The executive team at FirstManagement Partners are true pioneers in the property management industry. FirstManagement Partners is headed by Gene Gomberg and Richard Strunin, founding partners of The Continental Group, the leading property management company in the nation. The entrepreneurial spirit that led to the creation of The Continental Group remains, and the executive team brings to the leadership of FirstManagement Partners a deep knowledge of the industry and the challenges, opportunities and rewards available to successful entrepreneurship in the category. As partners, they guide the company’s merger and acquisition strategy, imbuing every existing and potential partner with the opportunity to increase value and equity, while creating a lasting legacy for the work of their lifetimes.
Gene Gomberg
CEO Gene is a founding partner of The Continental Group, the largest residential property management company in the FirstManagement Partners portfolio. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in property management, many of the concepts Gene developed are being utilized throughout the property management industry today. An industry visionary, Gene is always looking at innovative ways to further professionalize the industry and to take it to the next level.
Gene believes that successful relationships are based on respect -- respect for clients, respect for vendors and respect for employees. It's no surprise that many of Gene's initial employees remain with the FirstManagement Partners family, more than 30 years after he founded his first company. Gene's FirstManagement Partners responsibilities include identifying key acquisitions; key employee recruitment; growth and new initiatives; and the overall vision and strategic direction of FirstManagement Partners.
Richard Strunin
President Richard is a founding partner of The Continental Group and has more than 25 years experience in residential property management. As the co-founder of Continental, Richard built the company with the same high ethics and values that are still adhered to today.
Richard’s responsibilities include completing key acquisitions, including the due diligence process and integration into FirstManagement Partners. Richard is also responsible for implementing and coordinating the sharing of best practices and operating procedures throughout the FirstManagement Partners companies.
Steven Christensen
CFO Steve joined The Continental Group in early 1991 and has more than 30 years experience in residential property management. In addition to Steve's strong financial background, his overall business operational capabilities have been invaluable in the growth and success of the company.
Steve’s FirstManagement Partners responsibilities include financial due diligence for acquisitions, all financial reporting, budgeting, capital forecasting and other financial-related compliance.
David Diestel
Vice President of Operations David joined FirstManagement Partners in 2005, having previously spent 3 years in
Toronto
with FirstService Corporation as Director of Strategy and Operations. David’s FMP responsibilities include development of strategic initiatives including performance management, client experience programs, integration of new partnerships, our Green and Sustainability initiative, as well as the ongoing development of training and other national programs for FMP partner companies.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, David worked as a consultant for a multinational environmental consulting firm before eventually joining his family's apparel manufacturing business. David holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from
McGill
University
and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the
University
of
Toronto
.
Bruno Sperduti
Chief Information Officer Bruno’s responsibilities include providing technology leadership and management support of enterprise-wide technology systems and services at the partner-company level. This includes management support of strategic decisions and tactical activities to promote automation and ensure client satisfaction. Bruno is also responsible for the technical delivery, implementations oversight and resource management of FMP’s proprietary technology solutions. Bruno works closely with FMP’s subsidiary technology company, Simplikate Systems to advance the adoption and innovation of its proprietary market-leading management tools.
Previously Bruno served as the Chief Operating Officer of Resolve Corporation (TSX: RBO.UN), a leading provider of customized outsourced solutions to businesses and governments across North America.
Edward Howland, LCAM, CPA
Vice President-Corporate Finance In his role as Vice President Corporate Finance, Ed is responsible for financial analysis, tax reporting, audits, Sox compliance, due diligence for acquisitions and special projects. Prior to joining FirstManagement Partners, Ed served as Vice President-Corporate Finance for The Continental Group. Ed’s background includes international finance positions for several leading travel-related corporations. Ed earned an MBA in Finance in 1987 from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois.
Jennifer Feldman
Director of Training and Education
Jennifer joined FirstManagement Partners to deliver an industry leading national training platform to be utilized among all the partner organizations. Her FirstManagement Partners responsibilities include the development and implementation of a customized curriculum designed to enhance the professional growth and continuing education of employees in all job categories. Jennifer has over 10 years of property management experience, beginning her career with a Fortune 500 Real Estate Investment Trust, where she was responsible for overseeing the training efforts of over 500 employees across eight regions.
Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jennifer's responsibilities include brand strategy and the creation and implementation of marketing and communications programs for the company. In addition, she provides marketing support to each of our partner companies. Jennifer's background includes positions in promotions, marketing communications and partner services for a leading Internet sports news and information provider and account management experience at one of South Florida's premier advertising and public relations agencies where she managed luxury real estate and tourism accounts.
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