The 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate & Technology

In the Spring of this year, Broadband Properties conducted an extensive and detailed survey amongst the competitive video and broadband data industries, as well as the commercial and multifamily real estate industries with the goal of determining The 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate & Technology. The survey's primary focus was on individual's accomplishments throughout 2001 to the time of selection in the first quarter of 2002.

The selection process consisted of surveying and interviewing multifamily and commercial property owners, franchise cable companies, private cable companies, broadband service providers and many others. These surveys and interviews are the foundation of the data used to compile the Top 25. The 25 individuals were selected based on their colleagues and competitor's evaluations, as well as significant study by the staff and Board of Broadband Properties. They are selected for their leadership, influence and efforts in continuing to impact the momentum of competition within the real estate, voice, video and data industries.

Matt Ames
Partner, Miller & Van Eaton
Matt's participation in competitive video issues on behalf of the multifamily real estate industry plays an integral role in how this industry maintains a level of viable competition amongst franchise and private cable operators. Advising the industry's two largest trade organization, National Multi Housing Council and National Apartment Association on such matters, Matt is also responsible for addressing matters on behalf of the industry before the Federal Communications Commission and well as the U.S. Federal Appellate Courts. He has made filings on behalf of these organizations on matters related to inside coaxial cable ownership, forced access and the DBS satellite dish ruling (OTARD - Over The Air Reception Device Ruling).

Sue Ansel
Vice President Ancillary Services, Gables Residential
Ms. Ansel's participation in matters related to voice, video and data issues for her company was integral in bridging an understanding for her REIT industry colleagues on these subjects as well. As one of the industry's founding leaders on the issues of voice, video and high speed data solutions, contracts and ancillary income opportunities, Sue participated in the industry's only training video on these subjects (produced by the National Apartment Association). Sue's knowledge and expertise has played a key role in shaping the issues addressed by her industry colleagues through active participation with organizations such as the National Apartment Association, National Multi Housing Council and the Independent Multifamily Communications Council.

Jim Arbury
Vice President, National Multi Housing Council, National Apartment Association
For over six years, Jim has been a humble icon for the multifamily industry on the subject of ensuring that property owners and developers maintain the freedom to choose the voice, video or high speed Internet provider(s) they feel best meet the needs of their residents. Ever vigilant in this mission, Jim's leadership in the issues impacting this choice has taken him before the U.S. Congress, Federal Communications Commission and various state legislatures. His role in guiding industry colleagues on these subjects at the National Multi Housing Council, National Apartment Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of REITs and others, has done more to impact the protection of competition amongst service providers in the multifamily housing marketplace, than any other one individual. And while many have tried to unseat him from his firm convictions about a free market amongst service providers and the protection of a properties owner's right to choose, none have been successful.

Laurie Baker
Vice President, Camden Properties
Ms. Baker is both recognized and respected as one of the multifamily housing industry's most astute contract negotiation experts. Her work in the subjects of protective contract language with voice, video and high speed data service providers helped set a standard for the industry. Laurie's participation in educational agenda's on these subjects with the National Apartment Association, National Multi Housing Council and the Independent Multifamily Communications Council has led to a more significant understanding about Service Level Agreements and other critical contract issues between a service provider and property owner. Her devotion to the education of her peers, competitors and service providers has played a role in helping both service providers and property owners find middle ground on matters related to voice, video and high speed data products and services.

Brent W. Bitz
Executive Vice President Management Services, Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty
Brent Bitz is recognized and respected as one of the commercial properties leading voices. His influence can be seen throughout the real estate and technology sectors in his role as Chairman, Telecom Task Force of BOMA and as a member of BOMA National Advisory Council. In the last year, Brent has testified before congress on behalf of the Real Alliance on forced access issues to support the rights of private property against mandatory access as well as leading the execution of portfolio wide telecommunications service agreements on behalf of Charles E. Smith. His tireless effort and dedication has played a vital role in the success of telecommunication services during one of the most difficult market periods in current times.

Carl Bonner
Vice President of MIS, Post Properties
Highly respected amongst his peers, Carl Bonner has assisted greatly in keeping both his company and the industry at the forefront of facilitating high-speed, broadband Internet properties. As Vice President of Management Information System (MIS), Carl has led Post Properties to being universally accepted as the broadband pioneer of the luxury multifamily industry as they were instrumental in envisioning the possibilities for a high bandwidth-enabled multifamily residential property. Both Carl and Post were among the first to realize the importance of telecommunications, low voltage wiring and low voltage amenities such as broadband Internet access. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the PostSmart wiring design that has gone on to become an industry benchmark.

Bill Burhop
Executive Director, Independent Multifamily Communications Counsel
Another year goes by and the IMCC keeps pushing on. With a fraction of the funds of any other cable or real estate association, the IMCC remains steadfast in its mission to raise the voice of competitive video providers loudly and effectively on Capital Hill. This mission is largely accomplished through efforts of Executive Director, Bill Burhop. As the competitive video industry continues to grow, Burhop and the IMCC battle against issues such as mandatory access, program access and a host of other critical issues so that both system operators and multifamily housing property owners benefit from having a viable alternative to franchised cable.

Dave Christensen
Vice President, Time Warner Connect
Considered to be the first individual credited with creating a true "National Deal," Dave's work in assisting multifamily housing owners and developers streamline the contract negotiations process within large portfolios and across multiple systems, has led to a similar approach by companies such as Cox Communications, Comcast and many others. His ever-vigilant work in maintaining quality working relationships with property owners, developers and their trade organizations through attending many meetings and sponsoring key educational events plays a large role in helping both sides better understand each others concerns in working with the other. As an ambassador of sorts for Time Warner, Dave's efforts have made a tremendous impact on both the franchise cable and multifamily industry alike.

Salvatore D'Auria
President and Chief Executive Officer, Tut Systems, Inc.
Named number one equipment provider in the MTU market by Cahners In-Stat in July 2001, Tut Systems has continually been at the forefront of defining the broadband properties market. Over the past year, D'Auria and Tut orchestrated the re-initiation of broadband services to nearly 200 apartment properties in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Washington formerly owned by bankrupt service providers. Tut also introduced its first true optical product for the MTU and neighborhood (NDU) markets to help its service provider customers compete with cable companies for TV, video and other broadband service dollars. Tuts also worked with Larkspur Hospitality Company, an owner and operator of 16 hotels throughout California, Oregon and Washington, to become its own service provider by providing an easy to deploy SMS (subscriber management system) and OCS (operations center software) solution.

W. Kenneth Ferree
Bureau Chief, Media Bureau, FCC
Today, no regulator holds greater influence over the fate of the competitive video industry than the Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau Chief W. Kenneth Ferree. Ken was the driving force behind the conversion of the Cable Services Bureau to the Media Bureau and has been a key player in the reshaping of the FCC to more effectively serve the video industry. With issues such as the status of Perpetual Contracts, Exclusive Contracts and Program Access on the horizon, Ken and his team have critical roles in developing the competitive video landscape and shaping the future of such services in the multifamily residential and commercial marketplace.

Eric Fichtner
President, Noment Networks
The year of 2001 witnessed the most significant number of ISP failures experienced to date. This was no more evident than with the ISPs specializing in the multifamily housing industry. Fortunately, in the wings of these failures lay waiting a number of venture capitalists, technology experts and entrepreneurs anticipating the market, ready to launch business and service models that would spell success. One such person and company is Eric Fitchner of Noment. Piloting this group of seasoned veterans, Eric plays a key role in picking up the defunct assets of a once failed industry and bringing them to fruition as a successful multifamily housing ISP. Eric and his team of industry mavericks are rejuvenating the concept of competitive broadband data services, committing themselves to a business model that makes sense for both the operator and property owner. Their success is playing a key role in the reemergence of faith in both property owners and investors.

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Charlie Ergen
Chairman & CEO, EchoStar

Eddy W. Hartenstein
Chairman & CEO, DirecTV

No other event in modern television history will do more to influence competition amongst digital video service providers than the long awaited merger of DirecTV and EchoStar. Should such a merger take place, it will either usher in a new Golden Age for the private cable provider or signal the beginning of the end. For better or worse, a merger of DirecTV and EchoStar will undoubtedly be the most significant event of the year. At the helms of these two battleships are Messer's Ergen and Hartenstein. Understandably, this places them both amongst the most influential individuals in the industry.

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Richard Holtz
President, InfiniSys
As one of the multifamily housing industry's most respected experts on the subject of electronic architecture, Richard's participation in the industry has played a significant role in property owners and developers better understanding the need for high quality telecommunications infrastructure. Oftentimes ahead of the curve, Richard's efforts to "push the envelope" with wiring strategies and technology products has brought the industry to a position it would not have otherwise been in. Working with many leading real estate firms, his work is oftentimes viewed as "trend setting" and "on the edge" in the area(s) related to multifamily housing telecommunications infrastructure.

Larry Kessler
CEO, InteliCable Group
One of the strongest current trends to develop over the last year in the real estate and technology market is the evolution of the educated property owner. Today, more than any time in the history of the both the real estate and technology service industries, property owners, developers and managers are taking a more active role in technology decisions, ensuring the quality of service that their residents or tenants receive. Larry Kessler is the driving force behind this trend. Through his efforts at the negotiating table, conferences, publications and various professional real estate and technology associations, Kessler leads the charge for advising, representing and educating the multifamily housing industry on matters of video and broadband data technology, as well as educating service providers on how to lay stronger foundations for higher quality relationships between video and data system operators and the properties they serve.

Andrew Kreig
President, Wireless Communications Association
The influence of wireless technology on properties grows dramatically each passing year. Whether it is last mile technologies capable of offering even the most remote property broadband connectivity, innovations in connecting multiple properties to one network or the development of access points to allow for mobility, the impact of wireless solutions can be felt across almost every property. To grow and prosper, wireless technologies need spectrum and that spectrum must be useable with the latest technology innovations and remain free of interference. As leader of the Wireless Communications Association, Andrew Kreig creates the foundation needed for wireless technologies to strive on properties.
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Stuart Lefkowitz
COO, WSNet
In the face of a potential merger between DirecTV and EchoStar, one company offers the greatest potential for leveling the playing field for independent providers of digital cable TV services; WSNet. With the merger of DirecTV and EchoStar on the horizon, the success of WSNet's satellite service is critical to an industry already starved for competition. As WSNet executes a newer and more aggressive business plan, the company holds the potential to be a catalyst for continued growth in the competitive video marketplace. Piloting this ship is Stuart Lefkowitz. Under his leadership, WSNet has made significant changes in its multi-tiered approach to various competitive video market sectors. His approach to "team play" within the company and the industry contributes substantially to the continued growth of this industry.

Dave McClure
President & CEO, United States Industry Internet Association (USIIA)
Nothing has had a more duplicitous effect on our world than the Internet. It launched the dot com frenzy and drove stocks and valuations to a point that may never be reached again in our lifetimes. But just as quickly as it came, the Internet took away. Companies with suspect business plans began to fail, setting off a chain reaction throughout the technology sector that pushed our nation into a recession that we still have not recovered from. That is the power of the Internet and the good and bad that comes with it. Because of the Internet's ability to rapidly impact the technology and property markets, there must be someone watching over it to be sure issues such as copyright, broadband regulation, Internet sales tax and a host of others seen as potential landmines for both service providers and property owners, are diffused before they can go off. Dave McClure and the USIIA are that watch dog.

Henry Pye
Manager Ancillary Services, Telecommunications & Consumer Technology, JPI, Inc
Considered by his industry colleagues to be "the best at what he does," Henry's work on behalf of both JPI and the multifamily housing industry has bridged what many refer to as the industry's "Digital Divide." Henry's progressive efforts in the subjects of wired and wireless communications infrastructure has brought new products, strategies and construction models to both JPI and the industry at large. His committed efforts to educating his colleagues plays an important role in furthering the industry's agenda to getting itself as close to understanding and mastering the art of future-proofing properties as possible.

Bryan Rader
President & CEO, MediaWorks
As one of the most successful private cable operators and President of the Independent Multifamily Communications Counsel (IMCC), Bryan Rader is one of the most respected voices in the industry. He has lead MediaWorks to becoming the role model for the successful private cable operation while actively reaching out through conferences, publications and trade associations to encourage an industry wide adoption of better business practices. Bryan's efforts in building stronger and more beneficial relationships between property owners and the private cable industry, combined with his dedication to education, influence the industry both now and for years to come.

Lori Reeves
Director of Telecom and Information Technology, Forest City Residential
Lori has become one of the industry's leading experts on the subjects of telecommunication's infrastructure, broadband data technologies and their implementation into many types of properties. From directing high profiled projects such as the conversion of Denver's Stapleton Airport into a high-tech township, to working with garden styled apartment complexes, Lori's work with companies such as Microsoft and Cisco has brought a significant level of understanding to both the technology and multifamily housing industries. The highly committed leadership and educational duties she fulfills through organizations such as the National Multi Housing Council, National Apartment Association and the Independent Multifamily Communications Council are recognized as key aspects to helping the industry provide resident lifestyles suited for both now and in the future.

Dave Schaeffer
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cogent Communications
As the building local exchange carrier (BLEC) market continues to crumble, Cogent forges ahead. With the high profile acquisition of assets from former competitors such as NetRail, Allied Reiser, PSINet and OnSite access, Cogent has reached a leadership position in the market. In the past year, Dave has guided Cogent through the rollout of service to 20 markets nationwide, conducted a backbone expansion to 80 Gbps, the nation's largest backbone dedicated to IP data traffic, and secured over $587 million in financing, most recently raising $161 million in capital and vendor financing in the Fall of 2001. Cogent's continued success will have great influence on other provider's ability to raise capital and provide broadband service to commercial properties.

Kevin Sweeny
National Director, Comcast MDU & Commercial Development, Comcast Communications
Comcast Communications is steadily making its mark in the MDU marketplace by continuing to develop its MDU programs, services and marketing approaches. The integration of AT&T Broadband into Comcast stands to shape MDU video and data services for years to come. As National Director of Comcast's MDU & Commercial Development, Kevin Sweeney's involvement in the MDU industry is a pivotal role in continuing to develop quality relationships between the franchise cable operator and multifamily housing property owners.

Robert (Bob) Vogelsang
President & CEO, Broadband Properties
2001-2002, a period in which Time Magazine refers to as the most difficult climate for magazine publishing since before WWII, Bob Vogelsang successfully strapped Broadband Properties Magazine and its flagship educational event to his back, assumed the challenges posited by his competitive video and data industry colleagues and is charging forward with a determination to create a pinnacle upon which the commercial and residential real estate, as well as the video and broadband data industries converge. Continuing with his commitment and leadership in the these industries for over 25 years, Bob continues to provide the only forum through which this market meets, learns and continues to successfully challenge the big franchise cable and local exchange carrier industries. Evidence of his commitment is seen in the growth of the competitive video and data service marketplace despite a difficult business climate, at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) where the publication is frequently quoted in landmark FCC rulings and in the real estate industry where literally thousands of property owners and developers are making more informed and higher quality decisions regarding services for their residents.

William F. Wallace
President, Verizon Avenue
At the helm of the telecommunication industry's first successful merger of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and local exchange carrier (LEC), Bill Wallace is leading Verizon Avenue to the forefront of competitive, broadband data and telephony services in the multifamily housing industry. His influence in directing the company's efforts with both a local and regional focus now impacts thousands of apartment residents nationwide. Ensuring the company stays at the forefront of its CLEC and LEC colleagues, Bill directs the engineering design and construction crews to constantly evaluate the value proposition of DSL versus Ethernet solutions based on a properties location and wiring infrastructure design. Both Bill and the team he captains are appropriately credited with creating a more stable and viable competitive environment for broadband data services in the multifamily housing industry.