franchise success story born from a passion for cars VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 | MAR 2025 franchise success story born from a passion for cars Also in this issue AUDI MANHATTAN • LANDMARKS WEST • ROSWELL AIR CENTER UTILITYnet ENERGY MARKET EDUCATORS Darren Chu, Managing Director
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Mike Luchetta Ali Ahmed Jillian Hicks Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
EDITOR’S NOTES Dear Readers, As we spring forward to March we face many developments that the world is keeping an eye on and an economy that is in full gear throughout North America. With St Patrick’s Day marking this month, a little luck is always a good thing, however, the companies, cities, school districts, and organizations that we covered for our March issue are going from strength to strength and do not need any luck to continue with their path to success. We had the good fortune to bring to you success stories and initiatives that have led to a winning remainder of the year and a recipe that will ensure a solid footing moving forward. It remains an exciting experience to gain a bird’s-eye view into such productive business models. For our March issue, we touched down at Big Sandy Regional Airport. A thriving and forward-thinking airport that is working hard to ensure a seamless and welcoming customer experience, this airport is taking off as we move through 2025. With a master plan in place, the meeting continued aviation growth, and the vital economic link to the region, this airport continues to see aviation growth. We also had the opportunity to cover a diverse group of municipalities for March’s issue. As our in-depth profiles revealed, dedicated master plans, bold initiatives, and critical infrastructure upgrades top the agenda. Civic and county officials continue to put their residents first. Business View’s pages are filled with fascinating features with city officials from Dania Beach, Florida, Dacula, Georgia, Eagle Point, Oregon, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hornell, New York, Miami Beach, Florida and Springfield, Minnesota among other fast-growing municipalities. Every one of the municipalities that we covered this month shows continued growth numbers, residential projects to address the ongoing housing shortage as well as thought-out master plans that address everything on their residents’ wish list. For our March issue, we also caught up with a number of fascinating and fast-growing companies and organizations including Vintage Homes, Utility Net, Landmarks West, LBK Design Build, Indian River Transit Go Line BRYGO Roofing and Remodeling among others. As we welcome the spring months ahead, all these companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and rev their economic engines towards further growth. Our March issue also continues with our popular school district series. We had the opportunity to sit down with school officials from several leading school districts to discuss the pivot to the changing demands of the economy and their innovative approaches to ensure students are college and career-ready while always being put first. We spoke with Bryan City School District, Canton City Schools, Franton-Lapel Community Schools, Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District, and Madison Consolidate Schools among others. Each school district is thriving and ensuring the holistic academic and social development of each and every one of its valued students. As we bring you the very best sector and industryfocused features, we hope a little luck is on your side as we continue to provide you with the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
AUTOMOTIVE 19 AUDI MANHATTAN Driving the Competition CONSTRUCTION 31 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY An Intentional Approach to Custom Home Building and Remodeling 49 BRYJO ROOFING & REMODELING Local Leaders in Residential Remodeling 59 LANDMARKS WEST Building Beyond Blueprints 69 VINTAGE HOMES Building Excellence Through Teamwork and Innovation CLEAN & GREEN 81 UTILITYNET Energy Market Educators 59 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 COVER UTILITYNET 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES LANDMARKS WEST AUDI MANHATTAN 19 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
GO-TO COLLECTION WHEREVER YOU PLAY
TRANSPORTATION 127 SENIOR RESOURCE ASSOCIATION’S GOLINE TRANSIT A Vehicle for Change SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISITCS 139 DON YOUNG PORT OF ALASKA The Anchor of Alaska’s Freight Operations FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 93 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VENUE MANAGERS (IAVM) Behind the Stage 103 MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER A Record-Breaking Year for Events REAL ESTATE 115 COMPASS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES Navigating growth and leadership VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 SENIOR RESOURCE ASSOCIATION’S GOLINE TRANSIT MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER 127 103 5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
163 BIG SANDY REGIONAL AIRPORT ‘The Welcome Mat to Eastern Kentucky’ 173 ROSWELL AIR CENTER The Flight Path to Becoming a Southwest Aviation Hub BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL View these features in our newest magazine The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. AVIATION VIEW View these features in our newest magazine CITY VIEW MINISTER VIC FEDELI - MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOREWORD (MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION) AMHERST, NS ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA COCHRANE, ON DANIA BEACH, FL MIAMI BEACH, FL OKEECHOBEE, FL DACULA, GA INDIANA DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDDC) DEKALB COUNTY, IN DECATUR COUNTY, IN JAY COUNTY, IN NEW HAVEN, IN HORNELL, NY EAGLE POINT, OR FORT ERIE, ON LAWTON FORT SILL, OK GREEN BAY, WI SPRINGFIELD, MN WISCASSET, ME UNION GAP, WA WILSON, TN EDUCATION BRYAN CITY SCHOOLS CANTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT HONEOYE FALLS-LIMA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT FRANKTON-LAPEL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS MADISON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE BIG SANDY REGIONAL AIRPORT 163 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
ACCEPTING CRITICISM CAN HELP IMPROVE RESULTS, HOWARD COUNTY EXECUTIVE SAYS Opening Lines Source: https://www.naco.org/, Charlie Ban, First Published Feb 03, 2025 For county elected officials, the margin for error is small. The electorate will decide just how much slack to cut when it comes to professional judgement and policy decisions, and those decisions come every four years. But there’s a faster ecosystem that defines an administration, for better or worse, and it’s built on the far murkier foundation of public sentiment. But the lessons can be direct. “You’re not allowed to have a bad day,” said Calvin Ball, Howard County, Md.’s second-term executive. “We can’t cuss someone out in anger, or get upset with a waiter if we get the wrong order or the food is cold. Those are things you shouldn’t do anyway, but we definitely can’t do.” Then there’s the criticism. Ball calls them “The Howard Hundred,” the people who always have something to say, some kind of criticism regardless of its relevance to a policy or the care with which it was crafted. As a public servant, he always wants to hear how the county can do a better job or craft better policy. 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
mine that are tipping the county off to something wrong? “You can acknowledge that maybe there are things that we can do better, maybe there is some validity to the concerns, or we need to communicate better,” Ball said. “Maybe there’s a nugget of truth to the criticism and so I look inward and then to that point, try to communicate even more effectively and be transparent. “I used to tell a lot of young elected officials, if you’re not able to deliver the product that people want, you have to at least deliver the process. Allow them extra hearings, be transparent, talk about how we got to the decision, the data inputs that we use and then talk about the data. If people are saying,‘you’re not funding education enough,’ ‘you’re not funding public safety enough,’ ‘you’re doing nothing for the environment,’ talk about the longitudinal data about the investments and the progress that you’ve made.” Howard County has dealt with repeated floods and Ball found that addressing those infrastructure liabilities was as much about selling the solution as it was engineering one. “We can explain our commitment to flood mitigation by telling people that our retention ponds hold about 13 million gallons of water during severe storms, but we make that accessible to people by showing that that’s equivalent to a football field filled with water that’s 30 feet deep,” he said. Through it all, Ball advises acknowledging one’s own humanity and not losing sight of that in the effort to meet the moment. “It’s important to keep in mind that as elected officials, we want to do a good job, we are good people and we have feelings, too,” he said. “We call them the Howard Hundred, but Howard County has 350,000 residents,” he said. “Having anywhere from 50-100 people who are never happy, that’s just statistically going to happen, no matter where you are. You can’t win them all, as hard as you try.” Few candidates earn 100% of the vote, so perfection is an unreasonable standard. “At any point, there’s 29%-49% of the population that didn’t support us for whatever reason.” What if these residents are the canaries in the coal 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
OPENING LINES Source: https://www.naco.org/ ,Meredith Moran, First Published Feb 03, 2025 If youth have something to say, Polk County, Minn. wants to hear it. Members of the Polk County Public Health Youth Advisory Board provide feedback on existing and new public health programming and make the county aware of emerging community needs for youth. In return, the teens get a better understanding of how policy works and the government’s role in public health, according to Sarah Reese, Polk County Public Health administrator and director. “By engaging youth in our policies, our practices, our services, our procedures, we’re getting a fresh perspective, energy, information and certainly knowledge that we wouldn’t have otherwise,” Reese said. “Our work, much of the time, is with youth or partners that work with youth, so it was important for us to hear it right from their lived experience.” Public health priorities that have been identified by Youth Advisory Board members include mental health and reproductive and sexual health, according to Reese. Halle Nicholas, a high school junior on the Youth Advisory Board, said the board’s discussions around youth mental health and substance use have been particularly powerful for her. “I think that being able to use my voice to advocate for those that may feel like they are not heard is very important,” Nicholas said. Polk County Public Health also uses the youth perspective to tailor their social media content and messaging, Reese said. “What speaks to them? Are we speaking the language and appealing to them in the way that they want to?” “It could be marketing, it could be messaging, it could be a program that people are thinking about, so whatever is on the minds of public health staff, they can bring that to the Youth Advisory Board for them to provide feedback.” Thirtyyears ago,Reese served as a youth representative on Polk County’s health services advisory committee (the committee was made up of adults and had one designated position for youth). In 2018, health services advisory committees were no longer required as part of governance, and Polk County Health took a step back to assess the county’s public health needs. As a result, the department created the Youth Advisory Board, seeing it as an opportunity to merge civic engagement and leadership development, Reese said. “One of the key things from the beginning was to give back to the students too, in some way, shape or form,” said Kirsten Fagerlund, who is a member of the Polk COUNTY TAPS INTO YOUTH POWER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ENGAGEMENT 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
current members share who among their peers could potentially bring a new perspective to the board, as well, Reese said. “We are one of the largest geographic counties in Minnesota and really have some unique differences across the county,” Reese said. “So, we’ve been really intentional to try and have representation from all school districts in Polk County.” Polk County Public Health staff also use Minnesota Student Survey data to assess what youth are wanting to see in the public health space, according to Reese. The 2019 Minnesota Student Survey found that adult mentorship was important to youth, particularly those who struggled with mental health issues, so the Youth Advisory Board created a “Safe Places to Land” initiative, which provided adults in school settings with a kit on what to do when a student confides in them and how to show they care — at some schools, Youth Advisory Board members identified teachers or coaches, but others identified janitors, cafeteria staff and receptionists as that “safe person,” Reese said. “Surprisingly enough, a lot of times, it’s those other people that are in the building every day that create that culture of safety,” she said. Youth Advisory Board members are encouraged to listen to their peers and share their perspectives as well,“to bring all youth voices to the table,” Fagerlund said. “We’re pretty clear in that they are representing their peers, so to listen and open their eyes at the culture of their school and their environment a little differently, and to bring that back to us,” Fagerlund said.“And then also just to think wide, as youth. “They’re thinking about their school, their peers, but then also to think about peers in their county, in Northwest Minnesota, and then to think globally too — especially when we talk about justice and ethics and thinking about the plate of life that another student might have that they’re not familiar with, but to put themselves as much as they can into that person’s world, and to think about the services and the world that helps them be healthier.” County Health community wellness team. “Speaking to what’s current and what’s on the minds of the youth, but also providing some leadership development, public speaking, maybe some parliamentary procedures, how to run a meeting, how to mediate and moderate differences amongst them.” The Youth Advisory Board is made up of high school students across Polk County— public health staff aim to engage two to three students per school district to get a more comprehensive youth perspective, according to Reese. Students at public and private high schools, as well as teens at the Red River Valley Juvenile Center in the county, are encouraged to participate. Some members have been nominated by their school counselors or school leadership team, and 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
FEDEX FIRMS OPTIONS ON MORE 777FS AND PUSHES BACK MD-11F RETIREMENT SCHEDULE OPENING LINES Source: https://www.flightglobal.com/, David Kamininski-Morrow, First Published 23rd March, 2025 US express freight firm FedEx has exercised options on a further eight Boeing 777 freighters, but pushed the retirement of Boeing MD-11Fs back by four years. The carrier says it expects to receive three of the 777Fs in 2026 with the remaining five to be delivered the following year. FedEx states in a financial filing that it firmed the options in March. “We have several aircraft modernisation programmes under way that are supported by the purchase of [777Fs] and [767-300Fs],” it says. “These aircraft are significantly more fuel-efficient per unit than the aircraft types previously utilised, and these expenditures are necessary to achieve significant long-term operating savings and to 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
FedEx still has 37 MD-11Fs in its fleet, which also includes 57 777Fs, 143 767Fs, 92 757s and 65 Airbus A300-600s.dvert At the end of February the carrier had commitments for another nine 767Fs. FedEx’s fleet modernisation also includes firming options on 10 more ATR 72-600 freighters, which are set for delivery over 2027-29. replace older aircraft.” FedEx says it only has “limited” room to delay the investment in additional aircraft without modifying purchase agreements, which would result in “significant” costs. The company also discloses that it has extended the retirement schedule for its entire MD-11F fleet, pushing it back from 2028 to the end of 2032. 12 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
OPENING LINES REAL ID DEADLINE APPROACHING; CHARTER OPERATORS SHOULD UPDATE POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND TRAINING Source: https://nbaa.org/ News Editor, First Published March 18th, 2025 Beginning May 7, 2025, adult travelers using commercial air transportation within the United States, including Part 135 charter, will be required to carry identification compliant with the Real ID Act. This requirement includes passengers of all commercial flights subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security programs, including the Twelve Five Standard Security Program. While a Real IA-compliant driver’s license or stateissued identification card is the primary document to meet Real ID Act requirements, the following forms of identification also are acceptable: • U.S. passport or a passport card • DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST) • U.S. military ID (active duty, retiree and reserve) • Permanent resident card or other official U.S. government-issued IDs • Foreign government-issued passport (if applicable) • Border crossing card, for certain travelers from neighboring countries • Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID • HSPD-12 PIV card (Personal Identity Verification) “The enforcement of Real ID requirements for 13 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
will inform member companies immediately. In the meantime, commercial operators, including Part 135 charter operators, should update their policies and training programs so individuals responsible for verifying ID prior to boarding know how to identify a Real ID-compliant document,” Everington added. Minors are not required to present identification. Also, Real ID-compliant identification is not required for private flights conducted under Part 91. domestic air travel within the United States has been delayed several times,” said Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations.“As of the latest update, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the enforcement date for May 7. On that date, travelers will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport to board domestic commercial flights and access certain federal facilities.” The Real ID compliance date was originally set for 2008 but has been postponed multiple times. “We are not aware of any additional delays at this time, but if new guidance is provided by DHS, we 14 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
OPENING LINES WORKING TO ALLEVIATE ALASKA’S AVGAS ANXIETY Source: https://nbaa.org/ News Editor, First Published March 17th, 2025 As part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the aviation industry is working to find and implement a replacement for 100 lowlead fuel.The uncertainty of what that final solution will look like is causing apprehension among Alaska’s business aircraft operators. At the recent 2025 Alaska Air Carriers Association Convention, the two sessions that received the most attention – at least from piston-engine aircraft operators – were the EAGLE (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions) presentation and the Alaska Unleaded Avgas Transition Forum. Unlike most of the U.S., where freight carriers primarily operate turbine-powered aircraft, the need to operate from many of Alaska’s shorter, unimproved runways requires the use of a variety of pistonengine aircraft, ranging from small Piper Super Cubs to large cargo DC-3s and -6s. “Alaska is totally unique in business aviation due to its strong dependence on piston-engine aircraft,” explained Phil Derner, NBAA director, Western region. “A significant majority of the rural villages don’t have any access by road, so everything they need for daily life must be delivered by ‘air mail.’ Any disruption would have catastrophic effects.” “Alaskan aircraft operators view the EAGLE initiative as a proactive, problem-solving effort aimed at finding a safe, reliable, and cost-effective replacement for 100 low-lead before it becomes unavailable,” said Will Day, executive director of the Alaska Air Carriers Association. “Without a dependable source of avgas, many Alaskans would lose their only access to numerous critical services, including medical care, groceries, and mail.” While many wish the solution to be a drop-in 100LL replacement, it’s not that simple. With the wide array of engine types in use throughout Alaska, operators are worried that whatever the final replacement fuel is, it won’t be immediately approved for all these engine types. This is a common concern for operators of legacy aircraft. It is possible that these engines will not achieve optimal performance on a new fuel or may require expensive modifications to achieve the required performance and reliability requirements. “To provide an alternative in Alaska, the candidate fuel must be thoroughly tested and approved to meet safety standards,” Day said.“Alaska is unique in its infrastructure. In many remote locations, aviation fuel is often stored for up to a year in temperatures 15 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
they are certain it is safe, stable and affordable. “An unproven transition could lead to safety risks, increased costs, and operational disruptions, affecting essential services in Alaska,” he said. Derner added that while many questions remain, meetings like this are critical to keeping NBAA members and all operators informed about the evolving situation. “These sessions offered us a great opportunity to personally engage with our Alaskan friends and partners to show them what EAGLE is working on,” he said. “And to assure them of our dedication to finding a safe and accessible solution that will satisfy all of Alaska’s unique needs.” ranging from minus 50 to above 100 degrees. It must be very stable. “Because much of the fuel reserves have to be barged or flow into the villages, the statewide fuel infrastructure cannot support multiple Avgas types,” he added.“And that will make it impractical to offer 100 low-lead alongside an unleaded alternative. It would just be too difficult and expensive.” Both Derner and Day stressed that one of the strongest messages shared during the event was that whatever the final alternative fuel is, it will only be selected after passing a battery of safety and performance tests. Day emphasized that regardless of the final fuel selection,Alaskan operators will only utilize it when 16 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
automotive 17 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
AUDI MANHATTAN DRIVING THE COMPETITION 18 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
AUDI MANHATTAN DRIVING THE CO AT A GLANCE AUDI MANHATTAN WHAT: T he leading Audi Dealership in New York City offering the full Audi Experience and putting its customers and employees first WHERE: Midtown Manhattan, NY WEBSITE: www.audimanhattan.com PUTTING IT IN HIGH GEAR WITH INITIATIVES 19 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
OMPETITION The automotive industry has seen its share of ups and downs as we have put the pandemic firmly behind us and turn the mirror to what is to come. Although supply chain woes rippled through the industry and inventory levels felt the squeeze just a few years ago, it is now yesterday’s news. This is especially true for dealerships and auto companies that started ahead of the curve, took a proactive approach, and adapted to challenges, ending up firmly on top of the auto pack. S THAT FUEL GROWTH THROUGH 2025 20 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
For Audi Manhattan, driving ahead of the competition and weathering the COVID-19 storm enabled the company to steer toward further growth and success. Established in 2006 by Rod Ryan and Michael Morais, Audi Manhattan, based in the heart of Manhattan, is much more than a car dealership. It is better described as a luxurious experience that is second to none for its valued customer base. Audi Manhattan is the flagship store of the Open Road Auto Group. “We are right there in the heart of midtown on the west side,” Tim Comparato, Vice President of Audi Manhattan, begins.“It’s a very dynamic environment. We have every walk of life coming through the door every day. You never know who you are going to meet.” With a reputation that has solidified its place as one of the leading Audi dealerships in New York City, Audi Manhattan is spreading the news and feeling very good about its prospects as we hit the midway point of the first quarter of 2025. “We deliver the Audi Manhattan experience and this definitely sets us apart and positions us ahead of the competition,” Comparato states. A TEAM IS DRIVEN BY COMMITMENT. Alongside its first-in-class client experience, Audi Manhattan also boasts a team environment and management approach that has solidified its enviable position in the automotive industry. “Our team is a very diverse group,” Comparato begins. “The team comes from all different backgrounds and all different cultures.” The pandemic was a challenge for many. With a few years to switch gears and focus on new directions and approaches tested through the pandemic, as well as the ability to implement these advances moving forward, continue to drive company success for Audi Manhattan, “This industry, as you know, has been changing extremely rapidly, especially post-COVID. One thing that sets us apart from everyone else is our ability to adapt and change 21 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 AUDI MANHATTAN
and accommodate the different needs of all our customers. “Those needs vary greatly from customer to customer, so the way we accommodate them is what puts us ahead of the game,” Comparato reflects. Team building is also key. It is the culture of Open Road Auto Group to implement progressive training and bring out the talent in its staff. This remains paramount when steering company success. “The way I build a team, and the way I have trained all my managers to build their teams is to focus on attitude when hiring new candidates.” Following the basic fundamentals of Open Road Auto Group,“We value willingness to learn and work hard almost more than experience. If we can find the right personality, the right person, who has the ambition and drive to succeed, that is who we want more than someone who has been doing it for 10, 20 or 30 years,” Comparato explains. “This is the only way to cultivate an extremely healthy culture in your dealership; you have to have the right team.” “I want to surround myself with people that want to win as much as I do. If you do that you will find success from your sales team service advisors, your technicians, your customer service reps, and receptionists,” Comparato details. DRIVING WITH ADAPTABILITY AND THE ABILITY TO PREDICT WHAT’S NEEDED Beyond the keys to success that Comparato is convinced are a winning route for Audi Manhattan, he also recognizes the ongoing need to adapt. “You need to learn what makes each employee tick and what motivates them. Some people are motivated by money and others are not. Some are motivated by time and [they] value doing something with their family above a monetary bonus,” Comparato notes. What is their driving force, he questions. What is getting Audi Manhattan team members up in the morning and keeping them coming to work? 22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
By encouraging his upper management team to understand what motivates each employee, the best in each Audi Manhattan team member is bound to shine, leading to a happier and ultimately A more productive team. With a productive staff in place, navigating a successful road forward is seamless, Comparato argues. “We also always need to be looking two and three steps ahead, which is the only way to be able to adapt in real-time to changes in the environment and changes in our business. We have to be prepared.” When it came to the pandemic, with the foresight of Michael Morais, President of Open Road Auto Group, we executed a thorough business plan by ensuring the inventory levels would be able to survive the pitfalls of ensuing supply chain issues. “We constantly look at inventory and our pipeline, so we had a pretty good idea about two months before inventory became tight and we were going to run into that storm.” “We changed our marketing strategy and our business model a little bit. Although we are typically a very high volume store and are one of the top volume stores in the country, we had to change direction and pull back on value.” Foreseeing inventory shortfalls and holding back to provide for some degree of inventory even at the height of the pandemic proved to be very fruitful for Audi Manhattan and led in part to the growth numbers that it enjoys now. DRIVING AHEAD WITH THE NUMBERS BEHIND THEM With a stamp of recognition from the Magna Society 23 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 AUDI MANHATTAN
for 2024,Audi Manhattan’s company model and route to success have been solidified further. “Magna Society is something that Audi has and they recognize the best of the best of their dealers in the country.There are scorecard metrics that they do and they have certain key performance indicators that you must hit to achieve. The minimum, I believe, is 95 points” Although making the cut in 2016, this is the first time in close to a decade that Audi Manhattan has been given entry into the elite category. Comparato shares that he is very proud of this distinction. “It is a very competitive dealer group that Audi has, especially in the Northeast and to be able to set ourselves apart and achieve that is a massive accomplishment that I am extremely proud of,” Comparato relays. This is not all that Audi Manhattan has to be proud of. Numbers are up near pre-COVID levels and are expected to increase, Comparato forecasts. “We have been consistently number two in our area and top five in the Eastern Region out of 77 dealers and 20th in the nation for the last six years straight. 24 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
25 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 AUDI MANHATTAN
“I do not foresee us slipping back whatsoever.” DRIVING GROWTH ALONG THE ROAD AHEAD Although rankings are important, Comparato acknowledges the one aspect that matters even more when it comes to future success remains growth. “We are very focused on just growing our business and that is done through customer service and referrals. We would love to grow and do more.” Comparato refers specifically to organic growth that delivers the Audi experience and puts the customers firmly in the driving seat in the automotive journey. While other dealerships may be more transactionally oriented, Comparato draws attention to his focus on the customer, and especially on what walking through the doors of Audi Manhattan feels like for the discerning customer. This relationship model has worked extremely well 26 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
27 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 AUDI MANHATTAN
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n American Wear Uniforms www.americanwear.com American Wear was founded in 1951 and has been family-owned and operated ever since by three generations of the Auriemma family. Our company is small enough to provide outstanding, personal service, independent enough to be flexible and creative, and large enough to deliver the solutions that will improve businesses of any size. n Parking Systems www.parkingsystems.com for Comparato in both the interactions he has with his customers and his employees.This model is true to the success of Open Road Auto Group. “I have been fortunate to develop strong relationships with some employees. I like taking someone new to the car business and who puts in the time, effort, and hard work and being able to watch them succeed and grow to upper management level.” “The automotive industry is one of those things where you get out of it what you put into it, and if you put 110%, you will get 110% out of it.” As to the future, Comparato highlights the need to focus on being at the forefront of technology and connecting with its customers. 28 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
construction 29 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
BRYJO ROOFING & REMODELING LOCAL LEADERS IN RESIDENTIAL REMODELING LANDMARKS WEST BUILDING BEYOND BLUEPRINTS VINTAGE HOMES BUILDING EXCELLENCE THROUGH TEAMWORK AND INNOVATION ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY AN INTENTIONAL APPROACH TO CUSTOM HOME BUILDING AND REMODELING NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY ONLINE ARTICLE 30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY AN INTENTIONA TO CUSTOM HO AND REMODELI AT A GLANCE ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY WHAT: H igh-end custom home builder and large-scale renovation specialist WHERE: Northern Virginia WEBSITE: www.alairhomes.com/huntcountry HOW TRANSPARENCY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND BUSINESS ACUMEN INSPIRE AND SUPPORT LUXURY CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA. Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture 31 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
AL APPROACH OME BUILDING ING Matthew Bowe, owner of Alair Homes Hunt Country, has established a clear position in the luxury construction market. His firm specializes in “custom home builds and large-scale home remodeling and additions,” focusing exclusively on substantial projects rather than singleroom renovations. “We are definitely on the higher end in the sense that we 32 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
first start with a pretty high level of basic building specifications,” Bowe explains.“If you’re looking for a starter home builder grade, we might not be a good fit.” His clients typically seek meticulously designed homes with premium craftsmanship complemented by high-quality finishes. What truly differentiates Alair Homes Hunt Country is their exhaustive pre-construction process. “Every detail of the house is planned out, selections are made, everything is priced,” Bowe says. The company will not begin construction with a series of allowances or unresolved design elements. As Bowe colorfully puts it, “You wouldn’t finish design on a space shuttle while you were leaving orbit.” “Full disclosure and transparency are our main core values,” Bowe states. During pre-construction, clients gain access to every vendor quote through the company’s platform. Project managers review these details with homeowners, jointly selecting vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors based on cost, quality, and other essential factors. “With us, we sit on the same side of the table as the client, building and designing that project before we ever put a shovel in the ground,” Bowe notes. This philosophy extends to value engineering – maximizing what clients get for their investment. The collaborative approach requires significant involvement and commitment from homeowners, something Bowe not only accepts but actively encourages. This client-centered methodology represents a deliberate shift away from conventional builderclient dynamics. While many construction firms maintain a degree of separation between homeowners and the building process, Alair Homes Hunt Country invites clients into every aspect of development. This approach resonates particularly well with discerning homeowners who prioritize involvement and oversight. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AS A FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS Bowe’s relationship-building permeates every aspect of his business philosophy. Despite experience in commercial construction, he deliberately chose Photo Credit: Christy Kosnic Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture 33 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
residential building for its more personal connections. “I am in the residential world because of the relationships, because it’s not transactional,” Bowe says. “I’ve done commercial work as well, and I brought a lot of disciplines from the commercial world into our operation here because the small builder custom world is generally really lacking as far as systems and processes.” The emotional satisfaction of creating homes drives his passion for the field.“We build environments for families to thrive in and all the important things happen at home,” he explains. “I feel like building a home is a really special place to build. I seek those relationships because I like creating those spaces.” This relationship-focused approach extends equally to subcontractors and vendors. “I want them to succeed, I want them to be successful. I want them to want to work with us,” Bowe emphasizes. His team provides detailed work scopes, reviews requirements thoroughly with trades, and avoids surprises or miscommunications. Communication remains central to these professional partnerships.“We focus very heavily on our schedules and keeping everybody updated so they’re not getting last minute calls from us,” Bowe notes. “They know from us weeks in advance when they’re expected on the job.” This consideration for trades builds loyalty while ensuring quality work. As Bowe recognizes, “Our success is very much tied to the success of our subcontractors on our projects.” INNOVATIVE PAYMENT SYSTEMS FOR TRADES Alair Homes Hunt Country has implemented a forward-thinking payment system that reinforces a relationship-centric approach while boosting operational efficiency. Bowe has eliminated traditional invoicing hurdles that often strain builder-subcontractor relationships. “We have an automatic payment processing system for our trades and vendors,” Bowe explains. When establishing agreements for projects, his team creates predetermined draw schedules linked to specific milestones within each scope of work. This 34 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
Where It All Comes Together Discover a new way to shop for your project. Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery. Start your project or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com. ©2025 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0125 7338825 HUNT VALLEY | ANNAPOLIS | ROCKVILLE WASHINGTON DC | ALEXANDRIA CHANTILLY | WINCHESTER Nickolas Sargent of DBA Sargent Photography
Ferguson Home offers a world-class shopping experience for trade professionals and homeowners. Our state-of-the-art showrooms feature beautiful displays of innovative products in a welcoming, hands-on environment designed to inspire.A knowledgeable, expert consultant will guide you through the process from start to finish, presenting the latest designs from leading brands, so you can choose the perfect bath, kitchen, and lighting products for your project. Our website offers an unparalleled selection of products complete with design inspiration and a suite of digital tools that are sure to streamline your next project. Our online shop-by-look pages take today’s leading styles and design trends and realize them in carefully curated collections of products, making it easy to bring the look home. Call or chat our experts seven days a week for personalized project support. Ferguson Home is where contractors, designers, and homeowners discover inspiring showrooms, an extended online product selection, and expert support, ensuring every home project is a success. Whether you’re redesigning, remodeling, or building a new home, our experts are committed to making the process as simple and fulfilling as possible. At Ferguson Home, we help clients create spaces they’ll love to live in. Start your next project at fergusonhome.com
streamlined process triggers payments automatically when site supervisors mark milestones complete. This innovative approach delivers substantial business advantages beyond subcontractor satisfaction.“It has a positive impact for my business because I recognize revenue based on project expenditures,”Bowe notes.“We can recognize revenue very early and very accurately on our projects, and it really helps us forecast cash flow.” The system creates a virtuous cycle where subcontractors appreciate predictable payments, while Alair gains improved financial visibility. “We can model our cashflow based on our draw schedules,” Bowe states.“We know when we’re going to be seeing revenue.” By reducing administrative friction and ensuring prompt payments, Alair Homes Hunt Country maintains stronger trade relationships while simultaneously strengthening business forecasting – a dual benefit that enhances project quality while improving financial stability. NOTABLE PROJECTS Alair Homes Hunt Country’s portfolio showcases the company’s versatility and exceptional craftsmanship. One standout project takes center stage in Bowe’s mind – a contemporary lakeside retreat in central Virginia. “We just finished one in an area called Lake Anna down in central Virginia,” Bowe shares. Though outside their typical geographic footprint, the project presented an exciting opportunity.The client sought a builder capable of delivering professional execution in an area where construction timelines often stretch unpredictably. The contemporary design presented unique challenges.“The simple architecture is actually more difficult to execute because it relies so much just on the architecture and not on trim details,” Bowe explains. “When you look at a more contemporary minimalist type design, it may seem simpler, but it’s actually harder to execute well.” Beyond new construction, Bowe takes particular pride in comprehensive renovation projects.“We’ve worked with some homeowners that have invested heavily. They like their location, they don’t want to leave, and they’re in a position to make the house what they want it to be,” he says. These clients prioritize quality-of-life improvements over resale considerations. “We’ve taken some builder grade homes and really taken them up to a custom home level by doing these sort of whole home transformations,” Bowe notes. The joy of these projects comes not just 37 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
from completion, but from subsequent visits where clients have personalized their reimagined spaces – providing tangible evidence of lives enhanced through thoughtful design and expert execution. THE ALAIR FRANCHISE MODEL Bowe’s decision to convert his independent business into an Alair Homes franchise wasn’t made hastily. His methodical approach emerged from the careful consideration that characterizes his professional philosophy. “It took me a while to make the decision to convert my business to an Alair location franchise, and part of it was that I do like to be in control,” Bowe admits.“I probably spent about 18 months doing due diligence before I finally said yes, after establishing that I would have autonomy.” The Alair model differs significantly from typical franchising arrangements. “Alair only pursues builders that are established, profitable and are at the higher end,” Bowe explains.“They’re not a rescue plan for a failing builder.They’re not a franchise you Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture 38 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
Chantilly 25391 Pleasant Valley Rd. Chantilly, VA 20152 Phone: (540) 952-9214 Alexandria 5655 General Washington Drive Suite G Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone: (540) 952-9215 Fredericksburg 15 Sage Ln. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 952-9218 AN AWARD WiNNiNG GET IN TOUCH www.landmarksurfaces.com • 22 years in the business in DMV Area • Custom design solutions like edges and integrated sinks • Fast turnaround time • The only company providing digital layouts • Widest stone selections • Capable of working in porcelain projects
For over two decades, Landmark Surfaces has been a trusted name in the stone fabrication and installation industry across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Specializing in high-end natural and engineered stone, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship in a wide range of residential and commercial applications. Landmark Surfaces excels in providing custom solutions for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bartops, fireplaces, and unique stone furnishings.The company offers a curated selection of premium materials including marble, granite, soapstone, and high-performance quartz, ensuring that every project is as durable as it is beautiful. Whether it’s a luxurious stone countertop for a contemporary kitchen or a statement fireplace surround in a modern home, Landmark Surfaces has the expertise to bring any vision to life. What sets Landmark Surfaces apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. By working with the finest natural stone and engineered quartz, the company ensures that each product meets the highest standards of both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Landmark Surfaces takes pride in offering a variety of stone types, colors, and patterns, giving clients the freedom to choose the perfect material to complement their space. The team at Landmark Surfaces is made up of highly skilled professionals who bring years of experience to each project. From initial consultation and design to precise fabrication and expert installation, the company manages every step of the process with care and attention to detail.This hands-on approach ensures that clients receive not only beautiful, but also durable, long-lasting installations. Landmark Surfaces has earned the trust of builders, architects, interior designers, and homeowners throughout the region due to its reputation for delivering superior results.Their strong relationships with clients and suppliers are a testament to the company’s dedication to service and satisfaction. Landmark Surfaces understands that each project is unique, and they strive to meet the individual needs and desires of each client, tailoring solutions to fit both style and functionality. As Landmark Surfaces continues to grow, it remains focused on providing innovative, highquality stone products while delivering an exceptional customer experience every step of the way. Whether it’s a residential remodel or a commercial design project, Landmark Surfaces is the trusted name for premium stone installations in the region.
can buy if you’re not already a builder.” This selective approach creates a network of accomplished professionals rather than franchisees seeking entry into the industry. The resulting structure preserves individual ownership while providing collaborative benefits. “My office is my office. I take the projects I want, we run them the way we see fit,” Bowe says.“We are not required to buy from any particular vendors or any home office source. Home office tends to operate more like ‘how can we help?’” The arrangement offers Bowe access to an extensive knowledge network spanning over 100 offices. This connection yields both practical expertise and growing brand recognition.“I’ve already experienced people saying, ‘Hey, I was down in Charleston, and I saw your trucks down there,’” Bowe notes, highlighting how the shared identity amplifies visibility while maintaining local operational independence. CREATING PATHS TO OWNERSHIP The organizational culture at Alair provides Bowe with a framework for sustainable growth that simultaneously addresses succession planning. This approach aligns perfectly with his vision for developing talent within the company. “One of the things that attracted me to Alair was the culture of paths to ownership for your key people,” Bowe reveals.This structure creates defined advancement opportunities, typically project managers progressing to general management and eventually partial or complete office ownership. “I really like my new role as a mentor for my people to elevate them to a place of success and prosperity by getting ownership in an office.” Bowe says. The Alair framework supplies critical business infrastructure often lacking when construction professionals strike out independently. “A lot of builders are good at what they do, and they work for somebody and then they go out on their own Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture 41 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
DULLES ELECTRIC SUPPLY: LIGHTING THE WAY WITH EXPERT SERVICE Setting the mood in every room while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere in any home, well-designed lighting options remain key in any carefully thought-out home design. Our designers are experts at placing fixtures throughout a home that work seamlessly to achieve your lighting goals. No one is more aware of the power of lighting than Dulles Electric Supply, one of the premier lighting design companies in the country. With a wealth of lighting design experience and a host of services to offer its clientele, Dulles Electric provides the best custom lighting experience with DE Design Group. Bringing 30 years of experience and knowledge to the home design and retail design industry, Dulles Electric proudly expanded its customer platform to include the DE Design Group, to collaborate with builders, architects, designers & homeowners through our custom design services. Dulles Electric boasts a 13,000-square-foot lighting showroom and the largest inventory of highcaliber lighting products in the Washington Metropolitan and surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. Building on expertise, the company is now able to offer an expanded set of services including access to exclusive products, an effortless selection process, and the support of expert in-house designers. Custom projects are given the individualized attention they require in our new studio, located within our showroom and home to our design group. Let us help bring your vision to light! EXPERT LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICES *in-home consultations starting at $250 Book your appointment* today! A DIVISION OF DULLES ELECTRIC SUPPLY 22570 Shaw Road, Sterling, VA (703) 597-0898 • www.DullesElectric.com At DE Design Group, lighting professionals work with you! Lighting plays an integral role in making your home comfortable, functional, and beautiful. Our professionals have years of knowledge and experience in lighting trends, energy usage, color and temperature, as well as sustainability. They will help you choose lighting that fits your space and save you time and money.
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