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Uri Kaufman
Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Albany, New York. He created Harmony Group to combine his interest in historic preservation with his goal of bringing new purpose to neglected communities. His work focuses on converting aging industrial buildings into residential spaces that retain their original character while contributing to the renewal of the surrounding neighborhoods. Together with Uri's business partner, Ira Schwartz, he has built a strong track record of locating undervalued properties and converting distressed assets into productive developments. They have handled numerous complex projects across the United States, consistently delivering results in challenging environments. Kaufman began his professional career as an attorney on Long Island after graduating with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. After losing his job early in his legal journey, he shifted to real estate. He saw promise in Upstate New York, recognizing the potential of its historic structures as candidates for residential loft conversion. Harmony Group grew out of that vision. Over time, he focused on restoring and repurposing historic buildings into modern living spaces with updated amenities. His work in this area has received recognition, including awards at both the national and state levels. Kaufman is known for bringing together various stakeholders, obtaining historic tax credits, and ensuring that union labor is involved in the development process. His projects are often completed within regulatory guidelines and on schedule. In addition to his real estate work, he has authored books. His most recent, American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, was published in April 2025. He also wrote Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, released in 2023.