People on the Move: Hirsh Wins Bradley Award, Residential Properties Adds Two
GoLocalProv Business Team
People on the Move: Hirsh Wins Bradley Award, Residential Properties Adds Two
GoLocal's People on the Move is an update on new hires and promotions across southern New England. If your organization has an announcement, email it to us at [email protected].
Bradley Hospital, the country’s first – and New England’s only – psychiatric hospital devoted to children and adolescents, has presented Jeff Hirsh with its celebrated Humanitarian Award. The longtime owner of the famed Lobster Pot Restaurant in Bristol, R.I., was recognized for his deep impact on the hospital and for an unwavering commitment to healing the hearts and minds of children, teens, and adolescents.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“So many of the hospital’s most determined supporters learned about Bradley and were introduced to its life-changing care by Jeff, me included,” said Betty Brito, an officer of the Bradley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, who received the award with her husband, Joe, in 2022, and presented the honor to Jeff. “His advocacy and incredible gifts of time, talent and treasure have been instrumental in helping to move mountains for children and families who need what only Bradley Hospital can offer.”
His relationship with Bradley began 25 years ago when late hospital trustees Ruth Kauffman and Martie Livingston asked him to host a donor cultivation event for the hospital at the Lobster Pot. The successful event would launch Jeff’s relationship with Bradley, inspiring him to join the hospital’s Board of Governors and later, its Foundation Board of Trustees. In 2006, he co-created and chaired Bradley Hospital’s 75th anniversary gala, engaging scores of new supporters with the hospital whose specialized mental and behavioral treatment programs attract patients and families from across the country.
“It would be impossible to fully encapsulate everything Jeff has done for our hospital and the true difference he has helped to make for literally thousands of youth and their families,” said Henry Sachs, MD, President of Bradley Hospital. “He is one of the most selfless individuals I know and the true definition of a community champion who stops at nothing to help others. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
Hirsh's devotion to civic life extends far beyond Bradley Hospital and his native East Bay. He served as Treasurer and Commissioner of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority for 20 years and is a long-term board member of the Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. Among his other involvements, he is the founder and co-chair of Explore Bristol and a former president of the Bristol YMCA Board of Directors. Jeff is a recipient of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association Restauranteur of the Year Award. He also has been inducted into the Providence Tourism Hall of Fame.
Residential Properties Adds Two
Sales Associate Tyler Ferreira has been added to the team of real estate experts at the East Greenwich office.
Native to Rhode Island, he established his career at Lexus of Warwick, working his way up to a customer-facing sales role. Enjoying the fast pace of transactions and engaging with people, he decided to pursue his true passion, real estate. He brings to RPL practiced negotiation skills, a gift for collaboration, and an ability to think on his feet.
Having passed his real estate licensing courses, Residential Properties’ clean, engaging marketing and advertising caught Tyler’s eye. He reached out to his friend, RPL Sales Associate, Theo Papigiotis, to learn more about the company. Theo described the robust services and cooperative spirit, in addition to the events, education resources, and networking that RPL offers. “Every time I mentioned RPL to someone familiar with the industry or who transacted with the company, I heard only great things,” Ferreira said. “After meeting everyone myself, I can say that the management, corporate staff, agents, and administrative team are all very welcoming, supportive, and eager to help.”
Rolling with the punches, savoring success
Energetic and ambitious, he keeps mentally and physically sharp through his hobby, boxing. He has assisted his gym with various classes and events, including a women's self-defense and safety course. With his puppy, Monte, Tyler is ready to leverage his lifetime of local connections and knowledge to help clients discover or rediscover the Ocean State.
He is excited to connect with his Residential Properties colleagues and expand his network of similarly driven people. As his real estate career takes off, he’s planning to improve in some way each day. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of this business,” Ferreira said. “I try not to have any illusions or expectations about what it takes to thrive in the long-term, but I believe in hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement in order to reach my goals.”
To learn more about Tyler, please visit TylerFerreira.ResidentialProperties.com.
Striking a chord with RPL
At college, he came to appreciate the culture and history of the city he now calls home, Providence. In addition, as a member of the indie rock band “Friday Life,” Brendan has played shows at venues throughout RI, getting a whirlwind tour of the Ocean State while discovering and learning about different villages and neighborhoods. “I love all things New England,” Downey said. “Having traveled around the state with my band, I’ve covered a lot of ground and am always taken by the warmth of the people and natural beauty of Rhode Island.”
Residential Properties’ commitment to serving our communities was a key factor in Brendan’s decision to join the company. He believes in the power of individuals to uplift a community and has been involved in many causes, volunteering at homeless shelters such as Father Bill's Place in Quincy, MA. “I sensed a shared purpose between me and Residential Properties,” Downey added. “I’m looking forward to a career of helping people attain the goal of homeownership, while continuing to reach out and serve the community through causes close to my heart.”
Ready to rock real estate
When he has time away from his dream career, Brendan likes watching sports and reading classical literature, in addition to playing synthesizer with his band. “The most fun part is playing live shows,” Downey added. “The bands that inspired us are mostly ‘80s acts like The Cure, New Order, U2, and Rush. Being in a working band and bringing some good vibes to people is a nice feeling.”
Now with RPL, he looks ahead to working with first-time buyers, investors, and anyone else in need of an enthusiastic, creative real estate professional. Leveraging RPL's full-time, in-house marketing team and its innovative use of technology, he is busy planning his career. “RPL has so many services here to help you achieve success, whether it’s learning the latest social media trends, partnering with a mentor, or gaining insight from the company’s specialists and experts,” Downey said. “I want my clients to know that I will go to great lengths to ensure they get the best results.”
To learn more about Brendan, please visit BrendanDowney.com.