About Us
Metro Star Properties has established itself as one of Connecticut's leading developers of upscale boutique residential communities. Because we are a local company headquartered in Connecticut, our properties are an extension of who we are. What we are not is a national real estate conglomerate that hires mammoth, property-management companies to operate its properties. What we are is a close-knit, client-centered organization comprised of dedicated professionals who live in the communities we serve.
Our founder and chief executive officer has been designing, building and managing real estate in Connecticut for more than thirty years. He is closely involved in every facet of the development of our real estate.
Likewise, our employees are a family, many of whom have been working together for decades. Not only do they share a keen sense of common purpose; they know they are an important part of our success. They are proud to work for Metro Star.
Metro Star enjoys a well-deserved reputation for high-quality unique buildings and absolutely the best service to our customers. Our tenants become a part of our family. They know how much we appreciate them, and that we are available at any time day or night to help them with whatever concerns they may have.
Locally based, customer-centered, mission-driven — these are what make Metro Star unlike any other real estate company. We believe in our products, we care about our employees and, above all, we love our work. And we look forward to working with you to create a home you will cherish.
Robert Smith
Executive Managing Director & Founder
Robert Smith’s 33 year real estate career encompasses a unique combination of industry disciplines. He believes that to be successful in the motley world of New England real estate development a person must possess an extensive understanding of each layer of the development process. With millions of square feet of completed development projects and over 150 major zoning entitlements, Mr. Smith has assembled a successful track record while continuing to be a student of the industry. His companies are vertically integrated organizations that embody his unrelenting demand for quality, financial performance and customer service. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Pepperdine University, lives in Branford, CT, and is married with 3 children. He is the former Treasurer of the Wooster School in Danbury, CT, a K through 12 day school, and a former board member of Eagle Hill School of Southport, CT, a school for children with Learning Differences.
Donna J. Crandley
Managing Director
Working with Mr. Smith for over 23 years, Ms. Crandley has helped shape all Company iterations and subsidiaries. Her extensive experience with financial accounting has produced excellent Company controls and reporting methods. Managing the interface with all financial partners, she has become the trusted point of contact for all Company transactions. With over 25 years of real estate management experience she maintains the high standard of customer service and product quality the Company is known for. Her diverse understanding of the business makes her the day to day problem solver for the Company. Donna is married, lives in Milford, CT and is a graduate of Providence College. She is a past board member of Gaylord Hospital.
Ryan Degnan
Director
Ryan comes to Metro Star Properties with experience in the fields of Marketing, Real Estate Law and Finance. Most recently, he spent 8 years working on the digital side of the Hearst Connecticut Media Group. While there, he helped develop and grow the Client Experience department. Ryan later oversaw the department as the Manager of Client Experience. Ryan is a graduate of Fordham University and is happily married with 3 daughters.
Steve Johnson
Director – Senior Project Manager and Master Builder
With over 20 years of construction experience and 12 years under the direct tutelage of Mr. Smith, Steve has become the Senior Construction Manager for the company. Through design, construction and project close out, Steve contributes practical project management knowledge on all levels. From ground up suburban developments to urban adaptive re-use projects, Steve adds value to the company’s ability to execute its construction activity successfully. Steve is highly regarded by his peers and project professionals. He is married with 3 children.
Carol Kuryla
Director - Marketing and Communications
For over a decade, Carol has provided invaluable contributions to Metro Stars ongoing marketing effort. Her vast experience with face to face customer relations has translated into continuing apartment design refinements and enhance customer service strategies. A licensed Connecticut Real Estate Broker, Carol spearheads all leasing efforts for the company. Carol holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Political Communications from Fairfield University, lives in Milford CT and is married with 3 children.
Metro Star focuses on real estate development in the New England, Westchester and Metro New York markets. Development opportunities incorporating adaptive reuse, ground up development, transit oriented development, stable but under-managed pure multi-family or urban mixed use properties is the company’s focus.
Smith Construction Company Inc. is the oldest of the companies and has extensive experience in all types of construction. Since 1985, the Company has been Construction Manager for all of Mr. Smith's development activities. Additionally, the company is a registered Major Contractor in the State of Connecticut.
Metro Star Property Management LLC – Owning and managing numerous small to mid size properties in scattered locations pose many marketing and management challenges. Metro Star Property Management manages and market properties under one brand with management synergies and controls. This highly successful management company consistently delivers an outstanding customer service experience while producing operating expenses below the industry average. Unconditional customer service is the company’s ongoing mission.
Our Team
A unique system of managing a diverse portfolio of buildings of all sizes, uses and locations through a central office and under one brand provides a challenging and exciting experience for our team. Trained in the use of Yardi Voyager and Argus software, our staff has developed a modern understanding of real estate underwriting, property management, and leasing.
Careers
Metro Star is always interested in professionals who share our dedication to developing high quality properties and making positive contributions to the community. If you are interested in a career with us, we invite you to submit your resume.