Steven Oakley

Principal of Stonehill Taylor

“We had the pleasure of collaborating with Waikiki after receiving a glowing reference of his leadership capabilities and organization skills to deliver the highest value outcomes for owners and developers.  Our 159 Broadway Brooklyn client approached us with several candidates to lead the construction of a new mixed use hotel and luxury residential with a high rise concrete structure on a tight urban site next to the Williamsburg Bridge and a landmark bank structure.  The building enclosure utilizes exposed concrete columns and spandrels framing large window openings at the hotel and a glass curtain wall at the residential condominiums.  A shared amenity floor with a roof terrace lounge and swimming pool separates the hotel and residential occupancy.  Waikiki’s ability to quickly understand the project complexities and outline a clear path forward to transition from design to construction was a welcome addition to the ownership team. His highly interactive workstyle and level of engagement was transformative and enabled a dramatic increase in construction productivity with comprehensive buyout packages and scope of work assignment.  He fearless led and guided all participants within a well-organized and open procurement process which created a clear path forward.   Waikiki ensured critical path issues were timely addressed and outlined steps towards integrated and cost effective resolution.  As the development manager and owner’s representative, Waikiki earns my highest recommendation and we look forward to the opportunity to work with him on a future projects. “

Joseph Blanchfield

Partner, Gilsanz Murray Steficek

“Waikiki is a top level professional and a pleasure with work with. A Proactive, trustworthy, skilled and respected leader. Kiki led the incredibly complex coordination of design, fabrication, and successful installation of 160 Leroy’s faceted full height window façade which we designed within the curved boundaries of the exposed architectural concrete superstructure. He led the multiple contractors and interfaced with all design consultants during the process. It was impressive to see this accomplished within the significantly under budgeted trade buy he and I helped to negotiate for the Owner on this specialty design. Kiki led the entire new building project while at Tishman Construction and provided outstanding results. Whenever I had a design or constructability concern, he immediately assisted to help find a solution. Kiki will find a way to get it done regardless of the obstacles. I endorse him as a professional who promotes healthy design consultant relationships, adds value to Owners and projects at large.”

Peter Nicolosi

Associate at Stonehill & Taylor Architects PC

“I recently had the pleasure of working with with Waikiki, who was an exceptional leader on the 159 Broadway project, a new mixed use 26 story, exposed concrete Hotel and Condominium building designed by our firm. His experience and ability to create strong relationships with both the design consultants and construction team members allow him to achieve exceptional results. He is ready to deal with the challenges that a complex large scale project can present on a daily basis. Waikiki will find solutions to the problem if he hasn’t already proactively mitigated them. He understands design intents and complex details quickly which is refreshing to us as design professionals. I would have no hesitation in working with Kiki or his company CRE Construction Partners, Inc. again in the future.”

Andrew J. Purdy

Executive Director, Global Facilities Management and Real Estate at Perella Weinberg Partners

“During the construction of 383 Madison Ave, FJ Sciame was hired to construct the specialty floor package. I interacted with Waikiki on a daily basis as I was responsible for this portion of the project from the owners side. Waikiki was always on top of his game, in a very difficult architectural setting. There were 5 high profile, very intricate projects that were being built concurrently. Attention to detail was a must and Waikiki turned these projects over, on time, within budget and to the great satisfaction of the client. I highly recommend his talents.”

Michael Arroyo

Project Manager

“Waikiki has proven himself to be highly motivated with the ability to remain focused and self-directed in a very demanding industry. I am certain with his hard work, passion and great knowledge in the field of construction and real estate development his relationship will be mutually beneficial with all construction businesses. A man with superior testimony inside and outside the workforce. A man dedicated to advance and demonstrate leadership in all aspect of construction. I would not second doing business with Waikiki.”

Alan Howse

Executive Recruiter at Kimmel & Associates

“Waikiki is one of the sharpest young construction professionals I have ever met. His knowledge of all facets of construction and his understanding of the NYC construction market is extremely impressive. He has both the technical skills and the people skills to complete challenging projects with a high degree of client satisfaction. He is always eager to train and mentor younger, less experienced construction professionals. Our industry needs more people like Waikiki.”

Jim Lord

Facilities, Real Estate, and Construction Executive Search/Managing Director at Helbling and Associates, Inc.

“I have had several in-depth conversations with Waikiki over the years. I have always found him to be an adroit communicator with a strong knowledge of construction and project leadership. He understands both the general contracting and construction management sectors. He brings a positive approach and high level of energy to every conversation. “

Alan Meyer

Senior V.P. (retired) at Sordoni Construction Co.

In working with Waikiki Paulino, I found him to be a forward thinking construction executive who knows the construction business from the inside out. Waikiki has the integrity to do the right thing, no matter how difficult, without even considering other options. His faith has given him the moral conviction that is so lacking in much of corporate America.

With many years of construction experience on the New York City metropolitan scene he knows how a building project goes together from top to bottom. What sets him apart, however, is his attention to detail in the relationships that are so vital to getting a job done. Whether it is with a client, a lender, an architect and consultants, a subcontractor or a municipal agency Waikiki is savvy enough to traverse a difficult field and deliver what is required.

Waikiki is exactly the type of person that I would want on my team. Someone you can have confidence in to make the right calls based upon actual construction experience in the field and the trustworthiness to do it the right way.

Todd Burger

Sr. Estimator/Project Manager at Electraserve, Inc.

“I highly recommend Waikiki Paulino. He is one of the most intelligent and detail oriented Project Manager’s I have had the pleasure of working with. He was the driving force behind Sordoni’s Management team at the project we worked on together.“

Andrew Feldman

PRESIDENT at RAD & D’APRILE

“I worked with Waikiki in the past and found him to be a pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable and understands what needs to be done to keep projects working efficiently.“

Marco Alvarez

General Superintendent at Benchmark Builders, Inc.

I rarely come across real talents who stand out like Waikiki Paulino. I had the pleasure of working with Waikiki for several years at F.J. Sciame Construction and then at Benchmark. We collaborated on several projects. Kiki’s ability to handle multiple projects, coordinate multiple disciplines and preserve quality was unlike any I’ve seen before in a young professional. He made a dramatic increase in the productivity level on projects and in our companies. No matter how tense a meeting, Waikiki made sure everyone left with clear direction and a smile. He is very thorough in everything he does and can be depended upon to get the job done. As the Owner’s Advisor and development leader, Kiki earns my highest recommendation.

Steven Ruggiero

EVP, Kuafu Properties

“It’s been a real pleasure working together with Waikiki. Proactive, ambitious, determined, committed and broad-minded perfectionist. Excellent and result driven. Works towards maximum client satisfaction. He is ready to deal with difficult situations and solve problems on time. He always takes care of the project and his client’s needs. We collaborated at Tishman Construction as he worked under my direction at 160 Leroy. He is a great person and makes a strong member of the owner’s investment and project team. I certainly endorse him as an Owner Advisor.”

Pastor Jack Redmond

Church Mobilization Pastor, Christ Church

“In working with people for the past several decades, I have seen many successful people carry around many regrets. Too many have unintentionally sacrificed their families for success. Waikiki has demonstrated excellence in business, while also committing to take care of his family through both the rigors of daily life and multiple crisis in ways I have seen few people so committed. He has demonstrated its not an either/or, you can build a great family legacy while also achieving great financial and investment success.”

Daniel E. Kane

Attorney at Daniel E. Kane, P.C.

“Waikiki is knowledgeable in high-rise construction and the construction industry. He displays an ability to foresee potential risks and exposure as well as the experience to enable him to take preemptive action and mitigate/avoid liabilities for his clients. He is an organized and diligent manager with the abilities necessary to negotiate and resolve disputes. I feel confident in recommending him as a project manager.”

Zak Raffel

Mortgage Advisor, CrossCounty Mortgage, LLC

“I recommend Waikiki Paulino all the time whenever possible! As a person who has deep knowledge and great abilities of investment analysis and project control; any client of mine that is interested in real estate investing I introduce to Waikiki immediately. His hands-on strategy to leadership, integrity, motivation, investment, strategy and powerful personality gained him the respect of our office. Waikiki leads by example and many people find his enthusiasm and dedication both inspiring and motivating. Energetic and broad-minded leader – that’s him! Detail oriented team player. On account of his mature approach to his project leadership, I often thought of Waikiki Paulino as a professional I could always rely upon to get the job done. He definitely shines in a fast-paced environment”