I have lived in two Gittleman buildings for more than 22 years. They are horrible.... horrible...horrible. Where do I even begin? The posts here are spot-on. \r
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I think corrupt is a good description of them. While they are suppose to get 3 bids according to most association rules, they get them from their three ""preferred"" contractors. I am sure they get kickbacks all over and for every item of work that happens in your building. That's how they keep their association fees ""reasonable."" They make all their money on the ""services"" provided to the buildings. Seitz Plumbing and Eufloria wouldn't even be in business if it weren't for Gittleman. The same could be true for Building Restoration Corp. \r
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They manage ""their"" buildings not by great customer service to the homeowner, but rather by controlling who sits on the board. They do a great job with board members; giving them everything they want and then ignore the homeowners. Their tactic is to make the individual home own who complains the ""problem"" rather than seriously addressing issues. They disparage people they do not like and the board usually agrees since they do not have to deal with people issues. \r
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While their live in staff are generally pretty good, their front desk people are often surly and angry. In the last Gittleman building I lived in, one live-in staff couple told me they’ve been cheated and abused by Andy Gittleman, one of the two brothers that own the business. If you have a choice between Andy or Mark as a building manager, go with Mark. He is the lesser of the two evils, but they’re both cut from the same bolt of fabric – old man Mel, who served time in the Federal penitentiary for tax evasion. \r
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With the number of buildings they manage, it’s pretty hard to live in a condo that doesn’t have a Gittleman nameplate on your front door. I now live in a condo managed by Gassen, and it is better. \r
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Best advice – if you live in a Gittleman managed building, get on the board and watch them like a hawk.\r
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