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JET SETTER
Par Avion Ltd.’s Janine Iannarelli has built her career
— and company — buying and selling business aircraft
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Editor’s Desk
N
ewark officials didn’t dwell on Amazon’s decision
to put its second headquarters elsewhere. They
were confident they have the infrastructure and the
energy to be a tech hub on the East Coast.
And they felt a few wins in 2019 would help cement that
idea. They got a big one last week.
While New Jersey Institute of Technology and the city
of Newark were a surprise pick for the
inaugural VOICE event last summer,
organizer Pete Erickson said returning to
the campus and the city this summer was
never in question.
“We had a lot of feedback from
sponsors and attendees that the (NJIT)
Wellness and Events Center was a
really great venue,” he told ROI-NJ. “People were pleasantly
surprised at the quality of the venue, the quality of the
keynote stage, the ease of moving around, the traffic flow in
and around the WEC center.”
Erickson, the founder and CEO of Modev, said working
with NJIT and Newark has been great.
“The support that they have given us — and it’s
continued into this year — really made the decision easy,”
he said. “We’ve already started our planning calls with them
and we’re really gearing up to grow the event.”
The event, scheduled for July 22-26, already has nearly doubled the expected size of 1,500 attendees. thrive,” Price said. “In uniting, educating and inspiring
established itself as the No. 1 voice technology conference “This space is moving so fast — just in the past year,” he innovators, technology conferences serve as a real place for
in the world. It’s why Erickson is expecting to essentially said. “You’re going to see a huge leap in terms of where this business to happen and for relationships to be built.
double the number of attendees (he’s hoping for 5,000) and market is. This conference will reflect what’s happening.” “Beyond a catalyst to the domestic ecosystem, they
sponsors/presenters (he’s hoping for more than 100). Erickson, speaking from an Alexa conference in shine a spotlight for those around the globe to recognize the
Landing VOICE 2019 is a big “W” for the state’s tech Chattanooga, Tennessee, pointed to Amazon as a prime host location as a focus of innovation. Propelify welcomes
sector, too. example of growth. attendees from all 50 states and 13 countries, some of whom
So said James Barrood, the CEO of the New Jersey Tech “Amazon now has in excess of 10,000 people working on have relocated to New Jersey because attending helped them
Council, which served as a sponsor last year — and will do Alexa,” he said. “During last year’s conference, I think that recognize the geographic benefit, talent and entrepreneurial
so again. number was about 3,500, so they’ve tripled the number of ecosystem that the state provides.”
“The impact of an exciting and well-attended tech people working on the product. NJIT President Joel Bloom said the school is thrilled to
conference cannot be overstated,” he said. “It has signaled to “As you’ve seen, Google has jumped in, in a big way. be part of VOICE again.
the rest of the tech universe that the New Jersey ecosystem Samsung’s in the game now and so is Microsoft. This market “Newark has become a tech hub, and NJIT is one of the
can support a large, multiday conference. is moving so fast and VOICE Summit in 2019 will reflect the top polytechnic universities in the country,” he said. “So,
“Besides the immediate impact, the attraction of other growth of that market.” there is no better location for a conference on what arguably
large conference organizers to Newark and the state over the And, while last year’s event went a long way in is the hottest and most rapidly evolving technology today.”
next few years is the real reward.” introducing voice technology and its many potential Amazon will return as a diamond sponsor, one of more
Aisha Glover agreed. applications, Erickson said this year’s conference will make a than a dozen the conference already has lined up.
As the head of the Newark Community Economic point to demonstrate how voice technology already is having And Dave Isbitski, the creator of Amazon Alexa, will
Development Corp., Glover led the push for Amazon. As the a major impact in many sectors. return as a keynote, too.
current head of the Newark Alliance, she values getting so “We’re really going to make a push on the verticals: And since Erickson does not want cost to prohibit
many important companies into Newark. health care, transportation, fintech, retail,” he said. “The attendees, especially at the student level and those in
To Glover, getting people to Newark is the hard part. The vertical industries are really going to be out there. We want underserved communities in the tech world, he’s finding
city sells itself after they arrive. to show the practical nature of voice. Our programming will ways for some to sidestep the $195 registration fee.
“Tech is booming in Newark and the always-innovative reflect how these various industries are taking advantage of “This conference is very committed to inclusion,”
VOICE Summit producers recognize the value of being in this new technology, this new voice opportunity.” he said. “We have set up a corporate sponsorship for
this city over any other in the nation,” she said. “The summit All of this thrills Aaron Price. scholarships at the conference to help align companies
demonstrated that you can bring in over 3,000 people The creator of Propelify, an annual tech event in that are seeking to improve diversity and inclusion with an
and provide an immersive content experience that as a Hoboken that draws 10,000 people, Price said the more opportunity to sponsor recipients to the conference.
positive economic impact on the entire city: students, local tech leaders can see of New Jersey, the better. He has seen “We actually anticipate a thousand of our attendees will
businesses, hotels and neighborhood hot spots all benefitted firsthand how these events serve as connectors that build the be scholarship attendees through our corporate sponsorship
from VOICE.” tech scene. program.”
Erickson said he is confident this year’s version will be “Technology and entrepreneurial conferences are a That would be another “W” for the tech community.
even better than a year ago, when a large walkup crowd critical leg of the multilegged stool that helps innovation — Tom Bergeron
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Driven to
In just two years, Bro-Ritos’ specialty burrito
Bro-Ritos’ food truck is thriving under co-founders Jonathan Gibbs, left, Marcus Crawford and Jarid Thomas. —
COURTSEY BRO-RITOS
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
succeed
food truck is gaining speed — and growing revenue
BY MEG FRY But that’s not to say there haven’t been setbacks, Crawford
W
mfry@roi-nj.com said. Bros and cons of business
“After our first food truck event in East Hanover, Bro-
Marcus Crawford, co-founder of Bro-Ritos, said
inter may be coming, but Bro- Ritos broke down,” Crawford said. “When I finally got the that, in addition to using Twitter and Instagram
Ritos, New Jersey’s first specialty truck to start, and we started driving on the Garden State (@broritosft) to let New Jersey know where the
burrito food truck, is not going Parkway, we blew the motor. food truck will be and when, the New Jersey
anywhere, co-founder Marcus “We basically worked one day and had to take three weeks Food Truck Association also has helped the
Crawford said. off while we got the motor replaced.” company develop new business.
“November through March The co-founders soon worked out the kinks, Crawford “If someone searches for food trucks in New
is typically slow for food trucks said, and began strategically growing their business. Jersey on Google, the association is the first
because no one is outside and there aren’t many events,” “For example, when we were first started, festivals were item to pop up,” Crawford said.
Crawford said. “But we’ve been able to fill our calendar with a home run for us,” Crawford said. “But, when attendance However, not offering a statewide license of
private catering business.” steadily dropped off, we started marketing for and booking health and fire inspection dramatically increases
Crawford, who first accepted a position in marketing more guarantees, such as catering and private events. Bro-Ritos’ cost of business, Crawford added.
and sales with The Original Soupman after graduating from “We also started hanging around corporate-oriented
“We have to pay a permit fee at every city,
Florida International University in 2010, said he thrives on locations, where hungry employees knew to come outside to township and county that we go to,” he said.
the entrepreneurial challenge. the truck, as opposed to us parking on the street and hoping “Over the course of the year, that adds up.”
“I learned about the food business there from the ground people would show up at the window.”
up, but, being in an office environment, I always was trying to Though Bro-Ritos still can be found at festivals from
find a way out,” he said. time to time, including the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival, and-spoke” model moving forward, Crawford said.
Crawford successfully pitched the company the idea Crawford, Gibbs and Crawford’s cousin, Jarid Thomas, are “We’ll be looking to open up a storefront restaurant this
of starting its first food truck concept under a franchise more likely to be found at private events, such as weddings, year, as well as get a second truck on the road, to more than
agreement in 2012. graduations and birthday parties as well as corporate events, double our revenue,” he said.
But, when management at the company began including those for Verizon, Party City and UPS. Bro-Ritos also partnered up with Allied Beverages to
mishandling debt, Crawford said it was time to go. Bro-Ritos recently was honored by New Jersey Black help co-market products, Crawford said.
“I had put some money aside and was able to Businesses’ Best in Black Business Awards, in the “New “We’ve done nearly 30 activations with Partida Tequila
purchase and build out a truck from Craigslist using Business” and “Young Entrepreneurs” categories, for its alone at various samplings around the state, offering tacos to
zero-interest credit cards,” Crawford said. “I saw what success. those who sample the product,” he said.
trucks were already in the industry and thought, ‘What’s “To be recognized for the work that we’re doing and Lastly, Crawford and his team began producing a
still needed?’” the delicious food that we’re serving to our customers and reality web series for YouTube, featuring 6-minute episodes
Crawford said he and his co-founder, Jonathan Gibbs, corporate clients is incredibly gratifying,” Crawford said. documenting what “life on the truck” is like.
were deciding between chicken wings and burritos. Looking toward 2019, Crawford said the idea is to expand “My day typically begins at 7 a.m., checking emails and
“But, when we saw the line out Chipotle every day at Bro-Ritos’ reach while diversifying its menu. loading the truck before we hit the road at 9 a.m. to get to
lunch, we knew there would be demand,” he said. “My goal is to grow Bro-Ritos into a business that can be wherever we need to by 10 a.m.,” Crawford said. “We’ll serve
Based in Old Bridge, Bro-Ritos has become a six-figure of generational wealth,” he said. lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., break the truck down and
business since Crawford and Gibbs created the concept in Crawford therefore participated in BLUE-RAP, the Black and then travel to our next destination for the dinner shift from 5
2016, with recipe input for burritos, tacos, quesadillas and Latino Urban Entrepreneurship Retail Acceleration Program, at p.m. to 9 p.m.
more from family and friends. the Rutgers University Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and “Then, we drive back to the commissary, clean the truck
Economic Development this summer at no cost. and get ready for the next day.”
“A business and financial coach broke down our numbers It takes a lot of time to run a food truck, Crawford said,
Conversation Starter
to provide extra guidance in what we need for the business especially with there only being three of them.
Reach Bro-Ritos at: broritosfoodtruck.com,
broritosfoodtruck@gmail.com to grow,” he said. “The program reaffirmed ideas I had in my “But we just get through it and keep on pushing,”
or 646-771-0111. mind and showed me how to make them a reality.” Crawford said.
For example, Bro-Ritos will now be following a “hub- twitter: @megfry3
5
ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Women in Business
BY MEG FRY
mfry@roi-nj.com
M
STEM Conference in December to speak
with a partner on what they love and are
challenged by in their careers.
She then made an observation.
“When ‘listening,’ were you also
ruminating about the past? Or worrying
about the future?” Tracy asked. “What might
it be like when we arrive more fully present?”
Fink asked the participants to turn off
their cell phones, relax their shoulders,
close their eyes and fully feel the weight of
their feet on the floor before guiding them
through a seated meditation.
Then she asked them to try the exercise
again.
Tracy Fink, founder and CEO of The Tortoise Institute in East “How often do we go into a conversation,
Brunswick, said she employs science-based practices, distracted by what else we need to do, or how
one-on-one coaching and leadership development we are going to respond or how what the
techniques to increase businesses’ focus on the person is saying might relate to ourselves?”
relationship between leadership and well-being. Fink said. “And what happens to the quality
ind
— PHOTOS BY KEITH MUCCILLI of our conversations, both at work and at
home?
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
employs science-based practices, one-on- and happiness within leaders and their
one coaching and leadership development organizations.
techniques to increase businesses’ focus on “Emotional intelligence can be learned,
the relationship between leadership and whereas an intelligence quotient is a fixed
well-being. number,” Fink said.
But first, she had to learn to focus on her Fink books her one-on-one clients based
own. on four-session commitments, with the first
“It was like I woke up to a much more session being free.
expansive way of thinking,” Fink said. “I need to ensure there is a mutual
connection, as well as trust, understanding
Nearly two years ago, Fink said, she and respect for the process,” she said.
began feeling as though she was outgrowing Fink then employs guided meditation,
her role at CohnReznick. breathing exercises and in-depth discussions
“I had trained our national marketing to help leaders build self-compassion and
team to embrace and adopt the Executive empathy.
Women’s Forum as a business development “I encourage people to move from
tool for their regions, and when you are Tracy Fink uses mindfulness to increase businesses’ focus on leadership and health. autopilot to awareness to then notice things
training people to do your job, you run the they may not have otherwise, including
risk of becoming (obsolete),” she said. a change in her following a four-day development. other people,” she said. “Just think,
Fink said she was prepared to be let go — meditation retreat. “But I noticed that my firm was not instead of being on one’s phone, scrolling
but that never happened. “It wasn’t that she had lost her edge — jumping up and down with joy the way I through distracted nonsense, how many
“So, I decided to obtain a certification to she was still just as successful,” Fink said. “But thought they would,” she said. opportunities might one have to practice
teach emotional intelligence in organizations there was a softening about her that made However, people outside of the firm and develop such traits?”
through the Search Inside Yourself her more open to different ideas, opinions were reaching out to her regarding her social Fink said she often begins by asking her
Leadership Institute, a secular and science- and relationships.” media posts on what she had learned. clients to notice where they feel anxiety and
based company developed at Google,” she After attending the same retreat “They’d say, ‘Can you speak with my tension in their body.
said. and continuing her research into self- leadership team?’ Or, ‘We’re going through a “Sometimes we don’t even realize we
It was a decision that was years in the compassion, Fink said she came across the transition; do you think this would help our are holding our breath, especially when we
making, Fink said. online certification program at Google. employees?’” Fink said. are stressed,” she said. “If one is triggered,
“I had this growing, nagging feeling of The program would take nine months to It was the catalyst for her to finally speak paying attention to where they feel that
dissatisfaction,” Fink said. “I was getting complete, including a week in San Francisco candidly with CohnReznick last June, she emotion in their body will help to activate
older, my kids were getting older, and I and several in-person meetings throughout said. a different part in their brain that will allow
matters
looked around and said, ‘Now what? What the year, Fink said, but CohnReznick was on “I said, ‘What are we doing here? I know them to better explore and control their
next?’ board. CohnReznick is moving in another direction, reactions.”
and so am I,’ ” Fink said. “While it was really When we actively notice what we are
difficult to step out of my community and thinking, feeling and experiencing, Fink
comfort zone, I knew it was the right thing said, the creation of new neuropathways can
to do for us both. then help to create new and more positive
“I had felt very uncomfortable in my role habits, like acceptance.
for quite some time with my head and my “Yes — it is like this now,” Fink said.
heart out of alignment.” “What can you do about it?”
Though she just incorporated in October
of last year, Fink already has worked with The benefits to business are astounding,
“But, if you looked at my life, I had “We’ve seen examples over and over of large clients such as Perry Ellis International, Fink said, as emotionally intelligent leaders
everything — a great career, a healthy family, how compassionate leadership shows up in a global branded clothing company; PNC often experience less stress, anxiety and self-
a happy marriage. I wondered, what exactly constructive and thoughtful feedback,” Fink Bank; and BioNJ, as well as a multitude of doubt, and more agility, creativity and focus.
is it, then, that is making me feel so empty?” said. “So, I said, ‘I think the firm can benefit individual clients. But now that scientific evidence supports
Fink said she was inspired by a high- from this, and I will need an audience to “What’s funny is that, when you have a the fact that we actively can change the way
powered attorney friend after realizing practice with,’ and they were very supportive.” name, a brand and a logo behind you, all of a we think, the workforce is catching up to
sudden, what you’ve been doing for months Fink’s way of thinking.
Upon completing the program, Fink suddenly becomes legit,” Fink said. “People often want to do business with
Conversation Starter
said she began speaking with and providing those that they feel most connected to in
Reach Tracy Fink, CEO, at: tracy.
fink@thetortoiseinstitute.com workshops for CohnReznick and its clients The work is often slow and difficult, authentic and transparent ways,” she said.
or 732-266-8484. about how emotional intelligence can be Fink said, but incredibly rewarding, “We just have to learn to pay better attention.”
applied to and be beneficial for leadership as it can lead to greater effectiveness twitter: @megfry3
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
play A
Gateway Center
forever —
here’s how
BY TOM BERGERON
tbergeron@roi-nj.com
8
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9
ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
La B
57 5
Lanthanum Boron
138.91 10.81
Ra P
88 15
Radium Phosphorous
(266) 30.974
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“There is something about how we train scientists that leads them away from ever focusing
on interpersonal skills, as they are so focused on being objective and relying on data.”
— Juliet Hart, principal and founder, Hart & Chin
“I realized later that, in speaking about “People more often than not don’t
my research, it was a very technical talk, even realize they are lacking the skills for
and I thought, ‘Perhaps I could have spoken professional development and growth,” she
more about my department and our projects said. “Opening their eyes to that has had a
to create more excitement, engagement and tremendous impact.”
support for myself and others working on Lastly, Hart works with private clients,
them.’ ” she said, many of whom are entrepreneurs
Hart said that, in searching for resources themselves.
that would have an effective impact on her “Scientists who have started their own
performance and presentation skills, she company (must be able) to effectively
found none designed specifically for the communicate the need for money from
scientific community. venture capitalists,” she said. “I work with
“So, I organized a small learning team them to help develop their pitch to make it
within Johnson & Johnson to host small more concise and efficient.”
workshops and events in which we also would
highlight leaders within the organization,” Hart said one of her more interesting
she said. “It became very successful because discoveries during this journey is that gender
this idea of improving one’s communications has an impact in communication.
skills continued to resonate within the team. Across the board, Hart said she also has
“And I thought, ‘Yes, I bring value to spoken with women who still feel unheard in
our research, but can I do more in helping their field.
my colleagues with their professional “There is this shared experience of being
development?’” the only woman in the room, and feeling like,
Hart subsequently moved to New Jersey even if they are communicating well, they are
while transitioning into human resources not heard, or someone else tries to take credit
and talent development with Johnson & for their work,” she said.
Johnson. Juliet Hart, principal and founder of Hart & Chin in Hillsborough. — HART & CHIN “It can feel more disrespectful in some
Still, Hart said, she felt the organization’s sense in the sciences, because they know
approach, while practical, did not speak training,” Hart said. “There was still this to be able to effectively communicate science they are an accredited expert, yet they are
specifically to scientists at the time. wide, unaddressed gap in how we directly to others? How might that lead downstream still not being recognized.”
“Talent development was geared more speak with scientists and develop their skills. to then impact lives?” For now, even as a working mother of
toward marketing, sales and business, “I realized that, if this was my mission Hart has worked with large clients such two (with the help of her supportive husband,
and for good reason, as it was meant for and passion, then I had to go out on my own as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Rutgers University Hart said), Hart is a solo practitioner. But, as
all employees rather than each specific and pursue it myself.” and the New York Academy of Sciences. the need for communications in the sciences
functional group,” she said. “There is something about how we train grows, so would Hart like to grow her
Hart then took an opportunity with Since 2017, Hart has been facilitating scientists that leads them away from ever business.
Bristol-Myers Squibb within its research, workshops, coaching and consulting focusing on interpersonal skills, as they are “I’d like to see more organizations try to
learning and development group. on leadership and management skills, so focused on being objective and relying on understand what it is that I am doing and
“But their approach (to talent presentations and communications, data,” she said. how it fits into their own goals,” she said.
development) was similar, with an increased emotional intelligence, cultural awareness “In being able to relate, I often have to “It’d also be fantastic to have more people
focus on e-modules and compliance and sensitivity, and team development. bring back and discuss the question of, what working toward the same mission, but one
“I’m still new at this, but it has been value might these skills have for you and how step at a time.
enlightening to discover there is a lot to learn can they help you relate to others within your “There is a lot of opportunity out there
Conversation Starter and understand here,” she said. world?” — it’s just simply a matter of matching my
Reach Juliet Hart at: “For example, if you’re a scientist, what Hart said she also has worked with mission to those clients who feel the same
juliet@hartandchin.com. challenges do you face when communicating scientists at all levels in their careers at way.”
to executives? Why is it so important for us various organizations. twitter: @megfry3
11
ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Shop Talk
BY MEG FRY
J
mfry@roi-nj.com
Still
wanted to take it to the next level,” Iannarelli,
founder and president, said.
As an undergraduate at Montclair State
University, Iannarelli visited the school’s
career resource center to meet and accept
a part-time position with the founder
of AMSTAT, a market research firm for
business aviation aircraft in Upper Montclair.
soaring
Upon graduation, she accepted an
Conversation Starter
Janine Iannarelli of
Par Avion Ltd. at:
jki@paravionltd.com
or 713-681-0075.
Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Par Avion Ltd., has been running her own international aircraft marketing firm since 1997. —
COURTESY PAR AVION LTD
12
ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
account executive and market research between $3 million and upwards of $60
consultant role with the company, which is million. Just plane problematic:
headquartered in Tinton Falls today. “The aircraft sales business is small,” Shutdown’s effect on FAA
“That job gave me great insight into the she said. “We don’t grow to be massive is hurting business for aircraft marketer
rest of a niche industry that is still not really organizations, because the economies of
Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Par Avion Ltd., an international
well-known,” Iannarelli said. scale are not there and it is a very capital-
business aircraft marketing firm in Ridgewood and Houston, Texas, since 1997,
It also opened doors for her to meet intensive business.” said she is starting to feel the effects of the federal government shutdown.
with those actually engaged in the buying Still, if this year is anything like the last,
“It’s a black cloud hanging over us,” she said.
and selling of aircraft, leading to her next Iannarelli said she would like to add an
role as vice president of sales and marketing additional employee at both the Ridgewood Iannarelli has spent more than 30 years successfully selling and purchasing
with AeroSmith/Penny, an aircraft dealer in and Houston offices. aircraft costing between $3 million and $60 million internationally.
Houston, Texas. “We completed roughly 10 transactions But, with the challenges of getting deals to the finish line already quite complex,
especially when it comes to cross-border transactions, the government
shutdown adds a layer of concern for those with imminent closings, she said.
“The aviation industry is doing its part to raise According to Iannarelli, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Kansas City
Registry Modernization System records division experienced a technical blip a
awareness of the need for more diversification in couple of weeks ago, resulting in the inability to conduct business as usual for
several hours.
the industry, but more can be done to open the “Title searches, for example, which are extremely important with any asset,
doors to those who have not yet been exposed were impeded, and with the information technology team being furloughed,
there began the domino effect,” she said.
to or given opportunities within the industry.” Very few people will close a transaction and pass documents and funds
without the assurance of a title indicating that an asset is free and clear of
— Janine Iannarelli, founder and president, Par Avion Ltd.
liens and encumbrances, Iannarelli said.
For a business such as Par Avion Ltd., which conducts on average nearly a
In what is still a male-dominated last year, with a nice mix of small and large dozen transactions in a good year, that can impact annual sales as it results in
costly delays.
industry, Iannarelli said it was that company aircrafts,” she said. “But, if we have three or
who helped her find her own wings to fly. four complicated but profitable sales in a “The glitch was solved, thankfully, but the concern now is that, as the
“They were wonderful in helping me year, that may be good enough. shutdown drags on, and as the different levels of funding dry up within
the FAA, who else might be furloughed, or what other operations might be
develop my career by providing me with “For example, I’m in a very complicated
temporarily suspended?” Iannarelli said.
every opportunity to be a rainmaker,” sale right now that has consumed my energy
Iannarelli said. “I attended all the trade for the last five months.” The shutdown already has impeded the obtaining of letters of authorization
for aircraft to operate in select airspaces, she added.
shows and had the knack of connecting with The challenges and obstacles to get
people over the phone to then engage them deals to the finish line can be quite complex, “With the FAA regulating everything per aircraft serial number, every aircraft
in transactions. Iannarelli said, especially when dealing with operator needs to have that letter to fly — and that is on hold for the time
being,” Iannarelli said. “While this specifically impacts aircrafts that have
“I made a reputation for myself as a cross-border transactions.
changed titles, when the new party is obligated to renew that letter of
dealmaker.” “To fully understand the chain in which authorization, it’s going to grow very frustrating if this continues on.”
Then, after nearly 13 years with the an asset travels is difficult,” she said. “We rely
Another challenging event on the nearing horizon is Super Bowl weekend in
company, Iannarelli said she simply had on a lot of third parties, between lawyers,
Atlanta, Georgia, Iannarelli said.
maxed out her learning and earning potential escrow agents, financial institutions and
and began to look at her available options. more, to have the protocols in place and the “That is one of the busiest aviation weekends of the year,” she said. “The host city
certainly is going to feel the brunt of additional traffic, from not just commercial
“Starting my own company appealed to means by which to identify clients we can
airlines, but business and private jets as well as they descend on satellite airports,
me the most,” she said. and cannot do business with. and it is quite the circus that needs to be well-managed and coordinated.
Since 1997, Par Avion Ltd. has worked “That is important on a global basis,
“I’m not very worried yet, but if this shutdown continues another week, and
both domestically and with strategic because there are many laws that you must
another department of the FAA needs to be shut down? I will be.” — Meg Fry
marketing partners in Western Europe, adhere to.”
Africa and Asia as well as in Canada and Iannarelli clearly has the know-how,
Mexico to assist in the buying and selling of having been inducted into New Jersey’s
business and private jets. Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016 and honored
“When I started my own business, while as one of the most influential women of the
it felt a bit like starting over due to the fact year by both Houston Women Magazine
that there are always people who will smile at and Enterprising Women Magazine in 2017.
your face but then stab you in the back, there In five years, however, Iannarelli said
were more champions of who I was and what she hopes a well-seasoned employee will be
I was doing than less,” Iannarelli said. “It was ready and willing to take over her business.
a hard row to hoe, but I already had a great “The aviation industry is doing its part
foundation. I walked the walk, talked the to raise awareness of the need for more
talk, was well-educated in the subject matter diversification in the industry, but more
and I came prepared. can be done to open the doors to those
“I don’t enter into a scenario unless I who have not yet been exposed to or given
know more than the opposing faction and opportunities within the industry,” Iannarelli
that, I believe, is enough to help one prevail said. “Especially young women, who may
in any transaction.” not have known or been made to believe
Prevail she did: Iannarelli currently there is a job for them here.” Janine Iannarelli is concerned about the government shutdown’s effect on her business.
employs two to help her deal in aircraft twitter: @megfry3
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Special delivery
Yumble, a healthy kids-meal delivery service, plans to deliver nationwide by the end of this year. —
PHOTOS COURTESY YUMBLE
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
problem for parents everywhere.” “We also keep on top of the nutritional already have a few thousand active customers
Parker, who learned to cook from her standards for children, making sure we and more than $1.3 million in revenue. Working family
own mother, said she put together a menu — always are reaching the highest thresholds “We struck a deal with Bethenny Frankel
and a wait list — for just 15 customers back for what it is kids need.” for 6 percent equity in the company for a
in 2015. Subscribers can choose from a constantly $500,000 investment, and she even offered to
“I would cook and deliver everything to evolving menu of 22 different meals each be a spokesperson,” Parker said.
these customers, who would then ask again week, including gluten-, egg-, dairy- and Though their offices are now based in
for the service next week,” she said. meat-free options, such as antibiotic- and New York City, the Parkers have kept both
As the wait list grew and Parker began hormone-free chicken nuggets with basmati their commercial kitchen and their packing
searching for a more business-minded rice and honey-glazed carrots, soy-free mac and shipping facilities near Edison.
partner, her husband, David Parker, saw and cheese with sweet potato and cauliflower “When we needed to hire more people,
value in leaving his work in technology tots, and veggie pizza with edamame and it was simply easier to find the talent in New
startups and film in 2016 to help solve this ranch dip. York,” Parker said.
reoccurring pain point for parents. Though Parker creates all the recipes, she Out of 20 employees, she and David
“He saw the traction right away,” Parker said Yumble will be bringing on a nutritionist Parker are now the only ones who commute
said, becoming co-founder and CEO. this year to help guide the menu moving in, Parker said.
Together, Joanna and David Parker forward. “But those in New Jersey are still my Joanna and David Parker
created a website at which customers could “We also choose organic ingredients go-to customers when I have surveys or are parents to an 8-year-old
order their food online. over nonorganic whenever we can,” she questions,” Parker said. “I sometimes will son and two daughters, 6
“But, when it became too much for us said. even go to their homes and deliver their and 4.
to handle, we brought on Dan Treiman, Lastly, Parker said Yumble intends to meals myself in order to speak with them.
co-founder of HelloFresh, to be our chief make mealtime a fun experience for kids. “Having a local contingency of customers “Our kids have gotten used
operating officer, and began slowly building “Most parents think of mealtime as has been very beneficial in shaping and to us running a business
out the Yumble team in June 2017,” Parker stressful, usually coupled with dramatic developing the business from the customer’s together,” Joanna Parker,
co-founder of Yumble, said.
said. tantrums, so we’re trying to turn that perspective.”
“They know that David and
around,” she said.
I go into the city and come
Yumble now offers free delivery to 27 The Yumble Welcome Pack includes Parker said her goal is for Yumble to
home late a lot, but they also
states east of the Mississippi and plans to crayons, coloring sheets and a star chart become completely synonymous with
have fun.”
deliver nationwide by the end of this year, for children to track their weekly meals. healthy kids’ food, especially in the direct-to-
Parker said. Children will then receive collectible coins consumer market. Her kids are her taste
For less than $50 per week for six pre- in each subsequent delivery to be traded in “We really want to be the parents’ go-to tasters for new recipes,
prepared meals; less than $90 per week for 12; later for prizes, such as board and card games trusted brand for all healthy foods, snacks after all, and they also love
and less than $170 per week for 24, Yumble and Legos. and beverages,” Parker said. opening the boxes and
provides parents with flexible subscriptions “We recommend that parents hold on After all, Yumble started with the idea of completing the activities,
to help feed their children portioned, healthy to the coins to then give to their children as doing two things at once, she added. Parker said.
meals as needed. rewards for eating healthy,” Parker said. “We wanted to make parents’ lives “I really learn a lot from
“We try to keep all of our meals well- easier due to just how much they have on them by watching how they
balanced,” Parker said. “No child is going to With more than 70 percent of customers their plates right now,” Parker said. “And, engage with the products,
have a perfectly healthy meal every time they ordering again after their first delivery, my mission is to help kids develop healthy so, at this point, it is very
sit down to eat, so we instead like to think Yumble currently is growing 30 percent eating habits early on, because the younger difficult to separate work
about their daily or weekly diets, offering a month-over-month. they do, the healthier they will be when they and family,” she said.
variety of meals with a variety of different In fact, on a recent episode of ABC’s grow up.”
nutritional values. “Shark Tank,” the Parkers disclosed they twitter: @megfry3
Sustainable snacking
In just a few weeks, Yumble will
become the first in the meal
delivery industry to switch its
packaging over to one that is fully
recyclable, Joanna Parker, co-
founder of Yumble, said.
“We will have the greenest
packaging out there, which
we’re very excited about,” Parker
said. “Not only will our business
be better for the environment,
but, also, that has been a huge
concern for customers in this
industry, considering how much
waste there is with a lot of other
meal delivery companies.”
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Food Fella
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
King’s/Balducci’s has announced the Many Garden State tomato sauce companies earned a seat at the “best
promotion of four executives with the
Parsippany-based upscale grocery chain: in the business” table, according to a recent survey by NJ.com,
Joseph Parisi has been named chief which ranked 129 varieties from grocer’s shelves both regionally and
operating officer. Parisi, who started
with the company as a nationally. Here’s a snapshot of where these New Jersey-based
store manager, will lead
sauces rank and where their distribution companies are located:
the company’s overall
operations, engineering
and maintenance teams,
and will oversee all
63 ShopRite Supermarkets, Keasbey
Wholesome Pantry brand Italian Herb & ShopRite
Trading Co. Puttanesca
growth and expansion at
Kings/Balducci’s stories.
Allen Merken has been named vice
president, engineering, real estate and
47 Cento Foods, West Deptford
Cento Tomato Sauce & White Clam Sauce
construction. In this
44
new role, Merken will Colonna Foods, North Bergen
be directly involved Roasted Garlic & Tomato Basil
with the company’s
growth plans in real
estate, managing all
real estate relationships 41 Colavita USA, Edison
Tomato Basil & Spicy Marinara
with landlords, brokers
34
and various civic and community Nicastro’s, Newark
organizations. Vodka & Marinara
Kathe Benjamin has been named vice
30
president, human resources and labor The Jersey Tomato Co., Hillsdale
relations. Benjamin Tomato Basil & Spicy
has held a variety of
roles in her career
with the company,
moving from executive 25 The Original Jersey Italian Gravy, Oakland
Original
secretary to human-
22
resources administrator
Nanina’s in the Park, Belleville
and manager (for Marinara & Fra Diavolo
home office and stores) to manager of
employee and labor relations; she most
recently served the company as director
of human resources and labor relations. 19 Silver Palate Foods, Cresskill
San Marzano Marinara & Marinara Oreganata
FOOD FINDINGS
Have a question, idea or news about the food business? You can reach Damon Riccio at driccio@roi-nj.com or 973-512-7525.
17
ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Focus
On …
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Fernando Garip, president of wealth
advisory firm Wilmington Trust’s northern
New Jersey region. —
WILMINGTON TRUST
DON’T
PANIC
2018’s year-end market drop was mere pullback,
advisers say — but 2019 rebound isn’t guaranteed
T
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
MARRIAGE
MUDDLE
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
O
fficially, Richard Miller is
a lawyer. But, because of
what he deals with in the
areas of estate planning and
elder law at Mandelbaum
Salsburg, he’s a wealth manager, too.
And he brings to that de facto role a different
perspective than most. There’s a trend that he
thinks could be more important than taxes
or anything else today in determining
the future of family finances, and that’s
how increasing numbers of multiple
marriages paired with inadequate
planning can wreak havoc on a
household’s assets.
Richard
Miller acts
as both
a lawyer
and a
wealth
manager in his
role at Mandelbaum
Salsburg. —
MANDELBAUM
SALSBURG
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
Conversation Starter
Reach Richard Miller
of Mandelbaum Salsburg at:
rmiller@lawfirm.ms
or 973-736-4600 ext. 316.
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
FEES IN FOCUS
Adviser says investors should be sure he and his peers add value, not take it away
BY BRETT JOHNSON James, managing director at Saddle River When it comes to the exchange-traded “Because we’re in a mature market, you
bjohnson@roi-nj.com Financial Group, said things have changed after fund space, expense ratios are one of the might be averaging in this environment 6 or
a year in which every major asset class was either most significant considerations for investors. 7 percent in returns at most over the next few
The fees associated with investment vehicles negative or stagnant, with only money market It’s the total percentage of fund assets used years, but you may only be netting half that
such as exchange-traded funds or even funds experiencing decent for things like management and advertising because of those fees,” he said. “People are
mutual funds have fallen dramatically. returns. the fund itself. The biggest issuers of these coming to an awareness of how seemingly
Financial advising rates also are becoming “Whenever markets funds have started offering products that small fees can impact your financial planning
increasingly competitive. are volatile, as they have are essentially free, but high-expense-ratio when they add up over a long period of time.
This has happened over the course of started to be, people put products are still mixed into an investor’s “It can make a difference in your final
many years. But wealth management expert more of a spotlight on pool of options. outcome.”
Douglas James said, unfortunately, it would their investments,” he Many passive funds charge low fees, Self-serving as it may come across, James
Douglas
be news to some. said. “It’s a time when but fees on some actively managed mutual believes the best thing is to sit down with an
James
Investors have enjoyed ways to profit from people want to start funds can be north of 2 percent. Combined adviser — perhaps a different one than in
financial markets for nearly a decade, James dissecting what’s going on with their accounts.” with advisory fees, James said he still finds the past — and look at things from a fresh
said. The past few years have offered up some That re-evaluation is something James people paying far too much — especially perspective.
of the best market gains in recent history. And, already has started to see. People have considering the uncertain moment in the If nothing else, trust the recent market
like a victory-rich empire, people generally been inspired to start looking at what market today. declines — now’s the time to shop around,
did more celebrating than critical appraisals. they’re paying in terms of fees across their he said.
“We’ve had reasonably good markets investments, as well as how competitive their “Whenever you’re paying for someone
Conversation Starter
since 2009 — a long run with people making financial adviser’s rates are. like myself to help you with your assets, you
Reach Douglas James
money,” James said. “So, it’s understandable Not everyone is fully on board yet. should expect to get something back,” he
of Saddle River Financial Group at:
that people were less likely to question what “People get comfortable; people are djames@rjsrfg.com added. “An adviser should add value — it’s as
was going on before, and whether they were busy,” he said. “So, they stick to what they or 201-760-8700. simple as that.”
spending too much on fees.” know. But they really shouldn’t.” twitter: @reporterbrett
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Capital gain
Newark-based fintech startup Credibility Capital is disrupting small business lending
BY ESTHER SURDEN FOR ROI-NJ
esurden@njtechweekly.com
TECH PARTNERS
ROI-NJ has teamed up with Esther Surden, creator of NJTechWeekly.com, to bring you weekly insight into the tech world.
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
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ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
however, is what makes it stand apart, he said. a football field will be at the center of the a second restaurant at ground level,” he said. come from Central Jersey.
“Among the unique aspects of this is project, with a hotel at one end and tiered Ladell said he foresees a number of service “Demographically, I think the diversity
that each component — the rental, the age- seating at the other. retail locations (coffee shop, haircut place, nail is going to be amazing,” he said. “Look who
restricted and the for-sale town homes — all “My idea is that, when people have lunch salon), as well traditional retail shops and a lives in our units now, at least generically. It’s
have an affordable component,” he said. “So, or dinner and it’s a nice day, they can take bevy of food establishments. “With thousands predominantly a barbell. It’s empty nesters
think about this: If you’re 58 years old and their sandwich or whatever they are eating of commuters walking very close to the retail and then the millennial generation.
you qualify for affordable housing, there is and enjoy the atmosphere,” Ladell said. area, we are very optimistic regarding demand.” “They’re not all going to take the train,
nowhere else in the state where you can rent, There also will be an enclosed glass Atop the retail will be more multifamily. but if they want to, they can.”
you can live in age-restricted or buy. structure in the middle. And the roof will have loft-style units that are Ladell thinks older, but still active people
“Kevin Walsh, at the Fair Share Housing “This will have electric and plumbing set back, creating a deck atmosphere there, as in Central Jersey need this type of project.
Center, is ecstatic about this. You normally and all that,” he said. “You can have small well, Ladell said. “The hope is that this will be the place
have affordable for age-restricted or affordable events, catered events or use it to display art Ladell said he feels the area will have a for Central Jersey residents if you want to
for rental — this has it all in one location, in or host presentations.” great atmosphere at night, too. give up your home,” he said. “Compare it
walking distance to a train station, which The area will be circled by a street open “These are going to be amazing loft units, to North Jersey. People want to move into
would get you anywhere, and on-site retail.” to one lane of car traffic. high ceilings, with a patio all the way around,” Morristown because of The Green, because
The age-restricted and the rental both he said. “It all comes together. At night, it’s there’s restaurants and action there.
will be connected to covered parking decks. RETAIL AND HOTEL going to be like a spaceship. It’s going to light “This is going to be that for Central Jersey.
The for-sale units will be stacked townhomes, The hotel will have a liquor license and up everywhere.” I have people in West Windsor already saying:
low-rise, of 2-3 stories, Ladell said. be a destination for more than just overnight ‘When is this going to be done? I love West
guests, Ladell said. THE RESIDENTS Windsor and I don’t want to leave, but I want
THE PROMENADE “We are anticipating the hotel to have a Ladell feels the project will draw a to sell my house.’ We’re going to get that group.”
A rectangular grassy area bigger than rooftop deck with a restaurant and potentially wide variety of people, many of which will twitter: @tombergeron5
By the numbers
$300M
total project cost
800+ units
of housing
120 Rooms
in the hotel
37,000+
square feet of retail
expected
50,000+
square feet of promenade space
16%
affordable-
housing
units will
be offered
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Op-Ed
W
hile watching ‘Mary
Poppins Returns’
this past holiday,
I couldn’t help but
Free enterprise
notice the Scrooge-
like bank that was
won’t be
upending lives. I found myself wondering
what types of companies will be the Scrooges sustainable if
of the future. Which ones will we lose trust in?
Enterprises, like all human institutions, people don’t
trust individual
operate on trust. When people trust them,
they’re more willing to transact business and
establish partnerships. They demand fewer
safeguards, whether contractual, legal or enterprises,
regulatory. Transactions
have less friction.
It’s easier to attract
or no longer
customers, build brands,
grow companies, attract
believe the
and keep great employees,
and successfully innovate.
system enables
prosperity ‘for
James But, as many of
Barrood
us know from personal
experience, once trust is lost, it’s almost
impossible to regain. American enterprise the many, not
just the few.’
is in danger of reaching such a tipping point
— and, as has so often been the case in
recent decades, the tech industries that are
responsible for so much economic creativity
and dynamism are getting there first.
I think Jon Swartz had it right in we interpret it as a sign that we need to spend
his recent Barron’s piece: ‘Regaining Trust Is the more on public relations, or that millennials
No. 1 Issue for Tech in 2019.’ Do you personally just don’t understand where prosperity comes
trust your social networks to treat your from.
data with respect, and to avoid using it to Truth is: We’re being told the current
manipulate you in ways you can’t understand? system is out of whack, and the fundamentals
When you bring a smart speaker into your need to change. Free enterprise won’t be
home, do you trust it — or are you simply sustainable if people don’t trust individual
reconciled to having to distrust its surveillance enterprises, or no longer believe the system
as the price of life in the 21st century? enables prosperity ‘for the many, not just the
For that matter, do you consistently trust few.’ Right or wrong, society won’t forever
companies to price their products fairly? Do permit capitalists to be capitalists unless they
you think artificial intelligence, Big Data and respect a wider set of stakeholders — unless
automation companies are doing enough to they earn and deserve trust.
help society manage the impacts of their work Being trustworthy doesn’t mean a business
— on employment, on inequality, on the ability can’t earn a fair profit or won’t look out for
of human beings to find meaning in their lives? its own interests. It does, however, mean that
If you’re reading this, you’re probably customers, business partners and, ultimately,
in the tech industry, in business or both. citizens shouldn’t constantly be worrying about
If you’re hesitant to answer ‘yes’ to some how they’re being taken advantage of.
of these questions, imagine how outsiders Increasingly, many of them do worry
are answering them. In tech, we’re on the — and not without reason. If this trend
frontlines of the trust crisis that’s emerging in continues, it’ll take us to places few of us want
American business — and, since we’re so high to go. Right now, we in the tech industry have
profile, our response will have outsized impact. more power to turn it around than almost
When polls report that Americans age anyone else. Let’s use it before we lose it.
18-29 are more positive about socialism (51
percent) than capitalism (45 percent), that’s a James Barrood is the CEO
red-lit fire engine siren blaring in our faces. As and president of the New Jersey
businesspeople, we’ll be making a fatal error if Tech Council.
28
ROI-NJ.COM January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY
View Point
T
here was big news on the economic create a more unified presentation to perspective companies.
development front last week. No, we’re not
How do we know the move “To see them all go to Newark and be housed in the
talking about what some felt was an overly same building emphasizes that the model is the right model
harsh audit of the Economic Development is a big deal? The previous — that (the private sector) has to work hand-in-hand with
Authority that gave Gov. Phil Murphy administration wholeheartedly government systems in order to attract business,” she said.
unnecessary cover to update the EDA Everyone knows the state has serious economic
programs — which everyone already felt not only was his right
supports it. challenges. New Jersey will soon have the highest corporate
as the head of a new administration, but also much needed. business tax in the country. And our property taxes (and
(Just a thought, governor: Tread lightly when ripping an three key departments will be on one floor will be a huge shortage of workforce housing) are two more reasons to give
organization that was created by Caren Franzini and headed asset to the state. As will having it at One Gateway, which companies pause when site-selecting. Then there’s the issue
by Al Koeppe, two business giants of the highest character.) is working to be a connector of the city under the new with public-sector pensions that could sink everything if
What we’re talking about is the announcement that ownership of Onyx and others that was announced last week. something dramatic isn’t done soon.
Choose New Jersey is moving its headquarters to Newark, How do we know the move is a big deal? The previous As Murphy has learned in his first year in office, these
where it will be joined by satellite offices of the Governor’s administration wholeheartedly supports it. issues cannot be solved overnight. Getting more companies
Office and EDA. Former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who championed the to come here — and enjoy the great benefits we do have,
That move has the potential to have the biggest impact Partnership for Action among agencies when she led economic including location, a skilled workforce and great schools —
for business growth in the state. development in the state, was at the Choose board meeting is a big step in any solution.
State government may reside in Trenton, but (with all (as a partner at Connell Foley) when the announcement Those recruiting efforts need to start in Newark, a city
due respect to Jersey City) Newark clearly has become the was made. Afterward, she told ROI-NJ that having the three that has the ability to wow people (just ask Amazon). Having
economic engine of New Jersey. Having a place where all agencies together in the state’s most important city would help the state’s top development arms situated there is a good start.
“
looks like a tiny version of that Jersey staple, the NVP is part of a larger
mall. Cheers to innovative solutions! ecosystem that’s
contributing to Newark’s
DO YOU HYPHENATE ‘MUCH-MALIGNED’? In its common place before the
turnaround. … These
name New Jersey Transit, yes, you do. But the much-maligned agency (see?) has had
startups have had access
a good few months, with a new rail car contract, positive train control, a new operations
to the incredible domain
chief and, most recently, a contract to replace its aging fleet of articulated buses. Those
expertise of Audible
are the nifty-looking ones with the accordion between two segments. Has NJ Transit —
employees and our
wait for it — turned a corner at last? Cheers to hoping!
corporate partners, and
ARE THE HAMBERDERS SAFE? Most people paying attention are probably I’m excited to see how
sick of the federal government shutdown, no one more so than the Shore’s this class of amazing
courageous — an, at press time, unpaid — Coast Guard companies contributes
contingent. But Rep. Josh Gottheimer, normally a to our efforts to tether
reasonable, problem-solving type of fellow, went after Newark to the elements of the
President Donald Trump over something else: food economy that are creating jobs
safety, as the FDA is short on inspectors, meaning and taxable revenue and validates
we could be long on e.coli. That’s his proverbial hill the profound business case for this
to die on? Lettuce jeer. city.”
29
EDUCATION
RESOURCES
ADVOCACY
NETWORKING
EVENTS
The NJAA is the premier trade association for New Jersey’s apartment industry.
Focus
On …
LAW
Working with
FRANCHISE
both sides
of these
businesses
is unheralded,
but lucrative
specialty for
law firms
FACTOR
Y
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
ou can expect
every block
on Garden
State streets
to have one: a
M c D o n a l d ’s ,
a Starbucks ... a potential law
firm client.
In various estimates, it’s said
that New Jersey is home to at least
17,000 franchise establishments,
amounting to many billions of
dollars in economic output each
year.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
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ROI-NJ RETURN ON INFORMATION-NEW JERSEY January 21, 2019 ROI-NJ.COM
Focus On … Law
Q&A
Rutgers’ Mutcherson
is pioneering law dean …
but hopes to pave way for
many more minority attorneys
BY BRETT JOHNSON
bjohnson@roi-nj.com
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And with the vision she has for the school, she more
than expects she won’t be the last — the last person of color,
the last woman or last LGBT individual who gets to sit in the
office she’s now in.
Mutcherson, an expert on bioethics and other legal areas, Newly appointed
truly has a progressive future in mind for this key institution Kimberly
in New Jersey’s law sector as she works with David Lopez, co- Mutcherson, far
dean of Rutgers’ Newark campus. left, co-dean of
She recently spoke with ROI-NJ about herself and her the Rutgers Law
new role. School in Camden.
ROI-NJ: To get a better sense of what brought you here, Clockwise from
could you talk a bit about your background? left: Mutcherson
Kimberly Mutcherson: I was one of those people who speaks with a
knew very early on that they wanted to be a lawyer. I was colleague. The
about 10 years old when I decided on that. I went to law entrance to the
school with the intention of being a public interest lawyer. law school.
When I graduated, I worked at a little-known nonprofit in Mutcherson at her
Manhattan called HIV Law Project for a couple years. After desk.— PHOTOS BY
that, I got a job at NYU School of Law and somehow ended ALEXANDRA PAIS
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Focus On … Law
BIG TIME
For lawyers, major case such as PennEast’s
eminent domain battle can mean years of work
BY BRETT JOHNSON “When you have a case that’s so close “We’ve seen examples in New
bjohnson@roi-nj.com to people — a natural gas pipeline in their York of certifications holding these
backyard — it’s an emotional case and it projects up,” he said. “We’re
Countless emails, paperwork filings — these requires a lot of hand-holding and contact,” hoping to see something like
are the supply lines behind the years-long Duggan said. “One of the things that’s been that here, too.”
trench warfare of prominent legal battles. helpful in the past few years is that more twitter: @reporterbrett
And then there are the individual attorneys people have been comfortable with getting
that have to be prepared for the necessary those updates through email. So, we can do
time commitments. group updates that way.”
Timothy Duggan, partner at Stark & The latest news wasn’t in their favor.
Stark, is in the second group. There are several legal barriers, in the form of
He’s involved as lead counsel representing approvals from agencies such as the Federal
the largest group of New Jersey property Energy Regulatory Commission, that the
owners — 60 clients in all — as well as consortium of energy companies behind
organizations and nonprofits banding together the PennEast Pipeline must pass before
to oppose the proposed PennEast Pipeline. a shovel is put in the ground. In
Plans for this pipeline project, which order to get those approvals
would run a roughly 120-mile natural done, the companies need
gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New to complete time-
Jersey, were first laid out four years ago. But sensitive environmental
the pipeline, and the push-back of some assessments — surveys
landowners whose properties lay along the that require access to private
pipeline’s proposed course, hasn’t reached a property.
resolution. Last month, U.S. District Judge
That’s no surprise to Duggan, who has Brian Martinotti ruled that PennEast
seen examples of a back-and-forth process can take possession of New Jersey
that can last a decade or more with large properties, which includes compensation for
infrastructure projects in neighboring states. landowners, along the pipeline path to meet
And, while he also has litigated on regulatory deadlines. In doing so, the judge
many other pipeline projects in the past, rejected landowners’ arguments challenging
this one is a little more personal for him. the project’s use of eminent domain.
The pipeline would stretch from Hunterdon PennEast won a similar ruling regarding
County to Mercer County once it crosses eminent domain in Pennsylvania.
the Delaware River, and he lives in the “A lot of property owners are very upset
former county. because the for-profit pipeline company
“So, I’ve got a close connection with is able to use the government’s power of
these property owners,” he said. “Our firm eminent domain to take their property
is located close to this area, as well. Also, we against their wishes,” Duggan said. “Most
do a lot of eminent domain work. There’s a people don’t even think it’s needed.”
small number of firms specializing in this, James M. Graziano of Archer & Greiner
and we’re one of them.” P.C. represented the pipeline project in court.
This type of work involves a lot of Graziano did not respond for comment
administrative staff constantly making filings on the matter, but Patricia Kornick, a
in the courts, he said. A firm also has to be spokesperson for PennEast, told ROI-NJ
adept at handling communications with the that the project’s team was “reviewing the Timothy Duggan, partner
many different clients looking for updates on state’s motions, but remains very confident at Stark & Stark, and lead
the latest happenings. in the well-reasoned and sound rulings from counsel opposed to the proposed
Judge Martinotti.” PennEast Pipeline. —
STARK & STARK
The company also has said in recent
Conversation Starter media reports that it expects it may move
Reach James M. Graziano
forward with construction sometime this
of Archer & Greiner P.C. at:
jgraziano@archerlaw.com year. Conversation Starter
or 856-354-3090. Duggan, however, sees this as just one Reach Timothy Duggan of Stark & Stark at:
battle in landowners’ larger legal war. tduggan@stark-stark.com, or 609-895-7353.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 real estate market of course was experiencing
problems, and lot of litigation arose because
Maybe the only secret behind how much franchisees just weren’t making money and it
of a big business franchising is in New Jersey was hard for them to keep up with franchise
is this: The numbers are just as appreciable fees and be profitable.”
for those doing franchise law — attorneys Outside of times when franchise disputes
protecting the interests of either side of the accelerate, one difficulty for boutique firms
equation. There just hasn’t always been much in securing regular franchise law work
touting of franchise law specialties among is that while there’s a significant number
the portion of New Jersey law firms doing it. of franchisees, New Jersey doesn’t have
“But people are starting to realize this has an overwhelming plethora of franchising
been a huge growth industry, one that can corporations based here, Messina added.
touch on much more than the old-school fast And large firms typically refrain from
food restaurant franchise businesses,” Bryan assisting both sides of franchise agreements
Couch of Connell Foley said. “It’s gyms, due to potential conflict of interest situations.
hotels — and it’s everywhere. So, lawyers Brady believes more firms in New Jersey
have to follow.” actually do some level of franchise law work
Couch leads the franchise law efforts at than those marketing it.
Roseland-based Connell Foley, which only “That’s because most lawyers may think
last year formalized its existing expertise in of it as a run-of-the-mill contract or just
this area with the launch of a Franchise and another commercial litigation matter they’re
Distribution Practice Group. The expanding equipped to handle as well as any other, but
practice group assists brands from all over they would do a disservice to clients not to
with the myriad challenges encountered in fully understand the state’s particular statutes
the world of franchising. (pertaining to this area of law),” he said.
In general, New Jersey’s own statutory
framework favors protecting franchisees as
“… An increasing smaller businesses negotiating with larger
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