Brooklyn's Progress
February/March 2007

BY KHADIJA BATUTA

Gilbert Rivera, founder of Park Avenue Building & Roofing Supplies, LLC and AM&G Waterproofing, LLC, passed away on Feb. 1, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in Manhattan after a battle with cancer.  He was 49 years old.  A strong advocate for business, minorities and Brooklyn, this trailblazing entrepreneur touched many people’s lives and left an indelible mark on the borough that he loved.

Mr. Rivera had overseen the groundbreaking ceremony for his companies’ 132,000-square-foot facility at 2120 Atlantic Ave. in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville section of Brooklyn in June 2005.  The multi-block complex, which had broad support from local community boards, various city agencies and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, was officially unveiled on Oct. 20, 2006 at a well-attended family-style barbecue and grand opening event.  The facility serves as the new headquarters for Park Avenue Building and AM&G Waterproofing, a home center retail outlet for the community, and a catalyst for revitalization in the area’s commercial corridor.

"I want my companies to do on Atlantic Avenue what we did here in Williamsburg and Bedford Stuyvesant, which is jump-start development in what I see as the next area of growth," Mr. Rivera had explained about his vision for the project.

“Gilbert made the single most important investment ever in Brownsville,” said Kenneth Adams, President, The Business Council of New York State.  “It’s got to be recognized that he didn’t need to do that, but he made this investment in an area of Brooklyn that badly needs that kind of corporate investment, confidence and vision.”

Building a Legacy in Brooklyn
Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Mr. Rivera came to the United States at the age of eight with his mother and 12 siblings.  After serving in the Army, Mr. Rivera and his brothers purchased an abandoned building in their Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in the late 1970’s, and with only $1,500 and a pick-up truck started AM&G Waterproofing, an exterior restoration company.  In 1987, Mr. Rivera founded Park Avenue Building & Roofing Supplies at 525 Park Ave., also in Bedford-Stuyvesant.  The family-owned and operated hardware store grew into a leading building material supply company, and along with AM&G Waterproofing, became an economic engine and dedicated community partner.

“So many prestigious projects, from the Time Warner Center to MoMA to Hearst Towers, are being built with supplies from Gil’s operation, we might have to start labeling them ‘Made in Brooklyn,’” commented Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

The Park Avenue Building and AM&G companies together employ over 300 people across three locations in two Brooklyn neighborhoods.  Over the years the Rivera family, through their businesses, have contributed thousands of dollars in support of local community service organizations, including Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP), the Youth Councils of the 79th, 88th and 73rd Precincts, Prospect Park Alliance, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and others.

“Despite his good fortune, Gil never forgot his roots,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.  “He kept his businesses in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and then expanded to new and larger facilities in Brownsville.  It was extreme loyalty to his Brooklyn-based employees, and our community as a whole, that made Gil truly exceptional.”

Advocate for Business
Involved in economic development initiatives throughout the borough and city, Mr. Rivera had served on several boards of New York City and national organizations.  He was one of five directors appointed by the mayor to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation.  In 2006, Mr. Rivera was named to the board of directors of the Subcontractors Trade Association.

A strong advocate for minority businesses, Mr. Rivera served on the mayor’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise Advisory Board.  As a New York State and City certified Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Park Avenue Building & Roofing Supplies can help contractors fulfill purchasing requirements where city and state procurement laws apply, or where companies strive to add diversity to their vendor list.

“I got to know Gil over the last five years, and we became friends.  He helped our agency build a stronger program for us to reach out to minority- and women-owned businesses,” said Robert Walsh, Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services.

Mr. Rivera had lobbied passionately for reform of NYS Labor Law sections 240 and 241.  Small businesses and building owners have become saddled with increased general liability insurance costs as a result of this legislation.  A longtime Brooklyn Chamber Member and supporter, Mr. Rivera had been instrumental in helping the Chamber develop its advocacy agenda around this critical issue.  In addition to speaking at public forums and hearings, Mr. Rivera led a contingent of Brooklyn Chamber Member contractors to meet with legislators in Albany in 2003.

Chamber Salute
The Chamber celebrated Mr. Rivera and his contributions and accomplishments at its 2003 Dinner Dance, for which he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year.” 

“Gil Rivera’s story is a lesson in what it means to believe in your dreams,” said Mark Kessler, Interim President and COO, Brooklyn Chamber.  “He was a very active Member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and a great example to anyone considering starting their own business – particularly minorities in whom he took a special interest. Gil’s presence will always be felt in Bedford-Stuyvesant where he began, and in Ocean Hill-Brownsville where he continued creating opportunities for local residents and anyone willing to work hard. We will miss Gil dearly, but he has left a legacy that will ensure he is not forgotten.”

The viewing for Mr. Rivera was held Feb. 3 and 4, at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home.  The mass, attended by a broad cross-section of Brooklyn and city officials and business and civic leaders, was held on Feb. 5 at Saint Savior Church.

Mr. Rivera is survived by his wife Erminia; his children Gilbert, Jr. and Kevin; his mother Lydia; and his siblings William and Raymond who are principals in the businesses, as well as Mike, Martin, Nereida Rodriguez, Carmen Pena, Mayra Manzano and Malagros Miranda.

The Brooklyn Chamber, on behalf of its Board and staff, extends its condolences to the Rivera family, and their employees and friends.