GARDEN STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS, THE ARTS SHARE THEIR MOST NOTABLE RISKS, FAVORITE HOME SPACES, AND HOPE TO ONE DAY MASTER
BY ZACHARY WEG AND DANIELLE KIRIAKOS
Chris Mariani Owner,
Buona Sera Restaurant / buona-sera.com
With his irrepressible charm and megawatt smile, Chris Mariani was born to be a restaurateur. Now the owner of Buona Sera in Red Bank, the New Jersey native grew up around his family’s pork shops and naturally gravitated toward the restaurant industry. After first operating a small sandwich shop of his own, Mariani saw an opportunity in Red Bank and seized it, laying the groundwork for what would become Buona Sera. The palatial Italian restaurant – credited with helping rejuvenate the Red Bank dining scene in the late ’90s – is famed for its signature dishes made with homemade pastas, aged prime beef, and fresh seafood delivered daily without compromise. Buona Sera (“Good Evening” in Italian) thrives largely because of Mariani’s dedication. As he half-jokes, he’s at the restaurant “all of the time,” cultivating and educating his staff on the philosophy of exceeding expectations – whether it’s a wedding, milestone event, or a couple’s first date. “I’m the last of the Mohicans,” he quipped, referring to the difficulty of being an independent restaurateur and chef-owner these days. With Buona Sera heading into its 28th year – and with Mariani’s genuine affection for his patrons – he shows no signs of slowing down. “The restaurant business is extremely challenging, and I’ve always understood that it’s an extension of who I am,” he said. “It requires unshakable dedication, and with the support of my beautiful and understanding wife, I’ve been able to accomplish that over the last 45 years.”
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE
AND WHY? For a hobby, I would love to master the art of golf [laughs]. In my work, I’ve been perfecting the skill and art of cultivating a staff for 45 years, instilling the philosophy that drives me: passion, customer satisfaction, and exceeding expectations every single time a customer frequents Buona Sera. Our staff is the heart of the restaurant. Many have been here for decades, with an average tenure of 30 years – something almost unheard of in this industry. That depth of experience and passion makes all the difference. The staff of Buona Sera is its true strength!
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID
OFF? Buying our property in Red Bank. I was in my ’30s, and I had to put every dime I had on the line to create and develop that property. I never looked back. I did it and never thought about losing it; I just moved forward.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
My favorite room in my home is any room occupied by my grandchildren.
Katie Reynolds Hood Manager,
Reynolds Garden Shop / reynoldsgardenshop.com
As one of the key managers and buyers at Reynolds Garden Shop in Manahawkin, Katie Reynolds Hood helps keep the vast garden, floral, retail, and landscaping sanctuary running smoothly. Working alongside her parents, Mark and Peg, who opened the center 45 years ago, Hood is responsible for much of the styling that the longstanding family of stores has become famous for. No matter the project, Hood and her team expertly meet customer requests while ensuring a pleasant, personalized shopping experience. “I always loved design,” she said. “My mom always maintained a beautiful home while I was growing up and hosted a ton of events, and it was something that I always enjoyed, too. So it was a natural fit.” Hood found her calling in the buying and styling side of the thriving family business, where she oversees curation for the boutique retail departments, helping clients bring out the beauty in their homes. “My goal is for our customers to feel inspired when they walk into the stores,” she said. “Success, for me, is when they can create a sense of home within their own space.”
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Public speaking. I’m always so inspired by people who have that natural ability to stand up and move a room, to share a vision in a way that truly connects. As our business and our family foundation continue to grow, I’ve realized how important that skill really is. There are so many moments where I wish I felt just a little more confident stepping up and articulating everything I’m thinking. Leadership isn’t just about building something; it’s about communicating it clearly and bringing others along with you. It’s something I really admire and something I would love to master.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
Continuing to grow something that was already successful. My parents started this business 45 years ago as one small greenhouse. It had a strong foundation and a loyal community, so expanding it wasn’t necessarily the “safe” choice. Once I came on full time, alongside other members of my family, I felt a real responsibility not just to maintain what they built, but to thoughtfully evolve it. Growth for us has meant acquiring more real estate, extending down Bay Avenue, and constantly reinvesting in the brand. In a family business, that kind of expansion requires a lot of trust – in each other’s vision, in our design instincts, and in our willingness to put in the additional work. What started as a greenhouse is now an entire destination, and that growth has been the most rewarding risk of all.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
The kitchen, without question. No matter how beautiful the rest of a home is, everyone always ends up gathering in the kitchen. It’s where people linger around the island, where conversations are had, and where memories are made without anyone really planning them. I love that it invites people in — guests feel comfortable enough to pull up a stool or jump in and help. When something is cooking and the aroma fills the house, it instantly makes everything feel warm and welcoming. To me, the kitchen isn’t just a room — it’s the heart of the home.
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT
WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Snowboarding. I’ve always enjoyed surfing, and since my wife is a big skier, it would be exciting to share that passion and enjoy the slopes together.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN
BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF? The biggest chance or risk I’ve taken in business would be opening my own brokerage, because there’s a need on Long Beach Island for a hyper-local expert.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
My favorite room in a home is the kitchen and great room area, an open floor plan where everybody can gather and spend time, because that’s where memories are made.
Edward Freeman Jr. Managing Partner,
Freeman & Company / lbifreemangroup.com
Edward Freeman Jr. brings energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of his work in real estate. “I joined my father’s team in 2015,” he said, stepping into The Freeman Group on Long Beach Island. Over the years, he’s developed expertise in market trends, acquisitions, and client strategy, learning what drives lasting results. When his father retired, Freeman expanded the business with a new vision. Last year, he launched Freeman & Company, opening an office in Harvey Cedars with plans for a second in Beach Haven. “It’s about building a culture where everyone is on the same side,” he explained. “Like a winning locker room, we’re here to push each other and help each other win.” Now, as managing partner, Freeman balances pursuing new development opportunities with guiding buyers and sellers through complex transactions. What keeps him motivated is simple: “It doesn’t feel like work. I’m genuinely excited to go to the office every day.” Looking ahead, he’s focused on growth – expanding the company’s footprint while cultivating the team culture that sets Freeman & Company apart.
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD
IT BE AND WHY? I enjoy playing Golf and I would love to hit it longer off the tee. Golf is a mental and physical activity that I can enjoy with my friends and family while also being outdoors.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS
THAT PAID OFF? I’ve never backed down from any challenges that have been presented to me, and that has led to great trial experience; I’ve found that if you put yourself out there and give it your best effort, good things happen for you and your clients.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
I’d say a nice sunroom. I enjoy any time you can relax a little, and I’m a big natural light guy.
Brett Lederer Partner,
Blick Law LLC / blicklaw.com
Brett Lederer guides clients through complex litigation at Blick Law LLC, representing individuals, businesses, and institutional clients. “A typical day can involve many things, whether it’s interfacing with clients, preparing litigation documents, or court appearances,” he explained. “We get pulled in a number of different directions, but at the end of the day, we’re advocating and doing what is best for our clients.” Lederer joined Blick Law as an associate after completing a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Vincent J. Militello, J.S.C. “Clerking gave me a front-row view of the litigation process,” he said, an experience that helped shape his approach to complex legal matters. In 2025, he was promoted to partner, a milestone that was a goal of his for a long time. “I was proud to have reached that position,” he said. He emphasizes the balance between hard work and collaboration: “The job can be challenging, but it’s rewarding when you are able to get a positive result for your client or see both the firm and the people in it grow.” Looking ahead, Lederer remains focused on the firm’s expansion. “We have 11 lawyers and two retired Superior Court of New Jersey judges,” he said. “Blick Law will continue to grow and I am proud and excited to be a part of that.”
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT
WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I am really into kickboxing, so I would love to master it even further.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS
THAT PAID OFF? I had a studio in Little Silver that was fully built out, but before the pandemic we decided to move it to the lower level of the new home we were moving into. I was worried that because it wasn’t a public space it might be difficult, since clients are always stopping by to drop things off. But in reality, we’re on the road so much that it’s actually much more convenient. I have clients, contractors, and architects texting and calling at all hours of the day, so if I need to show them a fabric or look up a measurement unexpectedly, I can access it right away. If I still had an outside studio, that wouldn’t be nearly as easy. It really worked out perfectly. We were very fortunate.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
The kitchen because it has so many different finishes and interesting textures. Also, I love all things cooking, food, and drink, so it’s the heart of the home.
Jill Ryan
Founder, Jill Ryan Interiors / jillryaninteriors.com
Jill Ryan isn’t afraid to chase her goals. Growing up in the Garden State, she discovered an early passion for interior design. “I was always into art, drafting, and different things like that, from sewing to cooking,” she said. “When I was in middle school, I really got into this one interior design book.” That curiosity eventually led her to study interior design and fine arts in college and graduate school. Fourteen years ago, Ryan opened Jill Ryan Interiors in Tinton Falls. Primarily serving the tri-state area, while retaining clients around the country, Ryan has become a force in her field. Working alongside her tight-knit team and sourcing from a wide range of vendors, she designs both residential and commercial spaces with painterly elegance. A visit to her website, filled with images of gleaming offices and cozy dens, reveals the work of an undeniably talented yet client-focused designer. “We love it when our clients walk in the door and are so amazed at how the design transformed their new build,” she said.
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL,
WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would love to be able to play the piano — I’ve always admired that talent, and I’m just in awe of people who can do it.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN
BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF? It’s always a risk to go into a new location where customers may not know who we are and what we offer, and we’re very much looking forward to opening our new location in Paramus.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A
HOME AND WHY? My favorite room is the kitchen because no matter how many other spaces you have, everyone ends up there — it’s where we gather and spend the most time together.
Lori Vaynstein
Vice President of Fashion and Design, Worldwide Flooring Design Center / worldwidefloors.com
A well-designed home starts underfoot, and Lori Vaynstein has spent more than three decades making sure of it. She joined Worldwide Flooring Design Center when her father opened the company shortly after she graduated from college, stepping into what would become a 34-year career. “It’s kind of in my DNA,” she said. Over time, experience turned into expertise, and the business became both profession and legacy. As vice president of fashion and design, Vaynstein oversees the company’s designer showrooms, leading merchandising and buying for its high-end division. She works closely with interior designers on large-scale projects, with some relationships spanning nearly 30 years. “The best part of my job is working with clients, getting creative, and helping to bring their vision to fruition,” she said. Her promotion to VP marked a defining achievement, but perspective has been the greater milestone. Challenges are inevitable; solutions are essential. Listening carefully, understanding the product, and matching it to the right space remain central to her approach. With a fifth store opening in Paramus this May, Vaynstein continues to build on a foundation she has helped shape from the very beginning.