Testimonials

See what Jay's clients and colleagues have to say about his skills, dedication and successes. 

Jay worked with our team as we were beginning to navigate our way through developing a disaster recovery plan.  He has the ability to quickly grasp and understand your situation, and provide a number of scenarios leading to the development of a workable plan. Jay's energy is nothing less than infectious, he leaves you charged up and ready to take action in implementing your plan.  His knowledge, and comprehensive approach to action made it a privilege to work with him.

— Keith W. Bynam, Director, Housing and Community Development, City of Houston

Jay’s effective management of an important State program established the framework that enabled Michigan to secure the largest grant ($225 million) from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program resources, creating a model now followed by other States.

— Gary Heidel, Former Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority

I had the opportunity to work with Jay on a public history project focused on the residents of the Jefferson-Chamlers neighborhood. Jay's passion and dedication to his community are matched only by his deep knowledge and understanding of his community's history. He exemplifies local/grass-roots activism at its best, and works tirelessly to evoke change in his community.

— Dr. Laura Walikainen Rouleau, Professor of History, Michigan Technological University

Jay's enthusiasm to take on projects large and small, combined with his organizational skills and creative problem solving, make him a huge asset. He is always ready to jump in and tackle what needs to be done. Jay's orientation toward justice and equity is evidenced in the work he engages in and how he goes about doing it. From flooding in Detroit to creating career pathways for black Brooklyn youth, Jay's commitment to community empowerment is present. 

— Lynn Neuman, Director, Artichoke Dance Company

I have worked with Jay across multiple business environments and projects for over 20 years. Jay has been my customer during my time as a loan officer, a consultant on major public private development initiatives and a colleague in delivering development advisory services to third party clients. His integrity, professionalism, tenacity, work ethic and skills place him among the most competent and enjoyable people with who I have worked.

— Tom Currell, President, Currell Program Management, LLC

 Jay has a deep knowledge of historic and current issues communities must manage including affordable housing, mass transit, and environmental stewardship, which has served him well in large scale project planning and delivery. He is a seasoned professional who approaches problems with big yet practical solutions and balances macro thinking with technical expertise.

— Adria Crutchfield, Executive Director, Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership

I've worked on several project teams lead by Jay. He is a mission-driven manager who brings a broad range of life experience to his projects. He has cross-cutting knowledge of construction, public work, environmental and regulatory requirements, and positively exploits the talents of his team members. His greatest strength is being able to spot and address issues early to avoid impacts to project implementation and schedule.

— Victor J. Gallo, Associate Counsel, Consolidated Edison of New York

I worked with Jay as he led a team of professionals implementing a variety of complex military projects and he fundamentally improved and streamlined the way NAVFAC does business in the National Capital Region. Jay was a very effective program manager who brought a great amount of energy, intellect, and passion to the job every day. He delegated very well by utilizing our team's strengths while also giving us the opportunity to grow professionally in order to consistently deliver the best work to our clients.

— Matt Schwartz, AICP. Lead Planner, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)-Washington

 Jay brings strategic direction, a deep knowledge of capital budgeting and urban planning to a project team. He is able to quickly assess the requirements for advancing a complex project and determine the critical path to completion. He is a fun person with lots of interests and a great asset to a team!

— Nina Albert, Commission, Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration

I worked with Jay at Juergensen and Associates and learned a great deal from him about real estate and facilitating change in the City of Detroit. Jay is very resourceful and fully dedicates himself to his projects. His energy is truly without limits.

— Rachel B. Cohen, Owner and CEO, Aging Dynamics

Jay’s enthusiasm and energy is matched only by his comprehensive approach to community revitalization and knowledge of complex real estate financing and he seems equally comfortable with policy makers and grassroots leaders.  Jay challenged us to think outside traditional parameters and can only image the kind of energy and commitment he can bring to revitalization efforts in any community.

— Pamela Kramer, Duluth Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority brought Jay and his firm to examine housing, retail and parking in Lansing’s Central Business District and he brought insight into the variety of barriers that prevented investment into historic properties and others perceived as obsolete.  His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and matched only by his comprehensive approach action-oriented and his knowledge of complex real estate financing.  Jay’s insight and advice helped overcome the reluctance of unsophisticated property owners take on investment risk and in short-order we witnessed six buildings and seven lofts, with more on the way.

— Leanne Stites, Executive Director, Lansing Principal Shopping District

Over several years as a Technical Assistance provider, Jay has helped our agency and numerous groups implement a range of affordable housing initiatives.  He helped us re-tool or Neighborhood Preservation Program, assisted senior management in examining our investment strategies related to smart growth and guided our involvement in the development of the State’s Rehabilitation Code.  He also successfully managed the Revitalife Program – one of our largest initiatives, disposition of several thousand State-owned, tax-reverted properties.  Jay’s “on-the-street” experience and familiarity with the community development industry I believe Jay would be a great member of any team determined to improved their community or the way they do business. 

— Marjorie Green, Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Office of Community Development

 You describe the issue much more eloquently than I ever could, and I heartily congratulate you.  It’s a fabulous article, and I thank you for fighting the good fight.  Keep up the good work!

— Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation