There’s just something about a black-and-white photo.
It brings a sense of elegance, style and class that can never be captured on the endless stream of party pics on your phone.
In this instance, it represents a company that has more than stood the test of time.
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, a preeminent family-owned and operated commercial and residential real estate firm based in Hackensack, is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025.
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The Alfred Sanzari Enterprises story began in 1945 with Alfred N. Sanzari’s dream to start a business to ensure his family would never endure the poverty he faced during his youth.
Beginning with the construction of single-family homes in Dumont, New Jersey, Alfred’s burgeoning business quickly found success in the state’s post-war construction boom.
Working closely with his wife Mary, the firm leveraged its single-family homebuilding experience to expand into multifamily garden apartment construction in the 1950s. Always looking for the next opportunity, Alfred soon entered into the office and industrial real estate sectors.
As Alfred Sanzari Enterprises grew, his commitment to hard work, integrity, independence, fiscal conservatism and treating others with respect became hallmarks of the business.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Alfred welcomed his sons David and Ben to join the business and help lead its next phase.
Under Alfred’s leadership, joined by his sons David and Ben, the firm entered its most active growth phase, marked by the construction of Glenpointe in Teaneck and Court Plaza in Hackensack.
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Sadly, Alfred passed away in 2005 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His legacy, however, provided a clear blueprint for multigenerational success. In 2011, David welcomed his son Ryan to the company, continuing the family’s vision.
Today, David, Ben, and Ryan lead the company and oversee a portfolio of multifamily, industrial, office, medical office, retail, and hospitality properties across New Jersey. This diverse portfolio serves nearly 200 commercial tenants and over 700 residents.
Guided by Alfred’s example and the family’s visionary leadership, the company remains well-positioned for future growth, powered by a long-term ownership strategy rooted in timeless ideals and a commitment to creating spaces that meet the evolving needs of how people live, work, and play today.
“From a very early age, my father learned the importance of financial responsibility, a strong work ethic, integrity and treating others with respect,” CEO David Sanzari said. “His tireless work to ingrain these qualities in every aspect of our business has proved critical to our success over the past eight decades.”
President Ryan Sanzari acknowledged the extended family that is Alfred Sanzari Enterprises.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our employees, partners, tenants, and the communities we serve for their invaluable contributions in helping us reach this milestone,” he said. “As we look to the future, we are excited to build on our success and continue creating spaces that residents and businesses are proud to call home.”
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The Sanzari family dynamic breaks down this way.
Alfred N. Sanzari represents the first generation of family leadership. David and Ben, sons of Alfred, represent the second generation. Ryan, son of David, represents the third generation.
David, Ryan and Ben all still actively lead the firm in their respective roles.
There’s no reason to believe the company won’t live on for future generations – and that 20 years from now, it will be holding a centennial celebration.
Let’s hope on that day they break out more of the black-and-white photos – ones that so eloquently display the hopes and dreams of a family business.
And do it in a way that an Instagram post never could.
