The Marcor Studios Podcast

Most homeowners only think about local government when they need a permit. But behind every permit, inspection, and building regulation is a system designed to protect homeowners, support responsible contractors, and strengthen the entire community.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, Denise Graziano, Planning Commissioner for the Town of Babylon, and Douglas Jacob, President of Red Hill Professional Services, Inc. and Director of Babylon's Long Island Green Homes Program, for an in-depth conversation about how the Town of Babylon is improving the homeowner experience through technology, accountability, and forward-thinking leadership.
 
We discuss the Town's implementation of OpenGov, the transition to a fully digital permitting process, and how the new system has dramatically reduced turnaround times while making communication easier for both homeowners and contractors.
 
The conversation also explores why permits, licensing, inspections, and proper documentation are far more than government requirements. They are safeguards that help protect families, preserve property values, and ensure projects are completed safely and professionally.
 
We also discuss contractor fraud, payroll tax evasion, unlicensed work, and why supporting legitimate businesses ultimately benefits every homeowner and every community.
 
Douglas shares how Babylon's Long Island Green Homes Program has helped thousands of homeowners improve energy efficiency through affordable financing, available incentives, and practical home improvements that reduce utility costs while improving comfort.
 
From consumer advocacy and responsible development to affordable housing and small business growth, this episode highlights how collaboration between local government and industry professionals creates stronger communities for everyone.
 
Welcome to Episode 36 of Marcor Studios.
Because the future of homeownership depends on communities that embrace innovation while protecting the people they serve.
 
Connect with The Town of Babylon:
☎️ Phone | (631) 957-3000
🌐 Website | www.townofbabylonny.gov
💬 Instagram | @townofbabylon.ny
📲 Facebook | Town of Babylon - Government
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#MarcorStudios #TownOfBabylon #OpenGov #BuildingPermits #ConsumerAdvocacy #GreenHomes #LicensedContractors #CommunityDevelopment

The best time to uncover a problem with a roof or solar system is before it becomes a buyer’s objection, an attorney’s concern, or a last-minute closing delay.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Zanni, an award-winning Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Signature Premier Properties and host of the A to Z Podcast, to discuss what sellers should understand before listing their homes and how the right preparation can protect both the sale price and the closing timeline.
 
Anthony shares how his career in real estate began after serving with the NYPD and how one unexpected opportunity grew into a successful business managing approximately 160 agents across two offices. We also discuss the home improvements buyers tend to value most, including kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, windows, siding, and exterior curb appeal.
 
The conversation explores why unresolved roof problems can lead to major credits during negotiations, how sellers may be able to complete necessary work before closing, and why addressing those issues early can help protect the property's value.
 
We also take a closer look at the challenges of buying and selling homes with solar. From unresponsive solar companies and system transfers to open permits, warranties, financing agreements, workmanship problems, and critter damage, Anthony shares how solar complications can create frustrating delays for everyone involved.
 
This episode also explains how independent solar diagnostics and roof inspections can give buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, and real estate professionals clearer information before problems reach the closing table.
 
Welcome to Episode 35 of Marcor Studios.Because the strongest real estate transactions begin with preparation, transparency, and the right professionals working together.
 
Connect with Anthony Zanni of Signature Premier Properties:
☎️ Phone | (516) 398-9362
📨 Email | azanni@signaturepremier.com
🎙️ Podcast | A to Z Podcast
💬 Instagram the_zanni_show
🎬 YouTube | The Zanni Show 
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#MarcorStudios #GinaFarese #AnthonyZanni #SignaturePremierProperties #AtoZPodcast #LongIslandRealEstate #SolarRoofCheck #SellerPreparation #RealEstateTransactions

The cheapest price rarely delivers the best value. In construction, the decisions you make before signing a contract can affect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind for years to come.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Eric Clemente, President of NSE Windows, for an honest conversation about the realities of today's home improvement industry and why homeowners need to look beyond flashy promotions, financing offers, and high-pressure sales tactics. Together, we discuss what separates companies that prioritize long-term relationships from those focused solely on closing the next sale.
 
We explore the impact private equity has had on the construction industry, predatory financing practices, misleading marketing, subcontracting, licensing, insurance, and why transparency should always come before the contract. Eric shares his philosophy of educating homeowners first, encouraging consumers to visit showrooms, compare products, ask better questions, and understand exactly what they're buying before making a major investment.
 
The conversation also dives into contractor accountability, building code enforcement, online reviews, consumer education, and why homeowners should focus on the people behind the company just as much as the products they sell. From choosing windows to selecting a contractor, this episode is filled with practical advice that can help homeowners make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
 
Welcome to Episode 34 of Marcor Studios.
Because buying the right contractor is often more important than buying the right product.
 
Connect with Eric Clemente of NSE Windows:
☎️ Phone | (516) 500-3550
📨 Email | ericc@nsewindows.com
🌐 Website | www.nsewindows.com
📲 Facebook | www.facebook.com/NSEWindowsLLC
💬 Instagram | @nse_windows_llc
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#MarcorStudios #MarcorConstruction #EricClemente #NSEWindows #HomeImprovement #ConsumerEducation #ConstructionIndustry #ContractorSelection #HomeownerProtection

Buying a home with solar shouldn't feel like buying a mystery. Yet every day, homeowners purchase properties without fully understanding the condition, ownership, or performance of the solar system sitting on the roof.
 
In this episode, I sit down with John Stalzer, Owner of American League Home Inspection Inc. and a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), to discuss the critical role home inspections play in protecting buyers and sellers, especially when solar is involved. Drawing from decades of experience in construction, engineering, remodeling, and home inspections, John shares why education is just as important as the inspection itself. 🎙️🔍
 
We explore the limitations home inspectors face when evaluating solar systems, why many inspection reports leave questions unanswered, and how buyers can unknowingly inherit costly issues with inverters, damaged panels, leases, power purchase agreements, warranties, and underperforming systems. We also discuss the growing need for independent solar diagnostics and how Marcor's Solar Roof Check program helps bridge the gap by providing homeowners, inspectors, attorneys, lenders, and real estate professionals with greater transparency throughout the buying and selling process.
 
The conversation also covers critter damage, roof condition, monitoring, system expansions, and why changing household energy needs can quickly outgrow an existing solar installation. John shares real-world stories from his own home and inspections and explains why proactive education helps homeowners avoid expensive surprises long after closing.
 
Welcome to Episode 33 of Marcor Studios.
Because an informed buyer makes better decisions and a properly evaluated solar system should always be an asset, not a liability.
 
Connect with John Stalzer of American League Home Inspection Inc.:
☎️ O: (631) 482-9834 | C: (704) 264-7743
📧 ALHInspection@outlook.com
📲 Facebook | American League Home Inspection
🌐 Website | www.americanleaguehomeinspection.com
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#Marcor #GinaFarese #MarcorConstruction #MarcorStudios #JohnStalzer #AmericanLeagueHomeInspection #CertifiedProfessionalInspector #HomeInspection #SolarRoofCheck #SolarInspection

Insurance fraud is not just an insurance problem. It is driving up construction costs, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, rent, and exposing everyday people to risks they do not even realize exist.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Damien Caldwell, President of the iFraud Foundation and the Long Island Claims Association, for an eye-opening discussion about staged accidents, insurance fraud, construction liability, workers’ compensation abuse, and the hidden systems driving billions of dollars in losses across New York and the country. 🎙️📑
 
We break down how organized fraud rings operate, why RICO lawsuits are now being used against law firms and bad actors, and how staged accidents and fraudulent claims impact construction companies, homeowners, insurance carriers, and even consumers buying everyday products. Damien explains how fraud networks are structured, how data sharing and investigative technology are changing the fight against fraud, and why the financial impact ultimately trickles down to every homeowner and taxpayer.
 
The conversation also dives deep into New York’s scaffold law, workers’ compensation fraud, residential construction risks, and why improperly insured contractors create major liability exposure for homeowners. We discuss how underreported payroll, cash labor, and unsafe job sites contribute to rising insurance premiums and why many small businesses are struggling to survive under the current system.
 
This episode is not just about fraud. It is about accountability, education, safety, and understanding how deeply these issues affect the construction industry and everyday life.
 
Welcome to Episode 32 of Marcor Studios.
Because what most people think is “saving money” could actually expose them to massive risk.
 
Connect with Damien Caldwell of the iFraud Foundation & the Long Island Claims Association:
📲 LinkedIn | Damien Jonathan Caldwell
🌐 The Long Island Claims Association Website  | www.longislandclaims.org
🌐The iFraud Foundation Website | www.ifraud.org
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#Marcor #MarcorConstruction #MarcorStudios #GinaFarese #DamienCaldwell #iFraudFoundation #LongIslandClaimsAssociation #InsuranceFraud #ConstructionFraud #WorkersComp  #ConstructionIndustry #FraudInvestigation #ConstructionSafety #HomeownerProtection

What actually separates great construction companies from the ones that disappear? It usually comes down to values, leadership, and how they treat both customers and employees when things get difficult.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Chase Peres, Sales Manager at Marcor Construction, and Ray Nurnberger, Head of Purchasing at MGM Construction Services, for a candid conversation about the realities of the construction industry, the evolution of Marcor, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts. From decades of experience in roofing, supply distribution, sales leadership, and operations, this episode pulls back the curtain on the challenges contractors, homeowners, and businesses face every single day. 🎙️🛠️
 
We discuss the impact private equity has had on the construction and remodeling industries, why craftsmanship and integrity are becoming harder to find, and how cutting corners on labor, insurance, warranties, and materials creates long-term risks for homeowners. The conversation also dives into the importance of self-performed labor, proper insurance coverage, organized project management, and why fast-growing companies without the right infrastructure eventually expose both customers and workers to major problems.
 
This episode also highlights the leadership philosophy behind Marcor’s growth, including building the right team, surrounding yourself with experienced people, creating accountability, and maintaining long-term relationships in an industry built heavily on trust and reputation. Chase and Ray share personal stories from their careers, lessons learned from corporate acquisitions, and why protecting the homeowner always has to come before chasing short-term profits.
 
Welcome to Episode 31 of Marcor Studios.
Because homeowners deserve to know what is really happening behind the scenes of the estimate.
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#Marcor #MarcorStudios #MarcorConstruction #GinaFarese #ChasePeres #RayNurnberger#ConstructionLeadership #RoofingBusiness #ConstructionExperts #BuildingTrust #ConstructionOperations #ContractorEducation

Solar is no longer just about panels on a roof. It is about performance, storage, expansion, and making the numbers work in a post-tax-credit market.
 
In this episode, I sit down with David G. Schieren, Solar Exchange Principal at Marcor Solar, to discuss where the solar industry is heading in 2026 and why battery storage is becoming one of the most important topics for homeowners on Long Island. We break down the shift following tax credits, the growing role of batteries, and why energy systems now have to deliver value not just to homeowners but to the grid itself. 🎙️🔋
 
We discuss why batteries are still widely misunderstood, including the fact that they can be installed without solar and still create real economic value. David explains how battery systems can help homeowners store energy at lower overnight rates, reduce purchases during peak pricing hours, and even earn money during grid events through local utility programs. The conversation also covers backup power, why batteries are becoming a serious alternative to generators, and how shifting household energy use is prompting many homeowners to rethink the size and function of their current systems.
 
We also get into one of the biggest opportunities in today’s market: reassessing existing solar systems. From second-generation homeowners and system expansions to inverter upgrades and independent diagnostics, this episode highlights why solar should be treated like a long-term asset that needs analysis, transparency, and the right strategy to keep performing.
 
Welcome to Episode 30 of Marcor Studios.
Because the best energy decisions are the ones backed by facts, performance, and numbers.
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com
 
#Marcor #MarcorStudios #MarcorSolar #GinaFarese #DavidSchieren #SolarExchange #BatteryStorage #LongIslandSolar #EnergyStorage #SolarExpansion #SolarEducation #CleanEnergy #HomeEnergy #BackupPower #SolarIndustry

Solar was sold as “set it and forget it.” The reality? It’s a power plant on your roof.
 
In this episode, I sit down with James Callindes, Solar Maintenance Manager at Marcor Solar, and Greg Sachs of Solar Exchange to break down the truth about solar monitoring and maintenance for both residential and commercial systems. From panel cleaning and critter guards to electrical inspections and production monitoring, we explain why solar systems require ongoing attention to protect the investment homeowners and property owners have made. 🎙️☀️
 
We talk about the most common issues we see in the field: squirrels nesting under arrays, wiring loosened by thermal expansion, snow and ice affecting production, and homeowners unknowingly running systems that have been partially offline for months. Monitoring apps help, but they don’t tell the whole story. That’s why proactive monitoring, inspections, and maintenance programs are essential to make sure your system is producing what it was designed to.
 
We also dive into the commercial side of solar, where downtime can mean thousands of dollars lost in a single day. From walking large rooftop arrays and checking conduit expansion to thermal imaging and electrical torque inspections, proper maintenance can prevent catastrophic failures and protect large-scale solar investments.
 
Welcome to Episode 29 of Marcor Studios.
Because solar works best when someone’s watching it.
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com.
 
#Marcor #MarcorStudios #MarcorSolar #SolarMaintenance #SolarMonitoring #SolarSolutions #SolarService #EnergyMonitoring #SolarEducation #CommercialSolar #ResidentialSolar #SolarInvestment

Not all shingles are created equal. And not all manufacturers stand behind what they sell.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Eric Thorne, Area Sales Manager at Owens Corning, to break down why Marcor “bleeds pink” and why Owens Corning continues to lead the roofing industry nationally. From vertical integration at their Kearny, New Jersey, plant to manufacturing their own asphalt through Trumbull Asphalt, Eric explains how Owens Corning controls the entire process from fiberglass mat to finished shingle. 🎙️🏠
 
We dive into what truly separates Owens Corning from other manufacturers: people, product, and process. We talk about the Platinum and Preferred Contractor programs, the strict background and insurance requirements, and why Owens Corning is the only manufacturer that performs random on-site workmanship inspections to protect homeowners. If you’re selling extended warranties without inspections, you’re just checking a box. Owens Corning backs it up.
 
We also get technical. SureNail® Technology. Triple-layer fastening. Glue-to-glue sealing. Wind ratings up to 130 MPH. Copper granules for algae resistance. Five consecutive 70-degree days for seal activation. This is the stuff most homeowners never hear about, but it’s what determines whether your roof performs in a storm or fails in one.
 
Welcome to Episode 28 of Marcor Studios.
Because the difference is in the details you don’t see.
 
Connect with Owens Corning:
💬 Instagram  | @weareowenscorning
📲 Facebook | Owens Corning
🎬 YouTube | @OwensCorning
🌐 Website | www.owenscorning.com
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com.
 
#Marcor #MarcorStudios #OwensCorning #BleedPink #SureNailTechnology #RoofingInnovation #PlatinumContractor #RoofingStandards #WindWarranty #AlgaeResistance #LongIslandRoofing #RoofingEducation #RoofingStandards

From open houses to closing tables, solar is showing up in more real estate deals than ever, and most buyers have no idea what they’re actually inheriting.
 
In this episode, I sit down with Carrie Cappello, VP of Solar Services at Marcor Solar, to officially introduce our newest division: Solar Roof Check. With nearly 10% of homes across Long Island and the five boroughs now equipped with solar, realtors, lenders, attorneys, and homeowners are navigating a new layer of complexity. Solar Roof Check was built to bring clarity to that process. 🎙️☀️
 
We break down what the service includes: a 20-point roof inspection, a full solar system evaluation, production diagnostics, warranty review, loan and lease transfer analysis, and documentation that helps buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing. Is the system owned, leased, or financed? Are tax credits paid back? Are warranties transferable? Is the roof structurally sound beneath the panels? These are the questions that can make or break a deal.
 
We also discuss the hidden issues we see every day on the service side: solar installed over three or four roofing layers, architectural shingles improperly overlaid, reused attachments that will eventually leak, and insurance carriers canceling policies because they weren’t notified of panels on the roof. Solar Roof Check exists to prevent last-minute negotiations, seller concessions, and costly surprises after closing.
 
Welcome to Episode 27 of Marcor Studios.
Because solar should be an asset, not a liability.
 
Connect with us on social!
💬 Instagram | @MarcorConstruction
📲 Facebook | Marcor Construction
🎬 TikTok | Marcor Construction
🌐 Website | www.marcorny.com
 
💌 Want to collaborate or be a guest on the podcast?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at marketing@marcorinstalls.com.
 
#Marcor #MarcorStudios #MarcorSolar #SolarRoofCheck #SolarInspection #RoofIntegrity #SolarAsset #RealEstateStrategy #SolarTransparency #HomeBuyingTips #SolarEducation #LongIslandBusiness