our team
We are built on the expertise and dedication of leaders that have spent decades working in New York City construction. Together, we bring the engineering knowledge, operational experience, and hands-on commitment that every project demands.
Jon Cruickshanks, PE
Director of Construction and Principal
Jon, a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer with 20 years of experience in affordable housing construction, is a vital asset to the CentralBuild team. After graduating from The Cooper Union with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he went on to manage the construction of major buildings for one of the top affordable housing general contractors in New York City. Jon leveraged technical expertise and strong management skills to ensure each project was completed successfully. Jon now brings this extensive knowledge and experience to CentralBuild, where he leads the team in constructing housing for New Yorkers in need.
Michael Difonzo
Principal and Managing Partner
With decades of experience running a successful restoration company, Michael brings a wealth of operational knowledge to CentralBuild. Holding a degree in Accounting and Business Management from St. Johns, he has furthered his technical expertise by earning his Special Riggers License and Site Safety Manager’s License, among others. A dynamic individual with many interests, Michael thrives on building and restoring. His passion for athletic endurance sports, particularly as a triathlete, fuels the boundless energy he dedicates to raising a family and actively participating in business while continuing to drive CentralBuild’s vision.
Gregory Kalamaras
Principal
Gregory brings a wealth of experience and construction knowledge to the CentralBuild team. With degrees in accounting and law, his career has spanned various entrepreneurial ventures in hospitality, retail, and restaurant industries. Gregory’s experience in real estate investment and operations led him to self-performing construction in these sectors, specializing in interior restoration and property repositioning. Gregory met Michael Difonzo while they were separately restoring adjacent parcels of land, leading to a partnership built on their complementary strengths and passions. Together, with Jon, they founded CentralBuild.
"Whenever problems have arisen, they have been resolved by Central's Principals in a cooperative, constructive manner. RAND can recommend Central without reservation."