August 31, 2026
Welcome to the 18th issue of our newsletter.
Although the summer is coming to a close, local summer is just beginning at the Jersey Shore. It’s nice to go to the beach without all the traffic and extra fees. As always, if you have a project that you would like to feature in the next issue or know someone that would be interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, send us an email.
Ravenna Gemignani
Editor in Chief
Media Consultant
Project Spotlight
This month, we worked on several projects for Prestige Builders, NJ including a garage in Rumson and a renovated home in Fair Haven. The garage in Rumson has a second floor that will become a game room for the family. The house in Fair Haven is a renovation for one of Dean DePaulis’ best friends.
Rumson, NJ
Fair Haven, NJ
Builder Spotlight
Prestige Builders, NJ:
Prestige Builders, NJ has been such an important client to the Louis & Sons team over the years. Recently, we had the opportunity to have an interview with Dean DePaulis, the CEO of Prestige, to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.
What is the history of Prestige Builders, NJ?
My dad opened up Prestige Homes in the 1970s after he immigrated from Boville Ernica in Italy to Staten Island. Later, when he moved out to Rumson, he told me that I should start building here. When I opened up my own company in the early 2000s, I wanted to continue his name so I started Prestige Builders, NJ.
What is your role at Prestige?
I am the CEO and CFO at the company, overseeing every part of the construction process. Although I don’t design the homes myself, I always take a look at the plans to see if any revisions need to be made. We handle all phases of construction in house. We do our own masonry, some light carpentry, and build patios.
How did you get involved with Louis & Sons?
I met Mike at a jobsite around 15-20 years ago. Ever since then, we have been working together closely. I even helped him expand into the spray foam business.
What are some of your favorite projects that you’ve worked on with Louis & Sons?
A lot of my favorite projects that I’ve worked on are renovations. I love making old homes look like new construction. Sometimes you can’t even tell that it was an old home.
Employee Spotlight
Amanda is our bookkeeper here at Louis & Sons. She handles all invoices and billing for our clients and makes sure everyone gets paid each week. She’s been with us for two years now and she has been absolutely phenomenal. In her spare time, she loves going on walks with her two pitbulls; Bella and Nico, spending time with her nephew and stepkids; and listening to a good crime podcast. We are so grateful for Amanda. She is so kind to everyone and nothing would be possible without her.
News
New Jersey Launches 2026 Permitting Dashboard Pilot
In June 2026, the State of NJ launched a pilot program for a website that helps contractors track all permit applications in one place. The state randomly selected 10 housing, energy, and commercial real estate projects to track during the test and will scale to more projects throughout the year. The New Jersey Permitting Dashboard will show project information, permit status updates, target due dates, and the next steps for applicants. This project aims to make the permitting process much easier for applicants, saving time and money.
Source: permits.nj.gov
Mike’s Message
Is it me or is it slow this summer? I find myself asking that question every year. I have to say this summer wasn’t as bad as last summer. We were really off.
I’ve been doing this for 40 years and every time, it comes as a surprise to me that things slow down in the summer. I immediately go into panic mode. It’s the economy! It’s politics! It’s interest rates! No, it’s just summer. People go on vacation and homeowners put off making decisions. Inspectors and builders start to take off and delay permits and work schedules.
Some towns have moratoriums so you can’t even work in certain areas. The heat slows down productivity which starts a chain reaction on the trades. Sometimes extreme thunderstorms can spread heavy rain and slow progress down. HVAC guys are crazy busy and may put off new construction projects in favor of more lucrative repair work again, causing a chain reaction.
All the reasons and maybe the economy tends to slow things down, but as soon as September rolls in, things get back to normal. I figured I’d share this because if you’re like me, every year I need to be talked off the ledge, but as soon as summer is over, I immediately regret how fast it went. Stay happy, healthy, and busy everyone! Enjoy the summer!
Mike Gemignani
President
Cartoon
Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS
1. Pink insulation blanket
2. LNS headquarters
6. Vertical wood or metal framing
9. Measures how well insulation resists heat flow
10. Rock-wool
11. President of LNS
DOWN
1. Secretary-Treasurer of LNS
3. “Measure twice, cut ____”
4. LNS service area
5. “Hit the nail on the ____”
7. Measuring tool or first step to spackling
8. May 21 – June 20 zodiac with the best spray foam in the state
ANSWERS
Caroline’s Corner – Words of Wisdom
Anyone who has met or talked to our Office Manager will know that she is the most positive, optimistic and wonderful person you will ever meet. She often has quotes and stories that get us through our tension-filled days.
This month, we had a special visitor at the Louis & Sons office: Mack, my grand-nephew. He loved the big sailfish in Bob’s office and the buttons on my keyboard. Look at him hard at work:
Jokes
How do you know if a pool is safe for diving?
It deep ends.
I was walking past a farm and a sign said, “Duck, eggs.”
I thought, “That’s an unnecessary comma.” And then it hit me.
I recently won a million dollars on the lottery and gave a quarter to charity.
Now I have $999,999.75 left over.
Quotes
“Success is the product of daily habits―not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.”
― James Clear, American writer
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
― Francis of Assisi, Italian poet and Patron Saint of Animals
“Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.”
― Howard Schultz, American businessman and former CEO of Starbucks
Louis & Sons Drywall, Inc. 