Who we are:
Cornerstone Builders Group has established a strong reputation in the Northern New Jersey region for delivering high-quality construction services across a variety of sectors, including commercial and residential construction. The company has expanded its reach and grown its client base through a focus on multifamily development management, which has resulted in requests for construction management services from various regions.
Despite the increasing demand for construction management on multifamily developments, Cornerstone Builders Group remains committed to its existing clients, which include commercial and residential property owners. The firm has a proven track record of delivering top-notch services that meet the specific needs and requirements of its clients.
Leo Feola, the founder of the company, has extensive experience in the construction industry and is committed to ensuring that Cornerstone Builders Group delivers projects that are both high-quality and cost-effective. Frank Cardone, his partner, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company in the areas of operations and sales, which has been instrumental in the firm’s growth and success.
The team at Cornerstone Builders Group is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that each project is completed on time and within budget. They specialize in ground-up construction, interior fit-outs, and renovations for both commercial and residential spaces. They also have experience in managing multifamily developments, ground-up residential projects, and additions.
Overall, Cornerstone Builders Group is a highly regarded construction firm that has built a reputation for delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of a diverse range of clients. With a focus on excellence in construction management, customer service, and attention to detail, the firm is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the years to come.
The Company’s Mission:
Committed to establishing and building long-term relationships with every client through our industry experience, integrity and professionalism.
Partners:
Cornerstone Builders Group is owned
and operated by Leo Feola and Frank Cardone.
Leo Feola
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 Cardone
Frank has a strong background in operations, with a track record of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and driving revenue. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer for a healthcare portfolio that generated $110 million in revenue and employed 2,000 people, where he was involved in strategic decision making and recognized for his leadership and staff development skills. Frank also has a background in sales and consistently ranked among the top 10% of sales producers for over a decade after attending Seton Hall University.
As a member of the Cornerstone Builders Group team, Frank is responsible for a wide range of tasks related to the development, design, operation, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver the firm’s products and services. This includes overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring that everything is running efficiently and effectively.
Frank works closely with other members of the management team to ensure that the firm’s resources are being used wisely and that goods and services are being distributed to clients in a timely and efficient manner. He is also responsible for analyzing queue systems to ensure that the firm is meeting client needs and expectations.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, Frank is also responsible for ensuring that all construction projects are performed in a quality manner. He maintains good relations with clients, owners, and institutions and works to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the work that is being done.
Finally, Frank is responsible for managing and tracking the company’s financial goals and objectives. He oversees cash management and budgeting, ensuring that the company is on track to meet its financial targets. With his strong background in operations and sales, Frank is a valuable asset to the Cornerstone Builders Group team and plays a key role in the firm’s ongoing success.
Frank is the father of two beautiful girls and married to his high school sweetheart. They currently live in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. He enjoys staying active, reading for personal and professional growth, spending time with close family and friends eating terrific food and drinking fantastic wine.
Meet the Team
Jennifer Martino, Controller
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.
Thomas Pugliese, Project Manager
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, Business Development Associate, and Project Manager
Barton Schack, with over 25 years in the real estate sector, specializes in a broad spectrum of roles including negotiations, acquisitions, asset/portfolio management, development, and financial structuring in both stabilized and distressed markets. His expertise encompasses diverse real estate segments such as multi-family, residential, healthcare, retail, and industrial.
Barton’s role as a Business Development Associate and Project Manager extends to managing construction projects, where he is responsible for overseeing project life cycles, ensuring timely completion, and maintaining budget integrity.
His ability to analyze, restructure, and manage projects contributes significantly to our team’s achievements, demonstrating a blend of strategic vision and practical execution that is crucial in today’s dynamic real estate environment.
James Ehler, Assistant Construction Manager
James Ehler is an Assistant Construction Manager at Cornerstone Builders Group, specializing in managing project documentation, scheduling, and compliance. A recent graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Business Administration, James ensures that construction projects run smoothly by coordinating subcontractors, overseeing material deliveries, and upholding safety standards on-site. His keen organizational skills and attention to detail make him an essential part of the team. Outside of work, James enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends.
Samuel Fakeh, Assistant Project Manager
Samuel Fakeh is a dynamic and sociable professional known for his ability to connect with people and share compelling stories. In his role as an Assistant Project Manager at Cornerstone Builders Group, Samuel assists in overseeing all aspects of the estimating and building process. His natural curiosity and commitment to efficiency drive him to develop innovative solutions that streamline tasks, making his work both impactful and satisfying.
Samuel collaborates closely with Project Managers to ensure projects are completed on budget and within scope. He is responsible for initiating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), managing project pipelines, procuring bids, scheduling meetings, and maintaining project documentation. Samuel’s efficiency-driven approach consistently identifies areas for improvement, implementing resource-saving strategies that optimize operations and enhance project performance.
Beyond his professional life, Samuel’s enthusiasm extends into exploring diverse culinary experiences, particularly when shared with others. His passion for food complements his love for traveling, community involvement, and engaging with different cultures—fostering both personal and professional growth. His genuine interest in others and ability to forge meaningful connections make him a valued colleague and friend.
Al Marcotulio, Construction Manager
Dave Monego, Construction Manager
Mike Reiner, Construction Manager
Nick Nabarro, Construction Manager