Name: Anthony DelValle
Title: Director
Company Name: Marks Paneth LLP
Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:
Real Estate Committee, New York State Society of CPAs; Marks Paneth Real Estate Editorial Board; Marks Paneth Real Estate Group Continued Professional Education Committee
How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
This past year has presented many challenges, including working in a remote environment. I have always believed that maintaining a positive attitude and acting as a support network for my team members can motivate and help them overcome obstacles. You can never over-communicate, especially during uncertain or difficult times. We keep in touch on a daily and weekly basis through Teams calls, where I give them the opportunity to express how they are feeling and managing during “the new normal.” I also encourage them to make decisions about their work and solve day-to-day problems in order to demonstrate my confidence in them. I always make myself available to hear their thoughts or opinions as the diversity of opinion is the key to a successful organization.
Top three things on your bucket list:
Running a half marathon; attending a Superbowl game for my team, the New York Giants; and going on a wildlife safari trip in Africa.
Favorite quote:
“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.”
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
My priority has been to serve as a go-to-resource for my real estate and business clients as they navigate new challenges during the pandemic. I have frequently consulted with them on strategic decisions such as taking PPP loans and how to maximize the benefit of employee retention credits for their organizations. In one situation, I received a surprise gift (a case of wine) after helping a client through the challenging first round of the PPP loan application, which really showed me how much the client appreciated my efforts to ensure their business succeeded amidst all of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?
Growing up and throughout my career, my uncle, who is an accountant himself, has motivated me to become the professional that I am today. He has provided me with important business and problem-solving skills and advice, and even coached me through my first accounting interview. I also have to mention Howard Warshaw, the real estate partner with whom I have worked for the past 16 years at Marks Paneth. Howard’s impressive work ethic and remarkable knowledge, not only on technical tax matters but how to be a successful leader in this industry, have been a valuable resource to me throughout the years.
How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
My concentration is in tax, and I have taught several technical tax seminars at Marks Paneth as part of our continued professional education programming. I always make myself available to continue the conversation with younger staff, with the goal of serving as a mentor to them as they establish their own careers.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I dreamed of playing for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, I did not have the athletic ability to go with that dream.
What led you to your current profession?
My uncle is an accountant, and my father ran his own company, so from an early age, I was interested in the numbers and acumen behind successfully operating a business—both of which are key in the accounting profession. I have also always appreciated that the accounting profession is known for its integrity and ethics, which I value in business leadership.
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