Business Buzz
Avalon and Stone Harbor have a mix of unique shopping, great food establishments, awesome fitness centers and salons and so much more. While each borough has its own business community, many residents and visitors enjoy traveling between the stretch of seven miles to check out the variety offered on the island. Over the winter and into the spring season, many new businesses opened their doors, as well as some old favorites that had expanded or renovated. We’ve got the scoop on the latest business buzz.
Brian Stuart, president of D.L. Miner Construction & Property Management
D.L. Miner Construction & Property Management
2900 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-770-3559 • dlminer.com
In business for more than 30 years, D.L. Miner Construction and Property Management continues to take its company to the next level. The business recently opened a second location at 2900 Dune Drive. The flagship location is offshore at 11 Clermont Drive, Cape May Court House.
“Don Miner founded the company in his backyard with one truck and a few guys,” says Brian Stuart, the company president. “He grew up in Cape May Court House but had family on the island and was familiar with town and really built an awesome reputation for the company which is all about customer service … We always wanted to have a physical presence on the island, so now we have a large shop offshore and our new location in Avalon which houses our property management staff and is a place for us to hold our meetings. It’s been phenomenal.”
Stuart joined the D.L. Miner team about 16 years ago after moving back to the area from Florida. He had always been involved in construction; playing with tools and learning while hanging out with his grandfather piqued his interest. He started as a carpenter with the company, then a foreman before becoming a project manager. His wife, Laura, also works for the company in the property management division. Miner, the founder, serves as the company chairman.
“There is a story I like to tell about Don,” said Stuart. “Some of our customers have asked in the past to have their bike tires pumped up on a Sunday, and Don drives over from Cape May Court House to do it. Then, he has also built a 15,000-square-foot home. He is my mentor, and when I came on board he merged his ideas with mine. D.L. Miner is a family company and we pride ourselves on our customer service.”
D.L. Miner Construction works on projects of all sizes including building custom luxury homes, commercial projects, renovations and more. More than 10 years ago, the company expanded to include its property management division offering house checks and maintenance packages for their customers. Whether it’s checking the thermostat, snow removal or concierge services, the company can maintain your home and give you peace of mind that your property is being taken care of. D.L. Miner primarily focuses on custom building in Avalon and Stone Harbor, but the company also handles clients in Cape May, Wildwood Crest, Ocean City and beyond. With its team of more than 60 professionals, the company is always looking to expand its customer base.
Whether you need new construction, renovations, maintenance and more, the dedicated team at D.L. Miner Construction and Property Management is ready to assist. To schedule an appointment, call or visit its website at dlminer.com.
Broker of Record Ryan Vince of Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty
Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty
231 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 2821 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609.967.7950 • timkerrsir.com
Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty recently opened its second location, at 231 96th St. in Stone Harbor. Shortly after transitioning from Tim Kerr Power Play Realty to the Sotheby’s International brand, the company decided it was the right time for a second location.
“In our 25 years of operation, we have discussed opening a new location in Stone Harbor,” says Ryan Vince, the broker of record. “Shortly after transitioning to the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, we witnessed the added benefits our clients were receiving. For us, it was time to expand and utilize our extraordinary brand for all properties in Stone Harbor. Downtown Stone Harbor is a truly timeless location. When we saw the opportunity, it was a quick decision. This company was built on tradition and dedication to customer service, and we are happy to bring excellent service to Stone Harbor.”
Kerr, the company president, opened Tim Kerr’s Power Play Realty in 1993 following a 13-year career in the NHL, including 11 with the Philadelphia Flyers. He built his team of real estate professionals dedicated to providing excellent service and knowledge to clients. Vince has been in the business for 14 years. When Kerr played junior hockey in Canada, he lodged with Vince’s family. They stayed in contact while Kerr was playing in the NHL and upon Vince’s retirement from hockey he moved from Canada to sell real estate in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
In March 2017, the company ac-quired the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and is now known as Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty. The acquisition was made to better serve the company’s clients. The brand gives the company access to the advancements in technology including exclusive marketing tools and added exposure for their sellers.
Whether you are buying, selling, renting on Seven Mile Beach, Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty is ready to help with a home that inspires you. The company can also handle your investments and new construction projects. It takes great pride in its expertise, resources and global connections to perfectly unite extraordinary places with the extraordinary buyers who will cherish them.
This summer, the company will also delve into community events as the new space was designed to be adaptive and transition to open space. Plans are in the works to host art shows, galleries, and small events. The Avalon and Stone Harbor locations of Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty are open Monday through Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-2pm.
Lydia Borek of Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund
Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund
2819 Dune Drive, Unit C, Avalon • 609-967-0100 • brendansfund.org
Lydia Borek, who runs the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund, recently transitioned into a new office space at 2819 Dune Drive. Upon retirement from her own business, she sold her store at 21st and Dune in 2017 but decided that she still wanted a small retail space to continue operating Brendan’s Fund.
“My life has changed, and I just wanted to downsize and move away from having a retail space at the shore,” Borek says. “We sold Dunehouse in the fall and then we found this nice space here, a nice office space for Brendan’s Fund. We’re still going to sell some items like hats and shirts, and we love to welcome visitors as well. We still have some financial goals we would like to achieve for the endowed fund at CHOP.”
Brendan’s Fund was established in 1992 in honor and “high tides” for Lydia’s son who passed away after his struggle with pediatric cancer on Dec. 2, 1991.
The nonprofit organization was formed by Borek, her assistant MJ Soens and a group of ladies in her living room, and more than 25 years later continues to provide compassionate assistance to pediatric cancer patients in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
“We are fortunate for the people who continue to support us through different events and efforts,” Borek says. “When Brendan was very sick, I was going all over trying to find a cure, and there was and still is not one, but the entire town of Avalon came together and raised close to $55,000 for us back in 1991. We were only able to use a tiny portion before he passed, and my thought was that people have been so kind and generous to us and I wanted to do something so that people who didn’t have as many friends or didn’t live in an affluent town would have assistance.”
In 2015, the organization established the Brendan Borek Endowed Fund at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to provide food, travel and hotel services to Atlantic and Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families. Borek’s goal is to raise $500,000 for the endowed fund; as of December 2017, the fund had totaled $364,608.
Throughout the year, the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund holds fundraising events such as its golf tournament in May, striper tournament in November, and Turkey Trot in Cape May on Thanksgiving. The next event on the calendar is the Low Tide Beach Ride on June 30 at 6pm. Hours and detailed information for Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund are available online at brendansfund.org. Be sure to stop by the new location and say hello this summer.
John Day, owner of Green Cuisine Restaurant
Green Cuisine
302 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-368-1616 • greencuisinenj.com
Green Cuisine is now under new ownership. Longtime owner Robin Schall recently sold the business to former employee and restaurateur John Day.
“I wanted to continue Robin’s legacy. It’s rare when one finds something that they are both good at and enjoy,” says Day. “The fast-paced life of a restaurateur offers me both. The Green Cuisine has been a Stone Harbor favorite for 40 years. I plan on giving it another 40.”
Day, a Stone Harbor native, started working for Schall in 1996 when he was in high school. He continued working at the restaurant every summer through college and into his early career. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001 with a degree in environmental science. In 2004, he began his full-time career as a restaurateur after he purchased a family restaurant. His family has owned several businesses and restaurants over the years, so it was only natural for him to pursue this career path. He has run restaurants locally as well as in Pennsylvania, Atlanta and Washington.
Green Cuisine is a full-service restaurant offering lunch, dinner and takeout daily. The staff will also deliver for those within walking distance. The restaurant offers something for everyone including the avid “foodie,” the health-conscious, the vegetarian and vegan, the “juicer,” those with dietary restrictions and anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you try one of the signature salads, wraps, sandwiches or smoothies, each item is created using fresh ingredients. There is also a kids’ menu.
Green Cuisine is open daily from 11am-9pm, with plans to remain open this fall.
Crystal Praul of Fusion Salon Avalon
Fusion Salon Avalon
3007 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-967-3292 • fusionsalonavalon.com
Fusion Salon Avalon hosted a Salon Makeover Reveal on May 4 to show off the recent renovations to the entire salon. Renovations took place this winter and included adding all new stations, sinks, shelving, paint and lighting.
“I’m excited to see the reactions from guests, and hope they are excited to walk into something new and fresh,” says owner Crystal Praul. “We did the renovations in the winter, so it’s going to be exciting for our guests to come back in the summer to something new after 13 years of service. And, after that many years of service, our guests have become family and we want them to always feel welcome.”
In addition to showcasing the recent renovations, the Salon Makeover Reveal also introduced customers to Fusion’s new makeup line, Youngblood Cosmetics. Guests were able to book a complimentary 20-minute session to try out the new line during the party, which also featured door prizes, light refreshments and samples.
Open Monday through Saturday in season, Fusion Salon Avalon is a full-service salon, including Keratin treatments, color, highlighting, haircuts for men, women and children, blow outs, bridal services and makeup. The company continues to grow through education each year and the staff members are excited to show clients their new techniques this summer in their renovated salon.
Kelley Gardner of GLH Beach
GLH Beach
9514 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor • 609-830-3171
Entering her third season as a business owner in Stone Harbor, Kelley Gardner of Gypsy Lane Home opened her second store, GLH Beach, in May. The new store will focus on taking “Gypsy Lane Home outside” by offering exterior accessories, furniture and lighting for a coastal lifestyle.
“I saw a need for exterior accessories in the area and we needed more space to accommodate our products to better serve our customers,” says Gardner. “We love meeting and interacting with our customers, from the locals to visitors and wedding guests. The space allows us to have more local art as well.”
Gardner worked as an interior designer, staging homes for real estate agents in North Jersey, before making the move to Stone Harbor. She was raised on Gypsy Lane in Philadelphia and has been visiting Stone Harbor for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Matt, who helps her with the business, live here with their two sons, Reilly, 23, and Xander “Bear,” 21. In 2016, she made her 25-year dream a reality and opened Gypsy Lane Home on the corner of 96th Street and Third Avenue, across from The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Now, with the addition of GLH Beach, Gardner will be able to offer the best of both worlds for her customers by having two locations with interior and exterior items for your home.
GLH Beach will stay true to the company’s brand and style. The store will offer outdoor furniture and accessories for your patio or deck area. The company offers full interior-design services, complimentary in-store design with an appointment, and will also hold events throughout the year such as art and trunk shows.
The store will be open 11am-4pm daily and by appointment. Check out the company’s Instagram and Facebook pages for up-to-date hours throughout the season.
Paul Gioquindo, Gus Zimmerman and Debbie Gioquindo of Kitchen 330
Kitchen 330
330 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-796-2446 • kitchen330.com
When cousins Gus Zimmerman and Paul Gioquindo, along with Paul’s wife, Debbie, moved to the area about five years ago, they discussed the possibility of going into business together. With Zimmerman’s 25-year culinary background and the Gioquindos’ expertise in wine-making, the trio decided to open a boutique restaurant. When a space opened on 96th Street in Stone Harbor, Kitchen 330 was born. It opened during Easter weekend.
“Through many discussions about going into business together, the opportunity arose with this space that was brought to Gus’s attention,” Debbie says. “After looking at the space, the three of us knew it was the right fit for what Gus envisioned for the restaurant, a place where he could shine with his experience and passion and a place where locals and visitors could call home with good food and fair pricing.”
Zimmerman’s culinary career began at The Raven Resort in New Hope, Pa., where he was promoted in his first year from line cook to sous chef before becoming executive chef. His resume also includes prominent fine-dining establishments such as Bobby Flay Steak, Morton’s Steakhouse, William Douglas Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s and Marie Nicole’s Grill. The Gioquindos moved to Cape May in 2013 following successful careers in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Debbie, who worked in radio marketing and community relations, chairs the Hudson Valley Wine and Spirits competition and is a co-owner of a brand of wines. Paul had a 36-year career at IBM and served as the assistant winemaker at Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. They are wine connoisseurs and are looking forward to sharing their love and knowledge with new customers.
Kitchen 330 offers dishes featuring local seasonal ingredients and takes pride in the execution of its dishes. The restaurant is a great space for rehearsal dinners, wedding brunches, bridal and baby showers or any private event up to 40 people.
The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday serving dinner from 4:45-9:30pm and will offer Sunday Brunch from 10am-2pm. Customers will also enjoy Kitchen 330’s “Off the beach” three-course pre-fixe menu from 4:45-5:45pm (must be seated by 5:45), available Monday through Thursday.
Casey Byrne (right) with Thomas Byrne, his uncle and president of J. Byrne Agency.
J. Byrne Agency, Inc.
9712 Third Avenue, Unit 5, Stone Harbor • 609-368-5600 or 609-522-3406 • jbyrneagency.com
J. Byrne Agency opened its sixth company office at 9712 Third Avenue, Unit 5 this winter. The fourth-generation insurance company, under the leadership of president Tom Byrne and fourth-generation family member Casey Byrne, now has offices in Cape May Court House, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Cape May, the Villas and Marmora. Members of the community were invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location in February.
“We’ve been wanting to join the Seven Mile community, so when the opportunity to open an office in Stone Harbor became available, it was an easy decision for us,” Tom Byrne says. “We’re excited to bring our expansive resources and over 70 years’ experience in the industry to the community of Stone Harbor and Avalon.”
J. Byrne Agency was established as Sparks and Byrne by John J. Byrne in 1946. Following a successful career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Byrne entered the agency business and several years later Sparks and Byrne split, resulting in a new agency, John J. Byrne Insurance. In 1958, second-generation family member James A. Byrne joined the business and a new corporation was formed: J. Byrne Agency, Inc.
In 1982, Tom Byrne, a third-generation family member, joined the agency following graduation from Rutgers and graduate school at the College of Insurance. Tom is also active in the community, serving as a board member of the Cape May County Special Services Education Foundation, and former president of the United Way of Cape May County and the Optimist Club of the Wildwoods. Last year, his nephew, Casey Byrne, became the fourth-generation family member to join the agency. He plays an active role in the daily operations and overall management of the company.
Over the past 40 years, the J. Byrne Agency has grown from $100,000 in annual premiums to its present volume of $39 million. The company, headquartered in Wildwood, handles every type of personal and commercial insurance. Some of its specialties include commercial/business insurance, personal home and auto, marine, and flood insurance.
All six offices of J. Byrne Agency are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. For details and announcements, check out the company’s website at jbyrneagency.com or its Facebook page.
Kelly Woodyard, Whitney Kotzman and Eileen LaPenta of Blufish Designs
Blufish Designs
237 96th Street • 609-830-3230 • blufishdesigns.com
Whitney Kotzman and Eileen La-Penta of Blufish Designs opened a third location for the indoor and outdoor furniture, accessories and home décor store in Stone Harbor over Mother’s Day weekend. Blufish Designs features exclusive handmade and finished furniture, coastal interior and more, as well as full-service interior design services from their new designer, Kelly Woodyard.
“We stumbled on the space and thought we could bring our custom furniture to Stone Harbor,” Kotzman says. “We’ve been in business for over 10 years. We opened Avalon first, then Route 9 and now Stone Harbor, and we will also be opening a design studio out at the Route 9 location which is its own building; it’s about a 4,000-square-foot showroom.”
LaPenta and Kotzman, both Avalon natives, are excited to now offer design consultation and services with Woodyard on board. The duo manufactures furniture as well as creating custom pieces. Whether it’s picking out a lamp or completely renovating your space, no job is too big or too small for Blufish Designs. The company carries a variety of indoor and outdoor furniture from lines such as Bespoke and Thibaut, and it is an exclusive seller of Malibu Outdoor Living furniture. Blufish Designs also sells accessories to completely outfit your home as well as items for a hostess or housewarming gift.
With the ability to showcase its styles and custom pieces with three locations, Blufish Designs can offer customers added variety as well as more personalized visits.
“We are excited about our custom pieces and we want people to know they can come in and we can help them design anything they want, and the turnaround time is quick,” Woodyard says. “We wanted people to feel a certain energy when they come in here, so we replicated different small spaces in the store to help our customers envision an accessory or a rug in their home.”
Blufish Designs in Stone Harbor will be open daily from 10am-10pm. Nearing completion, the interior-design studio is in the rear of the Blufish Outlet Store on Route 9, at the intersection with Route 83. Customers will be able to have design consultations there while checking out wood samples, fabric samples, wallpaper and more. The full showroom will open this summer as well. To schedule a consultation, call 609-478-0450 or stop by the new location in Stone Harbor.
