole’s excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail has made her a valuable member of the Eastman Cooke team, particularly her strong experience managing and processing permits, contracts and other important documentation. Through her extensive OSHA training and knowledge of industry regulations and requirements, Nichole is committed to maintaining the highest level of safety at jobsites. Her outstanding relationships with Owners, architects and subcontractors have contributed to successful collaboration, closeouts and project delivery across the company. In her spare time, Nichole is dedicated to a number of worthy causes, including her participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She is also a member of Professional Women in Construction (PWC).
“Working in construction, you see evidence of your job every day – from the site you worked on last week to the project you’re hoping to obtain next month. I continue to be inspired by the beauty and strength in these buildings, which fuels my ‘can do’ attitude at ECA. With every project I manage, I work hard to make sure they stay on track.”
As Assistant Project Manager, Aschelle is responsible for supporting the daily administration of a construction job, including document control (including submittals and RFI’s), contract management and correspondence. She has a degree in Civil Engineering and over 15 years of construction experience, primarily in academic and retail projects.
“I pay close attention to detail when reviewing drawings and pick up on things that others may miss. It is that skill set that makes Eastman Cooke so successful in catering to a client’s individual needs.”
Glen closely monitors the progress of all facets of a construction project. While coordinating trades, materials, permitting and scheduling, Glen finds problem areas and figures out how to make things run more smoothly. His weekly contractors’ meetings with owners, architects, engineers and subcontractors allow him to maintain communication between all parties to keeping the project on budget and schedule. In this role since ECA’s inception, Glen has successfully completed all types of construction projects, including interior build-outs to large site work projects.
“Having worked hands on in the construction and engineering fields, I have a solid relationship with all architects, owners’ reps and building managers from previous projects and I pride myself in helping all trades get their work done efficiently and correctly.”
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.”
With a background in carpentry and a degree in Environmental Engineering, Jake Kunken thrives on efficiency. Having worked on both residential and commercial projects, he understands construction and knows how to problem solve when information is missing and quick thinking is required. Using active listening paired with measured reasoned responses, Jake leads weekly meetings with clients, sub-contractors, inspectors, vendors and foremen by breaking down the divide that often exists in traditional construction environments. The result is a well-coordinated and successful project where all milestones, challenges and questions are shared and addressed in a timely manner.
“I am a life-long learner…constantly trying to improve my skill set. I am eager to approach the more challenging aspects of these jobs, as it provides an opportunity for growth.”