Uri Kaufman (urikaufman)

Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a commercial real estate investment and development firm located in Albany, New York. He founded the company to combine his interest in historic preservation with a broader mission to bring new energy to neglected communities. Through Harmony Group, he works to convert aging industrial buildings into residential spaces that reflect their architectural origins while supporting long-term neighborhood improvement.

Uri and his business partner, Ira Schwartz, have established a strong and consistent track record of identifying undervalued properties, revitalizing distressed assets, and completing complex development projects nationwide. Their work is characterized by meticulous planning and execution, often involving multiple stakeholders and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.

Before entering the real estate industry, he began his professional life as an attorney on Long Island. Kaufman earned his law degree with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. After being fired from a legal position, he decided to pursue real estate, recognizing opportunity in the many architectural structures scattered across Upstate New York. These buildings, in his view, were well suited for residential loft conversions.

This insight led to the creation of Harmony Group. His work has centered on the thoughtful restoration of historic buildings, updated with modern amenities to meet today’s housing needs. His developments have earned awards at both the state and national levels. Kaufman is also known for successfully managing the process of securing historic tax credits, coordinating with labor unions, and delivering projects within required timelines and regulations.

In addition to his real estate work, Kaufman is also an author. In April 2025, he released American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, offering an analysis of political views surrounding Israel. He previously authored Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, which was published in 2023. This book is based on over twenty years of research, including travel to battlefields, interviews with veterans, and a study of declassified documents. Kaufman assembled a team to help translate Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, and German records to support his research. The book received positive attention from major media outlets and public figures.

His articles have been published in Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent. He completed his undergraduate studies at Queens College (CUNY), attending evening classes while working. He now lives in Lawrence, Nassau County, Long Island, with his family. In his time, he enjoys biking, reading, and playing hockey.

Uri Kaufman continues to balance his passion for history and preservation through both his development projects and his writing.

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