September 13, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Finding passion in what you do, makes your world a whole lot happier.
Meet Lourdes! She’s my new idol.When it comes to wine, this lady knows her stuff. Lourdes is experienced and knowledgeable and loves her wine. Her palette is pretty refined and she can talk you in, around and through the best bottles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are expensive.
I asked her how she started her business. She responded with a giggle and then replied “ by accident, actually”
She got her start studying French language and literature at the University of Maryland, then she set off to France to study, that’s when she knew. Coming back when the recession was in full swing, she happened to come upon employment at Madame Claude’s Bistro in Jersey City. They offered some favorite wines, she began to get more excited and influenced by owners Alice Troietto and Mattias Gustafsson. (She refers to them as her mother and father of wine). Madame Claude Wines opened in 2010 as one of the first “wine boutiques” and they loved to share wines and educate their customers.
She worked, and managed the specialty wine shop while she started her training at the International Wine Center in NYC. She spent the next 4-5 years educating her way through the beginner, advanced level and she’s now a Level 3 Certified Wine & Spirits specialist through WSET.
August 28, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Recently I got the opportunity to speak with Ron Bevacqua, Owner of Pillar Construction.
I was lucky enough to catch him while he was in route from one job site to another. My first attempt at contacting him, he couldn’t pick up because he was on the roof mid day 90* temps in the middle of August. He apologized and all I could think was, wow that’s dedication. I was probably sitting behind my computer in the A/C. He was open to giving me a little background of his business. In the early 80's he worked for his father's family drywall business. In 1993, he and his brother went onto form Pillar Construction. Their reputation of being the best drywall company earned them an amazing reputation and they became Pillar Drywall, Inc. At the time the new construction was booming, he contracted with new home developers, builders, and commercial properties. This was a critical step, and when he was finished, the next phase of the construction was continued by the painting contractor and so forth until the project was finished.
In 2008 things went south as the economy was suffering, new construction pretty much came to a complete halt. Many other contractors found themselves...
August 1, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Hamburg, NJ; a quaint little town the Wallkill River runs through. Mostly known currently for the Golf Courses and Crystal Springs resort, the Gingerbread Castle brings memories forward in remembering days gone by. Wilcox Press, originally owned by the Wilcox Family nearly a century ago, still stands proud and still functions as a printing company on Main Street. Jodi Palmasano is now the present owner, and only the fourth since it's conception. Her parents purchased it when she was a teen and have since passed it down to her. Growing up she was always amazed at how the whole process was done. It was like some sort of magic, the creativity made it the natural fit for her to continue on after her parents.
June 29, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Travel Adviser Cynthia Allen is a well traveled, worldly lady who happens to get enormous enjoyment out of helping others plan their dream vacation. You might think that with so much technology at your fingertips, seeking help isn't necessary. You can do this. Right? You start your mission of searching endless websites toggling from tab to tab, trying to find the best deal and flight and so on. You could run to the local library and get some travel books to peruse, or even go to AAA and grab some maps. That doesn't seem all that hard right? WRONG! You have taken on an enormous task and admit it my friend, you NEED some help. That is why I urge you to call Cindy. You will thank me again and again once you meet her. She"ll start off with learning about you and your dream vacation and what's important to you. She'll find out if you want to be part of a group of people with similar interest to try and get you a more aggressive discount. If you are traveling as a group she organizes events and excursions, even celebrations. She recommends out of the way places, if you prefer to keep to yourselves. Cindy has been to over 30 Countries, 40+ States - This lady has been around the globe, LITERALLY - So it seemed like a no brainer to her and Sylvia - owner of Travels by Sylvia Cruise Planners to join together and create the perfect team.
Cindy is as excited about your fairy tale type vacation as she would be about her own. She digs in and does all the research about the destination she suggests out of the way places that are off the beaten path. It's the little suggestions and references she offers that will make it unique. The chances are she's been there so she speaks from experience. "Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!" She believes that to be true, and loves the fact that she can share her experience and knowledge with her clients. She arranges it all, booking planes, trains, cruise ships, automobiles, scooters, and wheelchairs. She thinks of everything, I mean every little thing. This doesn’t mean an hour spent looking up flights on Expedia, we are talking days of researching the dates, is the weather suitable that particular time of year, documentations, time changes, exchange rates, vaccinations, local culture, dietary restrictions and allergies. She is even certified in Autistic and Special Needs Travel, which means she knows about and understands the challenges you might face and can instruct you how to change that challenge into a well deserved and enjoyable respite. When you come back, it might feel as though Cindy went with you as your invisible companion, but her special touch is evident in everything. The angel on your shoulder that guided and directed you through, if something unexpected comes up, she's there for you.
Her Military background in the US Army Medical Service Corps makes Cindy a logistical expert. She can juggle a lot of balls at once and not drop any.
May 29, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Originally it was Stephanie who started with her creative floral business and before they knew it, Jesse joined in to manage while Stephanie designed. They took a plunge and started as a Wedding & Specialty Event Floral Designer and Retail Florist in Lafayette, NJ. They decided to hone in on the wedding design and nurture the workshop portion of their business. They closed the retail portion of the business so that they can focus on what they truly think is their sweet spot.
April 27, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
It all started 22 years ago, she was helping a friend with a gift idea. She turned to another friend who had been making and selling gift baskets for some time. Her friend was nice enough and walked her through the steps and voilà, she was a natural. Before she knew it, she was putting together unique gift baskets for friends and family. As word spread, she was building a following and a business. Now, thanks to the internet, her orders can be placed day or night through her website. Her social following is great and she’s even sent out a gift arrangement to the UK. Her website gets the traffic
April 1, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
ADT Custom Home Services
For Dan DeMartin life as usual includes the juggling act we all know so well. Life, family, career. He starts each day one pant leg at a time. He's real, regular, honest and compassionate. His business is the security of your home . The stuff that keeps you up at night, or allows you to sleep like a baby. What keeps you up? Is your family safe from break ins, burglary, heaven forbid a fire? You can drive yourself mad with all the what if's. If you don't consider them, you actually do have reasons to worry. How Dan explains what he does is. " I protect bad things from happening to good people"
You certainly can't know when your home is at risk for a burglary or a fire, can you? After all it's not like a car, when you hit a certain mileage you're due for an oil change. Can it be that easy? Most people hear the words security system and think it's not for them because "that's too expensive." The truth of the matter is that the investment is minimal especially when you consider the cost of replacing your valuables, or even your home.
January 21, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
Roaming Acres
If you are a native to Sussex county, you are not a stranger to back roads and wildlife sightings. What might throw you for a double take is when driving down Big Spring Road in Lafayette. You see a herd of Ostrich in a not so distance field, but then, wait for it, are there really Bison out there too? This is New Jersey, not Omaha! Yes, we are in the garden state with the cows, the farms with silos are landmarks around her. But Ostrich and Bison and Berkshire pork, Oh my.
January 3, 2019 | by Bill DeBoer Jr.
CRAVIN THAI
Ed and Toula Reinle have a lot on their plates...literally. It’s been eight years since they opened their doors to
Cravin Thai on Main Street in Hamburg.
Diners have expressed that their exterior is deceiving, (A brick faced store front, that was at one time
a bank). What they get when they enter is an experience that has them wanting to come back.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the dining area relaxed and quaint, the signature cocktails are worth the trip alone (Try the “Dirty Apartment” or “Ginny Hendricks”) and you haven’t even eaten anything YET! The Drunken Noodles are amazing, and if you can take it, ask for spicy- the chef is not afraid to spice it up if that’s what you're cravin'. The duck, is to “die for!.” Authentic flavors of Thailand that you would never expect here in Hamburg, NJ.
If you are looking for something so not typical of Thai cuisine they have amazing ribs and delicious burgers. They want everyone to enjoy their experience when they come and of course the food. Local patrons visit regularly, some, multiple times a week. Regular diners from even as far as PA and Manhattan.
