LOCAL 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
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.
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]
Andrew Razzore
Branch Manager, Fort Funding Staten Island fortfunding.com
Andrew Razzore knows how to close. A 25-year veteran of the Fort Funding Staten Island branch (and today its branch manager), the native New Yorker brokers mortgages every day, helping a high-end clientele realize their dreams, both commercial and residential. “It’s busy,” he said of this time of year, adding, “The phone never stops ringing. But as a branch, we keep taking steps to get to the next level.”
Razzore, who began his career in stocks and finance before transitioning to the lending industry, continued: “It’s a fast-paced business. We’re problem solvers.”
As challenging and quick moving as the business may be, Razzore hangs his hat on keeping his cool and guiding his clients through the often-complex process, whether they’re closing on an office in Manhattan or vacation property in California.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Aspen, Colorado
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
I build a house that’s three houses in one, and my kids would live in the other houses with their families.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY.
An already built-in TV unit wall.
Michael Fina
PT, DPT, OCS Clinical Director, JAG Physical Therapy / jagpt.com
As a physical therapist and clinical director with JAG Physical Therapy, Michael Fina primarily treats patients with orthopedic or muscular conditions. He said his cases run the gamut, from sports injuries to post-operative recoveries and chronic conditions. He also oversees daily operations of both the Rossville and New Dorp clinics, and additionally, Fina works with doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students.
“I really enjoy being a mentor,” said Fina. “I had great experiences when I was in school, so I feel like one way that I can give back is to take on students of my own. So when university students reach out to our clinics looking for placement for their internships, I try to take someone under my wing and guide them the way I was guided.”
While playing football for his high school varsity team, Fina injured his shoulder and required surgery. A vital component of his post-operative recovery was physical therapy, an experience that sparked his passion for the field.
“One of my therapists at the time continues to be one of my mentors and role models,” said Fina. “That’s where it all started: through injury.”
JAG Physical Therapy offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training services in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The team evaluates each patient carefully before devising a personalized treatment plan.
“We have a lot of state-of-the-art equipment and technology, helping us to optimize our patients’ outcomes and get people back to where they want to be, to get back the life they love,” said Fina.
Fina explained that the healthcare field can be intimidating for many patients, but JAG Physical Therapy strives to lessen any fear or unease.
“We practice with encouragement, education, and empowerment,” he said. “We want our patients to know how much we care and are invested in their recovery.”
IF YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION PROPERTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Well, two years ago, my wife and I went to Aruba for the first time and that was a great experience. So that would probably be somewhere on the top of list.
IF DESIGNING YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM HOUSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP THREE AMENITIES?
I enjoy cooking, so a large, high-end, gourmet kitchen. Two, a nice size backyard with a heated in-ground pool. Three, a gym in the man cave.
DESCRIBE ONE FUTURISTIC INTERIOR OR HOME DESIGN FEATURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE DAY?
While I very much enjoy cooking, a kitchen that can cook something for you would be wonderful.