MAGNOLIA - Key Persons


Al Marino

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
Al Marino is a valued member of Magnolia providing in-home consultations to our prospective clients. Specializing in both interior and exterior remodeling projects Al has enjoyed great success and a long list of loyal customers while working in the home improvement industry for over 15 years. Al enjoys traveling, watching professional sports and fishing, and especially working with homeowners and families to realize their remodeling needs. Al resides in Bergen County NJ with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

Alex Johansen

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
Alex Johansen is a valued member of Magnolia providing in-home consultations to prospective clients. Alex's past expertise in financial analysis combined with his passion for home improvement makes for a resourceful combination in helping clients with their home renovation and remodeling. Alex understands your home is your most valuable "living investment. In his spare time, Alex looks forward to his annual to trip to Appalachia where he applies his carpentry skills in helping those in need with home renovations, and he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Alex holds a B.A. in Economics from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA.

Alexis Velez

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator
Alexis Velez successfully manages Magnolia home renovation projects from initial stages to completion with over ten years of customer service and project management experience. Alexis studied Marketing at Rutgers Business School, and Magnolia is thrilled to have her on our team. Alexis has an energetic personality and pays great attention to detail, joining the Magnolia team to continue what she does best-working with people. Alexis resides in Sussex County, NJ, and enjoys quality time with family, friends, and her dog.

Arlene Romeo

Job Titles:
  • Operations Manager
Arlene Romeo comes from a long line of custom home builders and is an integral member of Magnolia, managing client relationships, communications with our team, scheduling, and much more. Arlene graduated from Simmons University with a BA in Communications, then enjoyed 15 successful years in the pharmaceutical industry, before taking time off to raise three children. Arlene is now back working with Magnolia and provides a wealth of experience and professionalism that is appreciated by all. Arlene lives in Union County with her husband and 3 children.

Bill Lockwood

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Bill is an integral part of the Magnolia team managing both interior and exterior projects from start to finish. Bill has over 15 years of construction experience, including 8 years with the NYC Carpenters Union as well as managing his masonry and hardscape business. His prior work experience has given Bill an understanding of best practices for each phase of the construction project. Bill currently resides in Lafayette, New Jersey, and enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

Bob Hertzberg

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Bob Hertzberg is an experienced project manager involved in many phases of the remodeling process. Bob Hertzberg has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, including guiding his own firm building luxury homes. As a valued Manager with Magnolia, Bob is responsible for coordinating projects from start to finish, creating strong relationships with clients, helping to turn their dreams into reality. Bob resides in Montclair with his wife and dog and is the proud father of 2 daughters.

Casey Tasco

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
With over 15 years of construction and project management experience, Casey manages mid to large-scale renovation projects. Casey is a United States Army combat veteran who pays attention to detail and has developed valuable leadership skills that make him a key asset to Magnolia. Casey studied Building Construction at Texas A&M and competes in Local Ranch Sorting horse shows. He resides in Sussex county and enjoys quality time with his family and friends.

Chris Cusumano

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Chris Cusumano is a dedicated project manager with over 20 years of experiences in the home remodeling. Chris owned and operated a service business for many years and understands the importance of quality work and constant communication. Chris attended Rowan University and holds a B.A. in Arts with a focus on Advertising and Communication and also completed course work in project management as well as kitchen and bath design. Chris resides in Matawan, NJ with his wife, two children and several dogs.

Chris Fontana

Job Titles:
  • Principal
Chris is married with three children and lives in Sussex County NJ. Chris' BA in Marketing and Communications from York College of PA has helped him better understand and execute his clients goals. "I am very proud to work with the excellent team we have assembled, with a policy of always putting our client's needs first." Working with clients that share his passion for quality work and a great experience is what truly drives Chris. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything he does, both professionally and personally. Chris has over 25 years of experience, with valuable knowledge gained early on from his Dad Frank, an operations specialist at Con Edison.

Chris Oricchio

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
Chris Oricchio is a valued member of Magnolia providing in-home consultations to prospective clients. Chris is an internationally recognized artist and sculptor, taught anatomy and sculpture and founded a custom fine art and home furnishings company with clients around the world. In 2017 Chris joined Magnolia Home Remodeling Group and his creative eye and vast business experience have allowed for a unique approach and many exciting projects. Chris resides in Sussex County NJ with his wife and 3 children.

James Jeffers

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
James Jeffers is a valued team member with experience as both an in-home specialist and also Project manager. James focuses on customer care and understands the importance of communication between Magnolia staff and each homeowner. He has an MBA from Ramapo College and an undergraduate degree in Organizational Communication from Montclair State University. He resides in Bergen County, New Jersey and enjoys traveling and spending time with his friends and family during his free time.

Jesse Oricchio

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
Jesse is integral to the Magnolia team providing in-home consultations to prospective clients. With over 15 years of home remodeling experience and a degree in fine arts, he brings a keen eye for artistry and craftsmanship. Having owned and operated a contracting company, he is well-versed in home remodeling from start to finish. Jesse understands that communication and attention to detail are paramount in achieving the desired outcome on time and within budget. Jesse resides in Morris county with his girlfriend and enjoys painting, carpentry, and spending time with friends and family.

Karen Becker

Job Titles:
  • Operations
Karen has been an operation and client relationship manager for over 15 years in both the banking and insurance industry. She studied accounting and enjoys working with our clients and vendors to ensure a successful project. Karen provides valuable support to the Magnolia team and is involved in parts of each project. She currently resides in Sparta, New Jersey for over 18 years and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Michael Montemurro

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Michael Montemurro is a highly respected project manager involved in many phases of the remodeling process. Michael has over 15 years of experience in commercial and residential construction and is responsible for critical tasks of project management including permits and inspections, communication and coordination, and ensuring that each project remains on schedule and within budget. Michael resides in Union County NJ and enjoys the outdoors and traveling with his wife and beautiful daughter.

Nichole Velez

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator
Nichole Velez plays a vital role at Magnolia working directly with clients to ensure a successful experience. Nichole manages the implementation team and involved on projects from initial stages to the very end. Our clients unanimously agree Nichole is organized, accessible and a great communicator, adept at understanding needs and goals level. Nichole's exceptional attention to detail and customer service have made her a trusted member of Magnolia's team. Nichole has traveled extensively, settling in California for several years, before returning to New Jersey to study Business Management. Nichole resides in Sussex County NJ and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and philanthropic work.

Paula Pena

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service
Paula has over 14 years of customer service and client relationship management experience. In addition, she also has over 16 years of sales experience and is a licensed real estate agent in the New Jersey area. She is a communications and business management graduate from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Paula's commitment to excellence and her positive client relationship background aim to provide an extraordinary customer service experience. Paula currently resides in Westfield, NJ with her husband and two children.

R.J. Sayegh

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
R.J Sayegh is a valued member of Magnolia providing in-home consultations to our prospective clients. Specializing in both interior and exterior remodeling projects, R.J has enjoyed great success and a long list of loyal customers while working in the home. R.J is certified in Historic District exterior design from Historic District Commissions throughout the country. R.J enjoys surfing and spending time with his family. R.J is enthusiastic about consulting with homeowners and their project needs.

Vic Fiore

Job Titles:
  • Principal
Vic graduated with a BA in Economics from Rutgers University and continues to build on the years of experience he gained working in home remodeling throughout high school and college. He has extensive knowledge in the home remodeling industry and is well versed in many phases of construction. Vic resides in Sussex County NJ with his wife and 3 children. With a proud reputation of successfully managing thousands of projects Vic pledges to provide a high level of communication and customer service to every home we remodel. After more than 2 decades in the industry, Vic enjoys the thrill of taking a project from concept, through planning and finally completion. He is proud to work with an excellent team with a policy of always putting their client's needs first.

Will Armand

Job Titles:
  • Home Projects Specialist
Will Armand is a valued member of Magnolia providing in-home consultations to prospective clients. Will comes to us with 11 years of home improvement experience under his belt. Will's designs have been featured on TV on HGTV Smart Home, Zombie House, and more. He brings a creative eye and pragmatic execution to make our customers' dreams a reality. Will holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, skilled in Information Technology, Project Management, and Business Development.