Early Life
Ben Ashkenazy was born in Israel in 1969 and immigrated to the United States at age nine. He grew up in Lawrence, Long Island, New York, and is of Jewish heritage. His father, Izzy Ashkenazy, was a successful real estate businessman, which profoundly shaped Ben's early interests and ambitions.
Rise to Success
Ashkenazy's career in real estate began at 17 when he purchased his first property in the Bronx. He founded Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation in 1987 at the age of 18. Ashkenazy attended night classes at Adelphi University but did not graduate, choosing to focus on his real estate ventures. Through strategic acquisitions and long-term leases, his company expanded, focusing on high-profile retail, office, and hospitality properties.
Key Business Strategies
Ashkenazy's key strategies include acquiring marquee properties with historical significance, like London's Grosvenor House Hotel and New York's Plaza Hotel. His approach involves identifying properties with potential, revitalizing them to create vibrant spaces. He also focuses on opportunistic acquisitions and has raised capital to pursue deals in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Philanthropy
Ben Ashkenazy is committed to community development and philanthropic endeavors. He actively supports causes that promote social welfare and empowerment, spanning from educational programs to healthcare initiatives.