A Yonkers, New York (NY) resident, Andrew Maniglia has been in financial services and real estate development for 35 years. Today, Andrew Maniglia is a real estate developer and vice president of Standard Amusements, LLC, based in Yonkers, New York (NY).
From 1982 to 1999, Mr. Maniglia worked across the financial services sectors for companies such as Chemical Bank, where he was the vice president in 1982, Hong Kong Bank, where he served as vice president and chief compliance officer in 1989, and the NYC Educational Construction Fund, where he was the director of finance in 1997. He was also the deputy mayor of Yonkers for four years, beginning in 1992. As deputy mayor, he set the groundwork for the Affordable Housing Desegregation initiative.
In 2000, Mr. Maniglia transitioned into real estate development when he became involved with residential and mixed-use projects for Ginsburg Development Corporation. By 2009, he went to work for Gilberti Sinziano, Heintz, and Smith. In this role, he was involved with commercial mall development, quarry mining operations, and biotech research properties.
By 2015, Mr. Maniglia became the vice president of Development and Community Affairs for Standard Amusements, LLC. As vice president, he played an integral role in redeveloping Playland Park, a nationally registered historic park.
Throughout his career, Mr. Maniglia has worked to reinvent government so that residents get the most out of their taxes. He was also a Yonkers Industrial Development Agency member.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day is going to work and consulting with major Westchester County and NYC developers.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I input all of my ideas into my computer programs, and I play and record music in the studio.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A new approach to outreach to US Catholic believers by US Catholic Bishops.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Prayer and sitting in the silence.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be careful who you choose as a girlfriend and wife. The wrong choice can ruin you in many ways.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Trump 2.0 (47) will be better than 45.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Go to weekly Mass and receive the Eucharist.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Pray and play piano.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
A conservative approach to business decisions is always warranted. Research, research and more research is the best advice I can give to new entrepreneurs.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Stay out of the press. Work at being anonymous. Recognition will come on its own, if warranted.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
MS Office – scheduling, writing and calculating.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My two favorite books are: The Holy Bible (King James Version) and The History of Music, published by the Smithsonian.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Wicked is a great movie. The music is as good as the Broadway musical. Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory are two well written and funny series that have stood the test of time.
Key learnings
- Dedicating a substantial amount of time in church can help you find spiritual fulfillment and community connection through these activities – in both personal and professional capacities.
- Choose your hobbies intentionally, prioritize meaningful activities, and dedicate yourself to productive pursuits such as professional development and spiritual growth.
- Maintain consistent prayer and spiritual vigilance to stay attuned to higher principles or divine guidance, particularly in the face of life’s challenges.