‘Housing People is a Pretty Important Thing’

In 1994, Patrick Long arrived in New York City from Ireland, armed with a passion for carpentry and a curiosity about his future. A simple job advertisement for an assistant resident manager sparked his interest and changed the course of his life. Now, as the Superintendent of the Year, Long reflects on the journey that brought him to this point. “Housing people is a pretty important thing in the world,” Long said, summing up what has motivated him for nearly three decades. “I really like that I’m doing something that matters.”

Long didn’t leave carpentry behind entirely; instead, he expanded his skill set. “I went to school and got a whole bunch of other certificates,” he explained. From HVAC to plumbing and electrical work, Long earned more than 30 certifications. His impressive credentials made him an asset in the building management world, where he’s opened over 15 building, including Haven, a towering residential and retail complex in Long Island City.

“I take buildings from construction to operation. It’s a lot of work, but I love it,” Long said.

Long’s pride comes not just from maintaining buildings, but also from the impact he has on people’s lives. One of his favorite memories is seeing a child who moved into one of his buildings as a newborn grow up and graduate from high school. “I saw them every day for 17 years. It’s crazy,” Long shared, visibly moved.

While his job offers many rewarding moments, Long has faced some deeply emotional challenges. The most harrowing was during 9/11. “I went out on the roof and saw the World Trade Center on fire,” he recalled. “It was surreal.” With his wife seven months pregnant at the time and working in a nearby school under lockdown, Long spent the day in a state of heightened anxiety. “I couldn’t reach her, and we didn’t know what building would be hit next,” he said, reflecting on the panic and uncertainty of that day.

Other painful moments have also stayed with him, such as finding deceased residents. “I remember the first time,” Long shared. “We had just fixed a Holocaust survivor’s stove on a Friday, and by Monday, I found him sitting in the same chair, gone. It’s hard to forget something like that.”

Outside of work, Long’s life revolves around his family. He’s a devoted father to three college-aged children and a nine-year-old. His son, a standout athlete, plays rugby for the U.S. team, while his daughters were active in basketball and soccer. This summer, Long had the unique opportunity to work alongside his eldest daughter, who served as a concierge in one of his buildings. “It was really cool having her there,” Long said proudly.

What drives him the most today is mentoring his staff. “I’ve made a lot of people successful in this industry,” he said. “When someone walks into my office and thanks me, that’s the highlight of my day.” Long is passionate about hiring a diverse workforce; “It’s really cool to change people’s lives. I still get a kick out of it.”