February 2024 OnSite

February 2024

METROPOLITAN BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF NJ MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY’S ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DANE ROHMANN, EXCEPTIONAL FLOOR COVERINGS SEE PAGES 16 – 17 FEBRUARY’S BUILDER MEMBER BLUEPRINT: GERALDINE SMITH, ALL INCLUSIVE CONSTRUCTION SEE PAGES 10 – 11 METRO’S 2024 THEME: EDUCATION & COLLABORATION

DANE ROHMANN, EXCEPTIONAL FLOOR COVERINGS

2024 METRO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 PWB Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Seasons 52

Friday, April 26, 2024 Night at the Races (w/ BANNJ) 6:30 Meadowlands Racetrack Wednesday, May 8, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am – 1776, Morristown Tuesday, May 14, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Wednesday, September 11, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am -1776 Thursday, September 19, 2024 Harvest Fest / Octoberfest& BOD GPS Summit

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM- ZOOM

Thursday, February 15, 2024 “NJ Working for You with NJEDA, SBDC, NJBAC” / General Membership Event & BOD Blue Ridge Lumber – 4:00 PM Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Job Costing: What You Need to Know (Webinar) (Remodelers Council) 4:00 PM – ZOOM February 27 – 29 International Builders Show (IBS) Las Vegas, NV Wednesday, March 6, 2024 HBA REBATES: How to Use & Save 12 Noon - ZOOM Tuesday, March 12, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Wednesday, March 13, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am - 1776 March 19 – 21, 2024 Atlantic Builders Convention Economic Forecast Hard Rock Café, Atlantic City *Metro BOD Meeting at ABC March 21 – 9:00 am Tuesday, April 9, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Tuesday, April 9, 2024 PWB Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Reno’s Appliance, Paterson Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Understanding and Preparing Contracts (Webinar) (Remodelers Council) 4:00 PM - ZOOM

Thursday, May 16, 2024 Lobsterfest & BOD 5:30 PM - Pub 199

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Golf Outing 7:30 am Registration – 9:00 am Shotgun - Ballyowen Golf Course

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Clients from Hell & How to Deal with Them (Webinar) (Remodelers Council) 4:00 PM – ZOOM

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am – 1776 Thursday, October 17, 2024 Financial Basics for Your Business Presented by Jennifer Polidori, Merril Lynch 10:00 am - ZOOM Tuesday, November 12, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Tuesday, November 12, 2024 PWB & SMC Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Location TBD Thursday, November 14, 2024 Joint Event with BANNJ Ferguson at Fairfield

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 PWB Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Location TBD

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM

Wednesday June 19, 2024 Awards of Excellence 4:00 PM – Hanover Manor

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Thursday, July 11, 2024 Reno’s Multi Association Event & BOD Reno’s – 5:30 PM

Thursday, November 21, 2024 General Membership Election of Officers & Directors & BOD Location TBD – 5:00 PM

Thursday, July 18, 2024 NAHB Eye on Housing Mid-Year Economic Forecast 12 Noon – Webinar

Thursday, December 5, 2024 Installation Dinner & Holiday Party 6:00 PM – Hanover Manor Tuesday, December 10, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Why You Can’t Afford Free Estimates Presented by Coppola Brothers, LLC 4:00 PM – Location TBD (Remodelers Council) Tuesday, August 13, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM

President’s Message February 2024

Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of NJ 39 East Hanover Avenue • Suite B4 Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Phone: 973-887-2888 Fax: 973-887-2926 Website: www.MetroBCA.org

2024 is off to a great start! We have a robust calendar and our goal is to reach and engage all our members. We aim to share our value, grow together and ultimately look forward full engagement and to seeing everyone at our events! Our first General Membership meeting was hosted by one of our own board members, Dane Rohmann with Exceptional Flooring Concepts. The event was well attended, the food was excellent and the energy was electric! Thank you Dane, your professionalism, warm welcome and showroom were impeccable. It is the first of many great events and a wonderful kick start to my year as president. Congratulations Debra Tantleff on being installed as Chair of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) at its January 17 Board of Directors meeting in Jersey City, NJ. As an elected NJBA officer for 2024, I look forward to working and serving with you and my fellow elected officers. This year is about enhancing the Metro vision, encouraging leaderships in our members, keeping current with the construction industry knowledge, fostering collaboration and inspiring the younger generation to pursue a career in construction. Metro has some great things planned for the 2024 year and I’m honored and exciting to be leading. Reach out, get involved and join our movement, it’s going to be EPIC!

OnSite / February 2024 Editor: Rose Ann Haberman Layout: Gregory J. Del Deo

Mission Statement: Metro is a professional organization that shall serve to protect and advance the rights and interests of builders, remodelers and associates in all matters affecting the building and remodeling industries. Metro shall support the business interests of all its member firms, support safe and affordable shelter, and foster the American dream of home ownership. Vision Statement: Metro is the leading trade association for the construction industry. Metro inspires active membership through professional development and advocacy. We embrace free markets to promote cost effective housing in NJ.

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Kristie Veri 2024 Metro President

NAHB Members Saved Over $40 Million in 2023 Sharon Salang ssalang@nahb.org NAHB members who use the Member Savings Program know their membership more than pays for itself through numerous member-exclusive discounts. And the amount of savings keeps growing each year: In 2023, NAHB members saved more than $40 million — not only on their business expenses, but also on personal travel and entertainment costs. The total member savings in 2024 will likely grow even more as the list of participating companies in the NAHB Member Savings Program continues to expand. New in 2024, the Active&Fit Direct program gives NAHB members access to discounts on memberships and amenities at a variety of premier gyms across the country. Active&Fit Direct is only the latest to join NAHB’s lineup of prominent savings programs, which also includes: Avis, Budget, Dell, Farmers Insurance, Goodyear Tires, Heartland, HotelPlanner, Lowe’s, Nissan, ODP Business Solutions, Rho, Ring Central, T-Force, T-Mobile, UPS and Voyager. And that’s just the beginning. For NAHB members who plan to travel somewhere – anywhere – or shop for something – anything – be sure to first check out MemberDeals (must be logged in to nahb. org to view). Continue reading here: www.nahb.org/blog/2024/01/nahb- members-saved-40-million-in-2023

MICHELE’S EO PERSPECTIVE

In January, we held our first General Membership Meeting at Exceptional Flooring Concepts (EFC) in Cedar Knolls, where we welcomed many new guests and old- time members. I would personally like to give a big shout-out to the entire team at Exceptional Flooring Concepts, especially Dane Rohmann, our new 2024 Board Member who helped put this event together.

We learned about the many benefits of Bona Flooring from the Bona experts, and had the opportunity to tour the warehouse and showroom of EFC. We heard from Kristie Veri, Metro’s 2024 President as she laid out the biggest goals for Metro this year – “Collaboration, Communication and Education.” This year Kristie we will continue with Frank Coppola and Andrea LoMonaco’s vision for collaborative efforts at all three levels. Her goal is to keep all of our members informed through communication and education, in fact this year we will be teaching NAHB Education Courses through Metro, again. Our Remodelers Council hosted our January General Membership Meeting, and have been actively recruiting new council members. The NAHB Remodelers Council consists of nearly 50,000 NAHB members who are involved in the remodeling industry. Council members enjoy a wide variety of benefits and resources, including exclusive professional development, industry-specific education, networking opportunities, leadership grants, and awards and recognition programs that help you strengthen and protect your business. All members can join the National Remodelers Council for $75.00, so join today! It is our goal to help all members get involved. The more you are involved, the more you will understand the many benefits of the association, above and beyond the advocacy. Take a look at some of our committees and GET INVOLVED! • Professional Women in Building Linda Garvey - L.Garvey@coppolabrothersllc.com • Sales & Marketing Council Todd Smith - tsmith@roycejosephcapitalllc.com • Remodelers Council Don Dyrness - Don@MainStreetCustomHomes.com and Geraldine Smith, allinclusivenj@gmail.com • Golf Committee – Ken Fox, kfox@foxarch.com • Awards of Excellence – Franz Laki - fl@sesi.org • Membership Committee Robert Nussbaum - rnussbaum@saiber.com Next, as the Awards of Excellence Celebration draws closer, the entries are in full swing. If you have not sent in your entries, please do so by March 15 to provide the judges with ample time to fully assess each entry. Last year we had many new winners, a few new categories and lots of fun. I am looking forward to seeing you all there this year as Franz Laki, of SESI Consulting Engineers presents our Awards of Excellence Gala on June 19th at the Hanover Manor. If you have any questions, please call the office (973) 887-2888 ext 1. As always, I would like to thank all of our members for their continued support in Metro. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to share your ideas, please reach out.

Michele Leppard, EO , mleppard@metrobca.org Office: (973) 887-2888 x 1, Cell (201) 463-5543

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METRO’S REMODELERS COUNCIL EDUCATION SERIES Metro’s Remodelers Council Education Series welcomed Justin Jurkowski, Survey/Geospatial/ UAV Coordinator for Carroll Engineering. It was an interesting and enlightening tech update hosted by GPS at their Piscataway showroom. Justin discussed the combined advantages of 3D laser scanning and drones for builders. The session explored how these technologies streamline construction processes, with 3D laser scanning capturing detailed as-built information for precise measurements and design. Drones complement this by providing aerial views for site assessment, progress monitoring, and data collection. The integration of these technologies enhances efficiency, accuracy, and project management in construction. LI ceiengineering LI justin-jurkowski-6931b1210

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The champagne brunch features a panel of industry leaders who will share their secrets for mastering the confidence to effectively lead and create opportunities in construction. There will be opportunities to mix and mingle with others at the event as well. The panelists are: • Deb Tantleff – Founding Principal, TANTUM Real Estate, NJBA Chair • Jane Tresnan – President, Total Storage Concepts, LLC/Tresnan Properties, LLC • Kristen Marzarella-Amato – Vice President Operations at All County Exteriors • Cindy Cepko – Partner Granite Homes, 2021 President of Pennsylvania Builders Association, 2016 NAHB PWB Chair I am delighted to say that two of our Metro Members are proud sponsors of this event: Anderson Windows and Doors (Tammy Murray) and Stilo Disposal (Julie Stilo). Thank you both for your generous donations and support of this event! To learn more, please consult the NJBA ABC Convention link below to learn more about the entire event and to register abconvention.com/attendee-registration/#register. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear from these successful women in our industry!

“LEADERSHIP, CONFIDENCE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN BUILDING” – PRESENTED BY NJ’S STATEWIDE PWB NJBA will be hosting the ABC Convention from March 19-21, 2024 at the Hard Rock Café in Atlantic City. The Convention features nearly 250 exhibits showcasing the latest products and services and a wide variety of educational seminars offering attendees up-to-date information about the latest market trends, government policies and technical developments in the industry. Metro’s PWB Council has been collaborating with Shore Builders Association of Central of NJ’s PWB Council to prepare a program to host at the convention on March 21st from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Our program title is “Leadership, Confidence and the Opportunities for Women in Building”.

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By Linda Garvey, Metro’s PWB Council Chair, Coppola Brothers LLC LI linda-george-garvey-4aa493269

BUILDER MEMBER BLUEPRINT GERALDINE SMITH ALL INCLUSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING LLC www.allinclusivenj.com Houzz: All Inclusive Construction

FB allinclusiveconstructionnj IG allinclusive_construction_ 732-484-9008 allinclusivenj@gmail.com

to prove myself. Most customers do appreciate the different approach, the different communication style. I’ve also learned I don’t need to know it all, I just need to have the right people on my team. Funniest customer interaction? I was on an estimate with my project manager (a big burly construction type guy) and the customer told him to make sure his “secretary” took notes on something. He laughed and said “she’s the owner, I am the secretary”. What differentiates you from others in your industry? I have a very different background than most in the industry and I bring a unique perspective to my projects and my business. Best Advice you have received? Did you follow it or realize it in hindsight? Understand your financials!!! Unfortunately I did NOT follow it right away but am learning more now (and stay tuned for some great presentations from the Remodelers Council on Job Costing & Profitability and more!!! Favorite Mentor? Frank Coppola of Coppola Brothers and a Metro Past President has been instrumental in helping me! What do you believe are the most important issues in the construction industry today? There are so many issues we are facing – Rising prices (materials, home prices, interest rates, labor rates) The lack of skilled labor. So many of the experienced people are retiring/aging out of the business and the younger generation is largely not interested in our industry.

Years in this business: 8

How did you get into this business? I spent 15 years in corporate HR with Bear, Stearns and Verizon. I have a BS in Marketing and an MBA in Human Resources Management. I handled many different aspects of HR, including recruiting (from entry level technicians to executive level officers),

payroll, employee issues, representing the companies at job fairs, labor relations disputes & testifying at arbitrations, handling benefits, terminations, coaching employees and giving presentations on career development. I worked closely with the Labor Relations and Legal departments on a regular basis. In 2015 I decided to make a change. I resigned from Verizon with no real plan other than to figure out what I wanted to be “when I grew up”. I met someone with a small handyman business, and I saw the potential that this small company had. I handled all of the licensing, insurance, marketing, advertising, recruiting, payroll, health insurance, and a lot of the customer interactions. Sales increased over tenfold once I came on board. All Inclusive Construction & Building went from doing 1-2 day small projects to doing ground up construction, additions, complete renovations, kitchens, baths, carpentry, masonry, etc. When my former partner decided he wanted to do something else, I took over the reins completely at the end of 2019. What products and services does your company provide? We do remodeling, additions and new builds. We do a lot of kitchens, bathrooms, decks and basements but my favorite projects are the unique ones – renovating a pole barn into a sound studio, and ariel yoga studio, etc. Most challenging problem & how did you solve it? I took this business over knowing very little about it (I mostly handled the administrative side before) and I did this right before covid shook up the industry and the world. I threw myself into the business and I networked. I realized there were so many people within my reach who could help me learn and grow. I had to face people (customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and more) who didn’t think I could do this as a woman so I did – and still do – have to work a bit harder

What advice do you have about marketing/social media to build business and reach customers? Word of mouth has been my biggest source of leads. I need to follow my own advice here and do it more – but the more posts and visibility you have the more your name gets out there! Any strategies about employee retention & reaching future employees? I really try to listen to my employees

someone you don’t know that well, talk to the newer members and help them feel welcome. Are you a part of any Metro Committees? I am the co-chair of the Remodelers Council and a member of the PWB. Has your company recently won any awards? 2023 AOEs for best bathroom renovation, best outdoor living space,

and make sure they all know they are valued and respected. I have been working with a local vocational school and been doing job fairs with Metro to try and spark some interest and show the benefits of being in this industry. Years in the Metro: 4 How did you get involved with Metro initially? Funny story - In February 2020 just after taking over the company, I saw an ad for the Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC) in Atlantic City. I have always enjoyed a little bit of gambling so I figured this would be a good excuse to go to AC and also maybe learn something about the industry. I also love a good discount, and I saw I’d get a discount if I was a member of NAHB. I looked that up, and again thought maybe I could meet some people or learn a few things since I was new to all this on my own. To join NAHB, I had to join a local first and Metro covered my area. I filled out my application and a few weeks later I got a call from the EO who said they weren’t having in person meetings now because of Covid but I have been approved and to reach out if I ever needed anything.

best special feature room and Metro’s partnership award. We were also named Metro’s remodeler of the year for 2023! What was your favorite part of Awards of Excellence in 2023 if you were able to attend? Winning all those awards!!!! LOL Favorite Social Media (for business or personal?) Facebook What are you reading? “Playing Blackjack as a Business” (trying to gear up for ABC 2024) How do you relax and disconnect? Binge watching Netflix Favorite Color Green Favorite Food All the foods Favorite Band It all depends on my mood! Favorite Trip/Vacation Anywhere warm & tropical Any Favorite Project you have worked on the ariel yoga studio because I was also able to take and teach classes there!

A couple weeks later I did reach out, because I was hearing rumors that the governor was shutting down construction because of Covid . The EO sent me the link for the daily zoom calls that Metro was hosting about what NJBA was doing on our behalf, what we could, and couldn’t do in terms of work, how to apply for the EIDL & PPP etc. So I got on these calls every day, and the next thing I knew I was “voluntold” (coined by Frank Coppola) to help start the PWB committee and get on the board. As it turned out, ABC was canceled that year due to covid, but I sure did meet some people and learn a few things! What are your 2024 goals for Metro members? I would really love to see more people getting involved. We have a lot of members who only come to 1 or 2 events each year, if that. Metro has so much to offer, but you get back what you give. You won Metro’s 2023 Partnership Award. What has this meant to you? I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of Metro members. My advice is to find people in Metro you trust and be 100% honest – you’d be surprised what others have gone through and how they can help. I strongly encourage everyone to find a mentor, be a mentor, get involved with councils and committees, reach out to

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GERALDINE SMITH’S DOGS, BENTLEY AND PENELOPE

JANUARY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

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HOW DID YOU START IN THE FLOOR COVERING INDUSTRY? ACCIDENTALLY! I went to school for Commercial Art but quickly decided it was not a career path I wanted to follow. I spent the next several years in Banking and a few years in Automotive Accessories Distribution. In 2000 I was faced with a renegotiation of my contract which left me with few opportunities to grow my business, so I left. In the year that followed I had a couple of odd jobs that allowed me to keep up with my bills but that was it. At the time, my brother who was a contractor was doing work for a high-end flooring retailer who was looking for a salesperson. Though I had no desire to be in retail (or flooring for that matter), at my brother’s request, I reluctantly met with the owner. I was offered the position but felt strongly that it was not the right fit for me so I turned it down. Looking back that could have been the biggest mistake of my life. It was one of those life changing decisions that you aren’t aware of at the time it is happening. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME A week had passed since the offer and another position I had been hoping for, fell through. With bills piling up I knew I needed to find something. So, with my tail between my legs, I contacted the flooring retailer and asked if the position was still available. After a long discussion and a lot of convincing, the owner of the store took a chance on me for which I am forever grateful. I honestly could not have had a better starting point in this industry then that position. The store was The Square Yard located in Summit. Bill, the owner took such pride in the way the store was arranged and set up. He often referred to it as “The Neiman Marcus” of floor covering. He wanted consumers to have a better experience and to feel excited about their purchase. His moto was “Never deny someone the thrill of spending money on quality”. Beyond everyday consumers, The Square Yard had a large following of Interior Designers. I found myself liking this business more than I had ever imagined. I was able to combine my sales knowledge with a creative side that I didn’t have before. I could appreciate the artistry in hand knotted rugs and carpets. CLIMBING THE LADDER With the financial aftershock of 9/11, unfortunately (and fortunately) things did not last long with The Square Yard. I was offered and accepted a position in distribution for a floor covering supplier. I stayed in distribution for 4 years, however it became very stale and repetitive. I felt the need to be challenged by a different part of the industry and started searching for a position where I could concentrate on building relationships. I wanted to sell solely to trade ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DANE ROHMANN EXCEPTIONAL FLOORING CONCEPTS 241 Cedar Knolls Rd., Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 973-585-7635 dane@efcdesigns.com

professionals. In 2006 I was fortunate to land such a position, and have been able to build and grow those accounts ever since. With time, each relationship grows stronger and becomes more personal. In short, this industry became everything I never knew I wanted and I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity 23 years ago. FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN …….By 2011 I was finally in a place where I felt my career was well established and growing. Unfortunately, I was unaware

of what the following year would bring. After spending 6 years and growing my business by 200% I was once again faced with renegotiation of a contract and to sign a non-compete clause. After much discussion with my wife, I decided it was not in my best interest to do so. I felt strongly that only you should be the one to decide if a future opportunity is worth considering. Had I signed the agreement I would have put a limit on my own potential which I was not ok with. The search was on once again to find a workplace I could call “home”. As if that were not enough stress, also that year I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. After the initial shock sunk in, My wife and I researched many different treatment options and visited several specialists. In the end, given my levels, we decided to go the route of active surveillance which more or less

means keeping a constant eye on it. If anything were to change we would have had to act on surgery or radiation. 13 years later, we are thankful that the cancer has stayed at low levels and has not grown and I am still able to have it monitored.

TRUST YOUR GUT! I am so glad that I stood my ground and did not sign the non compete clause. It has lead me to where I belong. I am very fortunate and proud to call Exceptional Flooring Concepts my home. There is truly not another flooring provider like it. Many can present the same product lines but will never be able to offer the service and value that Exceptional has built its reputation on. What products and services does Exceptional Flooring Concepts provide? Carpeting, Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Area Rugs, Rug Fabrication, Sanding and Refinishing of Hardwood Flooring. I have had the good fortune of holding several different jobs within the industry which has given me a broad understanding of how each part comes into play. It’s not just about sales and knowledge it is also about project managing, following up, keeping an open dialogue and transparency with your point of contact for each job. Exceptional Floor Coverings employees are professional, experienced, well trained . We take great pride in having in-house installers who are CFI and Bona certified. What is the story behind your business? Erik Luthy who is the founder and owner. Erik started as a carpet installer at the age of 17.

$10,000 in donations. We are very proud to have helped in some small way. Years in the Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association: 1

He started Exceptional Floor Coverings by the age of 21 as an installation service. Today EFC is a distributor to trade partners for all things flooring. At an early age, he recognized a need for a better selling experience and an opportunity

How did you get involved with Metro initially? Frank Coppola urged me to speak with Karen Adamsbaum which then led to a dinner with several Metro members. I had

to make it happen by partnering with trade professionals. He is relentless in his pursuit to keep up on the most recent technologies, tools and education so that we can provide the best possible outcome for each project. Erik runs his company with 2 thoughts always on his mind. 1. You’re only as good as your people. 2. The only thing that can’t be taken from you is you word. These 2 things he feels has been lost over time by many, and he is extremely committed to these core values. Most surprising customer interaction? Being introduced to a homeowner while he was in his underwear! Can cross that off my list now! Best Advice you have received? It’s flooring, it’s not life or death. Worst advice you were given? It’s flooring, it’s not life or death. haha. Seriously, it is all relative to the project and how detailed and/ or stressful it can be.

the opportunity to meet some great folks. That Dinner sealed the deal for me. As I have said numerous times, I have never met a more welcoming group of people. What is your feeling behind members helping members? I think it is vital. Trying to use someone different may be better, or it may not be, but everyone owes it to themselves to find out, especially in a unified group such as this. Are you a part of any Metro Committees? If so, which ones and how did you become involved with them? Yes. I was part of The Golf Committee last year and will volunteer again this year. I was just appointed to The Board. I also joined the Remodelers Council. I encourage everyone to jump on in! What are you looking forward to at the 2024 AOEs? This will be our first year, so our fingers are crossed. Exceptional Flooring submitted entries for 3 categories. What are you listening to? Anyone who really knows me knows music is a huge part of my life. My tastes are all over the place. Currently I am really into Kaleo and Nick Waterhouse. What are you reading? Canni How do you relax and disconnect? Music playing, firing up the grill (Even in the dead of winter) and the weekend’s pick of a Crac IPA. Favorite Color Orange, I had an Orange Jeep for years and customers always remembered me by it. With being on the road so much, it was referred to as the Orange Office. Favorite Tool/ Product Digital Laser Measure Any Favorite Project

What do you see/believe are the most important issues in the building/ construction/your industry today? HIRING! Are you involved with any charities? I personally am involved with The Movemeber Foundation – a charity dedicated to prostate cancer fighters and survivors. I was one of the fortunate ones who has been able to monitor it for the past 13 years without taking action. My efforts since have been committed to raising funds and awareness. EFC team is very involved with The Brooke Healy Foundation – see our group pic. This foundation was founded by a family that tragically lost their very young daughter to a rare cancer. Unfortunately, the Healey’s learned very little research funding is going toward solutions for this type of cancer. The Healy family is, through the Brooke Healy Foundation, changing that every day. EFC held a big event in November of last year that generated

you have worked on? In Cranford, we installed a pre-finished wood floor in a sunroom for a repeat customer. It is an extremely distressed and worn painted finish, which sounds odd but looks amazing in the space.

Directions: Overview: Begin by pressing tofu, then make tamari marinade and prepare quinoa. While quinoa is cooking, roast tofu. Mix ingredients for dressing while tofu is roasting and quinoa is resting. Combine everything at the end by gently folding together. Roasted Tofu: To press tofu: Place 3-4 layers of paper towels on a large baking sheet. Cut tofu down the center into 2 flat layers (like slicing a bagel in half to toast) Place the cut side onto paper towels. Cover with 3-4 layers of paper towels and place a second baking sheet on top. Weigh down with something heavy (2-3 sauce cans or a bag of sugar or flour), set aside for 15 minutes. Tamari Marinade: In a large bowl, prepare ¼ cup tamari, 1 finely chopped clove of garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, red pepper flakes. Set aside. Remove tofu from paper towels and baking sheets, and slice into smaller cubes - I cut each layer piece into 20 smaller, bite sized cubes. Gently place into the bowl with tamari marinade and fold tofu until all pieces are evenly covered. Let rest until marinade is mostly absorbed. Place marinated tofu onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Make sure to spread out so tofu pieces have room. This allows for the hot air to circulate and properly roast each piece. Convection Roast at 415°F for 20-30 minutes, until edges are golden brown but tofu is not dried out. Quinoa: Rinse quinoa in cold water using colander and add to a medium saucepan. Add vegetable stock. Bring to boil, cover, and reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork, Set aside. Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients into a small bowl and mix with a fork until well combined. Assembly: While tofu is roasting, scoop cooked quinoa into a large bowl and fluff again. Add roughly chopped baby spinach, cooked tofu when done roasting, and pour dressing over everything. Gently fold to evenly mix together. Add Salt & Pepper to taste. Garnish with any extra fresh herbs. Notes: Some delicious vegetables to roast and add zucchini, butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, fennel, peppers and/or cherry tomatoes. If lemons are not very juicy, add additional lemon juice or red wine vinegar to help brighten dressing. Enjoy! Eva Hajek Corporate Chef/Showroom Consultant Reno’s Appliance 235 McLean Blvd./ Route 20 North Paterson, NJ 07504 973-247-1860 RenosAppliance.com evah@renosappliance.net Sources on quinoa health information: https://www.britannica.com/plant/quinoa) Nutrients, 2022 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/558)

LET’S CHAT ABOUT… QUINOA The start of the New Year brings many Resolutions about getting healthier. This recipe for Quinoa with Roasted Tofu is one that can help you stay on track, and is a staff favorite at the Reno’s Appliance showroom. Finished off with a fresh lemon and shallot vinaigrette, this quinoa recipe can be served piping hot, or at room temperature. Gluten-free and plant-based, this is a healthy option for any season of the year. Easily adaptable, add in your favorite vegetables (roasted carrots or sweet potatoes are especially tasty), or replace the herbs with whatever is growing fresh in your garden. This may very well become one of your new favorite recipes. Why do we love quinoa? Quinoa is very easy and quick to prepare, which is important for today’s busy schedules. It can be served as any meal of the day, depending on what other ingredients are added to it. Quinoa is a complete protein and has been around for thousands of years. It contains all nine essential amino acids, is a good source of zinc, fiber and folate, and is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. According to some studies, quinoa may help reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases as well as protect against certain types of cancers.

Quinoa with Roasted Tofu Preheat oven to Convection Roast 415°F Time 45-60 minutes 8 servings as a meal Roasted Tofu: 2 packages of 14 oz extra firm tofu Combine for Marinade: ¼ cup amari or low sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tsp. red pepper flake (optional) Quinoa: 2 cups quinoa 3 cups vegetable stock (can substitute water) 3-4 cups roughly chopped baby spinach Combine for Dressing: Zest of 3 lemons Juice of 3 lemons 1 clove garlic, chopped fine 3 shallots, chopped fine 2 teaspoons capers, roughly chopped 2 teaspoons chopped parsley

1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon spicy mustard 3 tablespoons olive oil Fresh pepper to taste Equipment needed :

Cutting board, sharp knife, large spoon, zester, fork, paper towels, medium saucepan, 2 large bowls, 1 small bowl, small measuring tools, parchment paper, 2 large rimmed sheet pans, colander,

they’re looking to customize their living spaces to better suit their needs. In this month’s video, Broderick highlights several design trends gaining popularity, including: • Bold personalization: With resale value no longer a major concern, many home owners want to make their homes uniquely personal. Long gone are the days of the stark white and gray color palette throughout the home. Colors are now shifting to warmer tones and textures, such as shades of blue and green and wood grain. • Nostalgic notes: Mixing and matching design styles to better integrate home owners’ treasured keepsakes into a redesign is becoming more popular. There’s also a shift away from modern design elements (think: clean lines) to incorporating more traditional features such as curved archways. • Organic design: Bringing the outdoors inside is another way home owners are using remodeling to personalize their living spaces. This can be done by using woven materials such as cane and rattan throughout the home or by installing skylights allowing for more natural sunlight to flow through common areas.

NAHB: WHAT DESIGN TRENDS WILL HAVE STAYING POWER IN 2024? ByFCNews Staff Washington, D.C.—For remodelers looking to elevate their businesses in the new year, staying on top of the latest housing trends is a must. In this installment of NAHB’s Remodeling Forecasts, Myths & Trends video series, sponsored by Lowe’s Pro, Pro Remodeler’s managing editor, Caroline Broderick, digs into which home design trends will have staying power in 2024. Having a better understanding of home design and consumer demand, and how they might impact a remodeler’s bottom line is crucial to the long-term success of their business in the current market. For example, Broderick discusses a key factor impacting today’s home design trends: the economic environment. More home owners are opting not to sell their properties because of increasing mortgage rates. As a result,

there are limited exceptions to that principal. Accordingly, general contractors should choose their subcontractors wisely and define with the subcontractor what it will be responsible for with regard to the work it will be performing and how that work will be performed. * * * * * Each issue’s Saiber Construction Law Column will discuss a recent decision by New Jersey courts or courts from other states which may be of interest to people in the construction industry. The information in each article is not intended to be legal advice and may not be used as legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. Every effort has been made to ensure this information is up-to-date. The article is not intended to be a full and exhaustive explanation of the law in any area, nor should it be used to replace the advice of your own legal counsel. For any question relating to this article, please contact Robert B. Nussbaum, Esq. at Saiber LLC at rnussbaum@saiber.com.

THE SAIBER CONSTRUCTION LAW COLUMN

By Robert B. Nussbaum, Esq. rnussbaum@saiber.com Robert Nussbaum, Esq. LI

In the April 2023 OnSite issue, the Saiber Construction Law Column

discussed a 2022 case in which the Supreme Court of Maryland held that a party who hires an independent contractor is generally not liable to an employee of that contractor for injuries caused by the contractor’s negligence in performing the work for which it was hired. A similar issue was recently addressed by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. In Taveras v. Advance at Hoboken, LLC, et al. , plaintiff, an employee of a subcontractor, sought to hold the general contractor liable for injuries he sustained at a construction jobsite when he fell from scaffolding that came undone and collapsed. Plaintiff argued that the contractor was liable because the scaffolding was defective. Plaintiff also argued that the contractor could owe a duty of care to a subcontractor’s employee if the contractor retained control over the manner or means of the work. The court, however, found that there was no evidence presented by plaintiff to show that the contractor supplied the scaffolding which collapsed and caused plaintiff’s injuries. The court also found that while the general contractor performed supervisory work at the jobsite, the evidence presented showed that the subcontractor who employed plaintiff, not the contractor, determined how its employees would perform their assigned work. Thus, the court acknowledged that there are exceptions to the general rule that contractors are not liable to employees of an independent contractor, but found that those exceptions did not apply in Taveras . Although parties in New Jersey who hire independent contractors are generally not responsible for any harm that occurs to the contractor’s employee as a result of the very work that the contractor was hired to perform,

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