Benjamin Shafran, Joseph Masini and Miriam Solkowitz Newest Additions to Hirsch Commercial Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties has continued its strategic growth in the New York market, adding several new hires to its commercial division including Benjamin Shafran, Joseph Masini and Miriam Solkowitz. Led by industry veteran Herb M. Hirsch, the commercial division primarily focuses on investment sales and leasing for multifamily, hotel, office and retail properties throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

“Some of the same core principles that attracted me to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties – the company’s incredible strength, stellar reputation and unparalleled reach – are the same factors that have allowed us continue to expand our commercial operations in a thoughtful way,” said Hirsch. “I welcome Ben, Joseph and Miriam to our team, and I’m confident they will deliver immediate value to both current and prospective clients.”

A respected 50-year veteran of New York City's real estate industry, Benjamin Shafran has ushered more than $750 million in projects to completion. Respected by clients and peers alike for his unfailingly professional attitude and deep market knowledge, Benjamin’s passion for commercial real estate has fueled his success. Originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Architecture and B.S. in Architecture from City College of New York.

“I could not pass up the opportunity to work alongside esteemed colleagues at a company that places values first,” said Shafran. “There is a constant source of motivation and inspiration in this ever-evolving metropolis, and I’m eager for what is yet to come.”

Joseph Masini began his career integrating weapon systems for U.S. Navy combat ships. Joseph then went into construction, operating a family-owned business that focused on high end residential and commercial projects, and he owned a steel fabrication business. As a congenial people-person with a flair for deal making, his career naturally gravitated to sales where he racked up accolades and awards over two decades. His ground-up construction expertise coupled with his hard-earned sales skills, made real estate a natural fit for Joseph, who prides himself on his persistent and energetic approach.

"With my background in engineering, I’m often very focused on the numbers, which has allowed me to quickly assess the financials of any property,” Masini said. "With 20-plus years of selling experience in New York City, I’m excited to leverage my extensive list of contacts as I join the Hirsch Commercial Team.”

New York City native Miriam Solkowitz (licensed as Miriam Leonorovitz) combines a lifelong passion for real estate, architecture and design with a desire for developing solid personal connections with clients in her commercial real estate work. Her love of architecture was nurtured during her studies at Parsons School of Design, where she studied fashion and architecture design.

Miriam brings her extensive business and marketing experience to the Hirsch Commercial Team. Her entrepreneurial career started after she founded her own custom chocolates company that catered to the hospitality industry. This business helped her develop close relationships with major hotel chains and build a vast network that aids in her work of selling hotels, buildings and warehouses. Miriam’s impressive track record speaks for itself – in her first month in commercial real estate, she entered a signed contract with a major hotel chain.

“As a lifelong New Yorker, I am thrilled to be bringing my love of architecture and my knowledge of the city to the Hirsch Commercial Team,” said Solkowitz. “It is a pleasure to be working with such inspirational team members, and to be part of the esteemed Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties family.”

New York Properties is part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties/Westchester Properties family, which continues its strategic expansion in the Northeast under the leadership of CEO and President Candace Adams. New England Properties, a Wallingford, CT-based company owned by HomeServices of America, entered Westchester County, NY in 2015 with the acquisition of brokerages operating in Scarsdale, Larchmont and Eastchester. The brokerage expanded into Rye in 2016.

Interested in learning more about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties? Visit www.bhhsnyproperties.com .

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is based in Irvine, CA. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visitwww.berkshirehathawayhs.c om. Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.