Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR) has announced that real estate advisor Catherine Wallack has joined its team of sales professionals in Northport. Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell made the announcement.
“Catherine Wallack is an outstanding professional with a proven record of success in Northport and its surrounding communities,” said O’Connell. “Her background in property management and fine arts complements her ability to help her clients and customers realize their vision in both personal residences and investment properties.”
A native of Northport, Wallack was recruited to Daniel Gale Sotheby’s by Melissa Stark, sales manager for the Northport and Huntington offices. Wallack explains, “Melissa and I first met while working on a school project at our daughters’ school. I was drawn to her upbeat personality, work ethic, and initiative. When Melissa invited me to join Daniel Gale Sotheby’s, I saw her positivity and enthusiasm reflected in her sales team and determined that I wanted to be part of that community of agents.”
Wallack’s active board membership for the Board of Conservation of the Environment for the Village of Asharoken reflects her commitment to and love of her community. She also volunteers for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
“Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s world class marketing and digital tools, combined with its global reach and family feel, are exactly what I’m looking for to further my career development,” said Wallack.
Honoree Katherine Heaviside, president, Epoch 5 Public Relations (second from right) with (l-r) Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty President and Chairman of the Board Patricia J. Petersen, CEO Deirdre O’Connell and Board member Stanley C. Gale, grandson of founder Daniel Gale.
Day of Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Supports Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens Not-for-Profits
The Daniel Gale Foundation, the charitable arm of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the nation’s top ranked luxury real estate organizations, recently held its 1st Annual Outing in support of its mission to benefit charitable causes across Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.The sold out event, which honored Epoch 5 Public Relations President Katherine Heaviside, offered golf, tennis, and pickleball to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters at the Huntington Country Club.
The genesis of this first annual outing was the advisory board of the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Young Professionals Network (YPN). YPN is a group of approximately 40 real estate advisors who meet regularly to share growth opportunities through networking and mentoring. This most recent event is one of several fundraisers YPN has organized in support of the Foundation.
Co-chairing this event were YPN advisory board members Kathleen McCarthy, a real estate advisor who works predominantly in Queens and western Nassau, and Melissa Stark, who manages sales in the Huntington office.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Deirdre O’Connell kicked off the evening festivities, thanking the event committee and all in attendance for their support of the Foundation.President and Chairman of the Board Patricia J. Petersen,Stanley C. Gale, grandson of company founder Daniel Gale, and Katherine Heaviside joined O’Connell at the podium.
“I am thrilled to stand before such a wonderful group of supporters,” she said. “Together we represent a community of caring that can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors who are struggling.I am also exceedingly proud of our young professional group, who put together such an enjoyable and successful event.”
Heaviside was honored in recognition of Epoch 5 Public Relations’ 40 years as Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s public relations firm and . A Huntington resident, Heaviside is a regular on the Long Island Press Power List of “Top 50 Influentials” and has been voted “Best Publicist on Long Island” for 14 years in a row.She has unmatched long-standing contacts and relationships with the media, corporate leaders, and community and government leaders.
In 2022, as part of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s celebration of its centennial year, the Daniel Gale Foundation was launched to consolidate and organize the ongoing charitable giving and outreach efforts of the organization’s management, staff and real estate advisors to make a greater impact. In the year since its formation, the Foundationdonated the equivalent of 100,000 meals to Island Harvest and City Harvest food banks during Hunger Action Month®, supported Pink Aid in its fight against breast cancer, and raised thousands of dollars with its Young Professionals Networking and Bowlathon events, among others.
Pictured from left, board members of the YPN Kathleen McCarthy, Lowell Ackerman, Veranika Johnston; CEO Deirdre O’Connell; and board members of the YPN Melissa Stark, Christianne Mustazza, Joseph LaViola, and James Hogan.
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the nation’s leading realtors and the top ranked luxury real estate organization serving Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, recently held its First Annual Fundraiser. Held at The Inn at New Hyde Park, more than 200 enthusiastic networkers raised $35,000 for the Daniel Gale Foundation, a charitable organization wholly funded by donations from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty real estate advisors, staff, management, senior executives and board members.
“I am elated, impressed and proud of our young professional group, who put together a wildly successful benefit event,” said Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Deirdre O’Connell, who was in attendance. “Not only did they raise a substantial sum of money for the Daniel Gale Foundation, they put on an outstanding networking event to the great benefit of all who attended.”
Kathleen McCarthy, a real estate advisor based out of the Bayside/Flushing and Garden City offices who serves on the advisory board of YPN, explained the significance of bringing together this group of young professionals and veteran real estate advisors. “Over the past three years, we’ve mostly operated in our own silos, meeting by zoom or in small group settings. Nothing matches the energy of getting together in a local venue while doing good. Our newer agents in particular were able to meet and learn from the top producing legacy agents in the room. These interactions are invaluable stepping stones to future success.”
YPN currently has between 30 to 40 active members and an advisory board of eight who plan quarterly events. In addition to fundraising, YPN offers growth opportunities for its members in a supportive environment. One YPN member, for example, recently launched a podcast, which has since been shared among members and their networks. Members also share listings via Instagram and Facebook with a dedicated inbox. “It’s all about relationship building, supporting our colleagues and referring business among one another,” added McCarthy.
Because of the generous contributions of event sponsors including Embrace Home Loans, Chase Home Lending, Citizen’s Bank, Wells Fargo, and Jon Pappas, 100 percent of ticket sales were donated to the Daniel Gale Foundation.
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty at ribbon cutting on Aug. 4.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR), serving Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, officially opened its new Huntington office in downtown Huntington Village with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 4. The new office replaces its longtime Huntington office located about a mile outside of the village.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell cut the ribbon with help from President and Chairman of the Board Patricia J. Petersen and Huntington Sales Manager Melissa Stark.The trio was joined by local government officials, representatives of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, and many members of the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty family.
The new state-of-the-art office, ideally situated on the corner of Main Street and New York Avenue in the heart of downtown, will reap the benefits of high visibility and heavy foot traffic in this destination village known for its popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
“The opening of our new Huntington office is exciting on so many levels, not the least of which is its outstanding location,” said O’Connell.“It’s the first of its kind, designedto be truly new in every way, from its technology to its layout and overall feel.It is welcoming, comfortable and flexible to meet the needs of all who visit or work here.It’s a place to gather, collaborate, and build relationships.”
Stark echoed O’Connell’s thoughts and added, “An essential part of our culture is our commitment to the local community and that includes partnerships with village and other businesses.And that relationship starts with the cutting of the ribbon.”
For the opening celebration, local restaurants and retail businesses including Prime, The Ivy, Crabtrees, Madison’s Niche, Endo Ethos, and the newest iteration of the popular bookstore Book Revue, The Next Chapter, donated raffle prizes. The proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Daniel Gale Foundation, which in turn will make donations to Long Island not-for-profit organizations.Additionally, The Next Chapter has set up a pop up bookstore within the Huntington office, and will be open for business there throughout the month of August.
Every month the office will host a different business, event or not-for profit.In September, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty will be accepting donations of food and funds for Island Harvest, and in October, supporting Pink Aid’s work to assist breast cancer patients.The office will regularly host the Long Island Board of Realtors’ Daniel Gale Young Professionals Network meetings as well.
“It is very exciting to be play a role in the action on Main Street and be a part of something new and fresh, every day,” added Stark.“We invite our neighbors, friends and passersby to stop in and say hello. We can’t wait to meet you.”
About Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Consistently achieving among the highest average sales prices nationwide, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is a $5.02 billion-dollar organization based on Long Island, N.Y. with close to 950real estate advisors serving New York City’s metropolitan area with 29 sales offices in Brooklyn, Queens,Nassau and Suffolk counties, the North Fork of Long Island, and Westhampton Beach. Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to marketing and showing homes in a way that gives prospective buyers and sellers the flexibility and convenience of online 3-D and regular video tours of many listed properties, floor plans, and photography, as well as virtual smart phone tours by request. Our other services include a full Relocation/Referrals Division, a Rental Division, DGNY Commercial, and Ambassador Abstract Title company. The Sotheby’s International Realty®affiliate for Long Island and Queens since 1976, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s has gained national and international recognition, including top honors for sales, marketing and technology worldwide. For more information, visit danielgale.com.
Founder Daniel Gale, above, and his assistant Miss Jean Wallice — the future Mrs. Kent Gale — in front of the Daniel Gale Huntington office, circa 1940. Photo from Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty
Not many companies make it to 100 years in business, but Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty did just that this year.
Below, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s President and CEO Patricia Petersen poses in front of the Cold Spring office around 1990. Photo from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Daniel Gale founded the company on Feb. 9, 1922, and chose Main Street in Huntington for his real estate and insurance agency. When he picked the spot, the founder was encouraged by the fact that the town was a stop on one of the Long Island Rail Road lines. A century later, the company remains family owned. Through the decades the founder’s son Kent, until his passing in 2014, grandson Stan, and Kent Gale’s protégé current chairperson and president Patricia Petersen have continued to head up the company along with CEO Deirdre O’Connell.
History
In a recent phone interview, Petersen and O’Connell discussed the company’s history. Over the hundred years, Daniel Gale has grown from a business with one office to 30 locations not only on Suffolk County’s North Shore but across the Island. In 2014, the brokerage company opened offices in Queens and this year Brooklyn.
Petersen said she believes one of the company’s assets is that it has been family owned. She learned the benefits of this early on when she started in real estate in 1975 in the Cold Spring Harbor location, which was the company’s second office. Petersen said as a mother, she was hoping to work part-time but quickly found out it was difficult to become a successful real estate agent with limited hours. She said Jean Gale, the wife of the founder’s son Kent, would help get her children off the nursery school bus, give them lunch and then get them to day care.
“Somehow we cobbled it together and made it work,” Petersen said. “It’s kind of how we run the company. Whatever the agents need, Deidre and I figure out a way to provide it.”
Petersen went from agent to office sales manager, company general manager and relocation director through the years. She credits Kent Gale with recognizing she had potential. In the early ’90s, she began buying the company with Kent’s son Stan Gale and became president and CEO.
Kent Gale, son of founder Daniel Gale. Photo from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
In turn, one of the talents Petersen recognized was O’Connell. The latter said her career in real estate began with another company in 1991. She opened her own office in Manhasset and her second one in Cutchogue. Daniel Gale then bought her offices, and she became part of the company in 2007. O’Connell helped the brokerage expand to the North Fork. She went on to become a regional manager then general manager of the company, and became CEO four years ago.
Both said they appreciate the history of Daniel Gale. As the centennial celebrations began, Petersen said, it was a reminder of everything the company had been through since its founding. The ups and downs of the current pandemic, she added, can be likened to founder Daniel Gale’s early days.
“Daniel Gale went through the Depression and went through the [second] World War,” she said.“In fact, he started the company right after the first World War, and then he had to go through the second World War. We have had our own challenging times over the years, but certainly that’s not new to us. We’ve always been able to not just survive but thrive in really any kind of market.”
O’Connell said she believes the company thriving goes back to its foundation.
“Certainly, in times of crisis we use that as an opportunity to assess the crisis and to utilize that and to come out of it as a growth opportunity, because after every crisis comes opportunity,” she said. “We’ve always been able to seize those moments.”
As for the pandemic, O’Connell said the company realized the importance of pivoting early on during the shutdowns by going virtual. Within a month, she said, Daniel Gale had an open house with 150 homes virtually showcased.
“Yes, everyone could do it eventually, but we seized the moment to once again help our agents help their customers and clients in providing them the service and marketing of the moment,” O’Connell said.
Petersen and O’Connell also recognize the importance of marketing in the real estate field. An early marketing tactic of founder Daniel Gale in the 1920s, Petersen said, was buying a tract of land along with two investors. One lot had a miniature model house buried in the ground. Petersen said whoever bought the plot would win a house built for them. She added that the person turned out to be a builder, so he was given two more lots instead of having a house built for him and the win spearheaded his own business in the area.
Pat Petersen and Deirdre O’Connell. Photo from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Sotheby’s International
Another milestone in Daniel Gale’s history was when the company became affiliated with Sotheby’s in the 1970s. The auction house needed an outlet for its clientele. After Sotheby’s International Realty was created, Daniel Gale became affiliated with it on Long Island and went on to become its No. 1 affiliate in the world.
O’Connell called the move a game-changer which allows Daniel Gale agents to bring their properties around the world but still have representation on Long Island.
“Larger firms that are represented, even here on Long Island, their decisions during hard times aren’t made here locally,” she said. “They’re made maybe in New York City or across the country somewhere. We live and we work, we do everything with our people first in mind.”
She gave the example that during the Great Recession of the 2000s, while big corporations laid off people, “Pat Petersen put personal money into the company to make sure that we didn’t have to cut our people.”
Keeping employees in place is something the company was able to do during the pandemic, too.
“We kept everyone on the payroll because we could make that decision,” O’Connell said.
The present and future
Later this year, Daniel Gale plans to open a new office in Huntington located cata-cornered where the original 1922 building was on Main Street. The company also recently launched the Daniel Gale Foundation to enable the company, which has donated tens of thousands in the past, to make a bigger impact.
O’Connell said Daniel Gale offices have always been involved with their communities “through a wide range of community service initiatives and donations.” With the new foundation, offices will choose a few events each year to work on with the whole company.
“The Daniel Gale Foundation will enable us to make an even greater impact with our giving by consolidating our giving efforts across the Island from Brooklyn to Shelter Island and make them even more impactful,” O’Connell said. “The foundation is about more than giving dollars, it is having the Daniel Gale family roll up their sleeves, put on their sneakers or pick up their shovels to work in our communities as a team.”
The two said it’s important to be proud of the past but it’s also essential to keep an eye on the future. Currently, like other realty companies, Daniel Gale is keeping up with the current seller’s market. O’Connell said while inventory is low, sales are high.
“We get 10 houses on the market, or an office has five houses on the market in a weekend, and they’re all gone by Monday,” O’Connell said, adding she believes the market will normalize in the near future.
Petersen added the importance of pricing correctly in any market.
“Part of our job is to be good counselors,” she said.
As they look toward the future, Petersen and O’Connell said the ways of communicating continue to change with social media platforms, but the key is to maintain high quality just like they do in ads and online.
“You have to be true to yourself, and I’m very proud of what we’ve done in the last 100 years,” Petersen said. “Not that I had much to do with the first 50, but I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished and what is still yet to accomplish.”
Eric McCarthy and Deidre O'Connell in front of the new location. Photo courtesy of Daniel Gale Sotheby's
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that it is in the process of moving its longtime Huntington office from Park Avenue to a prime location on the corner of Main Street and New York Avenue in downtown Huntington Village. The new office will reap the benefits of high visibility and heavy foot traffic in this destination village known for its popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell made the announcement with the expectation that the new office will open in early spring 2022.
“To say that we are excited about our new location is an understatement,” said O’Connell. “We are delighted to bring a state of the art real estate office to downtown Huntington Village. Not only is Huntington the hometown of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, our very first office was founded on this busy corner in 1922. Its opening will coincide with the start of our 100th anniversary celebration.”
As the new home base for some 50 real estate advisors, the office, located at 263 Main Street with display windows running alongside New York Ave., has already been festooned with signs bearing Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s familiar whale logo.
“We’re sad to say goodbye to our longtime home on Park Avenue,” said O’Connell, “but this new office will incorporate design elements developed to accommodate the latest technology, the health and safety needs of those who work there or visit, and include leading edge meeting rooms.”
Eric McCarthy, sales manager of the Huntington office, is equally enthused about the move to Main Street. “An essential part of our culture is being part of the local community, and we will be in the thick of it here on Main Street. Huntington is among Long Island’s most desirable communities in which to live, and we look forward to inviting our neighbors, friends and passersby to stop in and say hello.”
