Our People

UrbanBuddy is a global network devoted to
connecting people to place.

UrbanBuddy was imagined as a result of our own study abroad and travel experiences. Created from our need for a local contact and our desire to discover all things unique and wonderful about Barcelona.

The Beginning.

We began as best friends and classmates who shared a study abroad experience that took us to nearly 50 cities in over 25 countries. It was from our need for a personal contact during our travels that we created UrbanBuddy. We envision UrbanBuddy as a network and brand that revolutionizes the way in which people travel, study, work, and live. Both locally and globally. Our company philosophy is simple, we create and share a network of all that is unique and special about our locations around the globe.

Paul Brogna, President and Global Director

paulbrogna@urbanbuddy.com

Paul founded what is now UrbanBuddy back in 2007. He's responsible for the daily operations of UrbanBuddy and still serves as an on-location UrbanBuddy in Barcelona.
Paul grew up in Burlington, Vermont, and now splits time between New York and Barcelona. When not working with students and travelers you'll most likely find him on the beaches of Barcelona or eating lunch with friends at La Champagneria in Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico. Paul’s travel experience is extensive with a passport that holds almost 60 international stamps.
His responsibilities to UrbanBuddy include the oversight of all operations, managing the network of UrbanBuddies as well as marketing and development of new locations and programs. In addition, he leads our online presence and the personality of our social networking sites. Paul Brogna is co-owner with Kyle Cornell.

Kyle Cornell, Vice-President and Global Director

kylecornell@urbanbuddy.com

Kyle Cornell is the Vice President and Global director of UrbanBuddy. He works along side Paul Brogna to manage the daily operations of UrbanBuddy and provides the financial oversight for the company. Kyle’s daily responsibilities include the management of UrbanBuddy operations, financials, and the development of new locations and programs.
Kyle Cornell is co-owner with Paul Brogna. He joined Paul in 2009 to create what is now UrbanBuddy and has been vital to the growth and expansion of operations. He resides in Saratoga Springs, NY, and given the opportunity, Kyle would be found skiing the slopes of his home state of Vermont.

Pete Stam, Program Director

petestam@urbanbuddy.com

Chicago based designer Pete Stam, is the Program Director of UrbanBuddy. He is responsible for the creation of academic and travel related programs for UrbanBuddy and serves as UrbanBuddy Chicago.
Pete’s responsibilities include creation and maintenance of new and existing academic programs, and is responsible for the development and application of all academic grant efforts within UrbanBuddy.
Pete Joined Paul and Kyle in 2009 and has brought a unique vision of the global design community and the ability to showcase a sense of place by highlighting built form, structure, and landscape. You may also find Pete at any number of Chicago architecture lectures or participating in local art instillations.