SPOTLIGHT ON HOLMDEL RESIDENT CARMINE S. VISONE
ENTREPRENEUR,
AUTHOR & PHILANTHROPIST Photos Peter Collura Photography
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rowing up in Brooklyn, Carmine S. Visone was born to be a leader. An analytical mind always at work, Carmine began what would be a career far superior to what he could have imagined. After graduating from St. John’s University in Queens, NY with a B.S. in Accounting, he went on to Wagner College in Staten Island to earn a Master’s of Business in Finance and Management. Right out of the gate, Carmine joined ABNAMRO Bank in New York City where he remained for 20 years, rising to the position of Regional Senior Vice President. Reporting
directly to the Chairman of the Board, he was highly regarded in the International Banking Industry for managing and directing the Internal Audit, Disaster Recovery, Systems Security and Regulatory Compliance Functions for the North American Region. However, as new opportunities arose, Carmine came to a crossroads in his life where he would focus on a more entrepreneurial role... and it was certainly the best decision he has made. After a career change and a move to Holmdel over 20 years ago, little did he know he and his wife Phyllis would build one of the most prestigious accredited private schools in the area. Home Away From Home Academy, on Route 34 in Aberdeen, has become his pride and joy, an accredited school serving infants through second grade students. With an outstanding reputation, the school boasts over 250 students and a staff of 50 teachers. Carmine has been instrumental in elevating the school to its elementary status and developing successful
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children throughout the county by laying a solid foundation in a carefully planned curriculum. Ever focused on expanding the proven documentation supporting this curriculum, he branched out and became an author, sharing his wealth of knowledge with a broad audience. Based on 20 years of practice and research-based theory, Carmine and Phyllis fulfilled a dream and published The Visone Method: A New Philosophy in Early Childhood Education. The book, a Publisher’s Choice Award Winner, gives parents and teachers a complete and new understanding of how a child’s learning develops in the early years. One of Carmine’s main goals is to instill a love of learning at an early age, in order to developmentally prepare younger children for higher learning. Carmine has also aimed to be a leader in his community. His 20+ years of dedication to the Township of Aberdeen were recognized on January 31, 2012, when he was elected to the newly developed Economic Business Council. Taking the initiative to offer ideas, advice and expertise on the development of the Township and ways to improve the welfare of businesses, Carmine is expected to be a strong asset to the panel. While business may be the day-to-day for Carmine, it is his
philanthropic work and charitable effort that is the standout quality of his character. As a dedicated supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association for over 15 years and a past Humanitarian Award Winner, he now organizes and chairs one of the Association’s top fund raising events, The Visions of Hope, to benefit the MDA Summer Camp Initiative. The Visions of Hope, a black tie Winter Ball held at the gorgeous Addison Park, over the past four years has raised close to $500,000 for children affected with neuromuscular disease. Carmine is a person who truly counts his blessings, and even incorporates this lesson for the children in his school: it is just as important to give as it is to receive. As a true philanthropist, with such a strong conviction of this important lesson, what other organizations have you lent your hand to? I have been involved with the Rainbow Foundation, the St. Barnabas Children’s Crisis Center, and most recently, Cinderella’s Closet and Holiday Express. They are worthy organizations that help local people, which is all the more rewarding. I am lucky enough to use the school as a conduit; we have so many wonderful families that support the charities we are