John Rusk

President

John Rusk, President

Founder and partner John Rusk’s dedication to client service and time-honored craft have earned him recognition as an industry leader. His expertise in the design and engineering of complicated mechanical systems, paired with a background in find arts, equips him with the rare ability to understand and then deliver the vision of both clients and their design teams.

John is a habitual educator committed to developing artisan builders. Teaching Residential Construction Management at Columbia University since 2006, he has trained a generation of professionals. Author of On Time and On Budget: A Homeowner’s Guide to Renovation (Doubleday), John holds a Bachlor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie-Mellon University.

Mary Kocy

Partner

Mary Kocy, Partner

As a fourth-generation family member in the building trades, Rusk partner Mary Kocy brings over 30 years of experience in organizational development, education and human resource management to the firm. By attracting the most talented professionals and supporting them with on-going training and education, Rusk Renovations under her direction, remains steadfastly committed to maintaining the most demanding standards of quality and service in our industry. Mary holds a Master’s of Education from Bank Street College and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Indiana University.

Andrew Hatzenbuhler

Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Hatzenbuhler, Chief Operating Officer

Andrew is a construction professional with broad experience in both the luxury residential and commercial construction sectors. With a reputation for delivering challenging projects on time and on budget, Andrew applies the same principles to create efficient processes and develop the next generation of professionals. He supports Rusk’s strategic planning objectives and oversees operational excellence throughout the organization. Andrew holds a Master of Science degree in Construction Administration from Columbia University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Political Science from Colgate University.

Rob Naccarato

Director of Construction

Rob Naccarato, Director of Construction

Trained first as a carpenter, Rob is a builder and seasoned senior project manager with over 20 years of experience in luxury residential renovations in New York City and Long Island. His multidisciplinary approach to managing projects is a direct result of his mechanical expertise, combined with a diverse background in architecture, drafting, and business management. Rob studied Drafting, Architecture and Engineering at SUNY, Delhi and Business Administration at Nassau Community College.

Kurt Decker

Chief Estimator

Kurt Decker, Chief Estimator

Kurt is a mechanical engineer and project manager with 20 years of experience in the residential and retail sectors. His motto is “Do it right the first time and everybody wins.” Kurt holds a master’s degree in construction administration from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University.

Burim Djonbalaj

Estimator

Burim Djonbalaj, Estimator

Burim started his career in construction by working with his hands on job sites each day. With his Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences/Environmental Control, he joined as a junior estimator who rapidly worked his way up to estimator thanks to his dedication, ability to visualize phases of a project in detail along with an affinity for numbers. Burim is a lifelong New Yorker and a BMW enthusiast.

Nataliya Khabaylyuk

Accounting & Finance Manager

Nataliya Khabaylyuk, Accounting & Finance Manager

Nataliya has over ten years of experience in finance within the construction industry. Her role as a bookkeeper plays a vital role in providing critical support for accounting and HR functions at the firm. Nataliya holds an associate’s degree in accounting and business administration from ASA College; as well as a Master of Science in History and Political Science from Chernivtsi National University in Ukraine.

Marisa LeFleur

Executive Administrator

Marisa LeFleur, Executive Administrator

Marisa is an executive administrator with 10 years of experience working in high end residential construction in New York City. Her diverse skill set, combining the roles of office manager, project administrator and assistant project manager, creates a calm and streamlined work environment for all at the firm. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Vermont.

Matt Ritsema

Project Manager

Matt Ritsema, Project Manager

Matt started his career at Rusk as a paid extern from the University of Michigan.  Upon graduation, Matt worked for a year as a corporate architectural designer before returning to Rusk. Matt’s dedication to customer service and creative problem solving, as well as his enthusiasm for great design and New York City has proved an invaluable asset on every project he’s worked on. Matt holds a Master’s in Architecture from University of Michigan where he also received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Jenny Zhu

Project Manager

Jenny Zhu, Project Manager

Jenny began her career as an architect 10 years ago before crossing over into project management which she found more exciting. She feels that the best moments in high end residential construction lie in the execution of key design elements. Jenny holds a Masters in Construction Administration from Columbia University and a B.A. in architecture from the Pratt Institute.

Megan Traub

Project Manager

Megan Traub, Project Manager

Megan graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, Megan directed a team at a high-end property development firm producing long term rentals throughout Hudson County NJ and NYC. With previous management experience and a passion for problem solving, Megan displays dedication to her projects and her clients.

Eve Rusk

Marketing and Human Resources

Eve Rusk , Marketing and Human Resources

Eve brings a unique perspective to the team, holding a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in London, with a focus in sculpture and painting and an associate’s degree from Bard High School, Early College. Eve carries the torch as the fifth-generation builder in her family.

Liam Kaley

Assistant Project Manager

Liam Kaley , Assistant Project Manager

Liam began his working career here at Rusk in 2022 after graduating college. Growing up on Long Island, Liam has been fascinated by the world of construction since childhood. This early interest fueled his academic pursuits and drives his dedication to expanding his knowledge of building and design, particularly within the Luxury Residential field. He thrives on pushing design boundaries and exceeding client expectations, ensuring each project is a true reflection of their vision. Liam holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Virginia.

Maria Flores

Asisstant Project Manager

Maria Flores , Asisstant Project Manager

Maria graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture. Post graduation she acted as a Project Manager at a high-end custom millwork company where she dealt with residential & commercial projects within the Tri-state area. Her passion for the built environment has propelled her into general contracting where she hopes to continue to learn and share her management skills.

Mike Eybs

Assistant Project Manager

Mike Eybs , Assistant Project Manager

Mike graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and has since carved out a successful career in high-end residential construction. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Mike consistently ensures that projects exceed client expectations. His expertise lies in overseeing complex construction projects with a keen eye for quality and efficiency.

Petar Vuckovic

Logistics Coordinator

Petar Vuckovic , Logistics Coordinator

As Rusks logistics coordinator, Petar is deeply involved with the organization of people, construction materials and information throughout the company. Petar graduated from the Goethe-University in Frankfurt, Germany, with a Bachelor in Geography and worked in high end residential landscaping in Manhattan. He is a bike mechanic, with a great affinity for construction and interpersonal matters. His interdisciplinary background and problem – solving skills help Rusks operation go round.

Team

The best builders in New York want a company that stands for quality and ethical conduct, for building at the very highest standard, for training, and for consistency. Over time, these builders have gravitated to Rusk, because we have always chosen to do the right things in the right ways.

Rusk comprises more than 50 professionals: Site Coordinators oversee the cleanliness and safety of our jobsites; Site Carpenters refine the quality of our projects; Site Superintendents are our field generals; and our seasoned Project Managers make good on their passion to bring luxury to life. Support for our building teams reaches from Estimating and Financial, through Marketing and Senior Management, to our dedicated Service and Warranty Team. 

The people who work in your home are the people we would want work in ours. Most are second- or third-generation builders. Many of them trained in fine arts, architecture, engineering, or the building trades. A number of those in management roles are graduates or former teaching assistants at Columbia’s Master’s degree program in Construction Administration.

Our rigorous application process includes multiple interviews in the office and in the field, skills testing, and a thorough background check conducted by an independent third-party service. Training and development have helped Rusk twice win endorsement from Crain’s magazine for Best Places to Work in New York City twice. 

Culture

Rusk loves to learn, soaking up lessons from employees, design partners, warranty and service to improve our offering. We take pride in our diversity and relish all the talents and perspectives our various backgrounds offer. Each of us loves what we do and what it creates. Every team relies on integrity, transparency and direct communication to achieve unsurpassed quality and service.

We are proud of our place in the greater New York community and support our clients’ charities as well as The Fatherhood Academy, Get Out and Stay Out, Bronx Healthy Families, Alpha Workshops, The Institute for Classical Architecture and Art, Historic House Trust, and the Service Program for Older People.

 

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