A Conversation with Paul Adler, Chief Strategy Officer at Rand Commercial
Built into every community are the local businesses that support it, provide goods and services to those who live there, and dedicate time and resources as part of their corporate social responsibility. VolunteerNY!’s Tony Fasciano speaks with Chief Strategy Officer at Rand Commercial, a lifelong Rockland resident who has a distinguished record of local philanthropy, nonprofit support and business leadership.
Rockland is a unique place, sort of like “Cheers” where everybody knows your name.
TF: Tell me about Rand Commercial?
PA: With over 36 years in the region, including Rockland, Westchester, Orange/Bergen, NJ & the Bronx, Rand Commercial has grown into a full service real estate financial institution with expertise in commercial real estate serving all of your commercial real estate needs.
TF: What does Corporate Social Responsibility mean to Rand Commercial?
PA: For Rand Commercial, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means that in the normal course of business our company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to it. We endeavor to practice CSR every day, in every way.
TF: As a local business leader, how would you describe the Rockland County community?
PA: Rockland is a unique place, sort of like “Cheers” where everybody knows your name. People in Rockland care deeply about their neighbors and those less fortunate. Rockland is a giving community.
TF: What is your favorite thing about Rockland?
PA: Rockland is a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family – it’s my lifelong home – I love belonging here!
TF: What are some CSR initiatives that you’ve seen work well in Rockland or for businesses?
PA: Engaging our agents and staff in community building activities such as a companywide commitment towards fighting hunger in the region, fighting for a cure to cancer with total company participation in community based events and the creation of the Rand Community Fund, which was set up under the auspices of the Rockland Community Foundation to ensure we do philanthropy the right way.
TF: What is your biggest challenge as a local business leader?
PA: Getting folks to understand the need to give back with a full heart in meaningful ways. Working to keep charitable dollars local.
Tony Fasciano is director of communications for Volunteer New York!