Bridgewater, NJ April 2024

Investment Issue

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER

TIFFANY SLOWINSKI’S EVOLUTIONARY CAREER

IGNITES A SPARK

A Penny for Your Thoughts

Dear Bridgewater Community,

Happy April, everyone! As the buds bloom and the birds serenade us with their cheerful tunes, I find myself filled with excitement for the season ahead. Spring is here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and opportunity.

This April marks a special milestone for us here at Bridgewater City Lifestyle: It’s our inaugural Investment Issue! It’s a theme we’ve eagerly embraced, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Investment, in its many forms, lies at the heart of our daily lives. Whether it’s dedicating time to our community, nurturing relationships, managing finances or prioritizing health, each investment carries the promise of meaningful returns.

Investing in our community means more than just supporting local businesses; it’s about actively participating in its growth and development. Through volunteerism and engagement with local initiatives, we sow the seeds for a vibrant future, ensuring that Bridgewater remains a place we’re proud to call home. Our financial investments pave the way for long-term security and prosperity. By setting goals and making informed decisions, we build a foundation for our future and safeguard our well-being.

Yet, perhaps the most profound investments we make are in our relationships. By devoting time and effort to our loved ones, we create bonds that enrich our lives and sustain us through every triumph and challenge.

Reflecting on our journey, Jake and I embarked on the Bridgewater City Lifestyle adventure five years ago this month. I still recall the mix of excitement and trepidation as we set out on this path. Despite feeling out of my depth at times, our journey has been one of growth and discovery. In this issue, I share my personal story—a tale of resilience and reinvention—as a testament to the transformative power of seizing opportunities. Turn to page 14 to see how it all began.

As I grace the cover of this issue, I’m reminded of the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability and share our stories. Yet I see it as an opportunity to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s not easy to put yourself out there like that for the world to judge.

Thank you for being part of our community and for joining us on this exciting adventure. Together, let’s continue to invest in the moments that matter most.

Warmest regards,

TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHERS @BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS

April 2024

PUBLISHERS

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com

Kristin Kosmoski | kristin.kosmoski@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donna Gioia Volpe, Brian Gornick, Liz Polo (Havana Photography)

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

city scene

1: RVCC Women’s Volleyball Team won the Garden State Athletic Conference Championship for the sixth year. 2: The Unified Soccer team at Bridgewater-Raritan High School celebrated a successful season. 3: Hillside Intermediate School’s Roots & Shoots program held its annual Celebrity Chef program. 4: The Bridgewater-Raritan High School debate team competed at the Ridge National Debates. 5: Hamilton principal Timothy Beaumont with Neel Sood, who launched a “Hearts of Kindness Project.” 6: Crim School celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. 7: The Bridgewater JCC hosted its 10th Annual Prom for Adults with Special Needs.

RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL

HAMILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL CRIM SCHOOL

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL

HILLSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

SHIMON AND SARA BIRNBAUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Want to be seen in the magazine?

8: Jasmine Saini won Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s ninth annual Poetry Out Loud Competition. 9: Bridgewater fitness enthusiasts at Pratt Personal Training Awards Night. 10: Crim cheerleaders cheer on their teachers at the annual Faculty Volleyball Game. 11: Gabriel’s Fountain thanked patrons for their City Lifestyle Readers Choice Award. 12: The Bridgewater Woman’s Club helped deliver care products and household items to shelters. 13: Al Roker (with owner Steven Chiocchi) stopped by Ambee Coffee Co. 14: Dr. Fayne Frey shared insights on skincare and self-care at the Bridgewater JCC.

SHIMON AND SARA BIRNBAUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER AMBEE COFFEE CO.

THE BRIDGEWATER WOMAN’S CLUB

GABRIEL’S FOUNTAIN

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL

PRATT PERSONAL TRAINING

Thriving Through Growth

A CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER’S JOURNEY TO DISCOVERING HER CALLING

ARTICLE BY ELLE BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ POLO, HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY

Jake and Tiffany Slowinski

Tiffany Slowinski and Jessica Walker of J.Walker Salon

As a woman business owner, Tiffany Slowinski knows success comes from constantly evolving. Over her journey from college student to young earner to motherhood to successful entrepreneur, she has forged new identities and reinvented herself many times over.

Recently, as she embarked on her latest venture— Team Spark Advisors, which employs data analytics to help businesses hire the right people in positions where they will be most effective—she reflects on how the experience that she has built over her decades as a professional informs the work she does today. Where she started is far from where she is now, but in a way she has come full-circle, challenging herself and learning as she went. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and media studies with a minor in counseling from Rutgers University, which is where she met her husband, Jake. Although she initially pursued broadcast journalism, she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University.

“I was fascinated by the developing mind and with a love for working with children, I became a high school counselor,” she says. “Although it was a safe career with perks, there was no upward progression.”

When she was on maternity leave after the birth of her youngest daughter, Violet, she felt it was time to start pursuing her dreams, but she wasn’t sure what they were. She felt pigeonholed in a specific career path and didn’t see how her skillset would translate to something else.

“While scrolling through Facebook, I saw an ad for a managing editor at a hyperlocal parents website. The description seemed tailored to me: a local mom with kids under 12 who was active in the community and had strong communication skills,” she says.

She applied but was initially passed over due to the fact they didn’t think she would have the time. Her husband convinced her to call and tell them why she would be successful. Filled with renewed confidence, she did and was hired as a “mommy blogger.”

It didn’t take long for Slowinski to recognize the potential for increased earnings through selling advertising space on her website. However, there was a catch: She had absolutely no experience in sales. Undeterred, she decided to teach herself. Early in the morning, on weekends and during Violet’s nap time, she dedicated herself to reaching out to prospective clients, driven by the goal of generating enough income from the website to match her current counselor salary. The ultimate aspiration? To transition to working from the comfort of her home. After one year, her dream became a reality. She quit her job in December 2018 and focused on building her site.

As she was settling into her new routine, her husband dropped some unexpected news: He had sold his business. Though it came as a shock, it was the right move. Seeking new business ventures, Jake learned about City Lifestyle, a national magazine franchise. “I think you’d be really good at this,” he told her.

“What if we went into business together?” she responded.

“As we looked closer at the opportunity, I fell in love,” she says. “Owning a magazine combined my love of journalism, passion for my community and desire for helping local businesses get their message out.” People have inquired what it is like working with a spouse. “In our case, working together has made us closer,” she says. “We discovered we are the perfect partners: We are aligned, trust each other and know the other is always acting in our collective best interest. Working together also allows us to better balance family life.”

“I realized: When you put the right people in the right seats, they shine. Everyone deserves to be in the right job for them. That is when the magic happens.”

“What I am most proud of is that my four daughters can witness their mom pursuing her passion.”

Jessica Walker and Tiffany Slowinski

They launched their first magazine, Bridgewater City Lifestyle in August 2019. “Our children were young and kept me busy. I’d rise at 4 a.m. on the weekends to edit articles and get a jump on the day before the girls woke up. In our first six months, I did not take a day off,” she says. Their hard work was rewarded. They grew quickly, and the corporate office named them “Rookies of the Year.”

In 2020, City Lifestyle headquarters invited Slowinski to join the corporate team to help other magazines in the franchise of about 190 markets nationwide achieve the same success. As she rose through the ranks to Vice President of Sales, Jake was busy launching their second publication, Somerset Hills City Lifestyle, and growing their local team.

“Our success continued, but at headquarters, our CEO was looking for a way to recruit stronger publishers. We wondered: Why were some people experiencing incredible success while other smart, capable people struggled?” she says.

They enrolled her in training of a system that used a diagnostic tool that could tell them in about seven minutes who had the internal makings of a good publisher, one who naturally had the drive, vision and follow-through skills. Using this system, they also could easily identify who would be the right support staff for each publisher, people who could fill in their weaknesses. She started working closely with the recruiting department and the publishers on building their teams.

“I realized: When you put the right people in the right seats, they shine. Everyone deserves to be in the right job for them. That is when the magic happens,” she says.

“Then, I realized something else: I was not in the right seat. Although I loved my job, corporate life was taking me away from what I wanted. I had started my own business to be an entrepreneur, work with my husband and be involved with local businesses. I decided to make another adjustment in my life, while still continuing to help grow and build local magazines in New Jersey,” she says.

Inspired by the personnel analytics and team building she did at the corporate office, Slowinski founded

Team Spark Advisors to bring these benefits to local businesses. “I feel like I’ve come full-circle: I’m a counselor again, only now for business owners. I apply the diagnostic tools to the business’ team to give them insights on their strengths and weaknesses. This will help them place the right people for precise positions based on the current dynamic,” she says.

Sales is a part of every business, and with her background Slowinski particularly loves working with sales teams. “It’s impactful to see their numbers skyrocket once they make the right hires,” she says. “I also particularly love working with female leaders. When a talented woman is surrounded by the right team, she can be her best self.”

What she is most proud of is that her four daughters can witness their mom pursuing her passion. “We talk a lot about business and entrepreneurship. They see how heavily involved I am in the business community: I am a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization NJ, Patriots BNI and the Somerset County Business Partnership,” she says.

“I lead by example. I want my girls to know that they are only limited by themselves. They do not have to follow societal norms of what is expected of them,” she says. “They should put in the hard work and never feel that opportunities are limited. I want them to grow and have a life like I have forged, one driven by passion where they wake up every day excited about the work they have chosen to do.”

What lies ahead? “Only time can reveal that, but currently, I take great pleasure in helping businesses build their teams. Furthermore, I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to the launch of new City Lifestyle publications throughout New Jersey,” she says. “I am eager to explore and seize the untapped opportunities present in both of these endeavors. My story isn’t over.”

Discover how Team Spark Advisors can help your business grow at TeamSparkAdvisors.com

Office courtesy of Embrace Home Loans, Basking Ridge; hair and makeup: J.Walker Salon, Bernardsville; wardrobe: Boutique Calia, Bernardsville; restaurant: Red Horse by David Burke, Bernardsville.

Edgy,

RESTAURATEURS INVEST IN A FRANCHISE—AND REKINDLE THEIR PASSION

Bubbles Bring Smiles

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE

Tom and Betty Lee

“The pearls

are

an indulgence:

You can call it a snack or dessert.

When Tom and Betty Lee sold the Japanese restaurant they had owned for 27 years in Middletown and moved to Basking Ridge, they were seeking a change. “We loved the service industry, but it can be intense. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice,” Betty says.

The couple wanted to spend more time with their teenaged children at home but still be hands-on in a business.

A fan of the Gong cha bubble tea franchise, they decided to open a location and determined that Prince Rodgers Avenue would be the perfect spot. A year after they opened in April 2023, they know they made the right decision to plant roots in Bridgewater. “We feel like we are at the epicenter of town: There are so many schools nearby, plus the library and the senior citizen residence,” she says.

“Bubble tea is basically milk tea. We brew four different types of teas as the base. From there, you can customize the sugar level and the toppings, which is what everyone loves,” she says.

Boba is made from the starch of tapioca, which is derived from the cassava root. When water is added, the starch becomes tender and achieves that irresistible chewy consistency. Naturally unflavored, the spheres acquire sweetness and the iconic dark color when they are simmered in brown sugar syrup. Lee and her team make these fresh every few hours. The colorful popping pearls are filled with fruit-flavored syrups. And beyond that, there are other toppings like white pearls, puddings, jellies and star jellies.

“The pearls are such an indulgence: You can call it a snack; you can call it dessert,” she says. “This is what my husband and I really like about bubble tea: Everyone comes into our store smiling because bubble tea makes everyone happy.”

Lee says that they decided to invest in opening a franchise since it worked better with their stage in life. “I love the Gong cha brand but I also have a strong interest in franchising: the concept and structure,” she says. “After owning our own restaurant for so many years, we wanted stay in the food and beverage industry but from a different angle. We felt that Gong cha already had a successful model with quality standards and if we combined that with our experience and work ethic, we could find a happy balance. You are still owning your own business and putting in the hard work, but we like that the foundation has already been laid out for us. We just need to follow the Gong cha vision and concept and do our best to make our store successful.”

Having worked for herself and now a franchise, she was also acutely aware of how franchises can lend extra support that independent businesses might not have in competing against corporate giants like Starbucks and Dunkin.

Considering owning a franchise? Lee’s No. 1 piece of advice: Do not think running a franchise is easy. She attributes their success to being hands-on owners and having a hardworking staff. Even her children pitch in at Gong cha.

“So often people buy a franchise and then hire people to run it. We hire and train every employee and work alongside them so they feel like they are part of our family. This is the mentality we were raised with. When you are a working owner, customers see you and they associate your location with quality because they know you are on top of it.” she says. “I didn't think you could get regulars at a franchise like we did at our restaurant. But wow! We have customers that are here almost daily.”

Browse the menu at GongchaUSA.com

PEARL MILK TEA

Syrup

• 1/4 c brown sugar

• 2 tbsp hot water

Drink

• 1/2 c instant black tapioca pearls

• 6 black tea bags

• 2 c milk or dairy alternative

• Ice cubes for a cold drink (optional)

Prepare the Syrup:

Add the brown sugar and hot water in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Prepare Tapioca Pearls:

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Drain the

tapioca pearls and run under cold tap water for a few seconds to stop cooking. Drain again and transfer into the bowl of syrup. Let marinate while preparing the bubble tea.

Prepare Bubble Tea

Add 1 cup of boiling water and the tea into a glass or a pot that’s easy to pour from. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes to make a strong tea. Strain tea with a very fine colander or coffee filter (or remove the tea bags).

Add 2 to 3 tbsp of the tapioca pearls along with the brown sugar syrup into each serving glass. Pour in 1/2 c of the black tea. Add up to 1 c of milk (or according to your taste).

Stir to mix before drinking. Adjust the taste by adding more tapioca pearls with syrup, tea or milk.

Serve the drink hot, at room temperature or add ice cubes.

DANIEL P. VIGILANTE

year-round tax strategies

How Small Businesses Can Save Big Bucks at Tax Time

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GORNICK

For businesses, managing taxes should be a year-long process, not an afterthought with an end game of April 15. That is the business mission of Daniel P. Vigilante.

For more than three decades, the certified public accountant with a master’s degree in taxation and a certified tax coach has been helping small-business owners who have at least $100,000 in annual salary and profits locate loopholes and discover deductions that add up to significant savings.  Vigilante, whose tax advisory firm is based in Morris Plains, offers some tips, tactics and straight talk on how businesses can maximize tax opportunities.

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES LOOK BEYOND JUST FILING A TAX RETURN?

I teach my clients to live tax deductively by creating a lifetime tax strategy to save them money through our tax advisory service. By doing this, I save them a minimum, on average, of $20,000 per year or $100,000 over five years. With some clients who have bigger businesses, I’m able to save them $100,000 or more per year. We work year-round together, not only at tax-filing time. Though I accept new clients at any time, optimally, we should start soon after April 16 so we can plan for the next tax year. We start with a free 30-minute discovery consultation, which usually ends up being an hour-and-a-half or even two hours.

After I explore your lifestyle and situation and review your previous tax returns, I lay out a personalized tax plan, implement the tax-savings strategies we have selected and then we maintain the plan throughout the year. Clients answer a comprehensive set of questions. Based on the answers, I produce a 50-page book for each client that describes tax-reduction strategies and details actual tax savings. It’s about much more than tax payments. We talk about the entity selection for the business, retirement planning, family planning for distribution of income, tax loopholes and credits and hidden deductions.

From there, we meet quarterly at the convenience of the client—often over Zoom, but if preferred, in person—to review the plan and adjust as necessary.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES YOU SEE WITH NEW CLIENTS?

One is the entity structure of the business. About 20 million U.S. businesses are set up the wrong way. We review your entity choice and determine if it is the correct tax base and adjust as necessary; sometimes people need multiple structures.

Clients can save $10,000-plus with the correct entity structure. Once it’s set up correctly, business owners will see an immediate pay off.

WHAT ARE OTHER ISSUES THAT YOU ALERT SMALL BUSINESSES TO?

Many do not have the best business retirement plan and are not maximizing their retirement options.

Also, the home office is probably one of the most underutilized business deductions. Businesses can save thousands of dollars by using a home office as a tax-saving strategy. Most clients shy away from the home office deductions as they think it’s an auditable area, but if the entity structure is set up correctly, that is not the case.

The home office also opens up other deductions, including a company’s ability to deduct a higher percentage of their business vehicle. It is one of the best tax deductions out there.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

TOM BRISLIN’S LYRICAL JOURNEY FROM A DUNELLEN MUSIC STUDIO TO KEYBOARDIST FOR ICONIC ROCK BAND KANSAS

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANNE REYNOLDS

Tom Brislin thought his career had died at Bernards High School.

He was 15, performing at a Battle of the Bands with his friends. It was their first gig and they were nervous and excited. They were also green. And not as prepared as they should have been. They were in over their heads.

They went on and were practically booed off the stage. “It was demoralizing,” Brislin says. “I thought, ‘OK, well, I guess my career as a musician is over.’”

As his mind was racing with new career options, competing, older musicians from The Bouncing Souls approached the boys, telling them to persevere. “That gave me a lifeline in the darkness, turning a soul-crushing experience into a moment where I decided I was going to work harder and not give up,” Brislin says.

Brislin grew up in a working-class home in Dunellen—one filled with music. His father, William, sang in bands while he was in the Air Force stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. His older siblings either played music or were avid listeners. As early as age 6, he was mesmerized by albums and would try to create his own music. As he made noise on the piano, his sisters started teaching him the basics, skills that he further honed through lessons with Anita De Sorbo at Rifino & De Sorbo Music Studio in Dunellen.

Fueled by a clear sense of purpose and drive—“I knew early that music would be my world,” he says—Brislin was always involved in bands or music projects, even as young as age 10. He played percussion in the Immaculata High School Marching Band, then went on to study jazz and classical music at William Paterson University.

“Being raised with a strong work ethic, I applied a working-class approach to music. My phone would ring: Could I play at an art gallery? At a street fair? A church? The answer was always ‘yes,’” he says. “Recognizing that music was my language, I sought likeminded people to collaborate, learn from and grow with. This foundation helped me develop as a musician because it taught me how to be versatile.”

After college, he forged a living as a musician, recording with artists in the studio or out on tour. After college, he fronted the Central Jersey synth-rock band Spiraling before going on to tour with Meat Loaf and Yes and collaborate on stage and in studio with artists such as Debbie Harry, Renaissance, Camel and The Sea Within.

Brislin’s life changed in 2018 when he received a call from Phil Ehart, Kansas’ original drummer and founding member. He and co-founding member Richard Williams, Kansas’ original guitarist, were familiar with Brislin’s work with Yes and Camel. They wanted him to join Kansas as their keyboardist.

“This was very unexpected—and very cool. It was a different level than the work I had done with previous acts as a recording or touring musician. As a member of the band, I had a big part in the creation of Kansas’ next album, ‘The Absence of Presence,’ which was released

in 2019,” he says. “I felt honored to be a true part of this iconic group with decades of great legacy and a true story to tell.”

Brislin joined Kansas on their “Point of Know Return” tour and is currently traveling the nation in the “50th Anniversary Tour,” which is continuing through 2024.  Touring does not stop him from composing. “I find time in the cracks—on the plane, in the hotel—to jot down ideas or record voice memos to develop in my home studio when I return,” he says.

Arts

“From the time I wrote my first song or composed my first piece of instrumental music, I have been on a lifelong quest to find my true sense of self expression,” he says. “As a musician, you have different goals and phases: At first, you want to be recognized and liked, but as you mature, you strive to find the way to best express yourself and determine your true sound. How can I best communicate with the listener?”

Ultimately, Brislin strives to create music that will stand the test of time and remain meaningful.

“I would like to be remembered as a versatile musician who contributed to the net positive in the world,” he says. “To do this, I continue to work on paying attention to life, observing my experiences and the greater world. From there, I let my imagination run wild and just see what happens.”

Photo

Photo: Esa Ahola

Photo: Todd Jolicoeur

Photo: Esa Ahola

C omprehensive m edi C al C are

Celebrating 40 Under 40

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The top 40 Under 40 initiative shines a light on a diverse group of professionals, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, all under the age of 40, who have gone above and beyond in their roles within their jobs, families, and communities throughout 2023. This prestigious accolade is a testament to their unwavering commitment to business growth, professional excellence, leadership, and community service, setting a benchmark for aspiring leaders and reinforcing the foundation of Somerset County's bright future.

Chris Edwards, President of the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), shares his enthusiasm for the 40 Under 40 awards, emphasizing the joy of discovering emerging leaders within the community. Edwards highlights the awards as a unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable journeys of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and those climbing the corporate ladder, showcasing their diverse contributions and the vibrant future they herald for Somerset County.

Looking ahead, Edwards expresses excitement for the future of SCBP, particularly with the impending move to Downtown Somerville and the launch of the Somerset Business Hub. This move signifies a new chapter for the organization, promising fresh opportunities for the business community at large. Furthermore, Edwards proudly reflects on the past year's achievements, especially within the Tourism Division, which has played a crucial role in reviving an industry vital to Somerset County's economy, nearly reaching pre-pandemic tourism levels. His advice to aspiring young professionals underscores the value of proactive engagement and seizing growth opportunities in their fields.

THE SCBP SPOTLIGHTS

TOP 40 PROFESSIONALS, PHILANTHROPISTS, ENTREPRENEURS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

"Embracing change and innovation, we're excited for the future, moving to Downtown Somerville and launching the Somerset Business Hub for new community opportunities."

- Chris Edwards

Chris Edwards

Outside her professional achievements, Dr. Appleton contributes her expertise as an Assistant Professor within Felician University's Masters of Counseling program, enriching the next generation of counselors with her knowledge and passion for mental health. Her life outside work is filled with joy from traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging in the simple pleasures of a good TV binge alongside her dog. Dr. Appleton remains actively involved in the community through her association with the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), and by supporting and participating in various events focused on healthcare and mental health, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference.

Dr. Appleton's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in professional endeavors. She offers invaluable advice to aspiring professionals: "Build it and they will come." Reflecting on moments of doubt and the fear that her vision might not significantly impact the community, she emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and hard work. Her story is a compelling reminder that with dedication, achieving one's dreams and making a meaningful contribution to the community is indeed possible, underscoring the essence of what the "40 Under 40" list celebrates.

CONTINUED >

Dr. Ashley Appleton

Dr. Ashley Appleton, a distinguished licensed professional counselor and psychologist, is one of the vibrant individuals celebrated on the “40 Under 40” list, thanks to the nomination by her practice manager and friend, Kristin Jimenez. In 2019, Dr. Appleton founded Cognicare Psychological Services, a beacon of hope for the Somerset County community and beyond, offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. Her practice is deeply rooted in the principles of social justice, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. This commitment is evident in her efforts to accept health insurance, provide sliding scale rates, and the ongoing work to accept Medicaid. Dr. Appleton’s work is driven by a profound belief in the integral role of mental health within overall healthcare, and she takes pride in advocating for community needs while offering valuable resources.

Charlie Alberto IV

Charlie Alberto IV, a key figure behind the transformative success of Forest Lodge, was pleasantly surprised to find himself among the "40 Under 40" list, thanks to a nomination by a coworker. During the challenging times of Covid, when the hospitality sector faced unprecedented trials, Charlie and his team made a pivotal decision to not just sustain but to reinvent their business model. This led to the renovation of their pavilions, notably turning The Maple Grove from a casual space into a formal outdoor hybrid venue, and extending its aesthetic across the property to enhance its modern rustic appeal. These renovations proved instrumental in diversifying Forest Lodge's offerings, allowing it to host a variety of events from social gatherings and weddings, as well as enhancing their large-scale corporate events business. Charlie’s efforts, alongside his team, and that of Anthony Panchery, Director of Catering, culminated in notable achievements such as hosting numerous proms for local schools, expanding the wedding business, and garnering prestigious accolades from NJ.com, My Central NJ, and The Knot.

Looking ahead, Charlie is focused on expanding Forest Lodge's operational capacity to host events year-round, hinting at exciting plans for the future. His passion for providing exceptional customer service, a hallmark of his family's business ethos, drives him to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for clients from start to finish. This customer-centric approach, coupled with a comprehensive in-house service model, has been central to Forest Lodge's sustained success over five decades. Beyond his professional life, Charlie's creative spirit thrives through his hobbies in writing and filmmaking, reflecting his diverse talents and interests. Charlie's involvement in the community extends beyond the gates of Forest Lodge, hosting events and supporting various local charities, reflecting a deep commitment to Warren and the broader Somerset County. From food drop-offs for township events to supporting first responders and engaging with non-profit organizations, Charlie's efforts underscore a dedication to giving back and fostering community spirit. His diverse heritage, shared with his wife Christina, not only enriches the culinary offerings at Forest Lodge but also embodies the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that defines their approach to hospitality. Charlie's journey, marked by attention to detail and patience, offers invaluable insights for aspiring professionals and underscores the impact of dedication and community engagement in achieving enduring success.

40 UNDER 40 WINNERS

1. Charles Alberto IV  - Forest Lodge

2. Ashley Appleton - Cognicare Psychological Services, LLC

3. Ben Bizzarro - Alpine Business Systems

4. Nicholas Cherrillo - Somerset Patriots

5. CJ Cruz - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

6. Jillian Dorell - Larken Associates

7. Lauren Edelman - Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey

8. Ashlyn Esmerado - Provident Bank

9. Lisa Federico - Somerset County Department of Human Services

10. Franchesca Fowler - Demant

11. Petra Gaskins - Office of Senator Andrew Zwicker

12. Casey Goldstein - Brother International Corporation

13. Cheyanne Gonzalez - Tekie Geek

14. Ben Green - Greater Somerset County YMCA

15. Tyler Hall - Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, LLP

16. Rachel Heberling - Frontline Arts

17. Shawn Hickson - TD Bank

18. Mina Ibrahim - ADESA

19. Zuzana Karas - Hillsborough Township

20. Sara Catherine Lichon - RideWise

21. Olivia Manning - Downtown Bernardsville, Inc

22. Alyssa Martini - HOME of Somerset County

23. Chris McManus - One Legacy Financial

24. Caitlyn Meador - Foothill Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

25. Amber Murad - New Jersey Audubon

26. Allie O’Brien - Franklin Food Bank

27. Khushwant Pall - Wells Fargo

28. Jessica Paolini - Somerset County Economic Development

29. Alesha Peluso - Three Summers Creative

30. Anthony Piccillo - Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine

31. Michael Proske - Tapastre & Project PUB

32. Crystal Pruitt - Franklin Township

33. Tyler Seville - Innovation New Jersey

34. Roderick Spann - Senior Advisors

35. Chris Stout - RRBB

36. Chris Vollers - Vollers

37. Noor Wadhwani - ATHLETIFREAK

38. Cory Wikerson - SSP Architects

39. Camden Winkelstein - Bellemara Distillery

40. Jacquelyn Zampella - E.A. Boniakowski Agency, Inc.

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Premier Pet Care, Luxury Dog Boarding & Daycare

Hillsborough’s Premier Outdoor Play Space for Dogs.

Nestled in the heart of Hillsborough, our expansive 8,000+ sq. ft. outdoor courtyard is a paradise for dogs. Covered with advanced artificial turf, meticulously disinfected, and maintained to the highest standards, this play area offers a clean and safe haven for your pets. The advantages of outdoor play for dogs go beyond physical exercise. Our outdoor yards offer a multitude of emotional and behavioral benefits that contribute to your pet’s overall well-being, including:

• Increasing Mental Energy: Outdoor play stimulates your dog’s mind, keeping them mentally engaged and alert.

• Decreasing Separation Anxiety: Regular outdoor playtime can help reduce separation anxiety, making transitions smoother for both you and your pet.

• Diminishing Destructive Behavior: Dogs that enjoy ample outdoor play are less likely to exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.

• Reducing Stress and Depression: Fresh air and socialization with other dogs can significantly reduce stress and alleviate feelings of loneliness or depression.

• Building Confidence: Outdoor play and social interactions can boost your dog’s confidence, making them more comfortable in different situations.

• Lowering Digestive Issues: Regular exercise can aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing issues like constipation.