My Story

Paul Folkman is a real estate developer, general contractor, and land planning consultant & broker. Mr. Folkman was born and raised in Rhode Island coming from a family of self employed retailers. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Environmental Studies. After graduation he co-founded the consulting firm - Synergistic Outlook Group. This firm assembled a varied range of experts on a project needed basis to address environmental and development problems.

Mr. Folkman obtained his M.Sc. in Natural Resources Planning from the University of Vermont with a specialty in water resources and water law. He is co-author of the first comprehensive assemblage and analysis of water law in Vermont entitled: Vermont Water Law and Rights. His Master's Thesis: Some Aspects of Water Law and Rights on Land Use Planning - Vermont Case Studies.

PUBLIC SECTOR

Mr. Folkman has held the position of Town Planner for the Town of Shelburne, Vermont. Shelburne is a suburban community near Burlington, Vermont. Accomplishments included restructuring all development permit review procedures, review of all development projects, managing, writing and providing the intellectual framework for a complete revision of the Town's Master Plan including the writing and implementation of the zoning by-laws and subdivision regulations.

Mr. Folkman served the City of Cleveland, Ohio as a Community Development Planner. He was responsible for evaluating needs for infrastructure improvements in neighborhoods primarily identified by political precincts. The resultant development plans were presented to the City Council for implementation by allocation of Community Development Block Grany funds. This position required numerous public meetings, interface with community action groups, politicians, and neighborhood leaders. Also, negotiating skills, public speaking, navigating "big city" politics and collaborating with diverse cultural populations in formulating consensus building and compromise.

Mr. Folkman's last full time public sector appointment was as Planning and Community Development Director for the Town of Mansfield, Massachusetts. Mansfield was a fast growing suburban community located halfway between Boston and Providence at the crossroads of U.S. Interstate Routes 95 & 495. This position included leading public-private joint ventures, standard development reviews, town center revitalization and all development administration.

PRIVATE SECTOR

For the past 33 years Mr. Folkman has been self employed as a real estate developer and consultant. His activities include traditional​ for sale and custom detached single family housing developments, condominium and apartment housing including all infrastructure construction, permitting, negotiating acquisitions, assemblage, financing and marketing. This work also included special projects such as downtown historic rehabilitation, light industrial/office and affordable housing produced under the Massachusetts 40B law.

Mr. Folkman's development activities have to date produced approximately 1,000 housing units and 20 miles in roads and supporting infrastructure. ​These cities and towns include Mansfield, Attleboro, Middleboro, Brockton, Milton, Canton, Norton, Dighton, and Foxboro. ​He currently works in Greater Boston and the Dallas Metroplex.

SPECIAL NOTES

  • Licensed Construction Supervisor - Commonwealth of Massachusetts - License Number CS -039108

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker - Commonwealth of Massachusetts - License Number 126705

  • Service in advisory capacity on local boards for​ the​ YMCA , Regional Council of Boy Scouts of America, and Easter Seals

  • Volunteer consultant to Faith Fellowship United Methodist Church - Mansfield, Massachusetts and Pastor David Arruda in the development and location of their new church and ministry facilities​ and will include include a​ 60 unit housing development focused on supporting families with adoptive children

  • Co-Founder of Smith Farm at Borderland - a non-profit corporation awarded a 65 year lease by the Department of Conservation and Recreation within the 2700 acre Borderland State Park in Easton, Massachusetts in return for renovation and restoration of the 1865 farmhouse and barn complex under the State's Historic Curatorship Program

  • Member and Chairman of Mansfield Board of Assessors from 1989 -2005. (property valuation and real estate tax appeals board)

  • Former coach for youth baseball and soccer

  • Eagle Scout