GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION, TOP DREAM HOME AMENITIES, AND WHERE THEY WOULD BUILD THEIR ULTIMATE VACATION PROPERTY BY ZACHARY WEG AND JACKLYN PELLEGRINO PHOTOS
BY ANDREI JACKAMETS PHOTOGRAPHY
TJ Shaheen
LOCALS TO MOGULS Executive Vice President, Builders’ General / buildersgeneral.com
Builders’ General launched in 1931 in Cranford, and today the family-owned business has seven locations in four counties of New Jersey. TJ Shaheen, the fourth generation of the business, serves as executive vice president and oversees sales, marketing, and business development.
“We really believe that being family owned and operated is a game changer, and here’s the deal, we truly are. My dad, uncle, aunt, two brothers, and cousin all help drive this company forward,” noted Shaheen
Shaheen explained that as a retailer, Builders’ General offers premium building materials such as lumber, windows, decking, doors, cabinets, and more for builders, remodelers, general contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners. The team also offers expert delivery along with convenient drive-through lumber pickup.
“We rely on four pillars: our employees, customers, suppliers, and our community, and on the business development side, it’s so important that Builders’ General is there for each of them at any time, all the time,” said Shaheen.
Many of the employees with Builders’ General have been with the company for decades (some have even surpassed the 40-year mark), which Shaheen explained benefits their customers, as the employees often build relationships with their clients over the years, establishing a baseline of trust and becoming a go-to resource for both commercial and residential projects.
“We really strive to create a high-quality customer experience,” said Shaheen. “We’re not merely transactional; we’re a relationship business. When a client comes to us, they know they are getting the expertise and support of a multi-generational, family-owned business with 90-plus years of history and experience.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I would say Vienna. We vacationed there last year, and it was such a clean, cool, organized city, from the architecture to the culture to the surrounding landscape.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
A state-of-the-art gym, elevator, and after living through Superstorm Sandy, a natural gas generator.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
The ability to change your kitchen on demand. The functionality of your kitchen changes as you evolve in life. You have kids, then one day the kids leave the house and you’re empty nesters. Then all of a sudden you have grandkids! The ability to change your kitchen as your life evolves would be ideal.
Eric Eremita
Celebrity Contractor and Realtor, O’Brien Realty / obrienrealtyllc.com
Eric Eremita is a true multi-hyphenate: a celebrity contractor, interior designer, and realtor. Eremita said his original plan was to attend art school in fashion and interior design, but when his dad needed help with his glass and mirror company that specialized in frameless shower doors, Eremita stepped in, soon unlocking a passion in everything home and design. He started to get noticed as a rising star in the home improvement, building, and interior design industry, then got even more involved after meeting his now wife, whose father was a successful general contractor and custom home builder on Staten Island. He taught Eremita the custom home building business from the foundation up.
Eremita also appeared as the main contractor on 80 episodes of HGTV’s hit show Love it or List It after guest starring in the Property Brother’s competition series Brother vs. Brother. “It was an incredible journey,” he said. “I was able to build a brand and show the entire world my expertise in building and design.”
He later added another credit to his already stacked résumé and became a licensed Realtor in NY and NJ. “It was an extremely smooth transition becoming a Realtor because it’s really just another page in the home book,” Eremita said. “How it happened was people would call me and say, ‘Hey Eric, I’m looking to buy this house; What do you think of it? Can you come see it with me? Do you think I can make it open-concept?’ As my wife is overhearing my conversations, she said to me, ‘I think you better just go get your real estate license.’”
Today, Eremita is an agent with O’Brien Realty, serving both buyers and sellers throughout the state, making their dream home a reality. If a client is going the new construction route or looking to dive into a renovation project, they’re in luck, as Eremita can also assist with the design elements.
“It’s a real triple threat, a one-stop shop really,” he said, adding, “I took off my work boots and slipped on my Italian loafers to work side-by-side with the best brokerage house here in South Jersey, which is O’Brien Realty. The marriage between my brand and their brand is a match made in heaven. It’s two great names colliding as one!”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Sicily. It’s on the Mediterranean, it’s got great food and atmosphere, the design is impeccable, and you could travel anywhere from there. It helps being married to a Sicilian and being Sicilian myself.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
Kitchens, bathrooms, and great spaces to entertain.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
I’d like to have options on flooring, to go from tile to wood and back to tile again
Michael Izzo
Founder, Rock Solid Development rocksolidyards.com
As the founder of the Staten Island-based landscaping and masonry firm, Rock Solid Development, Michael Izzo brings a refreshingly no-nonsense approach to his work. First intrigued by landscaping when he started mowing lawns as a teenager and watching Bob Vila’s iconic home improvement show This Old House, Izzo launched Rock Solid Development in 1998. Since then, the Staten Island native has found considerable success, largely because he’s always on the job and has put his heart into the company. Along with his 42 employees, Izzo serves the New York/New Jersey areas, specializing in elegant outdoor living spaces, from spacious patios and gardens to stone pathways and retaining walls. He also offers custom-designed outdoor structures, including cabanas, pergolas, kitchens, and fire features. Customers are also given a dedicated guide to ensure they make informed choices, on hand to offer assistance in everything from material selection to maintenance tips.
“I want to exceed our clients’ expectations,” noted Izzo. “We want the final product to feel special, unique, and different.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Amalfi Coast, Italy.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
Smart home automation, resort-stye backyard, and chef’s kitchen.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
Smart furniture that conforms to your needs.
Lindsey Florio
Leasing Administrator, Bell Works bell.works
As the leasing administrator for Bell Works, Lindsey Florio holds the keys to one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the entire tri-state area. Located in Holmdel and now Fort Monmouth, Bell Works is touted as a “Metroburb,” a sprawling mixed-use complex with office spaces, retail, dining, entertainment, wellness, and more. Florio keeps the place running.
“The building offers so much that you don’t see anywhere else around here,” said Florio, who also oversees leasing at the former Commvault headquarters in Tinton Falls, which was recently acquired by Somerset Development, the company behind Bell Works. “Having an office at Bell Works is far from boring or ordinary. Here, you’re part of a vibrant community. You can head downstairs to grab a cup of coffee, then go out on the roof deck when the sun is out. You can walk your dog around the first level, then go to the farmers market to grab lunch. Even going out to take a call is an experience. The atrium is always filled with people; it’s exciting and electric. When I’m out walking around, I’ll have tenants come up and say hello. We forge relationships here and truly become part of the community.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I would have to pick Key West in Florida. This location would be easy to go visit as much as possible since it’s only a quick three-hour flight. Friends and family could easily join as well. I’ve been going there for years, and it is beautiful: amazing sunsets, great restaurants, and fun live music to enjoy.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
- An outdoor oasis backyard. 2. A big open kitchen with a large island where I can host family and friends. 3. Wraparound porches to be able to sit and relax.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY.
A closet that comes with a virtual stylist. Each day, they would know what is within my closet and choose an outfit, shoes, jewelry, and bag that go together perfectly and is very stylish.
Robert Gullery
Founder, NEVER RIDE STOCK | NVRSTK nrsrestyling.com, nrscustomx.com
“My love of cars came first, because it was ingrained in me since I was a child,” noted Robert Gullery, detailing his prolific professional journey that began in his family’s auto service shop, established in 1942. The third generation owner has since expanded the business with automotive customization, bespoke sneaker crafting, and a line of auto and sneaker cleaning products, with more ventures in the pipeline. Gullery took the reins of Tire Empire (launched as Wil-John’s Auto Service by his grandfather) in 1989. Steering a business came naturally to the young Gullery, who has opened up five specialty shops offering XPEL films and coatings, vinyl, wheels, tires, and automotive service, with a sixth coming next month in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. “I took a partner in 2011,” said Gullery. “Christian Zagami has been an integral part of the growth of Never Ride Stock in the restyling game.”
In 2021, he teamed up with Marc Scepi and Danny Lee to debut NVRSTK, a bespoke design studio that handcrafts custom kicks and offers personalized creative experiences in-house and throughout the country. The NVRSTK clientele is style-savvy and ranges from hip-hop artists to A-list entertainers. “I’ve been very lucky with timing and trends in business,” Gullery humbly said of his success. “I think when you’re good to people, things roll your way once in a while.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I love being in Manhattan because I love New York City more than anywhere I’ve ever been. But I would not ever want to pick one spot – I would rather have the ability to travel, because I love to see new places. Don’t pin me down in one vacation spot, like the Amalfi Coast or Thailand. I like to keep it moving and I always love coming back to the city.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
A fantastic kitchen, a state-of-the-art gym, and a heated TOTO toilet.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
We do something in one of our businesses called Smart Film. I love how it turns all the glass opaque in certain parts of the house. So, anywhere in the house, I would like Smart Film, so you can change the windows to different designs and shapes. Something else I’ve always wanted is a 30-foot tree growing through the center of my house. A 30-foot tree and a lazy river – the ultimate meditative spot. I’ll convince my wife someday. [Laughs]
Jeff Woehr
Manager of Building Stone, NJ Gravel & Sand njgravelsand.com
Jeff Woehr is a premier modern stone guru. As the manager of building stone at NJ Gravel & Sand in Wall Township, the Lakewood-raised Garden Stater helps bring to fruition various stone-based projects for primarily residential use in the tri-state area. NJ Gravel & Sand features more than 23 acres of materials, from mulch and topsoil to decorative stone and accessories. There’s a full-service stone fabrication shop on site, which custom produces and modifies a vast range of products (think fireplace hearths, outdoor countertops, landscape steps, and much more).
Speaking of his entry into the industry, Woehr said, “My family started out the [stone] business in 1968, so I practically grew up in it,” he said. “I transitioned over to NJ Gravel & Sand in 2011. Here, along with our talented six-person team, I help clients select custom natural stone for building and landscaping.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I already have my dream vacation home in upstate New York, and I love it.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
A pool, a nice patio, and a great chef’s kitchen.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
Well, that’s a hard question because I sell products that go back to the stone age [laughs]. How about a solid stone smart house?