GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS SHARE DREAM NYE GETAWAYS, HOLIDAY CHARACTER ALTER EGOS, AND WHAT IGNITED THEIR INTEREST IN THEIR INDUSTRY
BY ZACHARY WEG AND DANIELLE KIRIAKOS PHOTOS BY ANDREI JACKAMETS PHOTOGRAPHY
Jamie Gordon
Brust Owner, St. Laurent Social Club / thestlaurent.com
Jamie Gordon Brust defies labels. A kind of super-entrepreneur with creative reach across the tri-state area, Brust is involved in a spectrum of ventures, bringing her trademark ingenuity to each one. “My work spans a broad and ever-evolving range,” she said. “I’m not just a creative with purpose; I’m a builder, a visionary, a connector, a storyteller, and an intuitive (and a mom) all rolled into one. So ‘summing it up’ is difficult.”
The proof of her role as a builder and visionary lies in one of her most striking accomplishments: The St. Laurent Social Club in Asbury Park, where Burst serves as owner, designer, and creative director. “The St. Laurent was a hotel and social club opened by a woman in the 1800s,” noted Brust.
Brust didn’t just bring back the property’s original name – she reinvented it. The St. Laurent is now a modern-day creative and social destination: gilded yet inviting, a space where locals and visitors alike can gather, dine, stay, network, and dream up their own visions. As for her part, Brust put it simply: her “role is to listen” and to translate “feeling into design and experience,” to “bring it back to life in a way that’s both visionary and deeply human.”
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY? LOCALS TO MOGULS
My work spans a broad range, and I’ve always been a connector and a storyteller. So who am I and what is my title today? Well, the best I have come up with is “Creative Director & Founder, Guided by Intuition.” I’m most known to the public as the “Space Whisperer & Design Alchemist.”
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
Persephone (the Spring Goddess). She’s elegance, transformation, queen of the underworld, and god dess of renewal! She balances luxe and creative intensity with warmth and light, exactly the way I blend design, hospitality, and real-life emotions.
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
I would say Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because I’m always leading the charge.
Richard Nicola
General Manager, Bentley and Rolls-Royce Paramus rollsroycemotorcarsparamus.com
For Richard Nicola, the luxury automotive business is driven by the client experience. As general manager of Bentley and Rolls-Royce Paramus, he oversees every step of the journey, from the first conversation to the handover of the keys, ensuring each interaction is precise, personal, and unforgettable.
With more than 15 years of exotic automotive experience, Nicola combines hands-on expertise with an intuitive understanding of what makes each client feel understood and valued. “These brands have always been my passion, and working with clients in this niche market has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. From the showroom floor to delivery day, Nicola ensures that every detail meets the exceptional standards these storied marques demand.
For Nicola, success is measured by the impressions that endure. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the results of our work, when a client drives away satisfied and our team knows we delivered at the highest level,” he said.
From that first meeting to the final drive, Nicola crafts an experience defined by care, precision, and his signature personal touch.
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NYE GETAWAY?
A hidden-luxury villa or a boutique resort on a Mediterranean island (think Mykonos or Capri), where architecture, design, and nature intertwine seamlessly. Where I could enjoy unmatched service, but still walk out and eat street food and talk to local vendors and artisans.
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
I was managing a real estate company in New Jersey when the market was affected by the mid-2000s bubble. I had just had a child and was looking for another industry that was people-focused. The automobile industry came along, and it was the best decision I ever made.
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NEW YEAR’S EVE GETAWAY?
I would love to spend New Year’s Eve in Paris.
John Greco
Co-Owner, Tile Loft / tileloft.net
With his no-nonsense Brooklyn roots and relentless drive to succeed, John Greco has built a reputation for delivering nothing but the best for his clients. The co-owner of Tile Loft, Greco recently expanded the company to three locations across New Jersey, where he showcases exceptional materials in pristine, design forward showrooms. Sourcing tile from around the world particularly from Italy Greco and his team have left their mark on homes and offices throughout the tri-state region.
The Bensonhurst-born, Holmdel raised entrepreneur could have followed his parents into accounting, but instead inherited his grandfather’s love of construction. “I’ve been in the construction industry my whole life, from property maintenance to home renovations,” he said. “I ventured off into some home remodeling and then, four years ago, we bought the tile store.”
Working alongside two partners and, as he put it, “bouncing around from all of the locations, making sure the business is running smoothly,” Greco remains hands-on in every detail. Through hard work and vision, Greco has built Tile Loft into one of the region’s leading destinations for design and innovation.
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
My grandfather was always in the construction field. We always built our own homes, so I just picked it up from a very young age. I love the industry, and the tile store was another opportunity for me to be in the industry.
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
I mean, listen, everything I do is for my family, for my customers, for my kids. I don’t know if I would say Santa Claus, but definitely not the Grinch!
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NYE GETAWAY?
What we do on a yearly basis, as a tradition, is rent a cabin up in Vermont with our kids and a couple other families, and we take all the kids skiing and snowboarding. We’ve been doing this tradition for many years.
Sonia Navarro
Luxury Real Estate Advisor Miami Exclusive Properties By Sonia
Sonia Navarro grew up watching Miami evolve neighborhoods transform, skylines rise and she brings that perspective into every client interaction. Today, she guides buyers and sellers through the city’s most sought-after properties with the same curiosity and attentiveness she had as a young observer. “I’m in the business of developing and nurturing relationships with my clients,” she said. Her work blends intuition and experience, helping people navigate Miami’s dynamic market (one that’s drawing more New Jersey buyers each year) while finding spaces that feel genuinely their own.
That approach has earned Navarro a devoted network of clients who value her insight and trust, many of whom become lifelong friends. “I’m fortunate to work with such lovely people,” she said. “They’ve become part of my story, and I’m grateful to be part of theirs.”
From oceanfront estates to high-rise residences, Navarro manages every detail with care and clarity. Each connection, each home, each decision bears her signature: an instinct for people, a pulse on the city, and an eye for what truly matters.
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
I was raised in the ’80s on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, and my mother was a visionary. I saw what Ocean Drive became, which is now South Beach. I became fascinated with how real estate has the power to shape a city.
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
I love to see children smile, so maybe I would be Miss Claus. I would have a bag of gifts and give them away.
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NEW YEAR’S EVE GETAWAY?
Anywhere with friends and family. I love fireworks overlooking the city, the moon over Miami, and seeing the skyline from a yacht on the bay.
Vincent Esposito
Family-Owned Business, Via Sposito / viasposito.com
Vincent Esposito has built a career on food, family, and unwavering dedication. Cooking runs in his blood, and his approach to hospitality reflects decades of hands-on experience and a profound respect for culinary tradition.
After finishing school, Esposito carried that experience forward, eventually launching a restaurant concept with his children, Anthony, Vincent Jr., and Dolores. The first Via Sposito opened in Old Bridge, followed by Red Bank in 2021, and most recently, Colts Neck. “We put together this concept when my boys had just graduated from college,” he said. “They’ve always loved cooking, and it was the perfect time to start something together.”
At Via Sposito, every day begins and ends with family. “I work seven days a week,” Esposito said. “It doesn’t feel like work, and I love spending time with my family.” That devotion extends to his team and guests alike, cultivating an atmosphere where passion, care, and connection are as integral as the dishes themselves.
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
It started in my grandfather’s restaurant in Brooklyn. I began as a busboy at 12, then moved to the kitchen. By 16, I was running the kitchen. Cooking fascinated me, and even after exploring other businesses, I returned to it and launched Via Sposito with my children.
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
Santa Claus, because I enjoy giving.
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NEW YEAR’S EVE GETAWAY?
Paradise Island in Atlantis. There are a lot of memories there; my family and I used to go a couple of times each year, and it’s always felt like a special place for us.
Marisol and Juan Diaz
Designers, Paul David Partywares / pauldavidpartywares.com
Founded in 1987 by Paul David Kessler, Paul David Partywares is known for dependable service, reliable rentals, and exceptional customer care. Marisol Diaz joined the company, drawn to the owner’s commitment to both the business and its customers, as well as the dynamic, fast-paced environment. Before long, she invited her husband, Juan (a skilled woodworker), to come aboard. Together, they expanded their vision, embracing ambitious custom projects that challenge expectations and bring events to life in unexpected ways. Marisol brings imagination and precision to every design, while Juan transforms ideas into reality with craftsmanship and care. Together, they design bespoke lounge furniture and bars that elevate weddings, galas, and private gatherings. As the flagship brand, Paul David Partywares specializes in stylish rentals for all occasions, while its sister company, Diaz & David LLC, focuses on selling one‐of‐a‐kind pieces.
Marisol and Juan believe true impact comes from partnership. Their designs are thought fully created to support the work of bartenders, planners, and caterers and enhance every event with ease and harmony. With a curated collection of styles, along with custom options when needed, they blend creativity and craftsmanship to transform bold ideas into unforgettable celebrations. At the heart of their work is their personal bond. Married since 2001, they approach every project as a team, combining artistry and skill to deliver results that reflect their passion and partnership.
WHAT FIRST IGNITED YOUR INTEREST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Marisol: I’ve always had a creative streak and love for design, which first drew me to the event world. At Paul David Partywares, I naturally gravitated toward the visual and planning side, bringing ideas to life through layouts, décor, and eventually design. Over seven years of professional experience in New York City, I collaborated with diverse clients, stayed organized under pressure, and managed countless moving parts. That blend of creativity and structure ignited my passion for events and continues to inspire my work in furniture design. Juan: I got into this industry because I love turning ideas into real, tangible pieces, whether it’s bars, furniture, or props. Working with my wife on our own designs makes the process even more rewarding. I’m always excited to push creative boundaries, and the more challenging the project, the more driven I am to figure it out.
IF YOU WERE A FAMOUS HOLIDAY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
Marisol: The Whimsical Wondermaker. She doesn’t give physical gifts but instead creates moments of joy that make people smile and feel something special, even if just for a moment. Juan: One of Santa’s elves in the workshop, always active, building things, and making the magic happen. That’s how I feel when I’m in my own workshop, constantly tinkering and creating.
WHERE IS YOUR DREAM NEW YEAR’S EVE GETAWAY?
Marisol: Hallstatt, Austria. It’s peaceful and stunning, like a fairytale. Juan: Santorini. It’s festive but calm, with cozy celebrations and beautiful scenery, the perfect way to welcome the New Year.