Mark Hertz

Four Decades of Solving Building Challenges Across New York City

For more than four decades, Mark Hertz has built his career around helping property owners navigate one of the most complicated parts of owning a building in New York City: understanding and managing the many regulations, inspections, violations, and requirements that come with it.

As a third-generation real estate professional, Mark grew up around the industry. His grandfather and father were both involved in real estate, and he spent years working in areas including property management, brokerage, and buying and selling properties. Through that experience, he recognized a growing need among building owners: they needed someone who understood the system and could guide them through the challenges of dealing with city agencies.

That realization led Mark to establish Mark Hertz Company in 1984. Since then, the company has become a trusted resource for landlords, management companies, attorneys, architects, engineers, and property owners who need help navigating the ever-changing requirements of New York City.

“The bureaucracy called New York City” is how Mark describes the challenge many owners face. Over the years, the rules and responsibilities involved in maintaining a building have become far more complex. Requirements involving façade inspections, gas testing, environmental concerns, permits, building violations, and safety regulations have created a landscape where experience and knowledge are essential.

Years ago, Mark wrote an article titled “Not Your Grandfather’s City,” explaining how different the process has become. In the past, resolving violations and completing requirements was often more straightforward. Today, owners need to stay on top of constantly changing regulations and make sure every detail is handled correctly.

To help meet these demands, The Mark Hertz Group operates through several specialized divisions, each focused on a different area of building support. “Mark Hertz Associates” focuses on compliance and preventative services, helping owners stay ahead of requirements before problems arise. This includes assistance with inspections, certifications, and coordinating the professionals needed to address issues such as plumbing or electrical work.

The company’s preventative approach can help owners avoid costly violations by making sure required steps are completed on time. When violations do happen, the team can also step in, coordinate the necessary professionals, and help guide the process through correction and certification.

Through “Mark Hertz Build”, the company helps owners with permit expediting for construction projects, whether they are building a new property from the ground up, expanding an existing building, or making alterations. The team also helps resolve open job applications that have not been completed and signed off. For many owners, these unfinished jobs can delay refinancing, selling a property, or participating in government programs. Mark Hertz Build works to get those old jobs signed off so owners can move forward with confidence.

Another important area of the company’s work is “Mark Hertz Company”, which helps owners navigate violations from a wide range of city and state agencies. This includes matters involving the Department of Buildings, Housing Department, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, New York State Petroleum Bulk Storage, Department of Health, and other regulatory bodies. The company also assists owners with ECB hearings and settlement processes related to violations issued by city agencies.

Environmental concerns have also become a major part of building management. Through ‘Mark Hertz Enviro’, the company assists with issues involving mold, lead, testing, and remediation. As building requirements continue to evolve, having professionals who understand both the regulations and the practical solutions becomes increasingly important.

Managing such a wide range of services requires organization and teamwork. Mark explained that the company’s nearly 30 employees each focus on different areas, developing expertise in specific departments and requirements. Rather than having every person handle everything, each team member becomes knowledgeable in their area, allowing the company to provide more specialized service.

Technology also plays an important role in keeping everything connected. The company uses a CRM system that allows different departments to see the history and status of projects, ensuring that information is available across the team. This allows clients to receive coordinated service without having to repeatedly explain their situation to different departments.

For Mark, the biggest difference comes down to personal attention. He believes clients choose Mark Hertz Company not only because of the knowledge and experience the team provides, but because of the accessibility and dedication behind the service.

When it comes to competition, Mark sees the industry differently. “We don’t have competition,” he explained. “We help each other.” He believes relationships within the industry strengthen everyone involved, and that collaboration ultimately benefits clients.

That same focus on relationships is what Mark values about OJBA. Having exhibited at the expo, he described the show as different from other trade events he attends throughout the year. Beyond the booths and business opportunities, he feels there is a unique energy and connection among attendees.

At OJBA, Mark has been able to reconnect with existing clients, meet new contacts, and build relationships that continue beyond the show floor. For him, the expo represents more than just networking — it represents the strong community and connections that define the industry.

After more than 40 years in business, The Mark Hertz Group continues to help property owners navigate the challenges of New York City’s constantly changing building requirements; providing experience, guidance, and a trusted partner when owners need it most.