About Us

As president and founder of Cornerstone Builders Group, Leo Feola was the visionary behind the company’s growth through acquisition, joint ventures and assembling an exceptional in-house construction management team. Leo began his career over 25 years ago as a carpenter’s apprentice. Over the years he quickly evolved and went on to become a superintendent, project manager, and owner’s representative for both regional and NJ based development construction firms. His reputation and impressive track record lead to several requests from clients and developers to oversee multi-million-dollar commercial, residential, and mixed-use construction projects. Leo’s solid reputation amongst his peers and consistent track record of successfully taking large- scale projects from contract development through construction completion despite potential logistical challenges separates him from the rest.

Leo’s responsibilities include but are not limited to contract negotiation, pre-construction, estimating, and the management of field personnel including design professionals ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

Frank is a principal of Cornerstone Builders Group, responsible for the firm’s operations, financial management, strategic direction, and business development. He brings executive operating experience from outside construction: he served as Chief Operating Officer of a healthcare portfolio generating $110 million in revenue and employing 2,000 people, where he led strategic decision-making, operational systems, and staff development.

At Cornerstone, Frank oversees the day-to-day operations of the business and the systems that deliver the firm’s services, while setting the company’s longer-term direction. He manages the firm’s financial goals, cash management, and budgeting, and maintains the controls that keep both projects and the business disciplined. He also leads Cornerstone’s business development and client relationships, the front end of the firm’s growth, working to ensure clients, owners, and partners are well served from first contact through project delivery.

Jen has a distinguished career in the real estate and construction sectors, she has had the privilege of leading property, development, and corporate accounting departments as a Controller. Her diverse experience has equipped her to step seamlessly into varying situations, adapting her expertise to align with company objectives.

Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated proficiency in staff development, recruiting, on-boarding, benefits administration, and insurance negotiation. Challenges have always been a catalyst for her growth, especially those inherent in rapidly expanding businesses.

One of her core strengths lies in the evaluation and enhancement of accounts payable and receivable systems. Her aim has always been to ensure operational efficiency in these crucial departments. Additionally, she has always recognized the value of precise and timely monthly financial reporting, ensuring that stakeholders have the vital financial information they need.

Her experience in the accounting world began at Vornado Realty, where for over three years, she played an instrumental role as a Collections Specialist. This role had her diving deep into meticulous audits and financial statement preparations. From there, she progressed to Russo Development as a Senior Accountant, refining her skills in general ledger and construction project accounting, shared service centers, system implementations, and procedural management for 8 enriching years.

Currently, she is at the center of the accounting department here, steering the financial and operational systems toward our objectives. Jen is a pleasure to be around and brings lots of laughs to the team in and out of the office, she has been an intricate part in allowing the company to move to the next level.

As Director of Construction at Cornerstone Builders Group, Eric J. Salvaterra oversees the company’s field operations and Construction Managers to ensure every project stays on schedule, on budget, and aligned with client expectations. He brings over (40) years of hands-on experience managing high profile, high end and complex, large-scale developments from preconstruction through final turnover. Eric’s experience is vast, having constructed projects in Multi-Family Residential, Retail, Hospitality, Theatres, as well as life Science, Commercial and Industrial space.

Eric builds and maintains project schedules, oversees buyouts and purchase orders, manages change orders, and coordinates daily with subcontractors, clients, and design teams. He leads problem solving efforts on active sites, providing guidance and support to field teams while serving as a key line of communication and defense for ownership. His leadership inspires his staff to perform at the highest level, and his strategic involvement continues to play an instrumental role in the company’s growth and business development.

Known for his discipline, attention to detail, and practical leadership, he ensures projects are executed efficiently and professionally. His approach combines technical expertise with clear communication and accountability, reflecting Cornerstone’s commitment to quality, integrity, and successful project delivery.

Thomas stands out as a highly skilled professional in the realm of real estate development, showcasing a broad spectrum of expertise that spans residential, corporate office, and retail property projects. His educational background is solid, with a Master of Science in Real Estate from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Roger Williams University, underpinning his substantial career achievements. Thomas has significantly contributed to project operations at Toll Brothers in New Jersey and has excelled as Senior Development Manager at Greystone & Company in New York. His skill set extends beyond project management to encompass land acquisitions, site remediation, development, financial modeling, and budgeting. Thomas has an intricate understanding of building codes, zoning laws, and the municipal entitlement process.

In his current role, he is instrumental in project and field operations management, focusing on scheduling, leveling, procurement, RFIs, budget management, and maintaining effective client communications. Thomas’s dedication ensures that projects are not only delivered on time and within budget but also align with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. His leadership is pivotal in overcoming complex challenges and guiding teams to successfully complete projects, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in the field.

Barton Schack is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience, specializing in a broad range of roles including negotiations, acquisitions, asset management, development, and financial structuring. His background includes overseeing complex projects, ensuring they meet both budgetary and timeline goals, and restructuring initiatives to enhance organizational performance.

In his role as a Business Development Associate and Project Manager, Barton is responsible for the full project life cycle, from planning to execution. His focus on delivering projects efficiently and maintaining cost control has been integral to the success of the teams he leads.

His ability to analyze and manage projects strategically contributes significantly to organizational growth, providing both leadership and practical solutions in today’s evolving business landscape.

Ava is an associate and operator in training, working closely with ownership and learning nearly every part of the business. She contributes wherever she is needed, across predevelopment, preconstruction, construction management, project coordination, budgeting, internal systems, and communication, as she grows into the operator’s seat.

With over 15 years of experience in administrative operations, accounting, and customer service, Megan brings a proven ability to manage complex business functions with precision and professionalism. Throughout her career, she has supported executive teams and company leadership in fast-paced environments in multiple industries, ensuring smooth daily operations and financial accuracy.

Megan is known for her accuracy, reliability, and dedication to maintaining efficient business processes. Her experience spans account payable and receivable, project coordination, data management, and executive support, all driven by a commitment to quality and teamwork.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending her time baking, getting lost in a good book, and relaxing at home with her two cats. She brings the same patience, precision, and care to her personal interests that she applies to her professional life.

Ella supports Cornerstone’s accounting department, working alongside the controller on account reconciliations, data entry, and day-to-day accounting tasks.