Unlocking Your Building’s Value: How Technology is Your Best Competitive Advantage

Jeff Thompson is Head of Global PM Technology Product Management. Jeff joined Building Engines in 2018 via its acquisition of AwareManager, where he was Co-Founder and CEO. He has 30 years of experience applying technology to complex problems in the built environment in the Americas and abroad, including product design, engineering, and solution architecture for top tier owner/developer/managers and facilities management assignments. At Building Engines, Jeff’s responsibilities include the core modules of Prism, the company’s next generation platform for connected real estate. 

Sandy Jacolow is the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Empire State Realty Trust. He oversees technology initiatives for the company’s real estate portfolio supporting their Property Management, Leasing, Development, Marketing, and Accounting teams.  His responsibilities also include The Empire State Building (ESB) which was named #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. for the second consecutive year – and fifth worldwide – in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best.  He also spearheads innovation focusing on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) and PropTech activities and works closely with the Cyber and Compliance teams to monitor and mitigate risk associated with today’s technology landscape.

Prior to Empire State Realty Trust, Mr. Jacolow served as Chief Information Officer at Meridian Capital Group, a role in which he oversaw their brokerage, investment sales, and retail leasing initiatives. Prior to Meridian he served as Silverstein Properties’ Chief Information Officer, a role in which he oversaw technology initiatives supporting the company’s property management, asset management, leasing, digital marketing, and construction & development activities.  His role expanded across their Silver Suites and World Trade Center Management & Development lines of business.

Mr. Jacolow currently is a member of the Real Estate of New York (REBNY) Technology Steering Committee, chairperson of their Cyber Security Committee, and co-founder of their annual PropTech Challenge.  Additionally, he serves as a Board Member of the Global Cyber Consortium and is a member of the Realcomm Advisory board.  During his career Mr. Jacolow has previously served as chairperson of the NCREIF Information Management Committee, a member of the REIS Council, a member of NAREIM’s IT Advisory Council, and a founding member on the Board of Directors for OSCRE International.

Jose earned his bachelor’s degree from Universidad Tecnologica de Mexico, and his MBA from Emory University. He has over 12 years of experience across Telecommunications, Government and Building Automation industries. Currently he is a Global Offering Manager for the commercial real estate for Honeywell Building Technologies

Tara Faulkner is Director of Growth Marketing for Building Engines and heads up their demand generation and growth strategies; developing initiatives that fuel the pipeline including digital campaign planning, lead generation and nurturing, and account-based marketing efforts for the firm. She has over 25 years’ experience in directing high-level strategy for organizational rebranding, internal and external communication, comprehensive marketing programs, and team leadership and development for companies across a myriad of industries, including higher education, management consulting, and high tech.