OnSite September 2025

September 2025

METROPOLITAN BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF NJ MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WENDY SCOTT TIMELESS CLOSETS AND CABINETRY LLC SEE PAGES 14–15

CHECK OUT GRILLIN & CHILLIN 2025 SEE PAGE 9

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: NEW WOODMONT AND CANOE BROOK COMMUNITIES! SEE PAGES 22 – 23

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President’s Message September 2025

Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. ”

This association has been a great teacher to me and has helped me immensely in all aspects of my life. As my year is quickly coming to an end, I am so grateful for all of the lessons and even more so, I am grateful to see the team around me. We are soon embarking on our first Real Estate Summit and our first Build Your Future event. The work that these committees have put in has been so impressive. These ideas were born from challenges turned into opportunities. Our councils have been putting on some new and great events – all born from opportunities. We effectuate change because of discomfort. I am in awe of how the board and this association has pulled together to bring about changes. If you have been involved, thank you!!!! We have done some GREAT things this year and we will keep it going! And if you are not involved, do not sit in discomfort – get on a council, go to some events and see what opportunities are out there for you!

How we look at our experiences makes a world of difference. I often think back to when I first joined Metro. COVID was just starting to shut the world down and I was lucky enough to stumble into Metro just as they were beginning their daily zoom calls. While it was a horrible time in the world, I had the opportunity to get quickly familiar with many of the members and see some of the best sides of this association (the advocacy work as well as the comradery). Looking back at the times in my life that felt difficult or challenging, I can see many wonderful opportunities that came from those situations. Difficult situations are uncomfortable. We can ignore them, or we can learn and change. I have found if I go with option A, the lessons continue to smack me in the face until I learn and change. I now (at least I try) to look for the opportunities and lessons instead of getting stuck in the negativity. A very wise mentor (and great Metro Past President) often said to me “this is just preparing you for the next thing” and what a great outlook to have. Every lesson is an opportunity to growth and change.

Yours in Service,

GERALDINE SMITH 2025 Metro President allinclusivenj@gmail.com

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

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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PWB event. We also presented two checks to female students who will be pursuing the trades. In addition to PWB, Metro offers two other national councils: The Remodelers Council and the Sales & Marketing Council (SMC). Both hold virtual shop talks, educational sessions, and networking throughout the year. Our national councils not only connect people all over the country but also provide a platform for continuous learning and professional growth. Our Metro Remodelers Council, meets regularly for shoptalks and educational classes, while our SMC meets quarterly for networking breakfasts. Our Membership Committee ensures that every new member feel welcome. They host monthly virtual new member orientations, provide every new member with a mentor, help with our Annual Directory, support our membership drives, and host a general meeting. Let’s not forget our event committees: The Awards of Excellence Committee organizes our Awards Show, from the table decorations to the award presentations. They work all year to make AOE the unofficial “Oscars of the Building Industry.” Our Golf Committee hosts our annual Golf Outing coming up on October 7th at the Ballyowen Golf Course. Our Workforce Development committee works throughout the year to support our next generation of homebuilding professionals by attending Trade and High School Career Fairs, integrating with our County Trade schools, and offering our scholarship program. This year they will be hosting the upcoming BUILD MY FUTURE event on October 15th in Succasunna. We are expecting over 500 students and 12 schools. Our Education Committee supports our educational classes throughout the year. With the new HIC licensing coming our way in NJ, our Education Committee is preparing to open the doors for more educational classes for our members while working closely with NAHB and NJBA on the necessary tools. This year they are co-hosting our 1st ever Real Estate Summit along with the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors on September 25 at the County College of Morris. Our committees are a great way to become more involved in the association while engaging with many of our members. If you are unsure what council or committee is right for you, call me, and we can figure it out together!

MICHELE’S EO PERSPECTIVE

Why Join a Council? I encourage all members to volunteer for a council or committee at Metro. If you want to be more involved or share your ideas, committee involvement is the place to start. Look at our councils and committees, and find

one that interests you.

At Metro, we offer Three National Councils:

1. Professional Women in Building – PWB 2. Sales & Marketing Council – SMC 3. Remodelers Council

…and currently Five Local Committees:

1. Golf 2. Awards of Excellence 3. Membership 4. Workforce Development 5. Education

Our councils and committees are small groups that produce great results for the association. We held our annual Grilli’n & Chillin’ event this year at Readington Brewery, and it was a great success. This event would not be possible without the help of our PWB Council, who highlight and support women throughout the year. If you are a woman in the industry, you should be a part of this national council and connect with women all over the country. This year our local council hosted Happy Hours, Girl Scout building classes, inspiring fireside chats, kayaking tours and co-hosted two statewide

“There is no such thing as can’t” – Bill Pulte

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

FRANK SOKALSKI & FRANKIE SOKALSKI FAME CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FB FameConstructionMGMT www.fameconstructionmgmt.com STEVEN BARYEWSKI RIDEGECO PLUMBING & HEATING www.ridgecoplumbing.com MK CHENETTE SPRING BLINDS www.springblinds.com WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

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GRILLIN & CHILLIN 2025

Thank you to Metro’s Professional Women in Building team (Chair Julie McKeon of Stilo Disposal) for hosting this year’s Grillin & Chillin event.

Delicious BBQ food provided by the team at OINK & MOO food truck.

Thanks to Readington Brewery & Hop Farm for a wonderful location and tasty beer!

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WENDY SCOTT

TIMELESS CLOSETS AND CABINETRY LLC

TIMELESS CLOSETS AND CABINETRY LLC Hunterdon County, NJ 908-328-7004, wendy@timelesscc.com

Years in this business: 20

How did you get into this business? I was working for a kitchen company one week when the closet designer quit, they asked if I wanted to try it. What products and services does your company provide? Custom closets and cabinetry, specialty pieces, garages and now wine rooms. What is the story behind your company? After working for a new company one year, they were bought out and eliminated the closet division. With the support of my industry network, I went into business for myself with a partner. Five years, later we split into two individual companies.

Have you/your company performed any community service or charitable efforts within the last year? Please describe. As far as service based, we are looking forward to participating in Build My Future. For charitable, we donate to several cancer funds as well as the Woods Board. Years in the Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association: 1.5 How did you get involved with Metro initially? Dane invited myself and a mutual associate. Why did you join Metro? As a long time member and officer in the ACSP (closet assoc.) I understand the value of joining and getting involved in an association. I wanted to participate in a local assoc that could bring a different style of benefit. What was/is your biggest accomplishment as a part of Metro? Assisting Dane in Build My Future. What would you like to see more of in 2024-2025 from Metro and its members? Events closer to Hunterdon County! What is your feeling behind members helping members? This is one of the greatest benefits available. Whether you are on the giving or receiving side. There is enough business for us all. How would you guide others to partner up more? Get to know more people, find out what they do and support

them. Don’t push your agenda, give first. Eventually you can create working teams for referrals, or business. Are you a part of any Metro Committees? If so, which ones and how did you become involved. Workforce Development. Having a passion for education of the trades, supporting the Woods Board, and being a recognized industry reviewer for the D.O.L Registered Apprenticeship: Woodwork Installation Specialist.... This was a perfect fit for me to get involved. Getting to know you: What are you listening to? (music, books, podcasts) I am an old soul and listen to 70s rock Favorite Color? Red, I am up to 10 pairs of red shoes and admittedly have a problem Favorite

Favorite Food? Pepperoni pizza.

Favorite activity? After Covid I officially retired from softball, volleyball and running. Now my husband and I spend our time on our classic cars, he has a 68’ cougar, and I have a 65 Mustang.

Favorite Trip/Vacation? Hiking out west where I grew up

Favorite Tool/Product? Leica measuring laser with angle adapter Any Favorite Project you have worked on? My 2024 AOE award was for a closet that was featured in the Wall Street Journal. What do you see/believe are the most important issues in the building industry today? Finding tomorrow’s workforce! I encourage everyone to attend our Build My Future event, as well as attend one job fair a year.

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relieves the surety of its liability.” Because New Jersey’s laws for interpreting contract language are similar to those in Oklahoma, it is likely that a New Jersey court would similarly enforce a contract’s condition precedent language. Thus, if a party to a contract failed to meet a condition precedent, the other party may not be required to perform its obligations under the contract. * * * * * * * * * * * * Each issue’s Saiber Construction Law Column will discuss a recent decision by New Jersey courts (or courts from other states) or other legal topics 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.

DON’T JUMP THE GUN – CONDITIONS PRECEDENT ARE IMPORTANT

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

Robert Nussbaum, Esq. LI

New Jersey courts enforce contracts based on the intent of

the parties, the express terms of the contract, surrounding circumstances, and the underlying purpose of the contract. When the intent of the parties is plain and the contract language is unambiguous, the court will enforce the agreement as written unless doing so would lead to an absurd result. On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma, in a case titled Flintco, LLC v. Total Installation Mgmt. Specialists, Inc. , applied these principles in an Oklahoma case involving a contractor’s lawsuit against a surety company. The contractor sought reimbursement under a performance bond of costs incurred to complete the work of the subcontractor who procured the bond. In Flintco , the contractor had the right under its subcontract to perform and finish the subcontractor’s work and to provide labor and materials needed to complete the work in the event of a default by the subcontractor. However, the performance bond required the contractor to provide notice of the subcontractor’s default to the surety. Such notice was not provided in a timely manner by the contractor. Thus, relying on the bond’s notice provision, the surety refused to reimburse the contractor for the costs it incurred to complete the subcontractor’s work. The Supreme Court of Oklahoma ruled in favor of the surety company, finding that a “bond agreement is a contract” and, as such, the Court had to “adhere to the general terms of contracts regarding the interpretation of the written terms.” The Court examined the bond’s language and held that its notice provisions were a condition precedent to the surety’s obligation, i.e. , notice had to be given by the contractor to trigger the surety’s liability under the bond. The Court stated, “Failure to give a surety prior notice and an opportunity to exercise the performance options in the performance bond

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WOODMONT PROPERTIES AND CANOE BROOK DEVELOPMENT BREAK GROUND FOR WOODBROOK AT HACKENSACK Woodmont Properties and Canoe Brook Development recently announced they’ve broken ground on WoodBrook at Hackensack, a new luxury apartment community bringing 255 residences and a curated collection of amenities to the heart of downtown Hackensack. Designed to meet the needs of today’s discerning renters, the residences at WoodBrook at Hackensack comprise a mix of 40 studios, 161 one-bedrooms, and 54 two-bedrooms, ranging in size from 571 to 1,410 square feet. Each residence is crafted with comfort and style in mind, featuring nine-foot ceilings, private balconies, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and spa- inspired bathrooms. Tailored to enhance everyday living, the community’s indoor amenities include a fitness center, multi-sport simulator, clubroom, media

room, conference space, and package concierge. Outside, residents will enjoy a resort-style pool, fire pits, dining areas, and a dog park, as well as a rooftop lounge with a shaded bar and a TV. The community also offers 6,100 square feet of street- level retail and a four-level parking garage with more than 400 spaces. WoodBrook at Hackensack offers residents seamless access to Hackensack’s expanding downtown, as well as major highways and public transportation. The community is less than a mile from the Anderson Street NJ Transit station, with direct service to Hoboken and New York City, and minutes from the George Washington

Bridge and the region’s major airports. Driven by the city’s rehabilitation plan,

infrastructure investment, and zoning updates, downtown Hackensack continues to evolve into a vibrant “live, work, play” destination, attracting new businesses and residents alike. With construction underway, WoodBrook at Hackensack is poised to elevate Hackensack’s current rental offerings and contribute to its ongoing revitalization and growth. For over 60 years, Fairfield-based Woodmont Properties has contributed to New Jersey’s real estate marketplace by developing residential, commercial, and recreational properties in suburban communities, town centers, and cities. For more information, visit woodmontproperties.com.

WOODBROOK AT RANDOLPH LUXURY RENTAL COMMUNITY Woodmont Properties and Canoe Brook Development have officially launched leasing for WoodBrook at Randolph, a new 199-unit luxury rental community in Morris County. Located in Randolph Township, the community includes a four-story mid-rise building with 97 traditional flats and seven townhome-style buildings featuring 102 carriage home residences. The development offers a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, some with dens and vaulted ceilings. “WoodBrook at Randolph represents the latest example of Woodmont’s commitment to creating premier residential communities that raise the bar for luxury living,” said Stephen Santola, executive vice president and general counsel of Woodmont Properties. “We’re proud to partner with Canoe Brook to bring this vision to life and look forward to welcoming our first residents this fall.” Residences are outfitted with large windows, high

ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, walk-in closets with custom shelving, and front-loading washers and dryers. Kitchens include stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances, marble tile backsplashes, and soft-close cabinetry. Bathrooms offer quartz countertops, illuminated mirrors, and subway-tile showers and tubs. Some units include private patios or balconies, built-in garages, and detached garages for rent. Residents will also have access to high-end amenities, including a resort-style pool, clubroom, fitness center, yoga room, game den, sports simulator, coworking space, and social lounge. “It’s been a pleasure seeing the vision for WoodBrook at Randolph come to life,” said Jack Tycher, a partner at Canoe Brook Development. “This community delivers a truly exceptional residential experience, with thoughtful design and high-quality finishes in a desirable suburban location.” Randolph Township, located about an hour from New York City, offers residents a suburban lifestyle with access to a 765-acre park system, sports facilities, and year-round recreational programs.

More information is available at www.woodbrookrandolph.com.

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PERMIT ACTIVITY DECLINES FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH Housing permits continued a downhill trend for the fourth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. Over the first four months of 2025, the total number of single-family permits issued year to date (YTD) nationwide reached 320,259 — a decline of 4.7% over April 2024. For multifamily, the total number of permits issued nationwide reached 154,668 — 1.5% below the April 2024 level of 157,076. Single-family permits were down in three out of the four regions, with only the Northeast posting an increase (5.7%). For multifamily permits, three out of the four regions posted increases, with the Northeast declining steeply by 37.7%.

2025 METRO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tue. October 7, 2025 Annual Golf Outing 7:30 AM – Ballyowen Golf Course Thur. October 9, 2025 Builders Guide to Navigating Environmental Laws in NJ 12 PM - ZOOM

Thur. November 13, 2025 General Membership Meeting / Election of Officers Location: CSG Law - Roseland

Wed. December 3, 2025 Level Up: Preparing Your Fiances for Opportunity in 2026 10 AM - ZOOM

Tue. October 15, 2025 Build My Future Event Location: Roxbury Time: 10 am – 1 pm

Tue. December 9, 2025 Hot Trends in Marketing 12 PM - ZOOM

Thur. Dec. 11, 2025 Installation & Holiday Cocktail Party 5:30 PM - The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Tue. October 21, 2025 Building a Profitable Company 12 PM - ZOOM Thur. October 27, 2025 PWB’s Fall Social Harvesting Potential 3 – 5 PM - Califon Orchards Wed. October 29, 2025 SMC Breakfast Thinking AI First 8:30 AM – CSG Law - Roseland

Tue. November 4, 2025 PWB’s From the Ground Up – Building your Future with Purpose & Power 4 – 6 PM- REDCOM, Westfield

Tue. November 11, 2025 Importance of AIA Documentation 12 PM - ZOOM

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