GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE LESSONS FROM THEIR FIRST JOBS, FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES, AND THE TOP AMENITIES IN THEIR DREAM HOME

BY ZACHARY WEG PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC

Devin Bouton

Owner, Halcyon Homes / halcyonhomes.net

Devin Bouton is a dreamweaver. The founder of the Monmouth County-based Halcyon Homes, Bouton helps make someone’s dream house a reality. Specializing in customized, high-end homes, Bouton is sought out for his keen attention to detail and expertise in ultra-premium properties. His experience began long before he launched his firm 20 years ago. “When I was a kid, my father was an investor with a builder,” he said. “So I kind of grew up hanging around construction sites. Once I was old enough, I started helping out. I loved that it wasn’t redundant work. Every morning, you get to appreciate what has been accomplished so far. That daily sense of accomplishment is what drew me to the industry.”

For the seasoned builder, “Success is not measured by bank accounts and tax returns,” he said. “It’s measured by the satisfaction you get from your accomplishments. When I release a rendering of my next custom home or see the excitement a family has to move into their dream home, that’s what does it for me. Luckily for me, it happens all of the time.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

My first job was working for a builder in Staten Island. It was basic work: cleaning, accepting deliveries, making sure the houses were locked at the end of the day. I learned the basic, behind-the-scenes work that goes into the daily operations. You can’t buy experience. I believe those early years set the tone for me to expand my knowledge in the construction business.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN STYLE?

My favorite style of house is French Provincial. The symmetry and timelessness just oozes elegance and grace. If I ever get the opportunity, I’d like to build one for myself!

FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE TOP LUXURY AMENITY IN YOUR DREAM HOME?

It’s hard to pick one; I personally like cool basement amenities like wine cellars, a home theater, and a commercial-style bar. Those things add that resort-like feel to a luxury home.

Christen Sachs

Managing Director, Nest Seekers International / nestseekers.com

Savvy, strategic, and armed with decades of experience in digital media production, Christen Sachs brings a special set of skills to the New Jersey luxury real estate scene in her role as managing director of the Nest Seekers Rumson office. Using the full spectrum of digital tools at her disposal, including videography, drone technology, and artificial intelligence, Sachs knows how to make properties stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Through state-of-the-art digital renderings, she can make clients feel as though they are walking through properties in real time.

“Throughout my career, I have always had a passion for branding and marketing,” she said. “That said, I very much enjoy the production side of it, really telling a story and truly capturing the intended audience. When I got into real estate, it was a very organic transition that leveraged my first love: media production.”

For Sachs, the person-to-person element of her role is the real motivator, and she’s thrilled with the opportunity to mentor newer team members. “Leading a team of extraordinary professionals, supporting their goals, mentoring and coaching, and celebrating them is one of the most rewarding elements of my role as director,” she said.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

As a teenager, I took on many roles in the hospitality space, which really lent itself to success in real estate. But even before that, my first money-making venture was pushing a lawn mower through the streets of my neighborhood to sell $5 dollar lawn cuts. That was the start of my entrepreneurship journey.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN STYLE?

To be fully transparent, I don’t have a favorite style. What makes the style attractive to me is texture, detail, warmth, and energy. I could likely find that in various architectural styles.

FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE TOP LUXURY AMENITY IN YOUR DREAM HOME?

A luxury amenity for me is a home spa. I absolutely love my sauna every morning for my own self-care regimen, so an in-home spa, including a sauna, massage table, and indoor pool. I’d be into that.

Mike Buldo

Principal, MHS Architecture / mhsarchitecture.com

Growing up, Mike Buldo wanted to build things. While many of his friends were playing catch or riding bikes, Buldo would get lost in his Lego sets, building cityscapes, skyscrapers, and bridges out of the multi colored blocks. Today, the Garden State native continues to live his childhood dream, serving as a principal of the Hoboken-based urban design firm MHS Architecture.

Focused on creating inspired environments, MHS is the visionary behind many of the state’s place making developments, including The Hendrix in Jersey City, Metropolitan Lofts in Morristown, and Pier Village in Long Branch. For Buldo, each project is far more than a sleek new addition to the New Jersey skyline; it’s an opportunity to stimulate more vibrant communities throughout the state.

“There’s so much that goes into a project in terms of planning, problem solving, and construction, but when you see a building take on a life of its own as it rises, that’s the exciting part,” he said. “It becomes an organic element that people live in.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

Where I grew up, a couple of doors down there was a family-owned peanut store where they roasted peanuts and other various types of nuts (almonds, cashews, macadamias), and I started working there as a helper. Since it was a family-owned place, what I learned is that hard work always pays off, and to be successful you need to wear many hats.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN STYLE?

For me, whether the building features a traditional façade or is a modern design, what I find appealing is the underlying order, symmetry, and the proportions of the elements to the overall design.

FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE TOP LUXURY AMENITY IN YOUR DREAM HOME?

Oh, that’s easy. It’s the kitchen. Cooking is analogous to architecture in that you’re creating something from raw ingredients. Designing a building feels the same way, you are creating something that people are going to enjoy from basic elements.

Victor Lopes

Owner, Victory Builders / victorybuildersus.com

Upon relocating to the U.S. from Mumbai nearly 20 years ago, Victor Lopes has, brick by brick, built a reputation as one of the go-to builders in the Garden State, overseeing complex, custom residential projects throughout central New Jersey through his firm Victory Builders. In addition to designing and building custom homes from the ground up, Lopes also specializes in home additions and remodels/renovations.

“Building is something I always loved,” he explained of his passion for the industry. “While completing my education, I started building my own house around the same time, which sparked my professional interest. That was a key moment for me and my career.” Since launching his firm in 2016, the builder has brought dozens of home owners’ visions to fruition, working closely with NJ-based Builders’ General to source high-end materials. “At the end of the day, success, for me, is measured by customer satisfaction,” he said.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

My first job was a sales engineer, selling cash registers to restaurant owners. When I worked there, I initially struggled with meeting my sales target. However, observing the manner in which my supervisors would speak with customers, especially how they maintained their relationships with existing customers, taught me the importance of client relationships. Since then, I have prioritized investing in the relationships I have with each of my clients, maintaining long-lasting connections that go beyond the timeline of our projects.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN STYLE?

Modern. Victory Builders specializes in custom homes, so most of our clients tend to look for modern, contemporary homes like those in Miami or L.A. We then help them customize it to handle New Jersey weather without compromising on the look.

FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE TOP LUXURY AMENITY IN YOUR DREAM HOME?

In my dream home, I would love to have a large, high-end car garage that can accommodate my F-150 easily, while still having some space around. I’d also love a covered raised patio with outdoor living spaces, cabanas, and an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Obviously, I’d also love to have a private home theater! It would have stadium seating, recliners, custom couches, mood lighting, and the latest and greatest in picture and sound technology

Chris Merone

President, Heights Abstract Ltd / heightsabstract.com

Since launching his title company, Heights Abstract, in Brooklyn in 1988, Chris Merone has worked tirelessly to build a name throughout the tri-state area for reliability and results. Today, he and his nimble team of underwriters oversee title insurance for a diverse portfolio of real estate clients, who know him as a no nonsense problem solver. This reputation has helped Heights Abstract expand over the years, and the team recently celebrated the grand opening of its Red Bank office just a few months ago. With 35 years of experience under his belt, Merone is thrilled to offer his services to a new population of homebuyers and sellers.

“When you buy a home, we ensure that there are no liens or encumbrances on the house, so it’s a one-time fee,” he said. “The rewards come from making sure our clients are happy, that the service we provide is high quality.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

I worked for my dad in a family fuel oil business, where I learned that running a business was not easy. I learned that nothing comes easy in life; you have to work hard. That’s made me successful today.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL/DESIGN STYLE?

My favorite architecture style is a mix between Italian and Mediterranean.

FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE TOP LUXURY AMENITY IN YOUR DREAM HOME?

My top luxury amenities include a gym, sauna, pool, and view of the ocean or water in a comfortable home.