More Testimonials

The following recommendations are from people whom Gary Rissler has long term relationships with that have survived the test of time.

John Donahoe, Owner, Trinity Heritage Construction

“I have known Gary for 30 years and built approximately 22 stores for him while he was at Burberry. Gary is the most qualified, ethical and knowledgeable Construction Manager that I have ever worked for in my 40+ years’ experience in the construction business. Gary and his small staff at Burberry completed more successful projects than teams 3 times the size of his at other companies. Any company that Gary provides his services to is getting a loyal and extremely hard working partner that has the ability to create success wherever he is involved, whether it is as an individual or managing a team.

In times past I have built numerous other retail projects with Gary at the lead such as; Pier 1 imports, Computer City, Highland Superstores, Incredible Universe, Loehmann’s and others. While Gary was at Tandy, we built numerous stores for him as he took over 2 major prototype companies (Computer City / Incredible Universe) and organized, staffed and managed their construction department from scratch. Gary was extremely detail oriented, established professional internal controls and management systems that were the basis of his successful program. Any company establishing a new construction, real estate or maintenance program could be operating immediately and successfully with Gary in managing the process.”

William Pisani, Vice President - Retail, Shawmut Design and Construction

“Gary is an exceptional construction talent with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously around the country. He not only understands the nuts and bolts of construction, but has a strong grasp of the finances and estimating functions. He is an asset to any organization fortunate enough to acquire his services.”

Robert Lord, Project Executive, LEED AP, Shawmut Design and Construction

“Gary has been a trusted partner for several years and I would recommend him for a leadership position anywhere.” functions. He is an asset to any organization fortunate enough to acquire his services.”

Rich Hollander, Managing Partner of Axcelora Formerly Division President and Partner, The Buxton Company. Vice President and General Manager, Tandy Corp, Incredible Universe Division

“Gary and I worked well together in two challenging environments. Gary did much more than his share. His ability to get more from his contractors and team is a great tribute to his leadership abilities. Integrity is a deep part of who Gary is. He always insured we were treated fairly by our contractors by insuring we treated them fairly as well. I would not hesitate to recommend Gary for any job he set his mind to do.”

Diana Revkin, Managing Director, TPG Architecture. Former Director of Store Design, Federated Department Stores

“Gary and I were colleagues at Federated Department Stores, where we worked jointly on large-scale capital renovation projects of up to $50MM. Gary was always a true partner and team player in circumstances that often set construction and design objectives at odds. He has a tremendous depth of knowledge that he never hesitated to share with others, and a balanced and calm demeanor even under intense pressure. He will be a tremendous asset in any construction leadership or management role.”

Donald Christie, President, Pinehurst Group Inc.

“I have had the privilege of working with Gary to supply him with store interior millwork. Gary has always been very understanding of the processes involved and always helped to push things along for us to be able to complete in time. He also was the mediator between design and construction to ensure the client got the best quality for the best price. He never hesitates to get straight to the point to resolve an issue with a cool head. I would recommend Gary for any design, construction management or facilities role”

John Sapanaro, Owner/President, Lighting Management Incorporated / Lighting Elysium

“Gary and I worked together for Burberry and Stuart Weitzman. I was the lighting designer/supplier. Gary has outstanding integrity. He is a hard-nosed negotiator which is a critical element in construction/retail. That being said, he also has compassion and loyalty. Proof is in the pudding; we remain close friends to this day and have found a lot in common. He is one if a kind; I recommend him unconditionally to any position because of his knowledge, experience and team approach. He is a leader.”

Sean T. Coakley, Former Director of Store Facilities, Ann Taylor. And Project Manager, Burberry Americas

“I have known Gary for more than fifteen years and worked with him for six and a half years. I have yet to meet another person in my 25 year career with more knowledge, and a willingness to share that knowledge, than Gary. As someone who has had to assembly successful teams to accomplish goals on a tight schedule I know firsthand the characteristics that I look for in teammates. Honesty, integrity, determined, lack of ego, team goals above self. Gary possesses them all and more. Gary would be a tremendous asset to any organization lucky enough to be working with him. I recommend him without hesitation.”

Kathleen Olivieri, Director of Budgeting & Forecasting, Burberry

“It was a true privilege to work with Gary in my position at Burberry. He was an invaluable tool I took advantage of in my role as Controller and Director of Budgeting of Forecasting to help develop, maintain and track large construction budgets. His knowledge, communication skills and management expertise made him a partner I could depend upon.”

Lew Crawford, Dir-Store Planning, Computer City

“Gary is a very knowledgeable construction manager and department leader. I worked with Gary on new Computer City stores and watched him work on the Incredible Universe chain of stores. His attention to detail, both in the office and in the field, is superb. He has put together and led teams of construction managers in several endeavor, both large and small, in malls, in strips centers, and free-standing buildings. I would highly recommend Gary in a leadership capacity in the construction field.”

Thomas Nahrwold, Project Manager, J. T. Magen & Company, Inc.

“Gary Rissler is a tough, no-nonsense leader, who understands the value of partnership. His guidance through the largest Burberry expansion in the U.S. was always on target. He took time to develop a great working relationship built on hard work, long hours, fairness, and cooperation. I look forward to partnering with Gary on his future projects.”

“Gary Rissler knows how to develop and institute world class construction teams. He pulls from resources accrued through many years of experience. He can direct his team of consultants to produce very good project plans, which sets the stage for a successful project. I am looking forward to another opportunity to work with Gary!”

John Dawson, Chief Development officer, El Pollo Loco, former President and CEO, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Chief Development Officer, Dunkin Brands. Vice-President - Worldwide Development, McDonald's Corporation

“Gary's a team player with a very positive attitude. I have always been impressed with Gary's creativity and positive approach to the task at hand. Strongly recommend.”

Arturo J Garcia, AIA, CDP, CRX, Owner Sole Proprietor

“I met Gary while we were working on opposite sides of the table while planning and building the first Macy's store outside of the U.S. mainland. At the time, Gary was with Federated and I a key consultant to the Plaza Las Americas Shopping Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As part of the main expansion to this super-regional mall, the building of the Macy's store was part of a huge, fast-track/multiple-contract project encompassing about 1.5 million square feet of construction that was achieved in about two years. Gary's good nature, great attitude and technical skills were great assets in overcoming regional and cultural differences and in getting the job done. We not only met our common goals, but respect each other and remain good friends to this day. I would welcome any opportunity to work with Gary again in the future.”

Fran (Lapham) Mayfield Stevenson, Director of Strategic Accounts at Accruent

“I was fortunate enough to have Gary (Stuart Weitzman) as one of my first client’s at Expesite/Accruent. He had the unique ability to provide a strong balance of challenge and support for my own professional growth, even though he was the client. He knew what his business needed to be successful and he was assertive in inquiring about product functionality, pushing for enhancements, and reducing costs. Gary knows relationships! He understands that it takes business partners, not vendors, to assist in achieving company goals and key objectives. When all involved are in alignment, transparent with one another, and have mutual respect it makes it much easier to collaborate on product or process issues. Everyone within Expesite/Accruent knew Gary. He regularly connected with support team members, mid-management, and executives – not only to improve the return on investment of the Expesite product, but to ensure he was fostering relationships. I also appreciate Gary’s understanding of both strategic and tactical business needs and process improvements. As an executive, Gary was one who often got his hands dirty. He utilized Expesite as a tasking solution when following up on facilities issues with his store managers. When there was a question about functionality he didn’t send his managers to the support team, he was the one who provided the answer. He had the uncanny ability to dig deep into the details which ultimately impacted the overall process, minimized time investment, and reduced costs. It is with a great deal of respect and confidence that I highly recommend Gary!”

Craig Petrus, Special Projects Manager at Shawmut Design and Construction

"Worked with Gary numerous times and can say without doubt he is one of the most organized owner rep's I have dealt with. When he says he is ready or he will be there, he is. Also very organized and gets out in front of issues at hand. I often run into owner rep's that expect GC to handle items that should be provided by owner. Not Gary, he handles what is his."

Christina Krezmien, East Regional Manager, Stuart Weitzman Holdings, LLC

“Gary is a great partner. He is always open to listen and figure out the right solution to business needs.”

Dave Petton, President at Perseverance. Former Sr. Director of Facilities, Radio Shack

“Gary Rissler was a truly committed individual at RadioShack Corporation that demonstrated the highest level of character, leadership and trust within the company, as well as with outside interests. Gary partnered with vendors and resources to develop strategic relationships that have lasted more than a decade. His understanding and knowledge of construction and facilities comes from firsthand experience at meeting tough schedules and knowing how to control costs, at the same time. He comes highly recommended as the best candidate with the energy and capacity to get the job done, on time, under budget and within expectations. Regards, Dave Petton President, Perseverance Services”