Metropolis Group, Inc.

Since establishing Metropolis Group, Inc. in 1988, Frank Fortino has worked tirelessly with the developers, architects, contractors and trade professionals  who shape Manhattan’s skyline. 

As President and CEO, Frank oversees the administrative, technical, and financial divisions of the firm.  His dedication to the company and his clients enables him to be an outstanding communicator, decision maker and leader.  He coordinates operational activities, sets the company’s goals and benchmarks, and develops business expansion through the acquisition of new clients. Frank constantly meets with each department head to advance the overall objectives of the company, and to formulate the policies and business strategies that cultivate the firm’s long-term vision.  

Frank’s business philosophy is rooted in two key components: satisfied clients and productive employees.  His commitment to building enduring relationships with clients and peers is based on honesty, integrity and mutual respect. His staff possesses an enormous amount of technical knowledge and an unmatched proficiency in total project coordination. This results in projects of the highest quality that are unparalleled in attention to detail. Frank Fortino’s unwavering demand for excellence has made Metropolis Group one of the most successful and reliable full service consulting companies in New York.

Frank is also active in several organizations such as but is not limited to:  

• New York Coalition of Code Consultants (NYCCC)
• The Metropolitan Business Network
• The Building Owners and Managers Association
• The Industry Advisory Committee
• Associate member of The New York Society of Architects
• Member of the Board of Trustees at the Institute of Design and Construction
• Board of Trustees at the I.D.C. Foundation 
• Chairman, House Committee at the Columbus Foundation 
• Board Member at the Westfield Board of Adjustment 
• Member of The Westfield Boosters
• Member of The 200 Club 

Philanthropic Envolvement 

• Chairman of The Santino Fortino Foundation 
• Board of Trustees at the Madison Boys & Girls Club
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Women In Need (WIN)
• Bottomless Closet
• United Way NYC
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind/ America Vet Dogs
• Greta’s Run 

A member of the Metropolis team since 2011, Senior Executive Project Manager Bruno Caligara provides code and zoning guidance to clients. He offers more than 30 years of industry experience, with extensive proficiency in building codes, fire codes, and accessibility requirements. During the planning stages, Bruno helps develop filing strategies for complex projects. As the project progresses, he serves as a client advocate with municipal agencies, including the Department of Buildings, the New York City Fire Department, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. In addition, he oversees Metropolis project teams to ensure timely approvals and sign-offs. Bruno holds an associate’s degree from the College of Staten Island, part of the City University of New York (CUNY). The native New Yorker spends his spare time collecting and rebuilding classic cars.

As Director of Human Resources and Office Manager, Maria Esslinger plays a key role in supporting the firm’s operations and business goals. She understands the importance of teamwork and commitment at Metropolis, and she excels at recruiting individuals who have not only the required skills and experience, but also the personal traits to thrive within the firm’s corporate culture and operating environment, which emphasize quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Since joining Metropolis in 2006, Maria has launched several initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, which in turn improves client service. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Maria supports several community organizations, including Women in Need (WIN), Bottomless Closet, United Way, and The Father’s Heart Ministries Hunger Prevention Program.

Associate and Licensed Architect, joined Metropolis Group in 2006 and leads the firm’s Technical Affairs Division. Licensed as a registered architect in New York since 1996, Austin brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Metropolis and clients. Austin and his team oversee all new building and alteration’s code and zoning reviews. The team assists owners and architects in complying with building code and zoning regulations. As a trusted expert of technical consulting, Austin is responsible to address the needs of our clientele and to establish and implement strategies to maximize client advocacy. He is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Senior Associate Andrew Pisani, who joined Metropolis in 1997, oversees the Management Team and the Violations Division. With more than 30 years of combined experience gained in architectural offices and in the code and zoning industry, Andrew reviews drawings for code and zoning compliance, and he serves as a liaison between architects and Department of Buildings commissioners to resolve issues. His thorough knowledge of municipal regulations also make him a valuable resource in developing strategies for violation dismissal. In addition, all Metropolis projects benefit from his in-depth expertise as he provides guidance to senior management. Andrew works closely with business owners, and he has special expertise in Place of Assembly Certificates of Operation (both temporary and permanent) and façades. He holds a degree from the Pratt Institute.

As the Associate responsible for the Certificate of Occupancy Division, Brian Lafferty serves as liaison, manager, and motivator to diverse team members—including architects, engineers, consultants, municipal officials, subcontractors, and clients—throughout the construction process. He leads client meetings to obtain the information required for timely issuance of Certificates of Occupancy. Because financing often requires an up-to-date Certificate of Occupancy, Brian notifies project teams upon receipt of approvals and objections, and he excels at the prompt resolution of objections. He supervises his staff to ensure that completed work complies with submitted plans and applicable laws and that all municipal requirements are met, including any fee payments and/or violation dismissals. A Licensed Cost Estimator in New Jersey, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from Oneonta State University and a certificate in construction management from New York University.

A member of Metropolis Group since 1999, Associate Brian Redlein manages the New Buildings and Major Alterations Division. His extensive hands-on experience and industry connections make him an invaluable resource on complex, multi-year engagements. Brian meets with city agencies at the start of each project to identify challenges and develop a management strategy. During the design phase, he reviews zoning and architectural plans for compliance issues; further investigation and analysis allow him to recommend corrective actions. Throughout the construction and sign-off processes, he guides project management teams, while addressing client concerns. Close partnership with municipal agencies has enabled Brian to help clients navigate complicated issues, while he in turn assists agencies with new initiatives, such as the Department of Buildings state-of-the-art review center, The HUB. Brian studied at New York Institute of Technology and at SUNY Delhi Institute of Technology.

Associate Janet Lafferty serves as Chief Financial Officer of Metropolis Group. She holds the primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial activities of the company. Having joined Metropolis after its founding in 1988, Janet understands the organization’s operations and the needs of its clientele. She manages the proposal development process, ensuring that all proposals respond to customer requirements and comply with municipal regulations. In addition to supervising the accounting support staff, Janet oversees the organization’s internal controls for compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting. Her financial expertise, industry experience, and general business knowledge combine to make Janet a key member of the senior advisory team at Metropolis.

Senior Account Manager Joseph Bastone has spent 15 years in the construction and real estate industry. His diverse experience includes roles as vice president of operations and business development, as well as a chief financial officer. His financial background contributes to his effectiveness in operations, and both strengths offer value to Metropolis clients. Joe not only brings keen strategic insight to the start of each engagement, but he also partners with clients throughout the life of the project, ensuring their success and satisfaction. In addition, Joe supports Metropolis clients firm wide by applying his operational expertise to engineer a better service experience from inception through fulfillment. He sits on the executive committee of the Police Athletic League and volunteers at Saint Michael’s Church. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting.

Trained and licensed as a New York Real Estate Salesperson at Keller Williams Tribeca, Kristen Fortino supports her clients with real estate knowledge, sales skills, and Metropolis resources. The code and zoning expertise of Metropolis, combined with strategic marketing experience gained in the pharmaceutical industry, offers unique value to Kristen’s clients. She provides zoning analyses to determine a property’s suitability for specific projects and advises clients on any potential issues that could affect resale value. Such insight presents a more accurate picture of a property’s worth now and in the future. In addition, Kristen has the experience and resources to help clients secure timely Certificates of Occupancy and quick sellouts of completed developments.

She is a member of the Metropolitan Business Network (MBN), the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. Kristen holds a degree in public relations and marketing from Quinnipiac University.

As Executive Project Manager in the New Buildings & Major Alterations Division, Liliana Ovalles manages major construction projects, working closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners/developers. She oversees the project managers who serve as primary points of contact for these complex, multi-year engagements. Having started her career in 2004, she understands the requirements for multiple municipal agencies—including the Department of Buildings, Landmark Preservation Committee, and Fire Department of New York—as well as clients’ needs and concerns. Liliana is a registered Class 2 Code and Zoning Representative. She reviews construction plans to confirm compliance and to identify potential issues, and she meets with plan examiners on behalf of clients, as needed. In addition, she monitors project activity, keeping team members informed and on schedule.

Mabel Cataldo offers clients more than 20 years of experience in the code compliance industry. As a former project manager with Metropolis, Mabel understands clients’ needs and the requirements of municipal agencies. Her success in promoting the firm’s services stems from her proven track record in delivering these offerings. She helps clients create solid schedules that reflect agency approval timelines and offers additional value through her extensive professional network. Beyond her responsibilities at Metropolis, Mabel is actively involved in many industry and community organizations, including Professional Women in Construction, the Latino American Commercial Real Estate Association (LACREA), Women in Need, and Commercial Real Estate Women of New York (CREW NY), where she served on the board of The Charitable Fund. She is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Associate Mario Aurioso serves as Director of Manhattan Renovations and leads the Plumbing Division. A member of Metropolis since 1999, Mario has developed extensive expertise in code and zoning compliance, with special proficiency in life safety issues. He reviews projects for code compliance, advising clients of potential complications early in the process and recommending new alternatives and strategies. This early guidance keeps projects on schedule, while ensuring compliance with governing laws, policies, and procedures. Mario’s field experience in managing plumbing, boiler, sprinkler, standpipe, and mechanical work helps clients navigate this complex specialty, in addition to making him a valuable ally for plumbing and sprinkler companies as he guides them through approvals and inspections. He is a graduate of Drake Business School.

A member of the Metropolis team since 1998, Associate Penny Laughlin serves as liaison between project managers and senior management. Her project management experience in the outer boroughs gives her a keen understanding of the administrative requirements of New York’s municipal agencies. Penny provides quality control as she oversees Metropolis' operations, ensuring that the firms operations are well coordinated and productive. She attends city agency meetings and advises clients on upcoming changes that affect their projects. As a result of her expertise and partnership with agencies, the Department of Buildings invited Penny to participate in the pilot phase of DOB NOW and to provide user feedback on the new system. She holds a degree from the College of Staten Island (CUNY) and a business certificate from Drake Business School.

Project Manager Wayne Sheppard offers Metropolis clients expert insight into the requirements of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT). Wayne has cultivated an extensive network within this agency. These relationships and his specialized knowledge of DOT operations make him an invaluable asset on all client engagements that involve the city’s transportation infrastructure, especially new buildings. He reviews all new and proposed scopes of work and advises team members on required DOT permits. He also attends meetings on behalf of clients, as needed. Wayne and his team coordinate technical requests with DOT reviewers and assist with relocation requests, such as those involving street lights, signs, and bus stops. They keep Metropolis clients apprised of all DOT changes and provide guidance to maintain compliance.