Florim Lajqi

Principal, Chief Executive Officer

For more than 20 years, Mr. Lajqi has been leading construction projects across multiple asset classes throughout the United States. He is an expert in construction management overseeing over $1B worth of projects in major capital improvements, redevelopment of residential and commercial properties, new ground-up developments, and infrastructure projects. Mr. Lajqi founded his general contracting business in 2010, and in 2014 he rebranded the company EmpireCore, to provide a new level of service integrating construction management to the company profile.

As Founder and CEO of EmpireCore, he ensures client needs are exceeded on each project. Mr. Lajqi partners closely with new and existing clients, making sure their projects are executed as promised. Under his leadership, EmpireCore has experienced tremendous growth and has been awarded notable contracts, including Blackstone and Greystar, the largest real estate investment firm and the largest property management company in the world, respectively. Furthermore, Mr. Lajqi expanded his operations across different markets nationally.

Earlier in Mr. Lajqi’s career, he built over thirty-two multi-family ground-up developments ranging from three to sixteen stories for private investors, having also worked with Artimus Construction as Construction Manager overseeing operations of two multi-story ground-up developments. These projects consisted of residential and student housing for Barnard College. Before starting EmpireCore, Mr. Lajqi served as Director of Capital Projects at The Dermot Company, managing the redevelopment of multiple residential assets worth over $880M throughout the NYC area.

Mr. Lajqi attended the Elliot School at George Washington University, pursuing his graduate degree in International Affairs, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. He also earned a certificate in Project Management from New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Justin Kerker

Chief Financial Officer

As CFO of EmpireCore, Justin Kerker manages all financial activities of the organization. Mr. Kerker has streamlined accounting processes and implemented updated financial reporting internally and externally.

Mr. Kerker manages and prepares financial forecasting, budgeting, cash flow projections, and oversees the preparation of client financial reporting and billings. He also manages the accounting department consisting of project accountants and accounting managers. Mr. Kerker’s uncanny problem-solving abilities and grasp of macro-level processes, has resulted in enhanced standards of practice with a view to maximizing profitability.

Prior to joining EmpireCore, Mr. Kerker was the Controller and CCO of BMDC Construction developing a comprehensive plan for future growth and new market ventures. Prior to BMDC, he was the COO/CFO/CCO of a $3B Hedge Fund at Seminole Capital, where he managed everything from monthly financial reporting to daily trade reconciliations as well as launching new funds. These experiences provide him with an in-depth understanding and management of company financials.

Mr. Kerker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Jonathan Vayner

Director of Operations

Jonathan Vayner brings two decades of asset management and operational multifamily experience to EmpireCore. Currently serving as the Director of Operations at EmpireCore, Mr. Vayner oversees the execution of company initiatives and leads project teams. He manages every aspect of operations to ensure adherence to quality standards, timelines, and budget.

Prior to EmpireCore, Mr. Vayner was the Senior Vice President at Morgenstern Capital/Canvas Property Group. In this position, he developed and implemented business plans for a broad spectrum of clients from family owned to institutional, demonstrating a keen ability to foster collaboration and deliver strategic objectives. Additionally, Mr. Vayner held extensive leadership roles at Greystar, Related Companies, CompassRock Real Estate, and The Dermot Company. Throughout the course of his career, he managed in excess of $5B worth of real estate.

Mr. Vayner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Amber Madison

Chief of Staff

In her current role as Chief of Staff at EmpireCore, Amber Madison serves as a vital liaison between executive leadership and various internal teams in regards to recruitment efforts, risk management, bid packages, licensing updates, business between EmpireCore’s New York and Florida offices, and pertinent office maintenance tasks. Ms. Madison’s strong ability to prioritize and adapt is key to ensuring smooth workflows among departments. She brings over 10 years of administrative experience to EmpireCore.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Madison worked as a Marketing Consultant at STO Building Group in New York, where she successfully coordinated data management across multiple business units and maintained the corporate marketing team’s schedule. Her proactive approach to event planning, website management, and proposal creation contributed to the overall success of marketing initiatives.

Ms. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences with a minor in Mass Communication and Art History. Her adeptness combined with her extensive experience make her an invaluable asset to the EmpireCore team.

Ryan Cola

Project Executive

Ryan Cola brings to Empire Core over fifteen years of construction industry experience as a General Contractor, Developer and Owner’s Representative. Representing ownership, as well as working directly for the developer, Mr. Cola has served as the project lead on over $1 billion of high-profile construction projects, ranging from municipal to commercial and residential spaces.

Along with his experience in private development, Ryan is well versed in educational construction given his integral role in the completion of multiple large-scale projects within the Chappaqua School District. The combined $31.2MM of work in the portfolio included Horace Greeley High School’s new Sustainability Research Center, S.T.E.A.M. Center, Boiler Room, and Lower L Classroom Renovations. Additionally, Ryan oversaw multiple Capital Improvements projects throughout the school district and the Chappaqua Public Library. Some other notable projects from Mr. Cola’s extensive history in construction management and development include Pier 17, The Fulton Market Building, The Astor, Park Central & Westhouse Hotels, and the renovation of the landmark Thurgood Marshall Courthouse.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in History from SUNY Albany. His professional certifications include LEED Green Associate accreditation, Columbia Engineering Emeritus Certificate in Construction Finance Management, OSHA 30, NYC Construction Site Safety Supervisor (CSST) and Supported Scaffold User Certification.