Tag: Seneca One Buffalo

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Chris Brown + Innovation

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re going to see if we can run it with Chris Brown, Administrative Vice President, and manages the M&T Tech Hub at Seneca One Activation Team.

BUFFALO, NY- Chris Brown is fired up about the Buffalo comeback.

It’s evident in the way he talks about it and the way he walks through the lobby at Seneca One.

Any chance Brown gets to teach the community about the positive and everchanging landscape of technology and innovation landscape in Buffalo, he attacks it with great enthusiasm and confidence.

“Our mission is to provide innovative, world-class event programming and technology support services for M&T’s Tech Hub and Tech Academy as a national destination for talent, the spark for creative collisions, collaboration, and creation of an ecosystem to win the race for relevance,” says Brown.

Brown, manages the M&T Tech Hub at Seneca One Activation Team, and when he isn’t helping employees and the Seneca One community navigate through the 529-foot tall building, he is telling the story of Buffalo and why everyone should pay close attention.

Since 1988, Brown has helped build the M&T Bank brand all while watching a city with so much potential slowly climb back to relevance.

In the fall of 2020 when M&T Tech called Seneca One home, Brown was elated to finally help push Buffalo towards unleashing its full potential.

“My dream is for Buffalo to be a national tech hub city,” Brown said. “Anything I can do to move the needle forward is one step closer. I’ve met so many new people who are passionate about Buffalo’s future as a national tech hub city, and downtown as a place to work, live and play. It’s happening.”

Whether it’s spending time in the lobby at Seneca One or telling the story of M&T Tech, Brown is laying the foundation for technology and innovation in Buffalo.

Brick by brick, Brown knows how important the big red building is to the future of Buffalo.

“I love spending time in the Seneca One lobby – you never know who you are going to meet,” Brown said.  “Maybe even a canine that will bring a smile to your day. The amazing team at Douglas Development and Douglas’ decorating style makes the big building cozy. It feels like home.”

The next time you see Brown in the lobby, say, “Hey”. You might learn something about Buffalo that you never knew.

Let’s Do Lunch! Live Jazz Lunches Have Returned!

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Seneca One is proud to announce that Live jazz lunches are starting up again in February! Enjoy a lively, collaborative atmosphere in the Seneca One Food Hall while local jazz musicians perform live!

Escape from your day and meet your friends for lunch while enjoying a live jazz trio, sweeping views of WNY, and an eclectic selection of food offerings.

Live Jazz Lunch Series Scheduled

Wednesday, February 16 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 2 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 16 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 30 from 12-2 PM

The SO Food Hall is open daily, Monday- Friday from 8 AM- 2 PM, and offers a large selection of lunch and breakfast options from the Erie Grill, Seneca Kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven, soups, and daily specials. The food hall is open to the public and is emerging as a premier lunch destination in downtown Buffalo. There is something for everyone here at Seneca One!

For those interested in attending the live jazz lunch series, the event is free and reservations are not required. There will be ample seating throughout the Food Hall as well as the rest of the lobby for all to enjoy. You can access the SO Food Hall by entering the building at Main and Seneca St. Where the NFTA Rail goes underneath Seneca One, there are escalators up to the lobby on both sides of Main St.

*Current NYS guidelines regarding COVID-19 will be enforced. Please plan accordingly.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Randy Harris + Confidence

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re dropping anchor with Randy Harris, CEO of Lighthouse Technology Services.

Randy Harris knows Buffalo is special.

Each morning he gazes out of his office window on the 28th floor of Seneca One. He takes in a 360-degree view of Buffalo and is overcome with joy.

He sees the creativity, inspiration, and a breathtaking landscape coming to life one brick at a time.

But the one thing that stands out over all the natural beauty of the city he grew up in is a community capable of great things.

“Within Seneca One specifically, the views over the water, of Niagara Falls, our international border, and over our region are both humbling and energizing,” Harris said. “One look out the window and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for how special our area is.”

Harris is the CEO of Lighthouse Technology Services, a technology staffing and recruiting partner to Buffalo’s largest technology departments.

Since 2004, the Buffalo-based company has helped companies or technology departments find talented technology professionals, access technology solutions, and quality technology professionals that provide solutions to new challenges, circumstances, or changes in the workplace.

His vision for providing a company strategy that empowers his team with the tools and resources and environment to do their best work and live their best life is what has help the company succeed no matter the climate.

“Our company is experiencing some wonderful growth thanks to the hard work of our amazing team members,” Harris said. “We’ve got some really fun and important initiatives we’re working on this year in areas like health and wellness, charitable giving, and knowledge sharing, that will help us continue to reach for our vision of being the most inspiring technology partner in the communities that we serve. It’s going to be a fun year.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, Lighthouse Technology Services was in search of new workspace. Harris knew of the developments happening in downtown Buffalo and was curious to see what space was available.

He reached out to a friend that was working closely with Douglas Jemal on bringing the building to life and after a tour of the space, he knew he had to be a part of the community.

“I shared with them that we were going to be looking for a new office location for Lighthouse,” Harris said. “An introduction with Douglas and his team was arranged, and we were able to tour the space and learn about the vision for the building. It was the beginning of the pandemic, but we believed in the vision of Seneca One, and in August of 2020 we moved in. It’s been a fantastic decision.”

Fast forward to February of 2022 and Harris’ fantastic decision has paid off. He enjoys the fact that he can work, grab a bite to eat in the Seneca One Food Hall, and get a nice lift at Quarter Deck Athletics all in the same space that he works. It is a huge time saver and it helps him stay healthy and provides a nice quality of life.

But the most important aspect he enjoys is the tech community that fills this building every day that helps his company grow each day.

“The people in and around the tech community that interact through SO are motivating and inspiring. Here, you’re one connection away from the support and encouragement you need to bring your ideas to life. And I believe that environment is nurturing us,” Harris said.

I mean, after all, it is a special place.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Courtney Walsh + Boxing in a Bank Vault

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our community. This week we caught up with Courtney Walsh, Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs and Boxing Instructor for Boxstar Express!

It’s 6:45 AM on Tuesday, and deep inside the 1970’s bank vaults located in the basement of Seneca One, before anyone has had a cup of coffee, Courtney Walsh is wide awake.

To the sound of Meek Mill’s “Wins and Losses,” she attacks the white punching bag suspended from the ceiling.

Pow! Snap! BOOM!

The sound of her 14 ounce boxing gloves cuts through the music’s bass as she demonstrates her power to the ten people looking on.

She loads up another haymaker.

Pow! Snap! Snap! 

A kick, jab, and uppercut combo are thrown at the bag with so much force one person steps back and mouths “Wow,” to the rest of the group.

No, she’s not training for a title bout or a professional boxer. She’s just doing what she loves: helping people.

Walsh is the Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs by day and a Boxing Instructor for Boxstar Express at when she isn’t assisting small to medium-sized businesses on the 29th floor here at Seneca One.

“I’ve been a member of Boxstar Training for years, so to be teaching classes here at Boxstar Express is a really fun new way for me to experience boxing,” Walsh said. “We’ve only just started classes, so my main focus is sharing this incredible workout with everyone and growing our boxing community here at Seneca One.”

Walsh is no stranger to the city of good neighbors.

After growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, Walsh spent a few years in Chicago, a city that she says she “absolutely loved.” In 2013 she returned to Buffalo. For eight years, Walsh lived in various neighborhoods and watched downtown transform and set itself up for success.

She knew that somehow and someway that she had to be a part of the comeback that was happening right before her eyes.

“I’m an event planner by trade, and throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to expand those skills in a variety of industries,” Walsh said. “After almost a year out of work due to covid, I landed my current role as Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs on the 29th floor here at Seneca One. Buffalo is home, and Seneca One is just making home better. I’m excited about the future for this building and the entire city.”

Since arriving at Serendipity labs, Walsh has immersed herself in the community by taking advantage of the live, work, eat, play, grow, build an initiative that Seneca One has spent years building.

She started by joining The Clubhouse with Revolution, a cycling studio that called Seneca One home this summer when space was limited at their home studio. It was a great addition to the menu of health and wellness options at Seneca One. With this amenity right outside the doors of Buffalo’s tallest building, it increased her commitment to fitness and saved her a lot of time.

Her passion and commitment to fitness grew even more when Boxstar Training launched Boxstar Express at Seneca One in November. Being a member of Boxstar Training’s Elmwood location for years, she was a natural fit to teach classes here at Seneca One.

Walsh knows it can be difficult to stay committed to a fitness program. She wanted to enhance the community of the giant brutalist building in downtown Buffalo by providing an amenity that allows tenants to let off a little steam after a hard workday.

“Having an outlet is so important for your physical and mental health, and boxing is a great way to take care of both. Seneca One has an amazing work culture, but we have to remember that balance is key,” Walsh said. “Boxstar offers the perfect way to mentally and physically punch out of “work mode” and tap into “life mode.”  It also doesn’t hurt to know how to throw a good punch!”

Boxstar Express offers a 10-round, 35-minute hybrid class that incorporates boxing, kickboxing, and functional bodyweight movements. The current classes take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6:45 AM and 5:15 PM and are open to the general public. Walsh would love to have you and doesn’t want anyone to shy away from her class.

“Boxing can seem intimidating, but taking the leap to learn is the hardest part! All levels are welcome in class, and we have all of the gear you need if you are trying it for the first time. At Boxstar, we’re all about bringing something different, so come ready to work hard and leave class better every time.”

If you are looking for a fun way to get in shape and learn how to throw a great punch, click here!

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Drew St. Laurent + Capturing Beauty

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up and coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re raising our sails with Drew St. Laurent, Owner, and Operator of High Peaks Aerial Imagery. St. Laurent is helping Seneca One, the city of Buffalo and the WNY community push forward one still frame at a time.

BUFFALO, NY: Drew St. Laurent knows beauty when he sees it.

The young entrepreneur has a passion for photography, and a knack for capturing breathtaking moments of the city of Buffalo, one frame at a time.

St. Laurent is the owner and operator of High Peaks Aerial Imagery, an aerial drone photography, and marketing company, that specializes in digital imagery and video for small businesses. The company combines immersive, custom drone technology with an innovative approach to online and social media marketing for its customers.

His stunning ads and photographs have gained traction within the community and have helped those from all over enjoy this city just as much as he does.

“I’m able to do something that I love, with no restrictions to my creativity. I’ve found a professional trade that allows me to use my vision to inspire my customers, where I feel like I’m not even working most of the time,” St. Laurent said. “Growing this business out of Seneca One has been amazing. It’s a community of established businesses and start-ups working together to support each other. Working at Seneca One is liking working inside of a lightning rod of progress in the city.”

A drone shot high above the waterfront in downtown Buffalo, NY. (High Peaks Aerial Imagery/Drew St. Laurent)

The company was born during the pandemic when St. Laurent was working on starting a hard cider company. When that didn’t work out and the pandemic hit, he was forced to adapt.

The former soldier of the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, already had an appreciation for all things dealing with aviation. As a kid,  St. Laurent traveled with his family to visit WNY to see the Naval Museum at the Naval Park. He always had a hunger for learning about Naval ships because his grandfather served in the Navy during World War II.

It was one of his favorite childhood memories and one that comes full circle when he sees the ships stationed in the harbor.

“Having a grandfather who served in the Navy during World War II, I have a real appreciation for those ships [at the harbor],” Laurent said.  “Although [High Peaks Aeria Imagery] is still filming monthly, the first time we stood on the top of the USS Littlerock Missle housing and flee down the corridors of the ship, that had to be my absolute favorite recent memory. There was a crowd of people gathered at Liberty Hound watching. I realized the crowd was standing there because of my team. It was surreal.”

Since arriving at Serendipity labs in March of 2021, St. Laurent has wasted no time taking advantage of his elite and prime location. You can feel the electric atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of downtown with each and every photo, video, or advertisement he creates for his customers of the greater WNY area.

“That’s the crazy thing about being a digital creator. What’s next is really up to your imagination,” St. Laurent said. “It actually may be one of the most enjoyable things in my day-to-day. Working with our customers to create their vision is always what’s next! Well, also I would say watch for our new YouTube series launching next week. There are a lot of amazing WNY views and behind-the-scenes fun will be on display.”

We are excited to see what else St. Laurent can capture as the city of Buffalo transforms.

To see more of his work you can go to his Instagram, or stop on out to Seneca One Thursday’s from 4-7PM for our Open Air Market. St. Laurent would be happy to speak with you.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Connor Kenney + The Progress of Buffalo

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Welcome to this week’s Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re soaking it all in with Connor Kenney, Development Manager of SAA| EVI.

BUFFALO, NY- Connor Kenney has seen a lot of progress working in commercial real estate and is very encouraged by the progress he sees here in Buffalo. 

Kenney, a developer who currently oversees SAA | EVI’s projects in New York State and throughout the Great Lakes, double dips as a commercial tenant and residential tenant here at Seneca One, a place that he saw as an opportunity to grow alongside the city in this new economic adventure.

“It’s great. As you mentioned, I live in the building as well. I think it takes me two minutes to go from my apartment door to my office,” Kenney said. “Between that, the food hall, and the bar in the lobby – I don’t need to leave much. Douglas has done an amazing job breathing life back into the building and creating a product type that, frankly, did not exist in this city before he came.”

Kenney fell backward into real estate development. He was on the verge of going to law school until a family member who worked at the University at Buffalo told him about the school’s Masters of Science in Real Estate Development program.

This piqued his interest, and in 2017, Kenney finished the program and has since been working in Real Estate Development. He started his career as a Real Estate Developer at PathStone Corporation in Rochester, NY. He was responsible for developing affordable and mixed-income housing throughout PathStone’s geographic footprint during his time there.

In 2020, his development efforts led to closing on a $44 MM, 157-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit deal at the former Irondequoit Mall just outside of Rochester. His success caught the eye of one of the Co-Managing Members SAA | EVI, David Alexander.

“David lives in Miami now, but he grew up in Buffalo. We have an office in Miami and Baltimore, but our company was founded in Buffalo,” Kenney said. “We thought it was very appropriate to have an office here. Ernst  Valery and David Alexander, and Stuart Alexander before them, have done an awesome job building the company over the years. We have active projects in 9 states right now. That is not easy to do. I’m fortunate to be able to learn from them and grateful to them for trusting me and giving me a platform to do what I am passionate about. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the future.”

Kenney has embraced his return to Buffalo, calling Seneca One home. He conducts business on the 29th floor at Serendipity Labs, and then when he is done, he takes the elevator down the main lobby and makes his way to his apartment.

The ease of access and peace of mind allow Kenney to grow SAA | EVI here in Buffalo. He has also enjoyed returning to his hometown and soaking it all in.

“I grew up in Buffalo. My family is here. I can’t predict the future and where life might take me, but I will always come back to Buffalo,” Kenney said.  “I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot personally, and I am usually out of town for work for a week every month. I’ve seen a lot of different cities. But Buffalo is a special place. There is no place like Buffalo.”

Kenney is proud of his city, proud to be here, and we look forward to seeing him continue on this successful trajectory.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Roger Orozco + The City of Good Neighbors

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re swimming to shore with Roger Orozco, Facilities Manager of All Pro Parking LLC.

BUFFALO, NY: It’s a warm summer Friday night at Seneca One, and Roger Orozco is manning the grill.

Through the haze of smoke and the delicious smell of smoked meat is a sea of Buffalonians ready to feast on some Sahlen’s hot dogs after a night at the Buffalo Bisons’ game.

“I GOT TWO READY TO GO,” Orozco says, as a man and his young child approach the table to collect their free hot dogs. The process goes round and round for a few hours until everyone is fed. By the end of the night, Orozco has served 250 hot dogs to over 200 people, with a giant smile on his face.

Orozco is the Facilities Manager for All Pro Parking LLC for Seneca One, Larkinville, and the Buffalo Grand Hotel. He is also on the Buffalo Bills Committee. He wears many hats, and when he isn’t cooking hot dogs for the “City of Good Neighbors,” trying to keep folding tables on all fours at Bill tailgates, he’s helping the tenants and residents of Seneca One and the greater WNY community navigate their way through downtown Buffalo, something he takes great pride in.

“It’s the people at Seneca One that make it my special and favorite place,” Orozco said. “It’s cool to say that I work at the “red building.” Also, the vibe at Seneca One is a fascinating anomaly.”

Since taking over as Facilities Manager in 2014, Orozco has gone above and beyond to provide a positive atmosphere and exceptional hospitality to those of Seneca One. It doesn’t matter to him if the task at hand falls in line with his job description, he’s a team player with the same shared vision as the rest of the team here at Seneca One, and that is to maintain a high quality of life.

Need directions to the best restaurant in town? Roger has a list memorized and has no problem telling you what to order when you arrive. Need a pick-me-up or a motivational quote for the day? Roger is your hype man and always has some type of quote to lift you up on those days you might be feeling down.

He loves his job. He loves the people of Buffalo. He wants to see this city get back to its glory days, and as the Facilities Manager, he’s the first impression someone has of the Seneca One Community when they arrive. He’s like a public relations representative for the community of Buffalo.

“As a Buffalonian, it’s amazing to see the transformation of downtown Buffalo,” Orozco said. “From Canalside, Larkinville, Seneca One, all the family-owned pubs, and restaurants, we have a lot of hidden gems in our city. Buffalo is one of the countries best kept secrets.”

So, when you arrive at Seneca One for your next tour, event or just to check out the future of Buffalo, look for Roger and ask him about the building. You will understand just how much this city means to him.

Seneca One Deep Dive: Nicholas Kosinski + Odoo

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For this week’s Deep Dive, we caught up with Nicholas Kosinski, Director of US East Odoo, a Belgium CRM software company that has is growing quickly in downtown Buffalo!

We hope you enjoy it!

If you’ve taken a drive down the 33 or on the 190 recently to the beautiful city of Buffalo, you might have seen a very unique billboard that you made you do a double-take.

“Sorry SAP,” in giant white letters complemented by a rich shade of purple, has everyone wondering what is going on?

Nicholas Kosinski of Odoo has joined us to tell you about the company’s journey through the small- and medium-sized businesses market, what they are doing and why you should apologize to SAP.

Seneca One: When considering moving to Buffalo, what attracted you to Seneca One, and how has Douglas and Seneca One helped Odoo grow?

Nicholas Kosinski: There are a few things. Firstly, the people here. The DD team has shown an overwhelming amount of support and enthusiasm for Odoo as a company and the mission that we’re on here in Buffalo.

Secondly, Douglas himself. His genuineness, his character, his work ethic, and his ability to get the job done has inspired me on a personal level since the day I met him. As much as he may be supporting me, I try to do everything that I can to support him in return. We’re neighbors, after all – and you know what they say about neighbors in this city!

SO: What has it been like watching Buffalo transform here at Seneca One?

NK: That’s a very difficult question to answer: it’s like asking me to describe what it feels like to watch David beat Goliath – how do you feel when the underdog finally starts to succeed? Ecstatic, maybe?

SO: We see the “Sorry SAP” signs on the 33 and the 190. What do they mean, and Why should the city of Buffalo keep an eye out for Odoo?

NK: SAP is Odoo’s biggest competitor, and we’re simply apologizing for eating up the SMB market and leaving them with very few if any leftovers! Like the story I mentioned above, in this case, SAP is Goliath, and Odoo is David – and we’re feeling ecstatic up here on the 26th floor!

SO:  What is next for Odoo?

NK: Hire, hire and hire some more!

We are happy to have Odoo here at Seneca One and hope you think of them the next time you see a “Sorry SAP” sign.

Seneca One Deep Dive: Kristen Zimmerman + Serendipity Labs

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Welcome to this week’s Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re setting sail with Kristen Zimmerman, General Manager of Serendipity Labs.

Embedded in the DNA of the Seneca One community, high up on the 29th floor, is an oasis filled with businesses striving to grow and thrive at the brand new tech hub in downtown Buffalo.

On any given day, when you arrive on the floor, you see many faces. You see different people walking with a purpose, ready to attack the day with enthusiasm and poise.

But one thing that stands out among other things is a smiling face that greets you and is ready, willing, and able to do everything she can to make your stay at Seneca One the best it can be.

Kristen Zimmerman is the General Manager of Serendipity Labs, a coworking and flexible office space that is home to many startups, and small to medium-sized businesses here at Seneca One, and since February, Zimmerman has watched Seneca One transform and come alive with a new hustle and bustle.

“I was living in NYC and when I heard about the exciting things going on in Buffalo and Seneca One,” Zimmerman said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The opportunity to run a coworking and flexible office space became an option and I knew there was no better way to move back and be involved in the community than this.”

Serendipity Labs was founded in 2011 with the idea to create professional workspaces with the flexibility businesses need today, all supported by on-site hospitality teams. They have 30-plus locations nationwide and on March 1, the coworking shared space found a nice spot on the 29th floor of Buffalo’s tallest skyscraper.

With all of the talk of large tech companies here at Seneca One, the flexible space is gaining traction and becoming popular among smaller businesses. It allows them the opportunity to grow as the once sleeping giant continues to ignite a Buffalo renaissance.

“Meeting new people and creating an environment where members find it enjoyable to come into work,” Zimmerman said. “The building may be known as a tech hub but it truly is an option for all companies small or large.”

Serendipity Labs offers monthly and daily access to Private Offices and a customizable suite for 1-50 employees, hybrid work styles with coworking plans, and Worktopia™  memberships for access across their network. They also offer Meeting Rooms, board rooms for up to 12, and collaboration space for up to 40 attendees in every location.

So, the next time you’re at Seneca One for a tour, a cocktail at our lobby bar, or just popping in to say “Hello”, ask for Kristen. She is always happy to talk about Serendipity Labs. Just be sure to greet the true Buffalonian with a “Go Bills!”

Friday Feature: Gary Major + The Buffalo Bills

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Happy Friday to the City of Buffalo! Our Seneca One team is proud to announce the “Friday Feature,” a series highlighting the people who help strengthen our Seneca One community on a daily basis.

This week we’re featuring Gary Major and his dog Diggs, residents of Seneca One and members of the first wave of residential tenants to ever move into 1 Seneca Street. This duo has a contagious spirit that helps enhance the already electric atmosphere surrounding WNY’s tallest skyscraper and Seneca One community.

Gary Major loves the city of Buffalo and the Buffalo Bills, and he’s not afraid to tell you about it.

Among the roughly 115 residents of Seneca One, it’s tough to stand out. But it’s not hard to find Gary Major in a crowd of people.

Through the halls of Seneca One, on any given day, you might find Major donning a red No. 17 Josh Allen jersey and a pair of shorts with a charging Buffalo accompanied by his beautiful young puppy, Diggs, named after Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Got a question about the upcoming 2021 Bills season? Don’t worry. Gary’s got you covered. Do you want to know who the best quarterback in the NFL is? Gary will tell you in his unbiased opinion who that is. Need a clue? He’s 6-foot-5, 238 pounds, and just signed a six-year, $258 million deal with $150 million guaranteed.

No matter the conversation, each answer he gives you is met with a beaming signature smile that radiates pure happiness.

“I love Buffalo,” Major said. “Buffalo is a special place, a place where strangers will treat you like family. Good luck finding that in another city.”

Major is a resident of the apartments at Seneca One, and since moving to Buffalo in 2020, his love for the city is as elite as a flat or drum chicken wing, doused in bleu cheese on a crisp football Sunday.

He grew up in Southwest Florida, just outside of Miami, in Miami Dolphins country. His mother and father, originally from New Jersey, have strong ties to the New York Giants. When the Giants battled the Bills in Super Bowl XXV, Gary grew tired of all the Giants talk. Since he didn’t like Dan Marino and the Dolphins, he made a bold decision that very day.

“In 1990, my dad had a Super Bowl party,” Major said. “I said, ‘I don’t like the Giants. I’m going with the Bills.’ I was like seven years old.”

We all know the fate of the Bills in that Super Bowl, but that didn’t stop Gary from loving his beloved Bills. As time went on, his love for the Bills blossomed. After years of working as a realtor in Southwest Florida, his passion for the Bills finally caught up to him; he decided that he must to move to Buffalo.

In August 2020, Gary made the move from Southwest Florida to Buffalo.  Upon his arrival and searching high and low for the right place to live, he stumbled upon Seneca One.  The positive atmosphere and warm welcome from the “City of Good Neighbors” made his decision to live here very easy.

“Moving into Seneca One was the best decision hands down that my wife and I have made since moving to Buffalo,” Major said. “The staff and tenants here always make us feel special. Everyone treats our dog, Diggs, like gold. We have made many friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Now that Gary has settled into his dream city, there is another goal that he would like to check off his list. He hoped to one day be heavily involved in the Bills’ organization and will stop at nothing to get there. 

Persistence goes a long way in a city like Buffalo. Recently, he was awarded a position with the Buffalo Bills as a Guest Services Representative. He did it. He’s in and he’s ready to work hard to climb the ranks. He has hopes that this position will catapult him into the next phase of his life and career.

The Seneca One community couldn’t be more proud of Gary, his commitment to the city of Buffalo and the Bills, his persistence, and his willingness to get the job done. The next time you see Gary and Diggs around Seneca One, be sure to say, “Hey-eh-eh-eh,” but make sure you’re not a Patriots fan. He might walk right by you!