Vertus’s opportunistic strategy generates value by acquiring, developing and redeveloping residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, as well as targeting investments in undeveloped land parcels in order to develop the sites based on the highest and best use.
What We Do
Vertus Asset Management strategies are designed to mitigate risk and maximize value for its investors. Through the firm’s network and deep local relationships, Vertus identifies opportunities with potential to capitalize on underserved market niches in an effort to generate superior risk-adjusted returns. The investment approach capitalizes on the broad experience of the team of Professionals at our Firm. It is this experience that allows us to drive efficiencies throughout the life cycle of all investments, including the acquisition process, design and engineering as well as construction management, and property management, as well as disposition of the completed asset.
An established Opportunity Zone Firm, Vertus specializes in crafting enticing investment opportunities for potential investors. Focused on well-located, undervalued assets, Vertus Asset Management aims to boost performance through strategic capital improvements, changes of use, and the placement of premium tenants.
Moreover, Vertus Asset Management possesses expertise in redeveloping sites requiring environmental cleanup and has collaborated with the NYS Brownfield program.
Additionally, the firm offers a unique “Turnkey Experience” for tenants lacking the desire, ability, or capital to perform their own tenant work within their space. This approach results in enhanced tenant leases, ultimately elevating the asset’s valuation. Vertus Asset Management boasts a seasoned team proficient in all aspects of civil design and construction, encompassing large multi-building commercial sites, residential cluster developments, and stormwater management. The firm’s experienced executives bring a wealth of knowledge to every project.
Meet the Team at Vertus
Andrew P. Gonchar
Work Phone: 718-304-2230
Personal Phone: 917-903-1695
Email: andy@vertusmgt.com
After graduating from N.Y.U. Mr. Gonchar spent nearly 25 years in the financial industry. He held key positions in prestigious organizations such as CIBC Oppenheimer, Smith Barney, Shearson, Lehman Brothers and ultimately his own broker dealer MPG. In 2006 Mr. Gonchar left wall street and began building and developing. To date, including projects under development he has been involved in over 100 hundred builds with a market value in excess of $500,000,000 dollars.
Guy R. Pennisi
Work Phone: 718-304-2230
Personal Phone: 917-747-7107
Email: guy@vertusmgt.com
Graduated St. John’s University with a BA degree in Accounting and Finance. Mr. Pennisi has spent the last twenty years working for Pershing, Solomon Smith Barney and TigerShark Management where he was the trader for a $250 million-dollar hedge fund. To date, including projects under development he has been involved in over 100 hundred builds with a market value in excess of $500,000,000 dollars.
Edward J. Rice
Work Phone: 718-304-5243
Personal Phone: 917-494-0759
Email: ed@vertusmgt.com
Mr. Rice has over 25 years of experience in the building industry. He is the owner of American Home Building and Masonry. In addition, he has owned and operated American Home Building and Masonry for over 20 years. Edward J. Rice runs the day-to-day operations and holds a multitude of licenses and or certifications. Mr. Rice has been involved in over 100 new residential builds as well as over 200,000 sq. Ft of commercial buildouts. To date, including projects under development he has been involved in over 100 hundred builds with a market value in excess of $500,000,000 dollars.
Joseph J. Zarzano
Work Phone: 718-569-5179
Personal Phone: 917-838-3747
Email: joez@vertusmgt.com
Mr. Zarzano graduated from Empire State College, where he obtained his associate degree in labor studies. Mr. Zarzano before developing full time was a journeymen electrician for Local Union #3, NYC for over 20 years. Over the past decade Mr. Zarzano has been focused on developing various properties and has a long history of residential, commercial and industrial properties. To date, including projects under development he has been involved in over 100 hundred builds with a market value in excess of $500,000,000 dollars.
Matthew Gonchar
Work Phone: 718-569-5179
Personal Phone: 917-538-5585
Email: matt@vertusmgt.com
After completing the five-year dual degree program at Molloy University, Matt earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Management. Additionally, he pursued two minors in Finance and Economics, which provided him with a strong foundation in financial analysis, economic trends, and strategic decision-making.
Gaetano Pennisi
Work Phone: 718-569-5179
Personal Phone: 347-308-4204
Email: gaetano@vertusmgt.com
Gaetano attended Mercy University for five years, after graduating with a degree in Media Studies, he pursued a Masters Degree. He has experience with media/broadcasting and cinematography and now works as Project Manger for the company.
Marco Zarzano
Work Phone: 718-569-5179
Personal Phone: 718-877-4923
Email: marco@vertusmgt.com
Marco earned his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Drexel University, where he studied Criminal Justice with a concentration in Justice Informatics. He now works as project manager where he combines his academic background in data-driven problem solving with hands-on project management experience to optimize asset performance.
Christian Rice
Personal Phone: 917-561-3360
Email: christian@vertusmgt.com
Christian graduated Rowan University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Project Management. Christian is pursuing his masters degree in civil engineering and construction project management, these provide him with a well rounded foundation in commercial and residential design and construction.
Meet American Home Building and Masonry: A sister company ran and operated by Edward J. Rice
Joseph O. Zarzano
Work Phone: 718-569-5179
Personal Phone: 917-499-9498
Email: joseph.zarzano@vertusmgt.com
After graduating from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Joseph went on to obtain his master’s degree with a concentration in data analytics. He has experience in risk management and currently acts as Project Manager/Coordinator for the company.
Edward J. Rice
Work Phone: 718-304-5243
Personal Phone: 917-494-0759
Email: ed@vertusmgt.com
Mr. Rice has over 25 years of experience in the building industry. He is the owner of American Home Building and Masonry. In addition, he has owned and operated American Home Building and Masonry for over 20 years. Edward J. Rice runs the day-to-day operations and holds a multitude of licenses and or certifications. Mr. Rice has been involved in over 100 new residential builds as well as over 200,000 sq. Ft of commercial buildouts. To date, including projects under development he has been involved in over 100 hundred builds with a market value in excess of $500,000,000 dollars.
Joseph Sortino
Combined, our Management team has over 50 years of acquired experience in all aspects of Real estate development and Finance, including but not limited to, property acquisition, Tennant lease negotiations and ground-up construction.
VERTUS Asset Management also owns and operates a construction subsidiary – American Home Building and Masonry. Which provides all aspects of construction, either by self-performance or by hiring sub-contractors.