Pugliese Associates would like to congratulate 3 of our Central PA clients for being noted in the Central Penn Business Journal’s “Power 100”. The Power 100 are “individuals who hold positions that give them the ability to shape our communities and influence our quality of life.” Pugliese Associates is proud to work with these individuals as they strive to help make Central PA a great place to live and work.
Bradley Jones (President and CEO Harristown Development Corporation)
Founded in 1974, the non-profit develops and manages new and existing real estate development projects designed to revitalize downtown Harrisburg. Since its inception, Harristown has been involved in over $500 million of redevelopment projects in the core of downtown, paid over $200 million in real estate taxes to the various jurisdictions. As president and CEO, Jones oversees the management of the firm’s multi-faceted real estate development enterprises, which include over 2 million square-feet of real estate in the downtown of Harrisburg.
He has been with Harristown for over 20 years in multiple roles including President since beginning of 2015.
He is most proud of the organization’s team of over 120 employees; all of whom emphasize customer service, quality development projects, and a commitment to excellence every day.
The most important life lesson he’s learned to be passionate and enthusiastic about your work.
Jones said he enjoys the outdoors including activities such as hiking, biking, running, kayaking and swimming. “I love to stay active but also enjoy traveling, discovering new places, and reading,” he said.
Robert J. Murphy, CPA/ABV, CVA (Principal and CEO Boyer & Ritter LLC)
Murphy’s responsibilities are primarily threefold: focusing on continuing to meet Boyer & Ritter’s clients’ needs and distinguishing the firm in the market; strategically steering the firm to sustained growth in the short and long term; and leading and managing day-to-day activities. “By concentrating on clients’ success, we fortify our own,” he said.
Murphy said the firm’s partners vote every four years on its leadership. “With my partners’ support, I have been privileged to lead Boyer & Ritter for 11 years,” he said. He has over 30 years of experience with the firm providing audit, accounting, tax and consulting services to clients in a wide variety of industries including automobile dealerships, land development and other for-profit, closely held commercial enterprises.
“I am immensely proud of how we are meeting our clients’ needs throughout the pandemic, establishing Boyer & Ritter as a go-to source throughout the country for information about the Paycheck Protection Program and other business relief programs. We also honored our commitment to our employees, pledging no layoffs, pay cuts, or furloughs,” Murphy said.
He shared several life lessons. Applying “listen first” is a life skill and is equally critical in business and social settings. Good leaders know to gather information, then provide the best guidance possible. “We have talented professionals throughout our firm, and I learned early on the importance of giving people the opportunity to be heard and share their ideas,” he said.
Murphy enjoys golfing and boating; however, he said his greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. “No matter what you do professionally, it is critical to have a way to destress. Quality time with my loved ones helps me recharge my batteries and reminds me what is important in life,” he said.
Danene Sorace (Mayor City of Lancaster)
As mayor, her duty is to serve the City of Lancaster.
Sorace has been in the position of mayor for three years. She is Lancaster’s 43rd mayor, and the second woman to serve in the position. Prior to her election as mayor, she served for three years on Lancaster City council.
She is proud of so many things, many of which can be found at www.lancasterblockbyblock.com. “I am proud to work alongside so many people who are invested in the success of the City–inside and out of city government,” Sorace said.
“There is a Talmud quote that summarizes a life lesson I have gleaned from this job: ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’ I am never going to complete the work, but I work to make things a little better every day,” she said.
Sorace enjoys time with friends and family because they laugh together. “Laughter is the best medicine!” she said.