- Welcome William, please tell us about yourself.
Born in NJ, grew up in Albany, NY , summered on Brant Lake as a kid (would not trade that for anything), moved down to NYC in 1985 and have never lived anywhere else in the world. Worked in the telecommunications industry and formed my own business in
June 2000. Love to travel, scuba, ski (snow and water), paddle board, pickleball, swim, bike and I can grill just about anything and make it taste great. I love networking and networking events.
2. Where do you work and what is your role? When/how did you get started there?
The Advance Group – Vice President of Sales. Started my role May 2024 but previously was a sub-contractor to TAG since 2007 performing IT and AV installations. When Robert Gutmann accepted the position of Director within our Division of Scientific Relocation, he hired me away from my own company!
3. List some factors that contribute to your success.
“Honesty is the best policy” (attributed to Benjamin Franklin) “My word is my bond” (attributed to merchant traders circa late 1500s) Keeping your word and maintaining your integrity and reputation is crucial for building trust and instilling reliability in your professional life (personal life too). Though contracts are a necessary part of our industry, I still honor and respect a handshake.
4. Give advice to those starting their careers in Business Development
Put in the time and be willing to work hard and truly learn your craft. Nothing is more transparent than a business development or sales professional who does not have a grasp of their product, industry or their clients’ needs. Always be learning and approach opportunities with curiosity. Be positive and handle every challenge with the mindset that we all need to learn, grow and adapt constantly. Surround yourself with people that you trust and truly want to help succeed.
5. What is your passion?
For the last 2 years I have volunteered with The Good Dog Foundation at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital @ NYU Langone pediatric diabetes treatment facility with our therapy dog “Jackson Blue”. My partner Jennifer and I knew relatively quickly that he was a special animal and had extremely high emotional intelligence. We both agreed that we needed to share his gift with the world and he continually amazes us with his gentle intuitiveness.
6. Please tell us about the range and type of projects you are involved in.
The Advance Group has been office moving specialists for decades and we have clients in every market segment. I have been focusing on the Life Sciences and healthcare ecosystem as we are also specialists within the scientific laboratory relocation space. I have worked on projects for Columbia University Medical Center, JLG Science Center, Stony Brook University Hospital and various PI labs within every life science real estate asset in the NY metro area. In addition to being able to relocate sensitive (and expensive) laboratory instruments, we can provide additional value related to logistics, storage and warehousing and technology services. Our extensive network, through our Office Moving Alliance and Mayflower partnerships, gives us global reach. I look forward our business development future within BDPros, together!