GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE IMPORTANT CAREER LESSONS, FAVORITE FALL FOODS, AND ULTIMATE STYLE ICONS

BY ZACHARY WEG, JACKLYN PELLEGRINO, AND EMMA FLOYD PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC

Branden Sheehan

Operations Manager, Yanina & Co. / yanina-co.com

After graduating college nearly ten years ago, Branden Sheehan, son of the founder of jewelry boutique Yanina & Co., started working full-time for the business while still thinking he might try a different path in the future. During his first day on the job, he helped a client design three custom necklaces. “Right then, I knew I was home,” said Sheehan, currently the store’s operations manager. “I knew this was what I wanted to do.” In his role, Sheehan does everything from coordinating with the jewelers and designing inventory to assisting clients in custom designs. “I’m really working in all facets of the business,” he added.

Yanina & Co. specializes in custom designs, and the team creates 95% of all pieces they sell in their showroom. “Sometimes I wake up first thing in the morning and think, ‘Oh my goodness, I have a brilliant idea,’” he noted. “I run to the showroom and I can’t wait for everybody to get in so I can sit down and draw out exactly what I was thinking, and make one piece or even a whole line.” Additionally, clients often bring in pieces of heirloom jewelry, and the Yanina & Co. team works to fashion an entirely new piece with the existing materials. “That’s a really fun environment because we also get to share in the memories of the person who left those pieces to our client, and now we have the opportunity to redesign the ring, necklace, or earring into something entirely the client’s own,” he added. “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our family business and create new pieces for our clients for years to come.”

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

The most important lesson is definitely that good things always come around. There’s no project that’s too small and there’s obviously no project that’s too big, but doing those nice little deeds always come back around and end up paying out 100 times over (like, say, switching out a watch battery for a really nice old lady for free).

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

A really nice, good plate of pasta. I’m not discriminatory about any type of pasta; any good plate of pasta is a great fall-like comfort food.

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON AND WHY?

My ultimate fashion or style icon is my mom. She started this business, and she’s always dressed to the nines. She’s wearing a bunch of gorgeous jewelry all the time, every day. She has her beach jewelry, she has her dressy jewelry, she has her everyday jewelry, and she always knows how to wear it.

 

Veronica Mogilevich

Owner, Another Sunday / @anothersunday_nj

Some may have labeled it a risky move, but Veronica Mogilevich opened up a fashion boutique at the height of the COVID pandemic, and it’s thriving. Set in Red Bank, Another Sunday sells styles from all over the globe and appeals to women of varying ages. Two of its key drivers of success are the shop’s SoHo-inspired f lair and Mogilevich’s affability.

“I knew it was going to work because I love what I do,” said Mogilevich. “We try to set ourselves apart by offering pieces that are easily wearable but, at the same time, different from what you can find at most of the shops in this area.” Noting she sources a lot of her clothing from Australia due to their “phenomenal” quality and price points (as well as several American labels), Mogilevich added, “We really try to do our best to get the best possible product.”

With her team of four expert stylists alongside her, the passionate Mogilevich is poised to bring even more clients into Another Sunday, in hopes they’ll leave as the most confident versions of themselves, and turn even sidewalks into runways.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

What you put in is what you get out. That means a business is like another child, and if I’m not there putting in the work, it will not get anywhere. You can have the best employees in the world but if you don’t put in the time as a business owner, the business will fail you.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

Squash. I don’t like anything pumpkin (laughs).

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON, AND WHY?

Honestly, it depends on my mood for the season. I don’t have a specific style. I like what looks good, and I believe in investing in closet staples and throwing in some cool, trendy stuff.

 

Alexander Mayorga

Design Architect, MHS Architecture / mhsarchitecture.com

Alex Mayorga has spent over 30 years redefining urban cityscapes with a focus on maximizing land use through smart, collaborative design. As the design architect at MHS Architecture, Mayorga is known for his innovative approach to creating multi-family homes and high-density redevelopments that not only meet the demands of modern urban living, but also enhance the communities they serve. His latest project, a 30-story tower in Newark, exemplifies his commitment to pushing architectural boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for the environment and the people who inhabit it.

Growing up in a family of architects, Mayorga was captivated by the art and science of design at an early age. The drafting table was his playground, where he first discovered the joy of bringing ideas to life through drawings and models. His passion led him to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he honed his skills and began a career that would blend creativity with practicality. At NJIT, he developed a strong foundation in architecture and innovative building techniques. This launched his career, where he became known for design ing functional, aesthetically pleasing structures that enhance both the community and the urban landscape. Mayorga’s work continues to shape the skylines and communities of New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that listening to clients is key. Design is both a service and an art form, and understanding their needs allows me to maximize space and create functional solutions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

Anything Italian.

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON AND WHY?

From an early age I always loved the simplicity of Yoshi Yamamoto. Now I tend to gravitate to more local brands, outside of business.

 

Scott Cutaneo

Chef/Owner, Uproot / uprootrestaurant.com

Scott Cutaneo doesn’t just craft food, he creates experiences. The head chef and owner of Uproot in Warren, Cutaneo commands one of the most exciting new restaurants in the tri-state area. As his eatery’s name suggests, Cutaneo seeks to uproot his patrons from the ordinary and bring them into the extraordinary. With his team of nearly 40 employees, the culinary veteran crafts tantalizing dishes (think miso black cod and chicharron arancini), served with a side of warm ambience. “I always found myself gravitating towards this industry,” noted Cutaneo of his pull to the restaurant business. “I just want to see a smile on someone’s face, whether it’s a CEO or a child. That’s how it’s easy.”

Cutaneo, who sharpened his craft under the guidance of global celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, continued, “We have a responsibility when a guest comes through the door, whether it’s for a half-hour or two hours. Our goal is to make their experience the best it could be.”

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

I’d rather have a restaurant with the best service than the best food.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

Whatever is in season always tastes the best.

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON, AND WHY?

Daniel Boulud. I worked with him. Daniel worked with Michel Guérard as a cook, as I worked for Daniel as a cook. Daniel’s number one in the United States and third in the world. Michel Guérard has the longest-running, three-Michelin-starred restaurant to this day. Those are the people that I try to emulate with regard to respect and trying to push the envelope.

 

Michael Graubart

Owner, Michael’s Motorcars / michaelsmotorcars.net

Michael Graubart sold his first car at 15 years old and never looked back. The owner of Michael’s Motorcars in Neptune City (which recently received the Quality Dealer of the Year award for New Jersey from the NIADA, and was also nominated as Quality Dealer of the Year in the nation), Graubart now has a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and could tell you everything there is to know about them, from the wheels and leathers to the transmission and torque. Yet it’s not encyclopedic knowledge alone that has sustained his dealership for the past three decades, but also his geniality. “My success is the result of a lot of hard work and a lot of amazing connections I’ve made over the years,” he said. “I don’t have any formal schooling. I learned as I went, and I just kept growing. There have been some hills, a few ups and downs, but I’m still here many, many years later.”

With his son now working alongside him, selling everything from luxury coupes to high-end golf carts, Michael’s Motorcars has become a true family business, a refreshing rarity in the at-times impersonal automotive industry.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

An important lesson I’ve learned is not to trust everybody. You’re not really sure who to trust in this world and honest, good people are probably the most amazing people on the planet.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

Butternut squash risotto, as it’s a rich and creamy risotto made with roasted butternut squash, parmesan cheese, and sometimes a touch of sage.

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON, AND WHY?

Sylvester Stallone. He has a distinctive style that blends rugged masculinity with a touch of sophistication. His style often reflects a blend of confidence and toughness.

 

Michael Fried

CEO, Tech Keys / tech-keys.com

Growing up, technology always fascinated Michael Fried, today the CEO of Tech Keys in Howell. After pinpointing a gap in the industry that wasn’t prioritizing customer service for small-business clients, he launched Tech-Keys with a goal to “create success for others through the use of technology.” It was initially born as a break/ f ix IT company that addressed computer and server issues in the tri-state area, and became known as an “Urgent Care” for small businesses. In 2011, a client asked Fried: “Everyone knows Tech-Keys is great at putting out fires, but the question you need to be asking is, ‘Why is there a fire in the first place?’” This prompt inspired Fried to rethink his approach, and Tech-Keys began focusing on preventing issues rather than merely resolving them. Ultimately, the company evolved into a managed service provider, offering proactive IT management.

Today, Tech-Keys provides end-to-end IT support, including a variety of managed IT services, cybersecurity services, cloud services, and CIO, virtual chief information officer services. But the highlight of Fried’s day-to-day routine is collaborating with his team. “What truly sets us apart from other IT companies is our people,” he said. “We take pride in offering top-tier customer service, and that starts with hiring talented, intelligent, and personable individuals.” His goal, for every client, is to offer far more than IT services; he strives to help small businesses grow and flourish.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

There are a few key lessons I’ve learned over the course of my career. First, to prioritize proactivity. Second, embrace transparency. Third, build a culture of excellence. Finally, adapt and innovate. Always embrace change and stay ahead of industry trends. At Tech-Keys, we pride ourselves on our continuous self-evaluation and self-improvement that allows us to remain competitive and relevant in today’s dynamic landscape.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD?

Mediterranean! Clean, healthy, and delicious!

WHO IS YOUR ULTIMATE FASHION/STYLE ICON AND WHY?

To be honest, I don’t know that I can speak intelligently about fashion; however, I will say (since I grew up in the UK) that someone that I strive to be more like is the late Queen of England. I realized after she passed away that she was possibly the last of what I would consider real royalty. I cannot think of a single person who was more humble, professional, and poised, always. For someone who lived almost 100 years, the fact that there isn’t a single picture of her lacking poise and professionalism says a lot. So as a business leader, I would say that being able to stay cool under pressure, humble regardless of accomplishment, and respectful even when it is difficult: those are my goals. Wish me luck!