Starlite is a NJBIZ Legacy Business for 2025!

Starlite is a NJBIZ Legacy Business for 2025!

Jul 16, 2025 | Awards, NEWS

Starlite Honored as a 2025 NJBIZ Legacy Business

We are proud to announce that Starlite has been recognized as one of NJBIZ’s Legacy Businesses for 2025 — a list celebrating companies across New Jersey that have stood the test of time and continue to enrich the state’s economy and community.

To be listed alongside some of the most enduring and iconic names in New Jersey business history is an honor we don’t take lightly. It’s a moment that invites reflection, celebration, and immense gratitude — especially for our founder and CEO, Dean Danowitz.

What started in the early 1980s in a two-car garage has evolved into a 53,000-square-foot facility and a multimillion-dollar operation that continues to serve the performing arts, education, hospitality, worship, corporate, and entertainment sectors. From designing nightclubs in our earliest days to leading large-scale AV integration projects and unforgettable event productions, Starlite’s journey has always been one of adaptation, innovation, and service.

Dean laid the foundation not just for a business, but for a community of talented individuals who care deeply about their craft and the clients they serve. His vision and values still guide everything we do — from our long-standing client relationships to our commitment to quality and integrity.

While we’re proud of where we came from, we’re even more excited about where we’re going. The recognition from NJBIZ only fuels our passion to keep building, keep evolving, and keep growing — not just in size, but in impact. The sky is the limit for Starlite, and we’re committed to carrying this legacy forward for decades to come.

Thank you to NJBIZ for this incredible honor, and to our team, clients, and partners for being a part of our story. Here’s to a future that is bold, bright, and full of light.

Starlite’s Joe Masciangelo Named a Philadelphia Titan 100 Honoree

Starlite’s Joe Masciangelo Named a Philadelphia Titan 100 Honoree

Jun 10, 2025 | Awards

We’re proud to share that Joe Masciangelo, Starlite’s Chief Operating Officer, has been named to the 2025 Philadelphia Titan 100—a prestigious list recognizing the region’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. This honor celebrates exceptional leadership, vision, and passion  across a wide spectrum of industries. We couldn’t be more excited to see Joe, joining our CEO Dean Danowitz who won Titan 100 in 2023, included among this impressive group!

Joe’s journey with Starlite is a testament to what hard work, curiosity, and commitment can accomplish. He started with us more than 20 years ago as a young sales executive, selling lighting fixtures and gobos with a deep passion for the audiovisual industry. Armed with a background in business and technical theatre, Joe brought a unique blend of creativity and strategy from day one.

But Joe didn’t stop at sales. Over the years, he taught himself software development to build the very infrastructure that Starlite still relies on today for order entry, rental management, and inventory tracking. He overhauled our financial systems to provide clearer, more accurate monthly insights. Joe led the charge in modernizing our marketing and brand strategy, and he continues to strengthen our internal operations while helping guide our long-term vision and growth.

From his hands-on technical expertise to his sharp business acumen, Joe has helped shape nearly every department at Starlite. He is a leader by example, not just in title. Whether he’s attending industry networking events, coaching our internal teams, or quietly solving behind-the-scenes challenges, Joe brings humility, insight, and drive to everything he does.

Joe’s recognition as a Titan 100 honoree is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to both Starlite and to the AV and lighting industry as a whole. And while this milestone is worth celebrating, Joe’s journey is far from over. We all know at Starlite, he’s just getting started.

Congratulations, Joe! Your Starlite family couldn’t be prouder.

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Starlite Recognized as One of NJBIZ’s 2024 Businesses of the Year

Starlite Recognized as One of NJBIZ’s 2024 Businesses of the Year

Dec 3, 2024 | Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Starlite has been recognized as one of NJBIZ’s 2024 Businesses of the Year—an acknowledgment that speaks volumes about the dedication and passion that have fueled our journey over the past 40 years.

From our humble beginnings in a garage to becoming a trusted leader in audiovisual and lighting services in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey regions, this award reflects not just our growth but our unwavering commitment to our clients, our team, and the industry at large.

A Legacy Built on Innovation and People

At Starlite, we’ve always believed that success isn’t about the size of the business; it’s about the impact we have. While the audiovisual and lighting industries are valued in the billions, Starlite has carved out a niche not defined by scale but by the quality of service and the relationships we build. Our legacy is grounded in the philosophy that people matter most. With many of our team members having been with us for over 25 years, we are proud to be a company that prioritizes empathy, expertise, and a family-like culture.

This recognition from NJBIZ is a testament to that very commitment. We don’t just aim to meet expectations—we strive to exceed them, delivering solutions that resonate with our clients’ visions while ensuring technical excellence. Whether it’s through our cutting-edge lighting and sound equipment rentals, our meticulous systems integration projects, or our comprehensive event technology services, we work every day to create exceptional experiences.

 

Why This Award Matters to Our Clients and Manufacturers

For our clients, this award serves as an affirmation of the trust they’ve placed in us over the years. It’s a recognition that Starlite is more than just a service provider—we are a partner who understands their needs, anticipates challenges, and consistently delivers results that align with their goals. Our dedication to building long-term relationships, combined with our ability to deliver innovative solutions, has allowed us to thrive in a competitive industry.

For our manufacturers, this recognition underlines Starlite’s role as a reliable and valued partner. Our growth and success are a direct reflection of the quality of products and services we offer, and our ability to represent cutting-edge technologies that meet the evolving demands of the AV and lighting industries. Together, we continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in event production, systems integration, equipment rentals, and more.

 

Looking Ahead: Thriving and Evolving

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. Starlite continues to push the boundaries of innovation, striving to stay ahead of the curve and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. Our journey from a small garage startup to a trusted industry staple is far from over. This recognition only fuels our drive to do more, evolve, and  continue lighting the path forward.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Starlite throughout the years—our clients, our manufacturers, and our dedicated team members. We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to continuing to serve you with the same passion, commitment, and excellence that has defined us for the last 40 years.

To learn more about our award-winning services or to discuss your next project with us, feel free to reach out. We’re here to make your vision come to life.

 

Chat with our team to learn more!

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Starlite Celebrates Dan McKay’s Recognition as a 2024 Executive of the Year

Starlite Celebrates Dan McKay’s Recognition as a 2024 Executive of the Year

Nov 12, 2024 | Awards, Integration, Systems

Since joining Starlite just one year ago, Dan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of the audiovisual and lighting industry. His extensive experience and innovative approach have reshaped our operational strategies and set the stage for one of the most financially successful years in Starlite’s history.
SJ Biz Executives of the Year

Congrats to Dan Mckay!

We are thrilled to announce that Dan McKay, our esteemed Vice President of Systems Integration, has been recognized as one of South Jersey Biz’s Executives of the Year for 2024. This accolade highlights Dan’s transformative impact at Starlite, where his leadership and vision have propelled our company toward unprecedented growth and success.

Dan’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and open communication, fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. Under his guidance, our Integration team—responsible for the installation and programming of sophisticated theatrical lighting and AV systems—has evolved into a cohesive unit that operates with remarkable efficiency. Dan’s commitment to building trust within the team has reinvigorated our department, creating a dynamic environment where positivity thrives and productivity soars.

One of Dan’s ongoing initiatives has been the expansion of our service department, which he views as essential for both financial growth and a customer-centric approach. By leveraging data and key metrics, he ensures that our strategic decisions are informed and effective, paving the way for sustainable success in the years to come.

Moreover, Dan’s focus on professional development and talent acquisition has strengthened our Integration team, equipping them to tackle complex projects with confidence. Regular team meetings encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices, further enhancing our collaborative spirit.

At Starlite, we are incredibly grateful for Dan’s dedication and passion. His exceptional contributions have not only driven our current achievements but have also laid a solid foundation for future success. We believe this recognition as an Executive of the Year is a testament to his hard work and visionary leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Dan McKay on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to continuing our journey under his guidance as we strive for even greater heights together.

Starlite’s Joe Masciangelo named an honoree in the 2024 Corporate Leadership Awards

Starlite’s Joe Masciangelo named an honoree in the 2024 Corporate Leadership Awards

Jul 12, 2024 | Awards

Congratulations to Starlite’s Joe Masciangelo for Making the Cut in the 2024 Philadelphia Business Journal’s Corporate Leadership Awards!

 

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Corporate Leadership Award recognizes C-suite-level executives who demonstrate their contributions to their company based on financial management, strategic thinking, and company reputation. The Philadelphia Business Journal looks at nominees living and working in the Greater Philadelphia area who show outstanding performance in their role. Among the honorees for the 2024 year is Starlite’s very own Chief Operating Officer, Joe Masciangelo. Joe’s contributions to Starlite’s business and experience in technology for 20-plus years have propelled him into leadership and to be recognized as a top corporate leader in the Greater Philadelphia area.

This prestigious accolade is a testament to Joe’s exceptional contributions to Starlite and the broader audiovisual and lighting industry. From a college student working on his own lighting design projects in technical theater to becomingChief Operating Officer at Starlite, Joe has proven if you work hard and put in the time, you can reach the top. Under Joe’s dynamic leadership, Starlite has experienced significant financial growth and operational efficiency. With Joe’s strategic foresight, not only have our internal processes been streamlined, but our service offerings across all divisions have been enhanced.

Joe Masciangelo humbly credits the entire team at Starlite and all its factions for the honor of receiving the 2024 Corporate Leadership Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal. Joe firmly believes that success is a collaborative effort, and he attributes his and Starlite’s achievements to the hard work and dedication of every team member. This award underscores Joe’s unwavering commitment to Starlite and his belief in the entire team as a whole. We are incredibly proud of Joe and look forward to achieving even greater milestones under his guidance!