You are a Long Island Native. When and why did you start coming up to The Catskills?
[My wife], Lois. and I, and our young family, first came to Windham in the winter of 1969 to ski Windham Mountain. Four years later we built a weekend ski home [there]. Although we used it mainly in the wintertime, we did come up some weekends year around. I first was exposed to the Catskill Mountains in the early 1940’s with my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We all stayed at the Sugar Maples (map) in Maplecrest.

Why did you choose Windham of all the varied Catskill locations?
Our main interest was to come to Windham because of the ski resort and we were impressed immediately with the fact that Windham was so family-oriented. We all made friends and relationships and now our children come with their children and meet and ski with their friends and their growing families that they grew up with. Windham is multi-generational!!!

What do you feel is special (or unique) about the Catskill Region?
The easy drive to Windham from Long Island was very enticing. Before coming to Windham we visited ski areas in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire and found the drive too difficult and long for family weekend getaways. Most Windham second home owners come [here] because the drive is three hours or less. The crisp air, quaint town and wonderful restaurants added to our love affair with Windham.

What made you create a business in Windham?
In 1983, I had an opportunity to invest in land on Windham Mountain, which eventually became the Brainard Ridge Townhomes. As so often happens, one thing led to another, and Lois and I got involved with real estate and building custom and timberframe homes. This led to an opportunity to buy the land where the old Windham Mountain Base Lodge was and develop The Enclave Club Condominium and Townhomes. We are also the very proud builders of many exceptional homes in Windham. Our activity in Windham has become so involved that our son, Rick, joined us to build the Condominium and run the construction segment of our company. We are also a full service real estate brokerage, property management company and land developer, as well as a custom builder and designer of custom timberframe homes and log cabins. When Windham Mountain Ski Resort was sold several years ago, I became one of the minor partners in the new ownership of the resort.

Is winter your favorite season? Are you a skier yourself?
I no longer ski, but my four children and eight grandchildren ski and love Windham Mountain and come to Windham most every weekend and holiday during the ski season.

Do you enjoy the region year round?
The town of Windham is an exceptionally quaint and peaceful town. In the summer its anchor points include two golf courses and of course biking and hiking the surrounding countryside, and fishing in the Batavia Kill. The area has become a magnet for a growing art community. We appreciate and participate in the diverse music, performing and visual arts programs that have cultivated and are thriving in the community. The majority of homes in Windham are owned by second homeowners who enjoy vacationing in Windham year round. Some gravitate to winter activities and others gravitate to summer activities. My family and I enjoy Windham year round!