GARDEN STATE LUMINARIES SHARE CELEBRITY ROLE MODELS, ULTIMATE WINTER VACATIONS, AND THEIR ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY FLICKS

BY JESSICA JONES GORMAN, ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE, AND AMANDA MCCOY
PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC, ERIC COLEMAN, AND AMESSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Leo Zeik
President, Leonardo Jewelers / leonardojewelers.com
At Leonardo Jewelers, a high-end jewelry and luxury timepiece retailer with locations in Red Bank and Metuchen, its 56-year story began with a briefcase and one man’s ambition. “My father, who was a Cuban immigrant, was working two shifts at a factory, and he started selling jewelry out of a briefcase to friends via word of mouth,” explained Zeik of the company’s humble origins.

That enterprise eventually led to a small jewelry and general merchandise store in
Elizabeth before finding its footing as an upscale designer emporium. Over half a century later, the family still has the briefcase that started it all.

Now the company’s president following his father’s retirement in 1997, Zeik runs the store along with his two sisters, Vivian and Ivette. “We do not sell what I consider “trendy” jewelry, but we are always changing the selection to keep up with current fashions,” explained Zeik of the store’s standard of inventory. “It is a two-fold approach to inventory. Buy classic, high quality jewelry that will always be in fashion.  is is what I refer to as ‘future heirlooms.’ Secondly, you must carry what is fashionable, but not necessarily trendy.”

Since taking over at the helm, Zeik has expanded the timepiece line, introducing a cache of new luxury Swiss watchmakers, including Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Ulysse Nardin, and TAG Heuer. Rolex continues to be the store’s biggest partner today.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY
MOVIE?
If I have to pick one it would be It’s a Wonderful Life.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
If by celebrities you mean actors or sport figures, I am not one to look up to celebrities. The only true role models in my life were my parents. I was very young when we came to the U.S., but as I got older I recognized the struggles my parents endured and overcame. They are the definition of the American Dream. They came to the U.S. penniless and made a wonderful life for themselves and their children.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTE VACATION?
I love to ski, so while others head south for winter vacations, I head to the mountains. I have taken many ski vacations both in the Northeast and to the Western U.S.

Carol Stillwell
Owner, President, and CEO of Stillwell Hansen, Inc. stillwell-hansen.com

One of New Jersey’s most eminent philanthropists, Stillwell is known locally for her work with Ride for Riverview, an annual equestrian event that has raised close to a million dollars for cancer research, plus her dedication to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Monmouth Medical Board. 

The Count Basie Theatre, Monmouth University, the Girl and Boy Scouts, 180 Turning Lives Around, the Ashley Lauren Foundation, the Valerie Fund, and several area food banks have also been the recipients of her time and generosity.

“I feel that if I can affect at least one person with my actions then I’ve made a difference,” she said. “If I can put a smile on someone’s face or touch and console a sick child while I’m here on the face of this earth then I will.”

Stillwell, who is the owner, president and CEO of Stillwell Hansen, Inc., an Edison-based company that sells and services network protection and HVAC products, has been recognized as one of the top women business leaders in New Jersey. She started her career with the company as a secretary in 1969, opting to spend her lunch hours in the drafting room to watch and learn the trade. Stillwell took college classes in mechanical contracting at night and regularly proved her business acumen on job sites where she insisted on climbing ladders in six-inch heels.

“Growing up my mother worked as a waitress and my father literally worked his fingers to the bone. We were poor but we didn’t know it because our house was filled with so much love. And through it all, my mother always taught me to never give up on my dreams. throughout this entire journey that has been my inspiration. She used to say, ‘It doesn’t matter what material things you have in life. But what does matter is how you live the life that you’re given.’”

ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
White Christmas.
WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
Betty White because she is a philanthropist and very engaged in giving back to her community. I also adore Randy from Say Yes to the Dress.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
I’d love to escape to someplace warm like Aruba. I hate the cold.

Angelina Malerba
Owner, Angelina’s Ristorante and Angelina’s Kitchen angelinasristorante.com, angelinaskitchennyc.com

As the youngest of ten children, Malerba learned the importance of tenacity and grit early in her formative years and began working at the age of ten. Inspired by the style and valor of Italian actress Sophia Loren, the aspiring entrepreneur didn’t want to just get by; she wanted to excel. The Sicily native found early success in beauty and cosmetics, but when the opportunity arose to open a restaurant, she jumped on it.

“Good food and good service was something that always impressed me and was instilled into my Sicilian blood at a young age. What was once a pizzeria became a five star restaurant that is now continuing to expand. I have taught my children to work the same way I had to, and they are building the business and the family further than I could have ever imagined.”

Angelina’s Ristorante is housed in a tri level, waterfront mansion and serves elegant Italian dishes like pistachio crusted wild Chilean sea bass, rack of lamb three ways, and a decadent center cut natural veal chop with peas and mushroom risotto. Angelina’s Kitchen offers a more casual dining experience, its menu comprising bubbling brick oven pizzas, pasta dishes, and Italian specialties like shrimp oreganata and bone in pork Milanese.

“Thee most rewarding aspect of my career is being able to give back to the community,” said Malerba of her multi decade success in one of the city’s most competitive industries. “I am a firm believer in paying it forward. Seeing satisfied customers has always been and continues to be my driving force in getting me there every night.”

ALL TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
Vacanze Di Natale. It came out the year my daughter was born.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
Gina Lollobrigida. She embodies poise, beauty, and elegance and represents true class.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
A cruise around the world. Before I die I want to sail around on a private yacht with all my friends and family and experience all of nature’s beauty

Sal DiDonato
Co-Founder and CEO, Priority Payments Local
pplocal.com

Before launching Priority Payments Local with his longtime friend and business partner Angelo Mendola in 2013, DiDonato spent  five years as an ISO/Agent for a First Data company, where he built and processed a successful merchant portfolio that topped $100 million. “Creating strategic partnerships with referral partners was my specialty,” noted the entrepreneur, and he utilized this skillset to grow his enterprise to one of the largest non-bank payment technology and processing companies in the U.S.

“The business has certainty evolved but one thing remains constant: the success of newly formed relationships translating into consistent deal flow. Immediately adding value to a business’ bottom line is always the most rewarding.”

In the seven years since its inception, the company has grown from a one-room office to a multi-story building, and DiDonato and his team are still in expansion mode today. “We will continue to innovate and develop technologies to enhance merchant and customer experience. It’s rewarding to be able to directly impact people’s lives and create financial freedom for them and their families. The best is yet to come.”

And even amid massive company growth and success, the CEO maintains a humble outlook, adding his biggest advice to aspiring business owners is to never take themselves too seriously. “Have fun, work hard, and always keep your word.”

FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE:
It’s a Wonderful Life.
CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL:
Tom Brady.
ULTIMATE WINTER VACATION:
One month in St. Barts.

Diane Scali
Owner, Diane & Company / dianeandcompanyonline.com

From a humble start 46 years ago with little boutique called Lucky Lady in Brooklyn to building a fashion legacy in pageant wear with a mammoth store in Freehold (which houses every major couture label), Scali is truly a pioneer of sorts. Along with daughters Christina and Kimberly, Diane has created a business model based not just on passion and skill, but also highlighting the oft-associated pomp and circumstance and being a part of life’s most glamorous moments. Her undeniable talent as a business and fashion maven led to a successful reality TV show, Jersey Couture, documenting the pivotal search for “the dress.”

Resilience and the ability to adapt to change are but a couple keys to her lasting success, and they proved invaluable to weathering 2020.

“While the pandemic may have taken a toll on our business with events being canceled, we are grateful to be healthy and still confident that we’ll soon be able to see clients celebrating special occasions. We have also started adding a lot of understated items to help dress clients for important milestones that have now moved to backyard parties and in a more casual setting.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
Christmas Vacation is my favorite. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it provides great comedic relief that my family and I have been enjoying for years. Now we watch it with our grandchildren and the laughs keep coming.
WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
My favorite celebrity role model (rather, obsession) would be Princess Diana. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always revered her as the epitome of grace, humility, and love.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
Heading off to the French Riviera with my husband. People assume that because I’m in the formalwear business, I’m a very formal person – far from it actually. I’m just a regular Brooklyn girl who worked hard to raise a family and loves giving back to the community. But it would be nice to live that luxe life like in the movies.

Dr. Anthony Vocaturo, DDS
Cosmetic Dentist, NJ Smile Center / njsmilecenter.com

Dr. Vocaturo is not your average dentist. Decked out in black scrubs and matching black surgical gloves, his deep voice and raucous laughter booms through the halls of his Colts Neck practice, where the “smile designer” has created a comfortably posh atmosphere built entirely for his clients’ contentment.

“I like making people feel better about their appearance,” he said. “I chose this type of dentistry because I’m the type of guy who likes to fix things. The fact that a patient’s entire outlook on life can be changed in my chair is why I continue to do this.”

Refusing all titles, this cosmetic and restorative dentist is on a first-name basis with his patients, most of whom have his personal cell phone number programmed in case of emergencies. His credentials are impressively vast (he co-founded the Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and Esthetic Dentistry as well as the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics), but the young-at-heart doc has fully tattooed sleeves and rock-and-roll roots.

“If AC/DC ever called I’d leave dentistry in a minute,” he laughed.

Born and raised in Bayonne, the doctor received his undergraduate degree in biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned his dental degree from the New York University’s College of Dentistry. He currently holds five accredited/certified recognitions in the field of cosmetic and family dentistry and is considered an aesthetic guru by celebrities and beauty queens alike. Carson Kressley, Montel Williams, and former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel are among his patients, and he has been working with the Miss USA organization since 1998. In 2019 he proudly launched the Institute of Advanced Dental Education, an annex to his office where dentist hygienists and dental assistants learn technique, technology, and materials.

“I love what I do, and I feel very fortunate because of that,” he concluded.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
I love Elf, but I’m also still partial to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer because it inspired me to be a dentist when I was a kid.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
Denzel Washington. I think he’s a great actor, and I respect the way he carries himself as a public figure.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
I’ve never been to Fiji so I’d love to travel there. But the place I’d like to be all of the time is Scottsdale, Arizona.

Karolina Dehnhard, Esq.
Founder, Divorce Dynasty / lindabury.com 973.309.4473 (c)

It was personal experience with her own divorce that fueled international family law attorney Karolina Dehnhard’s ambition, and even though she finished law school in the top 1% of her class and ascended the ranks quickly, the Polandborn litigator knew she was called to do more.

“I felt unprepared to make many of the difficult decisions integral to the divorce process,” recalled Dehnhard, thus she conceived Divorce Dynasty, a concierge platform of vetted professionals consisting of attorneys, doctors, accountants, therapists,  nance experts, realtors, private investigators, movers, interior decorators, beauty professionals, life coaches, and even a matchmaker to prepare and guide women through every step of the divorce process. By assembling such a vast range of expertise in one platform, Dehnhard and the group of vetted professionals set out to educate and empower clients, ensuring no woman would ever feel unprepared when life throws a curveball.

Since its inception, the platform has grown from 10 to over 30 professionals strong, and its services have expanded to assist individuals going through more than divorce, including loss of a spouse or child and disability. Divorce Dynasty hosts educational conferences and seminars through various venues across New Jersey with topics such as “The Top 10 Myths About Divorce” and “What Every Woman Needs to Know about Divorce But Is Afraid to Ask,” plus others.  The team recently added a Men’s Edition to support men struggling through difficult periods in their lives and is in the process of expanding internationally, with the first stop being Dehnhard’s native Poland.

Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Rebuilding your black book of contacts that will help you write your next chapter is what we are here to do. I thought I was living a fairytale. What I have done is simply re-written the ending.”

ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
It may not be a holiday movie but it’s a movie that speaks to me. Under the Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane. Divorce Dynasty is about underscoring that there is a next chapter and love the second time around. Before COVID we had a Divorce Dynasty trip planned to Italy to launch this aspect of the platform. Stay tuned…

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
Any celebrity that uses their fame to pay it forward. I do a lot of philanthropy work and one of the most important aspects of giving back is legacy planning. We have an obligation to educate and invest in the next generation.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
A cabin (ok, a glamorous cabin) in the Alps. Snow falling, a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay, and a great local meal after a day of skiing!

Richard S. Spengler
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Investors Bank / investorsbank.com

With an illustrious career in banking that spans more than 37 years, Spengler considers his formative years working in 100% commission-based sales a real-world lesson in conducting business. “It taught me to value every customer call, meeting, fax, and page. To this day, I emphasize this in my interactions as well as management of our customer service teams. I recommend everyone work on commision early in their career to understand the importance of customer service and supporting customer-facing colleagues.”

Instrumental in diversifying and growing Investors’ commercial loan portfolio, Spengler is
known as a wealth of knowledge in banking circles, his expertise reaching all aspects of investment and risk management. On the prospects of investment in a volatile pandemic, he advised, “Patience is the most important thing to remember today. We have seen market turbulence before and have learned not to overreact. Things eventually return to normalcy. Markets tend to swing too far and come back. We are already seeing that happen in 2020; the financial 4th quarter looks much different than the 2nd quarter.”

WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE?
I’m not sure Die Hard qualifies, but growing up, Randolf the Red Nosed Reindeer always signaled the night to decorate the tree and start of holiday season in our home. Remember, this was a time when there was no cable, no streaming, no movies on-demand.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL?
I don’t believe in celebrity role models. I look to real people who I’ve known over the years. I won’t embarrass anyone by naming them here but there’s a certain senior partner at a local law firm who has been a mentor for over 25 years.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WINTER VACATION?
That’s easy: a ten-day trip I took last March to Deer Valley in Utah. A big house on the slopes, filled with family, friends, good clients, and endless visitors, in and out. All ages of skiers, non skiers, good food, drinks, conversations, and memories.

Tammy O’Brien
Co-Founder, O’Brien Realty / obrienrealtyllc.com

A former Wall Street exec, Tammy O’Brien decided to change lanes in 2013 when she founded O’Brien Realty with her wife and business partner, Kerry O’Brien. Together they have made O’Brien Realty a household name in the Garden State, employing close to 200 agents and tallying over $1 billion in sales across their seven offices in Rumson, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Atlantic Highlands, Long Branch, Florida, and New York.

As the backbone of the business, Tammy manages all the offices and oversees the entire team. Tapping into her fiscal background, she keeps the ever-growing company on financial track, and under her direction, sales are up 66% from 2019.

“I am so grateful to work alongside my wife, Tammy O’Brien,” noted Kerry O’Brien. “She continuously takes O’Brien Realty to the next level, implementing tremendous training platforms for new and seasoned agents with interpersonal skills and technology to help make O’Brien Realty a top powerhouse real estate company.”

FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE:
It’s a Wonderful Life.

CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL:
Oprah Winfrey.

ULTIMATE WINTER VACATION:
Breckenridge, Colorado, skiing and spending time with family.