Meet The Team
Delivering maximized results, with over 100 years combined experience in commercial real estate.
Kenneth T. Brownell
Principal/Licensed Real Estate Broker
kbrownell@vanguardfine.com
518-862-0861 ext 201
Kenneth T. Brownell
Principal/Licensed Real Estate Broker
Ken is a Principal and Licensed Real Estate Broker of Vanguard-Fine, LLC and has been a Member of the company since its inception. In addition, he is a partner in Wood Partners, an Upstate NY real estate development company. Ken has been in the commercial real estate business for 28 years in the capacity of a broker, developer and advisor. Ken has been continually recognized as one of the top real estate brokers in Upstate New York by Co-Star and the Albany Business Review. His work in the real estate industry has been enhanced by his well-rounded experience in the industry, his willingness to travel, comprehension of new markets and his experience as a developer. From this varied experience, Mr. Brownell provides a unique perspective in finding comprehensive solutions to his client’s real estate needs. Ken has completed more than $1 billion in transactional real estate activity and another $100 million in development projects throughout his career. Mr. Brownell’s business experience also includes a number of entrepreneurial ventures that he has owned including a printing and publishing company, a quick service restaurant and a tanning salon. In addition, Ken is a partner in a venture capital firm, which funds growth companies. Ken is a graduate of the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a concentration in Finance and accounting and a minor in Computer Science. Ken is still connected with his Alma Mater, currently serving on the Board of Advisors for the College of St. Rose’s Heuther School of Business. Ken has also been active within the real estate industry, serving on the Board of Directors of the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers (CIREB), an Albany, NY based real estate association for more than 10 years, serving as its President in 2004. Ken is an active community volunteer. He previously served on the Town of Guilderland (NY)’s Ethic’s Committee and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Town of Guilderland (NY)’s Land Use Committee for the past 4 years and was the Chairman of the Town’s Zoning Review Committee (ZRC) for 8 years prior. The Guilderland ZRC completed an extensive review and overhaul of the town’s planning, zoning and land use regulations, making recommendations for the town’s land use. Ken currently resides in Guilderland, New York with his wife Melissa. Ken has three children, Nick, Jessica and Anna and three stepchildren Carter, Garrett and Ainsley.
Barry Feinman
Principal/Licensed Real Estate Broker
Barry is a Co-Principal and Licensed Real Estate Broker of Vanguard-Fine, LLC a commercial real estate firm that was established in 1994. The firm specializes in Landlord and Tenant representation, development projects, large and small, with projects from Vermont to Long Island. Since being in the real business for over 30 years, he has developed many relationships with local and national companies, lenders, and municipalities. His work in the industry has helped him to be recognized as one of the top real estate brokers in upstate New York, with acknowledgements from Co-Star, Advance Auto Parts, and Business Journals. Barry is a complete real estate professional having brokered over $500,000,000 in business, developed over $100,000,000 in properties, and built a separate development company that undertakes 1 to 2 projects per year. Barry is a partner in a regional self storage business that spans between New York and Massachusetts. In 1985, Barry was one of the founders of New York Self Storage Association and was past president several times and currently resides on the executive board. Along with his business plans he is active in many charities with being past president of the Albany Jewish Community Center, sponsorships with Make-A-Wish, Diabetes, Autism, Ronald McDonald House, and Junior Achievement. These are a few of his many favorites. Barry and his wife Leslie were given the 2015 Pillars of the Community Award in April. This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Jewish Community. Acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom and advice; providing continued service and/or leadership; and acting generously in the spirit of Tzedakah. Barry graduated from the University of Albany in 1984. Barry resides in Guilderland, New York with his wife Leslie. Barry has three children, Ben, E and Sam.
Paul Bulmer
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Paul Bulmer is an AssociateReal Estate Broker with Vanguard-Fine, LLC since 2006. He has 30 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate. He specializes in both tenant representation and Owner / Landlord Representation. Prior to joining Vanguard-Fine, Paul was a Director of Real Estate for Stewart’s Shops, a $1.6 billion Convenience store chain in Upstate New York & New England. Prior to Stewart’s, Paul was a Real Estate Manager for McDonald’s Corp., working in Upstate New York and Western New England. Paul has also been employed by the New York State Department of Labor as a Property Manager and the United Realty Group in Albany as a Development Specialist. Paul is a graduate of the State University of New York at Potsdam. He resides in Albany with his wife Leslie and their two children, Laura and William. Paul serves on the Board of Directors for the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation in Troy, New York and for National Little League in Albany. Paul is a former President of the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers (CIREB), based in Albany, New York.
Steven Lerner
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Steven Lerner is an Associate Real Estate Broker with Vanguard-Fine, LLC where he has been since early 2008. He is responsible for the development of commercial brokerage activity, focusing on retail, office, and light industrial leasing and sales. Steve has been a recognized and respected professional in the real estate and mortgage banking industries since joining Roberts Real Estate in 1983. He quickly moved on to multi-family and commercial property sales and held several management positions until moving on to mortgage originations at National Savings Bank followed by Commercial Business Development at Cohoes Savings. In 2001 Steve co-founded the First Rate Funding Corporation where, as Executive Vice President, he built a team of over 20, two offices, (Albany and Saratoga) and a closed loan volume of over $150,000,000. In 2005 he joined the commercial real estate financing firm of Axiom Capital, Inc. where he originated over $40,000,000 in retail, multi family, office, and light industrial financing. Steve has served on several boards and committees with organizations such as the Center for Disability Services, the Albany Jewish Community Center, and Congregation Beth Emeth. He was appointed to the Albany Convention Center Authority by County Executive Dan McCoy in September 2012 and was elected Treasurer in January 2014. In addition, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Brotherhood, Albany lodge #540, and serves on the board of the “To Life” breast cancer support organization. Steve resides in Albany, New York with his wife Nancy. They have two children, a daughter, Jennifer and Son in Law Jason Siegal who reside in Hartford, CT and son Matthew who resides in New York City. He also has two grandchildren, Camryn and Jax. Steve’s family were the notable proprietors of Lerner’s Delicatessen and Caterers from the mid 60’s until the early 80’s, with locations in downtown Albany and Stuyvesant Plaza.
Chris Farrell
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Christopher Farrell joined Vanguard Fine, LLC in August of 2010. As a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Vanguard-Fine LLC, he represents several local and national retailers, developers, and landlords, as well as maintaining responsibility for leasing more than one million square feet of retail and office space across New York State.
Mr. Farrell also works for Siena College’s Department of Athletics as the Director of the Pep Band, where he directs student band members and leads the band at all of Siena’s Division 1 Athletic events.
Before beginning his career in real estate, Mr. Farrell was employed by Robinson Ace Hardware in Guilderland, New York as Director of Business to Business Sales. While at Ace Hardware, he was responsible for the development of the store’s commercial sales division.
Currently, Mr. Farrell is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Commercial Industrial Real Estate Brokers Inc. (CIREB), where he chairs the Marketing Committee and Golf Committee, Mr. Farrell also runs monthly marketing sessions for CIREB.
Mr. Farrell also sits on the Board of Directors for St. Catherine’s Center for Children, where he is chairman of both the Development Committee and the Human Resources/ Nominating Committee. He also chairs St. Catherine’s Leaders for Tomorrow, a committee of young professionals who share the agency’s vision and promote its mission.
Mr. Farrell was marred to his wife Sheena Farrell in January of 2018 and now has Twin Girls.
Mr. Farrell is a 2008 graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing. A big supporter of Siena College, he is Siena’s Capital District Alumni Coordinator. He also sits on the Siena College Saints Alive Advisory Council for Siena College Athletics.
Ben Feinman
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Ben Feinman is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Vanguard-Fine, LLC. Before joining Vanguard-Fine, LLC Ben spent several years working in retail sales, specializing in cell phones and professional outside sales.
Ben also works for Spot On Storage a self-storage facility in Catskill, New York. His responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, storage auctions, and monthly projections. He is a member of New York State Self Storage Association and is currently looking for new sites to develop.
Ben graduated from UC Denver and lived in the Denver area for a few years afterwards. He learned the real estate business in Denver where he was instrumental in finding industrial land to develop office/warehouse buildings. He spent a lot of time studying the growing markets and learning what small to medium size companies require. He worked directly with the engineers and architects in the approval process.
Ben is a member of the CIREB (Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Board) and is an active member in a few non-profits fundraising divisions and various business leadership groups.
Melissa Brownell
Marketing Director/Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
mbrownell@vanguardfine.com
518-862-0861
Melissa Brownell
Marketing Director/Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Melissa Brownell is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Vanguard-Fine, LLC. Prior to joining Vanguard-Fine, LLC Melissa spent over twenty years working as a middle school and high school teacher. She has recently brought her unique skill set to Vanguard-Fine in the capacity of Marketing Director. Melissa got her Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Union College in Schenectady, NY. She is a member of CIREB (Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Board) and is also currently engaged in a number of professional development trainings and activities. Melissa resides in Slingerlands with her husband, Ken. She has three children, Carter, Garrett and Ainsley and three stepchildren, Nick, Jess and Anna.
Michele Frodyma
Controller
Michele Frodyma is the Controller at Vanguard-Fine, LLC and is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations. Michele has extensive experience with accounting and operations. Michele started her career as an Assistant Accounting Manager at Albany Medical Center Hospital. She then worked as Controller at Total Benefit Management Services in Clifton Park and continued as Controller at Contractor Management Service, LLC in Clifton Park. Subsequent to that Michele was Controller at Cyclics Corporation in Schenectady, NY and then Operations Manager at Sports Illustrated Play, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Immediately prior to coming to Vanguard-Fine, LLC Michele spent two years as Controller at Numrich Gun Parts Corporation in Kingston, NY.
Michele got her Bachelor of Science Accounting and Masters of Business Administration at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Michele resides in Latham with her fiancé, Mike. She has three adult daughters, Kaitlyn, Jennifer and Emily.
Robert Brownell
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Robert is an Associate Real Estate Broker at Vanguard Fine LLC. His past work includes financial restructuring, workout strategies and repositioning of assets or asset sales within commercial real estate.
Robert has been teaching NY State Real Estate Licensing courses at Lehman College since 2014. From 2005 – 2008, he was a Managing Director of Business Development for Community Housing Innovations, a nonprofit supportive housing organization. From 2000 – 2004, Bob was involved with a technology start-up, Klik Technologies which was sold to Union Bank of California in 2012. In 1998, Robert joined Vanguard Capital Realty as a Commercial sales agent and eventually a broker. Robert began his real estate career starting as a union carpenter in 1980, rising through the management ranks to eventually form his own company Robert Bruce Construction. The company subsequently performed construction and development for fifteen years as the SpecBuilt Corporation.
At Lehman College, Bob is an officer of the Alumni Board and a Mentor in the Student Mentoring Program. As an Officer of the Alumni Board, he seeks to help Lehman College communicate with alumni and foster relationships with corporations.
Bob is married and is currently living in Malta, NY. He has two sons who are now adults living on their own. Bob enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and family, exercises 5 days a week, plays the guitar, enjoys cooking and other activities that create a warm sense of community.
