American Heart Association recognizes Wachtler's outstanding achievements.

Philip H. Wachtler, founder and principal of Wachtler Knopf Equities LLC, was honored at the American Heart Association 44th Annual Long Island West End Gala and Auction, an annual social event that recognizes outstanding accomplishments of individuals and companies in the area of cardiovascular science and leadership.

The gala, held at the Garden City Hotel, drew more than 470 guests from the medical and corporate community.

"The treatment of heart disease and its prevention are very important to me and my family," said Wachtler, who in a speech to dinner guests explained that members of his family had suffered either heart attacks or strokes.

"Our lives have been affected by heart disease and we feel committed to helping to reduce the incidents of this potentially deadly disease."

Wachtler added, "The education and support that the American Heart Association provides to our society is invaluable and the work that the cardiac care physicians provide is immeasurable. It is their work which will help people to learn how to avoid heart disease and live healthier lives."

Wachtler is a resident of Upper Brookville, where he lives with his wife, Robin and their three children. He serves on the board of directors of the Tilles Center for the Arts, is an associate trustee of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and a member of the board of the Long Island Real Estate Practitioners Institute

Established in 2005, Farmingdale, NY-based Wachtler Knopf Equities is a property management and leasing company overseeing a portfolio of 10 Long Island office buildings totaling 579,000 square feet.