Michael J. Falcone Chairman Emeritus & Founder
Superior Property Management & Development
The Pioneer Companies is headquartered in Syracuse, New York, with a geographic reach focused in the Northeast but extending throughout the country. Our roots extend back to the early 1960’s when founder Michael J. Falcone began building shopping centers and apartment buildings throughout Central New York.
The intervening years have seen a great many changes in the real estate industry and Pioneer has been at the forefront of adapting to these changes.
A History of Success
Our projects have included master-planned industrial parks, stand-alone rehabilitation centers, new-urbanist living communities, suburban office parks, downtown office buildings, high-rise mixed-use developments, lifestyle shopping centers, and various senior housing and hospitality products.
Our progressive approach has been validated by outstanding investor returns as well as honors and awards from some of the most venerable architectural and development institutions in the country.
50+ Years
property development expertise
15 million+ ft2
real estate space constructed
$2.5 billion+
total project value
Honors & Awards
Honesty
with every one of our partners
Integrity
in everything we make and do
Reliability
of our products and services
Trustworthiness
evidenced by our rich history of success
A Commitment to Our Partners
Our core values are deeply rooted in decades of company history and culture and are central to the commitment we make to our investors, clients, tenants, consultants, contractors, and vendors. The quality of projects completed by the Pioneer Companies is the result of creative collaboration between every member of our organization and each of our partners.
A Competitive Edge
Our staff’s breadth of experience and cumulative expertise allows us to fulfill all facets of a project, from design and construction to asset and property management. We perform these roles for ourselves as well as for demanding third-party owners such as national real estate companies and REITs. Over our 40+ years, we have accomplished what others did not think possible.
A Focus on the Future
Our ideals of seeking out unsurpassed locations; pursuing high-quality, diverse tenant mixes to enhance the user experience; and managing our assets at the highest standards have resonated with the communities in which we work and with our many tenant, investor, and municipal partners. This is demonstrated by our enviable portfolio of project successful–and by our unique and growing pipeline of opportunities.
Pioneer Leadership
Michael J. Falcone
Chairman Emeritus & Founder
Mike began his real estate career at age 16 when he became the youngest ever licensed real estate salesman in the State of New York. In 1969, he co-founded the Pyramid Companies and later went on to form The Pioneer Group in 1975, a predecessor to today’s Pioneer Companies. As Chairman Emeritus, he remained a trusted and engaged advisor on our existing portfolio as well as new investment opportunities.
Michael P. Falcone
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Michael is a founding principal at the Pioneer Companies and currently serves as the Chair and CEO. He has successfully been involved in various real estate projects with over $2.0B in value and been deeply involved in every aspect of company operations including construction, development, acquisitions, property management, asset management, leasing, and dispositions. Michael became CEO in 1997 and took the additional role of Chair in 2007. In addition, he has overseen all non-real estate investments made on behalf of his family and by the company. He is now the primary contact for sourcing equity and joint venture partners, acts as chief strategist and is Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Michael P. Falcone is a qualified New York State Court Receiver satisfying the requirements as designated by Part 36 in the New York State Unified Court System. Michael has been a qualified Receiver for over 18 years.
Eric Ridley, CHIA
Chief Operating Officer
In addition to his duties as Chief Operating Officer, Eric leads all hospitality related asset management activities for Pioneer and its affiliates including operations, development, pre-opening, transitions, marketing, and revenue management. As a former General Manager, he brings a wealth of experience to our operating teams to maximize their potential. Eric served as the opening General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn – Auburn and is well versed in all Hilton systems. He is also a tireless advocate for the hospitality industry, having served on the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Board of Directors since 2008, most recently as Chairman of the Board. He is the recipient of both state and national awards including New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Pinnacle Award for lifelong contributions to the hospitality industry, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Outstanding General Manager of the Year Award.
Al Gough
Chief Financial Officer
Al has over 30 years of leadership in finance, accounting, and operations in several industries including hospitality, construction, and development. Al oversees all aspects of accounting and finance for Pioneer.
Prior to his transition to Pioneer, Al served as CFO of Widewaters Hotels, where he oversaw the acquisition and sale of several properties along with the day-to-day accounting functions of fifteen hotels. Al is also a partner and former CFO of Brine Wells Development, LLC. Notably, Al handled the $80 million financing for the restoration of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse. He also spearheaded the first permanent financing for Carousel Center, the largest single asset securitization at the time on Wall Street.
Charles Rogalia
Director of Construction
Chuck joined Pioneer Companies in 2008 as a Construction Project Manager. He has a unique combination of military leadership, education in architecture and construction management, and over 30 years of experience in all phases and types of construction. Chuck has overseen and successfully completed over 1.8 billion dollars in commercial, institutional, higher education, office building and mixed-use development and redevelopment projects. As Director of Construction, he oversees all of Pioneer’s Tenant Improvement and New Build projects in addition to 3rd party consulting work.
Susan Smith
Director of Property Management
Sue currently serves as Pioneer’s Director of Property Management, overseeing the budget, marketing, maintenance programs and personnel of the portfolio while maintaining direct oversight of a medical office portfolio consisting of 500,000 SF. Sue’s 25 years of experience in property management includes all major commercial asset classes - retail, industrial, CBD office, suburban office and medical office. A member of our leadership team, she contributes to Pioneer’s corporate direction and strategic initiatives. Sue has earned her Real Property Administrator designation from the Building Owners and Managers Institute and is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New York.
Donna St. Cyr
Director of Accounting
After joining Pioneer in January 2000 as a Property Accountant, Donna was promoted to Accounting Manager in 2012, and Director of Accounting in 2024. As a member of Pioneer’s executive committee, she contributes to company direction and strategy. With over 30 years of real estate accounting experience, Donna currently oversees all aspects of the accounting department which includes accounts payable and receivable, leasing and project development accounting, financial reporting, investor reporting, payroll, cash management, and systems administration support. Donna prepares all hospitality-related financial statements for our investors and works actively with our various operating partners on accounting and finance.
Stacy Bower, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
Stacy Bower, SHRM-CP joined Pioneer Companies in January 2022 as the HR Director, bringing with her two decades of expertise in human resources. As a member of Pioneer’s executive committee, she contributes to company direction and strategy. Stacy plays a pivotal role in managing and overseeing all aspects of HR. Her responsibilities include recruiting and staffing, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, HR compliance, organizational structure, workplace health and safety, and strategic planning. Stacy’s extensive background in HR supports Pioneer Companies in maintaining a strong, compliant, and well-structured workforce.
Alan J. Rainbow
Director of Property Management- WNY
Alan has more than thirty-five years of experience in managing a wide variety of Commercial Real Estate for investment groups throughout Upstate New York. He has administered office space, retail shopping centers, and warehouse facilities for a vast number of property owners. Prior to shifting his focus to commercial real estate. Alan was initiated into the business on the multi-family Residential, and Hospitality side, of Property Management. A Syracuse, New York native, Alan and his wife relocated to Rochester over 8 years ago to accept the challenges of a new market and to be closer to their family members and grandchildren.
Alan has been a member and representative of local B.O.M.A. chapters and the ICSC and held a previous affiliation and high accreditation with the Institute of Real Estate Management. He has also secured credentials as a registered New York State Court Appointed Receiver, along with holding a New York State Salesperson’s license for over 20 years.
Leasing
Development
Management
Properties
About
Syracuse
333 W Washington St., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-471-2181
Rochester
120 Corporate Woods, Suite 210
Rochester, NY 14623
© 2025 Pioneer Companies, All Rights Reserved. Pioneer Management Group, LLC is a NYS Real Estate Brokerage Company.
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