GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE GREATEST ADVICE IN BUSINESS, TOP FITNESS ICONS, AND THEIR ULTIMATE FORMS OF SELF-CARE
BY ZACHARY WEG AND JACKLYN PELLEGRINO PHOTOS BY ANDREI JACKAMETS PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Anthony Vocaturo Cosmetic Dentist (DDS, AAACD, FACE, FAGD, FIADFE)
NJ Smile Center, njsmilecenter.com
As far back as he can remember, Dr. Anthony Vocaturo dreamed of becoming a dentist. Today, he credits a particularly precious childhood memory of watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the dentist’s office with kindling his passion for the field. “I never wanted to be anything else,” he said. The Bayonne native now leads NJ Smile Center in Colts Neck, where he provides a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers, whitening, dental implants, full smile makeovers, and more. His office features the latest in dental tech, including digital X-rays, cone beam imaging capabilities, and AI smile designs for his patients. His ultimate goal? It’s simple: to give his patients healthy, dazzling smiles. He is the only dentist in the state to be accredited and certified by both The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and The American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA), and this past June, Dr. Vocaturo was inducted into the class of 2025 Top 100 Docs in the World at a gala in Sardinia, Italy. Dr. Vocaturo has amassed a high-profile clientele, including models, celebrities, professional athletes, and pageant contestants. But for him, every patient is a VIP. “Growing up, my mom and dad taught me to either be all in or all out, that if I’m going to do something in life, do it right or don’t do it at all,” he added.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
When I went through all of my accreditations and board certifications in cosmetics, someone once told me, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” and, “Your eyes will never see what your mind does not know, but once your mind knows it, your eyes will never miss it.”
FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
To me, the ultimate form of self-care is truly taking care of your body, from working out to being mindful of what you eat. I’m a very clean eater, and that’s primarily because of my wife. She was a professional bodybuilder and powerlifter, and now she’s a trainer. She’s even a published author on health and fitness. I met her when she was my personal nutritional consultant and trainer. At the time, I was 268 pounds, and now I’m 175. I’m in the best shape of my life.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
There are so many out there, but for me, it’s my wife. She’s phenomenal. She’s extremely knowledgeable about nutrition and taking care of your body. I think anyone who’s out there living their healthiest life is an icon.
Kim Casaburi Co-Founder,
Serotonin Centers serotonincenters.com
Kim Casaburi and her husband, Eric Casaburi, are the co-founders of Serotonin Centers, a next-gen wellness and anti-aging clinic with 17 locations throughout the U.S. (and counting). They launched the concept after Kim’s personal experience with hormone replacement therapy. As the founder and CEO of Retro Fitness, Eric was already an established authority in the fitness industry, so the move felt like a natural progression. “Hormone replacement was so beneficial to me physically and mentally,” noted Casaburi. “My husband told me, ‘We have to do this. There is such an underserved population of women, and we can really help them.’”
backed services, including hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, health coaching, and InBody scans for personalized nutrition plans. Additional treatments include aesthetics, microneedling, chemical peels, HydraFacials, body contouring, CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, CoolTone, peptide therapy, IV therapy, red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fillers, and Botox.
Casaburi said she hopes clients experience a complete mind and body transformation at Serotonin Centers. Wellness professionals are also on hand to educate clients on healthy aging and answer any question that arises.
“Once you’re over 40, nutrition alone isn’t enough,” Casaburi said. “You need hormone replacement, and you have to optimize your health with peptide therapy injections. Oxygen and red light therapy for recovery are also beneficial. All these things naturally come into play as you get older.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Believe in what you’re doing, and make sure you do your due diligence.
The ultimate form of self-care for me, and honestly any woman my age, is hormone replacement. It starts even before that with prioritizing yourself, especially for women. You cannot function properly when you don’t have hormones. Your mind, sleep, and digestion are all affected. It’s vital to make a commitment to taking care of yourself.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
My top fitness icon is my husband, Eric.
James Greco Co-CEO,
CSI Group / csicpa.com
James Greco is the co-CEO of CSI Group, a next-generation financial services firm on a mission to redefine how middle-class families access comprehensive financial advice. Originally founded in 1973 by the Greco brothers’ father as a neighborhood tax practice, CSI Group has evolved under James and his brother Robert’s leadership into a fast-scaling, multi-location firm offering integrated tax, investment, retirement, and estate planning services all coordinated by a single advisor. “We’re building the firm of the future,” Greco said. “Financial services have long been fragmented and reserved for the ultra-wealthy. We’re changing that by bringing everything under one roof and delivering it with the high-touch experience our clients deserve.”
With 22 locations across New York and New Jersey and ambitious plans to expand, CSI Group is focused on serving every main street in America. At the core of this strategy is CSI’s advisor-led model, where every client relationship begins with a dedicated advisor who crafts and coordinates a long-term financial plan.
“People are overwhelmed with financial decisions from taxes and investments to estate planning,” said Greco. “Our job is to simplify the complex, provide clarity, and build trust through every phase of life.” Internally, Greco has been equally focused on building a world-class team and culture to fuel the company’s growth. “Our team isn’t just executing a service they’re part of a movement,” he said. “We’re scaling with purpose, investing in talent, and aligning everyone around a shared mission to elevate what it means to be a client-first financial firm.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
That leadership starts with self-leadership. The most effective leaders are constantly working on themselves mentally, emotionally, and professionally. Growth at the top creates growth throughout the organization.
FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
Unplugging completely and spending uninterrupted time with my wife and son. Nothing grounds me more or reminds me why I do what I do.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
Sylvester Stallone. Since I was a kid, he’s represented grit, resilience, and transformation all traits I try to channel in business and in life.
Jennifer Krimko Attorney and Shareholder,
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC ansell.law
With over 25 years of experience and a no-nonsense mindset, Jennifer Krimko is one of the top real estate attorneys in the tri-state area. As a shareholder and co-chair of the Land Use & Zoning Department with Ansell Law in Ocean Township, Princeton, and Woodland Park, Krimko represents both individuals and large-scale developers in all phases of governmental approvals at the municipal, county, and state levels. It’s a complex role that spans several legal areas one Krimko navigates with both poise and passion. Krimko doesn’t advertise her services, preferring word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients who can speak to her skill and expertise more meaningfully than any billboard or ad.
“Since I was a child, everyone told me that I should be a lawyer,” she said. “I decided on land use law not only because I truly enjoy its complexities, but also because there weren’t many women in the field.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Remain honest and ethical, and always return a call on the day you receive it. Your clients need to feel that you are there for them, and you need to show them that you are.
OR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
I know it sounds simple, but eating well and getting enough sleep are the most important in staying healthy. Riding my horse and being outside in nature is my favorite form of self-care.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
Caitlin Clark. Aside from being a top athlete with unbelievable skill and talent on the court that has inspired young girls worldwide, she has elevated and transformed women’s sports culturally and economically.
Dr. Pasquale Pucciarelli CEO,
NJ Institute for Pain Relief / njifpr.com
Dr. Pasquale Pucciarelli’s care model centers on one clear goal: “Our philosophy is to treat the entire person.” For more than 30 years, he has focused on building a smarter, more complete approach to healing. In 2021, he launched NJ Institute for Pain Relief, uniting pain management, orthopedics, chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture under one roof to support patients at every stage of recovery.
Certified in manipulation under anesthesia and trained in diversified techniques, Dr. Pucciarelli believes patients benefit most when medical and chiropractic services work together, not in isolation.
Today, as CEO, he still makes time to walk the floor each day. It is where he sees the work in motion patients showing up, making progress, and connecting with the care teams. “I love walking in and seeing people engaged in their care and knowing they’re in the right place,” he said.
These everyday moments, when patients gain strength, find relief, and feel truly supported, remind Dr. Pucciarelli that his practice is changing lives one step at a time.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Early in my chiropractic career, a patient named Wayne Sweeney told me, “Doc, you don’t have to get everybody better in the first visit.” I wanted to get everyone better as fast as possible, but his advice helped me realize that some people take longer, and that’s okay.
FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
On a bad day, I love jumping on my motorcycle and going for a ride to clear my head. My wife, Dr. Eileen Nickel-Pucciarelli, Co-Founder, and I are also big hikers. We like to get out in the woods with our dogs and spend time there.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Who doesn’t respect Arnold?!
Amanda Astor Founder,
Amanda Jean NYC / amandajeannyc.com
Before launching her own boutiques, Amanda Jean NYC, Amanda Astor built a distinguished career as a fashion executive, holding prestigious roles such as district manager, vice president, president, and director of U.S. stores for several leading brands. Over the course of more than 12 years, she played a key role in shaping retail empires and expanding national brands, successfully opening dozens of retail locations across the country. Her impressive résumé includes tenures at iconic fashion houses such as Vince Camuto, Diane von Furstenberg, The Shoe Box, Adina Eden, and Guess Jeans. Armed with this deep industry expertise, Astor returned to her hometown of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to bring her own boutique vision to life. Since opening her first store, Astor has built a strong organic online presence, surpassing 32,000 followers on the brand’s Instagram page, @AmandaJeanNYC.
“I opened the boutique because I saw a gap in the market for runway-inspired fashion at accessible price points and inclusive sizes,” Astor explained. “There were plenty of junior-focused boutiques, but nothing for women like me new moms looking for stylish, wearable pieces. After giving birth to my son, I realized my options were limited to crop tops and short shorts. I loved the SoHo and Palm Beach fashion scenes, but I didn’t want to depend on trips into the city or Florida. So, I created the kind of store I wished existed.”
In the past year, Amanda Jean NYC expanded with a second location in Red Bank. Both boutiques offer a curated mix of fashion-forward clothing, handbags, jewelry, outerwear, and home accessories, all sourced from buying trips taken by Astor and her team four times a year. The Red Bank store features an expanded selection of special occasion and evening wear, and both locations regularly host dynamic events, from celebrity meet-and-greets, charity events, and interactive classes to private shopping parties. “Red Bank had the same gap I noticed in Brooklyn,” Astor said. “The options were either high-end luxury or junior fast fashion. I wanted to create something in between delivering a luxury-level shopping experience combined with a super curated fashion assortment accessible to all in a gorgeous setting.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Work harder than anyone around you and be your own worst critic. Be obsessed with what you do. Be selective with your time and your circle. Have the Type A mentality to be relentless in your pursuit of achieving every single goal you set within the timeline you give yourself.
FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
I recharge by spending time with my family doing staycations along the stunning Jersey Shore. We love living in Monmouth County and experiencing all the beauty our community has to offer! We frequently try out local restaurants and make the most out of our transition from city to suburban life. I also can’t go without my monthly spa session to de-stress.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
J.Lo: she looks so good. She’s in her 50s, so I would say she’s just an overall icon. She’s stunning, and she’s ageless.
Nicole Perricho Senior Injector,
Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center lombardiplasticsurgery.com
Reflecting on her career, Nicole Perricho wouldn’t have it any other way. As a senior injector at Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center in Eatontown, Perricho brings joy to her patients’ lives by meeting their aesthetic needs with a personal touch. The New Jersey native is not, after all, merely a trained nurse injector with a toolkit; she is a compassionate professional who listens to her patients, helps them achieve their goals, and boosts their confidence and spirit. “I’ve always had a desire to help people,” Perricho said. “And I always loved plastic surgery. Even when I was a kid, I would look at actors and map out what they needed done. So aesthetics has always been on my mind.”
Perricho especially values the helping aspect of her role. “I want my clients to walk away with confidence,” she said. “I want them to feel that no matter what they’re going through, they can take on whatever they need to.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Move quietly. You don’t need all of the ra-ra-ra. You don’t need to tell people what you’re doing. You don’t need to look for that extra attention. When you’re good at what you do, people will see you for that.
FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-CARE OR WELLNESS?
It wouldn’t be one thing; it’s when I’m hitting all the things I’m supposed to be doing and enjoying a good stride with it. Skincare, working out, eating right, doing great at work there’s no better feeling than when you’re doing all of those things.
WHO IS YOUR TOP FITNESS ICON?
The Lip Bunny from Massachusetts. She’s also an injector.