Uri Kaufman

Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a commercial real estate investment and development company located in Albany, New York. He founded the firm to combine his passion for historic preservation with his vision of revitalizing neglected communities. At Harmony Group, he leads efforts to repurpose aging industrial buildings into residential spaces that maintain their architectural heritage while promoting long-term neighborhood renewal.

Uri's business partner, Ira Schwartz, has established a consistent track record of identifying undervalued properties and converting distressed assets into successful developments. Together, they have completed highly complex projects nationwide, demonstrating their ability to navigate regulatory challenges and deliver meaningful results.

Kaufman began his career as an attorney on Long Island after graduating with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. After being dismissed from his legal position, he turned to real estate and saw potential in Upstate New York. There, he identified numerous historic buildings that could be transformed into residential lofts, combining preservation with modern living.

This idea led to the creation of Harmony Group. Since its founding, Kaufman has focused on restoring historic structures and adapting them for today’s needs. His projects have been recognized with awards at both the state and national levels. He is known for coordinating with stakeholders, securing historic tax credits, and ensuring union labor is part of the process, all while maintaining compliance and meeting project timelines.

In addition to his real estate work, Kaufman is also an author. In April 2025, he published American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, which explores changing views toward Israel. In 2023, he released Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East. The book reflects over twenty years of research, including site visits, interviews with veterans, and the review of declassified documents translated from Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and German. The book received critical praise from major publications and respected public figures.

His writing has also been featured in Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent. Kaufman earned his undergraduate degree from Queens College (CUNY), attending night classes while working. He now resides in Lawrence, Nassau County, Long Island, with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, biking, and playing hockey.

Uri Kaufman continues to apply his dedication to history, preservation, and community development through his ongoing work in real estate and writing.