The Barn Blog

Jason Meister is a Senior Director in the Investment Sales group at Ackman-Ziff, a 90-year-old, privately held real estate capital advisory and brokerage firm. He’s also a politcal pundit and author often featured on Fox News. Jason discussed the upcoming election and why he thought Donald Trump was the best choice for president despite his shortcomings. Dissenting opinions were also voiced and a fairly civilized debate ensued.

Paul Confori is a former police seargant, sharpshooter, and firearms trainer for the police and the FBI. He’s the founder and lead instructor of Aim Small Firearms Instruction. Paul discussed NYS Penal Law Article 35 which covers the use of deadly force in self-defense and other circumsances. We learned that it’s sometimes best just to give an attacker your money because if you shoot him your legal costs will be much higher.

Consultant Christian Grieco explained what it means to do well by doing good.   He discussed how companies large and small attract talent, sell products and services, make a profit, AND solve social and environmental problems. Christian led a lively panel discussion with local businessmen Lyle LaMothe of Broken Bow Brewery and Kyle Inserra of Polpettina Restautant.

Retired police officer Mike Denning discussed law enforcement. He shared his recollections of the 1996 shooting of Eastchester Police Officer Michael Frey. Mike led a lively and respectful discussion about gun violence and ideas for reducing it.

Angelo Spilios is the senior director of Dining Services for Flik Independent School Dining at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School. Once again he generously prepared and presented a fabulous barbeque dinner. As a special bonus this year, Tom Cascione roasted a pig in a China Box. It was quite a feast.

Our annual Casino Night at the Barn was organized by Pete Palma and John Zingale. Games included blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. The funds we raised were donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

Tom Doherty is a partner at Mercury, a public strategy firm that helps prominent figures, advocacy groups, governments, and political parties gain a competitive advantage. Longtime barn goer Tom Watson (Democrat) led an interview style discussion with Tom Doherty (Republican) on the current presidential race. Audience participation was lively and diverse. Most of the guys agreed to disagree on various issues. No one got hurt.

Neil Porto is the Transportation Group Director at T.Y. Lin International Group, a global engineering firm. Neil gave an informative and hilarious presentation on the field of engineering. He showed photos and discussed various projects he’s worked on including subway and train stations, tunnels, highways, bridges, and parks.