GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS FOR SUCCESS, TOP BEACH DESTINATIONS, AND FAVORITE BBQ DISHES
BY ZACHARY WEG AND MADELYN DAWSON
PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC, ROBERT NUZZIE, AND ALEX BARRETO
Merissa Fleischhauer
Co-Owner, The St. Laurent / thestlaurent.com
History meets an ever-evolving present in Asbury Park as Merissa Fleischhauer ushers in an era of advancement at the St. Laurent. One of the establishment’s four co-owners, Fleischhauer has committed herself to catapulting the social club forward while honoring its fabled past as a haven for Asbury Park’s LGBTQ+ community members.
At the St. Laurent, Fleischhauer marries her corporate background with her passion for hospitality. She is responsible for managing the hotel’s day-to-day operations, as well as spearheading efforts to make the establishment more environmentally sustainable, technologically innovative, and female forward. Under her leadership, the St. Laurent sources carbon-neutral brands, employs no single-use products, utilizes contactless check-in, and has women working at every level of operations, from ownership and management to food service and housekeeping. All the while, she intentionally honors the St. Laurent’s 137-year legacy, continuing the tradition of hosting LGBTQ+ focused events. “The best thing about our members is that they are as diverse as they come,” she said. “It feels important for us to maintain that diversity.”
Hotel, restaurant, bar, and social club: the St. Laurent truly has it all, and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of an even more diverse clientele. According to Fleischhauer, “For us, it’s a constant evolution to make sure we are meeting the customer where the customer wants to be met.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
Emotional intelligence. On a daily basis we deal with all walks of life, from employees to vendors to clients to townspeople. In order for us to succeed, we need all the people within our ecosystem to thrive, work together in harmony, and be content. Being able to flex, compromise, and treat people with respect while also maintaining a strong point of view and perspective is a balancing act.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
I lived in Hong Kong for many years in my career, making it easy to visit many vacation spots not normally possible for most American tourists. During my time in Asia I traveled to many destinations in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia – so many beautiful places. If I had to pick one, I would pick Boracay. Boracay is a small island in the Philippines and one of my most favorite vacation memories. The last time I was there it felt untouched by the outside world, not super commercial or fancy, low key and just easy. The beaches are covered in snow-white sand and the water is crystal clear blue. Because it is difficult to get to, it was not crowded, not competitive, very laid back, and beautiful. There are not many major hotel chains so it’s easy to stay and have a local experience.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
Deviled eggs! As many ways as possible. If it’s ever potluck, I love to make deviled eggs of all varieties.
Michael Benedetto
President and Shareholder, Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC ansellgrimm.com
Michael Benedetto was born for his role as a commercial real estate attorney. At a young age, he was exposed to and intrigued by all facets of the real estate industry, and today, the Widener University School of Law graduate serves as the president of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, a storied law firm with five locations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and where Benedetto has spent his entire 30-year career.
Benedetto is drawn to the intricacies and nuances of transactional real estate law, using his keen eye for problem solving to help clients with their needs. “To some people, transactional law may not seem as exciting or rewarding as the action of a courtroom,” he said. “However, it is just as exciting and certainly as rewarding. You see a problem that people can’t seem to figure out and you come up with a creative solution to fix it.”
Having worked his way up from law clerk to president, Benedetto is committed to cultivating the talents of the next generation of attorneys at the firm. “It is certainly something I think about and work on every day,” said the seasoned attorney of his role as a teacher and mentor.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
The most important trait for success is having a passion for what you do. We spend a lot of time in our life working. You better love what you do.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
Aside from the beaches of the Jersey Shore, from Sandy Hook to Spring Lake (it is truly AMAZING what we have in our backyard), my favorite beach destination would be East Lothian Scotland: not for the beaches, but for the golf courses, which sit above the beaches.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
While I love great ribs (who doesn’t?), my go-to food is Italian of any type. Fortunately, we have a lot of great options around us in that department.
Jeff Garibaldi Sr.
Chief Executive Officer, The Garibaldi Group thegaribaldigroup.com
Transforming the old Bell Labs into Bell Works in Holmdel was a herculean task. Jeff Garibaldi was a vital part of the team that made it happen. Joining with Ralph Zucker, President of Inspired by Somerset Development, in 2013, he assumed the leasing responsibilities as renovations began on the vacant two-million-square-foot building with vision and determination. Flash forward ten years, and Bell Works is a state-of-the-art collective of office, retail, dining, health care, education, and art spaces. The building is now 98% leased, with more than 5,000 people coming and going each day.
“Back in the day we didn’t know just how smart of a move we made,” Garibaldi said “It was a leap of faith on behalf of everybody, particularly me. I devoted ten years of my life to it. I lived it every day.”
Following the success of Bell Works New Jersey, Garibaldi is helping to bring a similar vibe to Chicago.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
Honest hard work, being genuine to your convictions, and treating all people with respect. These values were instilled in me by my Dad, and being in a fourth generation, 104-year-old family business, I assure you these values hold true today with everything in my life, not only in business but in my personal relationships with family and friends.
I also ascribe to Winston Churchill’s quote: “Never ever give up.” I believe this trait has been tested and proven with the experience I have had with Bell Works. Despite all the naysayers, we stuck with it, and to see Bell Works today is a testament to this conviction. It took ten years, but we never, ever gave up!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
Montauk Long Island, and in particular Ditch Plains, which has one of the best surf breaks on the East Coast – not to mention some fun beach bars with great music and awesome sunsets.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
Hot dog off the grill, tucked into a lightly toasted potato bun, sliced kosher dill pickle, light on the mustard, and an ice-cold bottle of Rolling Rock beer to wash it all down!
Suzanne Sicora-Ludwig
New Brunswick Council Member cityofnewbrunswick.org
With a warm smile and deep community roots that date back to her great grandfather’s butcher shop, Suzanne Sicora-Ludwig is the face of New Brunswick. Now serving as a council member following her term as council president, the city native has been an avid advocate for her community for years. Holding a BA, JD, and LLM degree in taxation, Sicora-Ludwig uses her background to set policies and agendas that benefit her fellow New Jersey residents. “I care dearly about the city, and I wanted to make sure that it kept moving in the right direction and that we were taking care of all the people in the community,” she said. “The best way to do that is to be involved and have a voice.” One of the many ways Sicora-Ludwig bolsters her community is by combatting hunger through Taste of the State, now in its second year. The event was held at the Park Château Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick on May 23, and featured food from 16 local restaurants as well as three different musical acts and entertainment. “All of the money we raise goes back into our meal service so we can continue to provide for those in need,” Sicora-Ludwig added with pride.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
The most important trait for success in the event planning role of my life is multifaceted. It begins with an intellectual understanding of the subject, leading to a creative vision for building a brand, then flourishes with persistence and professionalism while building a strong network, and culminates with precision through an eye for detail to bring it all to fruition.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
Sparkling white sands of Kaanapali Beach on the west coast of Maui with Molokai island in the background, taking in the sunset and daily cliff diving ritual with the sound of the conch and the breaking of the waves.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
My favorite barbecue is a reverse seared tomahawk steak cooked over a mixture of applewood, cherrywood, and charcoal, plus grilled Jersey corn in the husk, crispy and salty potato wedges, and a refreshing cucumber salad.
Eric LeGrand
Co-Founder of Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ericlegrandwhiskey.com
Eric LeGrand holds many titles: motivational speaker, philanthropist, author, sports analyst, entrepreneur. But above all, he is a fighter. As a Rutgers football player in 2010, the New Jersey native ran for a tackle against the opposing team that resulted in a devastating injury: paralysis from the neck down. Only 20 years old, LeGrand could have fallen into despair and anonymity, but in the years since he has ventured into several arenas and become an inspiration. Whether writing a book about the tackle that altered his life or commenting on today’s sports headlines, launching his own coffee brand or interviewing celebrities on his podcast, LeGrand continually dashes expectations. “Everything I do is for a purpose,” he said. The now 32-year-old recently released his own whiskey: Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. “I wanted to end the stigma of people with disabilities not being able to enjoy the finer things in life,” he noted. Sold throughout New Jersey, with distribution in more states forthcoming, the two-year-aged bourbon reflects the nature of LeGrand himself: gritty yet smooth, strong yet warm. ThThe project also aligns with his larger goal of giving back to the community. As a nod to his Rutgers number 52, $5.20 of every case sold goes to his fundraising arm of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, Team LeGrand. Now that’s something to toast.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
It’s the peace of mind you get knowing you did everything you could to be the best you could be. When we look back on this project, we think, “Did we do our best? Did we learn the lessons we needed to learn along the way?” Then, from there, you move forward with the business and are able to grow it. There’s a reason and a mission behind it. We know we have the ability to impact so many lives.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
Turks and Caicos. That has, by far, been the best beach I’ve ever been to. I had a great time when I was down there.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
Cheeseburger and French fries, and I love some Portuguese ribs. Oh my God. Some barbecue ribs. I might have to have that tonight.
Rich Bodian
Chief Clinical Officer, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy / jagonept.com
Bodian’s story begins unconventionally: in 1994, while working in Staten Island as a regional manager at one of his cousin’s physical therapy practices, he was forced to close the location. But a week later, the practice reopened, now under his name and tax number. Patients were told the office was closing for one week, and like clockwork, it was back seven days later.
For Bodian, when his community has a need, there is no other option but to fill it. In 1998, he opened his own practice: One on One Physical Therapy, planting his roots in Brooklyn and Staten Island. While he watched as other leaders moved to Long Island, Manhattan, and Connecticut, he stayed loyal to his communities and providing quality care where it was needed most.
“With gentrification, the community was starving for quality care,” he said. “We gave ourselves to the areas that needed the most care.” Sending clinicians to high schools and developing strong relationships with patients and doctors alike, Bodian positioned himself well for the 2019 merger with JAG Physical Therapy, creating what is now JAG-ONE, a massive operation with more than 115 locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. JAG-ONE, Bodian said, is steadfast in its commitment to clinical excellence and quality care.
“The biggest reward of my career is, and will always be, watching the patient progress,” added Bodian. “That never gets old.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT FOR SUCCESS?
Perseverance and commitment. Success isn’t achieved in an hour, and everyone has a different view of what success means to them. No matter what goal you are reaching for, or how
you measure success, you must be committed to that goal and persevere through any and all roadblocks along the way.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GLOBAL BEACH DESTINATION?
Turks and Caicos. The beaches, architecture, and ambiance are absolutely beautiful.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BBQ DISH OR FOOD?
I stick to the classic surf and turf: steak and grilled shrimp hit the spot every time.