THIS YEARS HONOREES

Entrepreneur of the Year

Anthony Parziale

Since entering the facility services industry in 1995, Anthony Parziale has built an enviable reputation characterized by unwavering integrity and professionalism within the New York Metropolitan business landscape. Joining The Advance Group in 2001, Anthony’s intrinsic talent for team building, unparalleled customer service, and strategic business acquisitions have been pivotal to the company’s growth trajectory.

 

In 2015, Anthony entered into a purchase agreement to buy The Advance Group and its companies FITCO and Molloy Moving, and executed that agreement in 2022, solidifying his commitment to the company's future and vision. Assuming the role of CEO, Anthony’s dynamic leadership stems from a sales-centric foundation. He is instrumental in orchestrating the organization’s strategic vision, nurturing employee growth, and ensuring consistent execution across all fronts. This holistic approach has not only strengthened The Advance Group’s brand but also showcased its deep-rooted commitment to service excellence. Fueled by a keen instinct for business diversification, Anthony has adeptly steered the organization towards innovative service areas, thus amplifying its market presence. His emphasis on fostering talent has culminated in a robust sales team composed of the industry’s top talent. Under Anthony’s stewardship, the company has witnessed a remarkable surge in revenue.

 

In April 2023, Anthony further demonstrated his strategic acumen by purchasing Sorensen Moving & Storage and Sorensen Logistics, with locations in Melbourne and Orlando, Florida. This significant acquisition has greatly expanded The Advance Group’s footprint, marking a substantial milestone in the company's growth, and positioning it as a formidable player in the industry.

 

Anthony continued his expansion efforts in July 2024, to the South Florida market by opening a brand-new facility in Fort Lauderdale. This bold move underscores Parziale’s visionary leadership, “striking while the iron is hot” in SoFlo and dedication to growth, providing enhanced services to a broader client base and reinforcing The Advance Group's presence in the region.

 

Beyond his professional achievements, Anthony is a devoted family man, residing on the North Shore of Long Island, NY, with his wife and four children. He seamlessly melds business with leisure, often hosting clients, colleagues, and industry peers at his picturesque Long Island residence. An avid wine and horological aficionado, Anthony relishes curating exquisite wine-pairing dinners, often culminating with a serene boat cruise on the Long Island Sound for sunset. When he’s not steering The Advance Group’s ambitions, Anthony can be found traveling with his family, or discovering new horizons aboard their boat.

 

Anthony serves on the Office Moving Alliance (OMA) board, contributing to this prominent industry organization’s strategic direction and growth. In addition to his role with OMA, his industry affiliations include the CoreNet Global NYC Chapter, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS). A true advocate for networking and community development, Anthony was a founding board member of Long Island Elite, a group dedicated to fostering business ties and championing philanthropic causes. His business prowess was recognized in 2005 when the Long Island Business News selected him as one of the top business professionals under the age of 40 on Long Island.



Contemporary

of the Year

Steve Kirschbaum 

Steve Kirschbaum, Director of the Lessing’s Catering Division, is an expert in the field with more than 30-years of experience in the hospitality world.
After spending his teenage years working in the industry, he decided to pursue a career in the field. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and, upon completion, furthered his knowledge through formal training with the Marriott Corporation and Hilton Hotels. With substantial hands-on-experience under his belt, Steve’s ambitious work-ethic lead him to his own multi-unit corporation. For almost 15 years he managed restaurants, catering facilities and corporate dining. After much success he chose to join the team-environment again and took the position of General Manager to the Lessing’s Catering Division. He currently oversees all 13 Lessing’s catering properties, as well as the entire off-premise division. 

Steve is a born and raised Long Islander who loves to support his community. He currently resides in Massapequa with his wife and three children.

Steve is a proud board member of two Long Island not-for-profit organizations. The Long Island Community Chest is an on-going community fund to support local individuals and families in need and has run the Fight for Charity event for the last 20 years. 

He also serves on the board of Eden II, an organization that supports the autism community.

 Eden II is a cause that’s close to home as his son Brandon, who is now 29 years old, has attended the Eden II-Genesis programs since the age of 6.  The team at Eden II has been a lifeline for Steve’s entire family.  The support they have received over the years is remarkable. 



Long Island Elite exists to provide passionate professionals a platform to forge meaningful relationships while strategically impacting local charities with fundraising and service. 

Long Island Elite (LIE) is a registered 501( c )3 nonprofit organization

that is dedicated to fostering the development of

Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities.

Since 2002, we have focused on cultivating the growth and leadership capabilities of Long Island business professionals, while raising awareness and funds for local charities. We strive to make a difference in our own backyard by bettering the community around us.

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