GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS TALK DREAM CARS, BUCKET LIST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS, AND NEW YEAR BUSINESS AMBITIONS BY ZACHARY WEG AND DANIELLE KIRIAKOS PHOTOS
BY ANDREI JACKAMETS PHOTOGRAPHY
Harry McKaig
Chief Executive Officer, Double Cross Vodka doublecrossvodka.com
Harry McKaig first stumbled upon Double Cross Vodka while living in Miami Beach. “I’d never heard of it before,” he said but then it kept showing up. “As I started paying attention, I saw it everywhere.” A full circle moment, one he described as “all the stars kind of aligned,” led him to New York to meet Malcolm Lloyd, the brand’s founder. “Sure enough, he convinced me to come and work for him,” McKaig said. He joined the Double Cross team around 2010.
In the 16 years since, McKaig has built deep leadership experience across the beer, wine, and spirits industries, holding roles at The Wine Group, Pernod Ricard, and Southern Glazer’s. He’s candid about what keeps him engaged. “Growing brands is really hard,” he said, but his career has been shaped by learning how to create lasting demand.
After Lloyd passed away in 2014, McKaig moved on to other opportunities. A few years ago, investors approached him about reviving Double Cross, and the moment felt familiar. “They said, ‘You knew the founder and you know the brand, so let’s develop a plan to relaunch this spirit,’” he recalled. Now, as CEO, McKaig is back to do exactly that: ensuring the Double Cross brand has true staying power.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
We just built a full team for the first time in ten years, so I’m most excited to give this brand the time and attention it’s deserved for many, many years.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Cape Town, South Africa. You’ve got the mountains and the surf. There’s not a lot that brings you to Cape Town except that it’s a destination location, and you really have to be committed to getting there.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I think my dream car would be a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Matthew Borowski
Owner and Operator, 618 Restaurant / 618nj.com
Matthew Borowski’s fervor for hospitality was sparked early. Growing up in Brooklyn, he took restaurant jobs as a teenager and learned the business from the inside-out. “It was easy to find a job washing dishes or bussing tables,” he said, and ever since then, he’s remained rooted in the restaurant industry.
That foundation eventually led to owner ship. Borowski joined a newly opened restaurant, became a partner, and when the time came for the owner to sell, he stepped in and took over. Today, his flagship, 618 Restaurant in Freehold, is known for standout ratings and high-profile recognition, including OpenTable accolades and top-tier global rankings. He’s also the author of The Death of Hospitality, in which he challenges the industry to rethink the guest experience.
In 2025, Borowski opened Mezcal, a modern Mexican steakhouse in Old Bridge, and became a partner of Jersey Freeze, which celebrated its Colts Neck grand opening in August 2025. Next up is Elizabeth’s Italian in Old Bridge, set to open later this year. Borowski measures success by the guest experience. “If you walk into my restaurants, leave it to us to turn your day around.” It’s this ethos that fueled 618’s continued boom – and what comes next is designed to match.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
For 2026, instead of opening one restaurant, I would like to open two restaurants and continue with public speaking regarding my book.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
My son always talks about Japan, so I definitely want to see Japan.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I have my dream car. It’s a Cadillac Escalade. My father-in-law sells Cadillacs, so it’s important to me to support my family and the brands that they represent.
Marc Strange
General Manager, INEOS Grenadier Freehold freeholdineosgrenadier.com
Marc Strange got his start in the automotive industry in 2015 as a service advisor, absorbing everything he could about how a successful dealership operates from top to bottom. From there, he moved through roles across both service and sales, gaining a holistic view of what it takes to deliver a consistent customer experience while the operation runs seamlessly behind the scenes. When he talks about his climb through the ranks, he keeps it simple: “Hard work – it pays off.”
What brought him to INEOS Grenadier in Freehold was the opportunity to help grow a still relatively unknown brand in the U.S. He saw the role as both a professional step forward and a “passion project,” energized by the chance to be part of something just getting off the ground in New Jersey. (The Freehold dealer ship opened its doors just last year.)
Strange describes himself as “a relationships guy,” and he runs the store with that strength front and center – prioritizing trust, team alignment, and making sure every moving part works in sync. What excites him most is meeting someone who’s never heard of the Grenadier and having the chance to “tell the story,” from the brand’s inception and philosophy to what makes the SUV such a formidable off-road machine.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
I’m hoping to grow more awareness for the brand. I want more people to be familiar with the INEOS Grenadier, because once you drive it, once you experience it, it’s amazing.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
I would love to experience Australia. I’ve always wanted to skydive and see the country in that way.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT CAR WOULD IT BE?
Probably the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT R R34, Paul Walker’s car. May he rest in peace. That’s always been a passion car of mine, because I love the series, I loved him as an actor, and I loved the character. I would try to buy that exact car.
Deanna Gulino
CEO, Gem Limo / gemlimo.com
Deanna Gulino isn’t simply running a business – she’s preserving a family-owned legacy. As CEO of Gem Worldwide and Concorde Worldwide, headquartered in Woodbridge, NJ, Gulino oversees the company her late mother, Barbara Chirico, founded in 1976. A WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) three-generation family-owned and operated business that includes Gulino’s husband, Joe Gulino, their children and spouses Joe Gulino Jr. and his wife Lauren, Nicole Stankewicz and her husband Kevin, and her youngest, Gina Land, who just joined the business. Gem provides premium chauf feured transportation for corporate clients, retail travelers, events, and wedding venues in the tri-state area and worldwide.
Today, Gulino remains the steady pulse of the operation. “I’ve been here for 33 years,” she said. “I started as a reservationist and worked my way up, learning finance and accounting through my mom. She was my mentor; she taught me everything I know – eventually how to run the whole company.”
As Gem Worldwide approaches its 50th anniversary this August, supported by a team of extremely talented management, reservationists, fleet and dispatch operations staff, executive chauffeurs, and bus drivers, with a fleet of 105 vehicles, Gulino contin ues to guide the company forward while honoring the woman who showed her the way. “My mom took so much pride in this business,” she said. “And we want to continue to make her proud.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
I’m looking forward to scaling our premium transporta tion experience through smarter technology, elevated service standards, and strategic partnerships. This year is about disciplined growth while continuing to lead with safety, reliability, and a people-first culture that sets us apart.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Milos). I’ve never been and hope to one-day check this off my bucket list.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A full-body Range Rover.
Ray Chaparro
Owner, King Baby Studio Red Bank kingbabystudio.com
For Ray Chaparro, it all started with a phone call. While on the line with a representative from King Baby Studio, the Santa Monica-based, rock-and-roll influenced jeweler, Chaparro quipped that he wished the studio were closer to home. “I was joking with the guy on the phone and said, ‘You know what’s a bummer? There’s nothing in Jersey,’” Chaparro recalled. “And he responded, ‘You should open your own store!’” While the exchange was mostly in jest, it got Chaparro’s wheels turning. “I hung up the phone and started thinking: every time I wear King Baby jewelry, I always get compliments. People are constantly asking, ‘Where did you get that? Is it this or that designer brand?’”
An entrepreneur at heart (he also helms Chaps Service, Car Service and Personal Drivers, founded in 2009), Chaparro was struck with inspiration. Last September, he held the grand opening of King Baby Studio in Red Bank, offering a chic clientele a selection of statement bracelets, chains, rings, pendants, and more, all handcrafted in the USA from luxe materials like braided leather, sterling silver, and real gemstones. Running the boutique with his wife, the retired police lieutenant is cherishing his second act. “Everything aligned perfectly,” he said. “It just clicked.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
The main thing we’re really looking forward to in the future is increasing the brand’s visibility on the East Coast. It’s not really known in the area yet, so we want to get it out there. We want people to see it, feel it, touch it, and wear it. And, in 2026, we’re hoping to expand and open up in Florida (in Delray Beach).
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Greece. I’ve never been, but my daughter went there on her honeymoon. She loved it.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Well, I have a ’69 Bronco, a ’67 Camaro…I think I have my dream cars already! Even though I’m a compulsive shopper, I think I already have what I want. I’m satisfied – for now (laughs).
Brian Za
Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Class Kills classkills.com
Brian Za believes in one simple rule: “kill ’em with class.” That philosophy is the backbone of Class Kills, the Eatontown-based event production company he co-founded in 2014, which now produces more than 1,500 events each year. A seasoned DJ with a decade-long residency at Porta in Asbury Park, Za knows the mechanics of show business inside and out – and he’s well aware that the industry can be “deceptive,” as he put it. Alongside Class Kills co-founders Steve Kelly and Chris Leed, however, Za has helped carve out a different lane, one defined by polish, professionalism, and trust. “Part of our vision statement, and the mission that we have for any client who works with us, is on the top of our website:
‘Unforgettable Experiences,’” Za said. “That could be a person who, for example, uses a Class Kills DJ for their event, whether it’s a private event, a wedding, a production, or something else, and they feel they got the best level of service. For us, it’s really about creating these unforgettable experiences. That’s the defining piece and what we live by.”
Now entering its 12th year, Class Kills shows no signs of slowing down, with Za and his team continuing to light up the Garden State and keep the party moving with electrifying energy and impeccable customer service.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
I think the biggest opportunity for us is working with new clients and getting our entertainment into new venues and creating new experiences. That’s one piece I’m excited for, along with the growth of our retail experience. We want to take the things we do really well and be able to help the community even more by being a resource.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
I haven’t been to Arizona. Scottsdale and the Phoenix area are really, really awesome. They have a massive nightlife scene there, so I’m excited to go check it out!
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
That’s an easy one – a Porsche 911 Turbo S, a 2026 hopefully (laughs).
Steve Sandle
Men’s Floor Manager, Garmany / garmany.com
Knowledgeable, affable, and always in vogue, Steve Sandle has found his groove as the men’s floor manager at Garmany, the upscale independent retailer that’s anchored Red Bank’s luxury style scene for half a century. Sandle has spent nearly half his life in the fashion biz, and as the self-described “captain of the men’s ship,” he’s the steady hand that keeps Garmany running in rhythm. Because here, shopping isn’t a transaction; it’s an experience. An on-site bar and lounge offers everything from mocha lattes to merlot and single malts, while a dedicated movie theater entertains little ones as clients browse two floors of meticulously curated styles for men and women.
Celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, Garmany has built its name on relationships, trust, and impeccable customer service, making clients feel at home without sacrificing polish. Sandle’s role is to keep that balance intact. “It’s one giant machine, and I’m making sure that all the levers are pulling at the same time,” he added.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
I’m most looking forward to the continued evolution of men’s tailored clothing toward fuller, more relaxed silhouettes. It’s exciting to see ties making a comeback and a broader return to formality in the workplace. There’s renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, fit, and dressing with intention. This shift creates real opportunity to re-engage clients who want to look sharp while still feeling comfortable.
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Egypt is at the top of my travel bucket list. The opportunity to experience its ancient his tory firsthand – from the pyramids to the temples along the Nile – has always fascinated me. There’s something powerful about seeing the foundations of civilization in person.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It would be the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, without debate.
Jorge G. Méndez
Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer NJ Institute for Pain Relief / njifpr.com
Dr. Jorge Méndez is an interventional pain medicine physician based in Cranford with over 20 years of experience. He graduated from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2003, pursued additional pain management training at Harvard University, and completed fellowship training in chronic pain and advanced cancer pain. “When I do something, I jump in head-first,” he said.
In 2014, he opened Ivy League Pain Management, initially focused on cancer pain care in New Jersey. Over time, his practice expanded into chronic pain, acute pain, and sports-related pain, shaped by the same goal: to help patients understand what is happening in their bodies, what their options are, and what the next step should be.
With his partner, Dr. Pasquale Pucciarelli, Méndez began building a spine and joint model that would soon evolve into NJ Institute for Pain Relief. Today, NJIFPR brings pain management together with orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, primary care, physical therapy, and chiropractic across more than ten locations and over 100 employees. Méndez aims to ensure that, for his patients, the progression from conservative care to advanced treatment is a clear and seamless experience.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE BUSINESS YEAR AHEAD?
Helping our new physicians that have joined our group take messy areas – operations, finances, staffing, workflows – and turn them into clean, actionable plans. Utilizing practical AI and automation that reduce admin burden, improve patient experience, and free leaders to think strategically. Pat and I are always looking for ways to improve patient care and experience. It is our opinion that freeing our physi cians from unnecessary work allows them more time for the patient. Allowing doctors to be doctors!
WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION THAT YOU’VE NEVER VISITED ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
That would probably be Fiji. I’m not sure when, but it’s going to hap pen. It’s going to involve a lot of golfing and relaxing.
IF YOU COULD ADD ONE DREAM CAR TO YOUR GARAGE TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d like a classic, comfortable, luxury automobile, like a Bentley Continental convertible.