Tag: Business Profile

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Peconic Marble owner David Pence (far left) and employees in the Marcy Avenue showroom.

Owner: David Pence

Year established: 1987

Location: 118 Marcy Ave., Riverhead

Phone: 631-369-0700

Number of employees: 12

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Website: peconicmarble.com

Peconic Marble and Granite Inc. is a complete kitchen and bath showroom, offering cabinets, tile, stone and plumbing fixtures, as well as fabrication and installation of all products. “The uniqueness of our place lies with two elements,” said owner David Pence. “We have qualified designers and installers and we have all the items for your kitchen and bath in one place.”

The company’s three designers have a combined 74 years’ on-site experience and a large pool of knowledge to draw from. They are fully trained in all the latest computer skills, equipped with real-life experience and conversant with their clients’ kitchen and bath requirements.

PM&G has both a slab yard and a fabrication shop on site, and carries 10 different cabinet lines, with more than 130 cabinet samples in all colors, finishes and wood species, and seven different lines of quartz stone. There are thousands of tile samples in an approximately 3,000-square-foot display area that customers can peruse at leisure, and more than 120 granite, marble and engineered stone samples from which to select a kitchen countertop.

“We have organized vignettes with design ideas that we constantly update with the newest state-of-the-art products,” David said. “Our clients include some of the most successful new-home builders and remodelers in this area, as well as private homeowners interested in upgrading and beautifying their homes.

“We encourage you to come to our showroom and let us help you create the kitchen and bathroom that fits your personal style and budget,” said David. “Grab a chair at one of our customer workstations and mix, match and compare until you find what works best for you.”

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Doctors (from left) John Scalamandre, Vincent Barry, Catherine Barry, Gary Despres M.S. P.T., Christianna Van de Wetering P.T.A., office manager Linda McBride and medical biller Shannon Petersen.

Owner(s): Dr. Vincent Barry and Dr. John Scalamandre

Year established: 2001

Location: 185 route 58, Riverhead and 110 South Street, Greenport

Phone: 631-208-4443, 631-477-3717

Number of employees: 11

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. by appointment.  Website: MaximumPerformancePT.com

This year Maximum Performance Physical Therapy of Riverhead is celebrating its 10th year in business. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Vincent Barry PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS and Dr. John Scalamandre PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MPPT has become one of the most trusted facilities for quality rehabilitation.

MPPT is staffed by experienced and highly trained physical therapists, some of whom have taught at the university level and have advanced certifications, including board certification in orthopedics. They specialize in a wide variety of orthopedic treatments that includes joint replacements, rotator cuff repairs, spinal dysfunction, post surgical rehabilitation and chronic pain disorders.

All treatments are patient-specific and make use of the latest evidence-based techniques utilizing advanced manual therapeutic techniques, individualized exercise prescription, state-of-the-art equipment including BIODEX isokinetics and a computerized fall-risk assessment and balance retraining.

Maximum Performance Physical Therapy is also a sports rehabilitation facility, working closely with the local schools and organized sports programs. They are staffed with an athletic trainer, AEMT, certified strength and conditioning specialists and a certified sports physical therapist.

MPPT has a second convenient location in Greenport under the direction of Dr. Catherine Barry PT, DPT, which includes a fitness center with a personal trainer.  MPPT accepts Medicare and most insurance plans, and their expert reception staff will gladly assist with billing or insurance questions. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KATHARINE SCHROEDER PHOTO | From left: Alfred M. Cornacchio, Jr, Personal Financial Representative; Heidi Mahony, Sr. Licensed Sales Associate; Christine Chenal, Customer Service Manager; Leidis Rubi, Customer Service Representative; Chris Manfredi, Agency Principal.

Owner(s): Chris Manfredi

Year established: 1987

Location: 44655 County Road 48, Southold

Phone: 631-765-4666

Number of employees: 5

Allstate is a full service insurance agency offering auto, home, life, commercial auto, business, motorcycle, boat, renters, condo/co-op, ATV, snowmobiles, flood insurance, financial services and a workplace division which offers employee benefits.

The original Allstate office was opened in Mattticuk in 1987 by Ray Gramazio. Chris Manfredi joined as a partner in 1989, and the office was moved to Southold in 2003. Ray Gramazio retired in 2010 but stayed on as licensed sales support.

The familiar slogan “Youre In Good Hands” is the company credo.

“Most products we offer are backed by the Allstate name, but but we are able to broker commercial liability, workers compensation, disability, homeowners and some specialty lines that Allstate does not offer,” said owner Chris Manfredi. “Insurance needs to be discussed with a professional to be sure that the coverage is complete. We take pride in getting to know our customers and getting them the right coverage at the best price, and we keep in touch to make sure that the coverage is current for their situation.”
Chris Manfredi visits local high school driver education classes to inform students about insurance and how best to save money and still be properly covered.  He has also linked up with the SCPD Highway Division and their rollover simulator to stress the importance of seatbelt usage, and with the Allstate Foundation to donate thousands of dollars to local schools to promote safe teen driving.
The office has monthly defensive driver courses that any person insured by any company in New York State can take to reduce points and/or save money on their auto insurance. If people do not have time to sit in a classroom they can opt to take the class online at www.DDClassonline.com.
“We are a full service agency that is looking to expand, and welcome anyone to stop by for a quote or for more information,” said Chris. Heidi Mahony is the office manager, Christine Chenal and Leidis Rubi are bi-lingual sales support and Al Cornacchio is a financial and life insurance specialist. Chris Manfredi is an active EMT/FF in Southold.

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; all other days by appointment

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO Owner Allan Dinizio (left), office manager Marie Caggiano (center) and head mechanic Kevin Maida.

Owner(s): Allan Dinizio
Year established: 1967
Location: 5775 route 48 and Wickham Avenue, Marttituck
Phone: 631-298-8999
Number of employees: 3
Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

The team at Dinizio’s Service really knows about cars, trucks and other vehicles. Owner Allan Dinizio graduated from Denver Automotive and Diesel College. His co-worker Kevin Maida graduated from General Motors Automotive School, and is a master certified GM technician. Both men attend automotive classes at least six times per year to keep up with the newest automotive technologies.

“We take pride in our friendly, honest, clean and comfortable establishment,” said Allan. “We offer reliable, professional and fast service, and are always trying to save the client money.”

Dinzio’s is a TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE® center, and has the equipment and technology to diagnose and repair imported, domestic or hybrid vehicles. It is committed to protecting a new car’s warranty and to providing a successful and pleasant automotive service experience.

Dinizio’s offers preventive maintenance services, and provides services for brakes, engine tune-ups, cooling systems, computer diagnostics, engines, transmissions, exhausts, suspension, electrical systems, climate control, lube, oil and filter, NYS inspections, shocks and much more. Their premium tires include Goodyear, Kelly, Pegasus, Pirelli and Dunlop. Their goal is to keep a vehicle safe, dependable and well maintained by following the manufacturer service recommendations, so the driver can have confidence while on the road, and enjoy a worry-free driving experience.

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Drs. Louis Avvento (left) and Alexander Zuhoski.

Owners: Drs. Louis Avvento and Alexander Zuhoski

Year established: 1988

Locations: 1333 E. Main St., Riverhead, and 325 Meeting House Lane, Southampton.

Phone: 631-727-8500

Number of employees: 38

The goal at Eastern Long Island Hematology and Oncology (ELIHO) is to “offer a team approach in addressing the complex care issues of cancer patients” by giving them access to “qualified, compassionate personnel to assist with the challenges of a difficult diagnosis,” according to practice administrator Lynn Kay Winters.

The practice works with patients and referring physicians from Eastern Long Island Hospital, Southampton Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center and maintains close alliances with the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, Ellen’s Run and other patient support groups.

The group’s founder, Dr. Louis Avvento, 57, grew up in Brooklyn and earned his medical degree in Italy in 1981 at the University of Rome. During his fellowship in hematology and oncology at Stony Brook University, he was drawn to the East End.

When he decided to launch his own practice in 1988, he looked east and founded ELIHO in Riverhead with a staff of two. The Southampton office opened in 1996. Today there are more than 35 people on staff.

Dr. Avvento’s partner, 42-year-old Dr. Alexander Zuhoski, is a North Fork native who joined the practice in 2003, after a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Stony Brook, where he also earned his M.D.

Both ELIHO offices have infusion and chemotherapy suites that provide patients with a comfortable environment in which to undergo the best cancer and blood disease treatments available, Ms. Winters said.

For more than a decade, Dr. Avvento has been medical director for East End Hospice — where his two grown stepchildren both have worked . He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology, medical ontology and palliative medicine. His wife, Angela, is a nurse at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Dr. Zuhoski is board certified in medical oncology and hematology. He and his wife, Therese, are raising four boys on the North Fork.

The practice has four nurse practitioners, two of whom — JoAnne Maynard and Melanie Acierno — recently earned doctorates in nursing. Nurse practitioners Sharon Sparacino and North Fork native Cindy Cichanowicz, of Peconic, both hold master’s degrees from Stony Brook University.

There are also eight registered nurses on staff. Five are certified in oncology, which requires passing an exam that candidates may not take until they have at least 1,000 hours of experience.

Consultations for new patients should be scheduled through new patient coordinator Vanesssa Harris. Riverhead office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Owner Beth Hanlon (front row from left), Patti Ogno and Caitlin Robinson. Elizabeth Burt (back row from left), Colin Tooker, Dawn Kochen and Joanne Rouse.

Owner(s): Elizabeth Hanlon

Year established: 1989

Location: 1236 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead

Phone: 631-727-1700

Number of employees: 12

Beth Hanlon is only 47, with two teenage kids, yet she’s an institution when it comes to the insurance business in Riverhead and on the North Fork. She founded her Allstate agency when she was in her 20s, a recent graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, after a friend from college who was working for Allstate in Farmingville told her the company was looking for agents.

“I never thought I would do that for a living,” Ms. Hanlon recalled, but she liked dealing with people and had experience working with telemarketing, so she interviewed with Allstate and talked to other agents. “They all seemed happy so I went for it. It was a good decision,” she said.

After training and obtaining the required licenses, she worked at the Sears in East Northport, when Sears owned Allstate. When Allstate became an independent company, she set up her own shop on Route 58 across from Herb Obser Motors, where her father was a salesman. She made plenty of trips across the street to get her dad’s business advice. When she needed more space for a growing staff, she moved east to another location on Route 58. She’s been in her current downtown Riverhead office for six years.

Today, Ms. Hanlon’s college friend, Elizabeth Burt, is her sales producer, and her husband, Owen, has become an Allstate agent himself so he can run the Wading River office they opened at 6278 Route 25A in April 2009. Ms. Hanlon is an insurance broker as well as an Allstate agent, so for products Allstate doesn’t offer — such as a new homeowner policy or commercial coverage ­— she can go to several carriers to find the best package.

Customer service, Ms. Hanlon says, has always been her specialty. She offers a drive-in claim service by appointment; if a client’s car is still safe to drive after an accident, he or she can bring it by and a staff adjustor will inspect it and help with any paperwork. Ms. Hanlon and her staff even make house calls; for example, they’ll come over to take the inspection photos that a new auto policy requires or help with claims paperwork. “It can be overwhelming,” she said of the claims process. “Just knowing someone will come and help, people appreciate it.”

Ms. Hanlon, who lives in Manorville with her family, is active with the Riverhead Rotary Club and the Manorville and Riverhead chambers of commerce. She also serves on the executive board of Aid to the Developmentally Disabled in Riverhead.

The Riverhead office is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The Wading River office (631-929-3400) is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

KATHARINE SCHROEDER PHOTO | Accountants Ellen Schultheis (from left), Adam Siejka, Karen Helinski and Laurie Heroy.

Owner(s): Karen A. Helinksi, CPA

Year established: 2007

Location: 240 Beckwith Ave., Southold

Phone: (631) 765-1118

Number of employees: 3

It takes more than a good head for numbers to be a good accountant; it takes a way with people — listening, learning and understanding, says Karen Helinksi, a CPA with her own firm in Southold.

With clients who are lifelong friends and neighbors, that knack must come easy for her.

Born Karen Domaleski in Greenport, she’s a 1980 graduate of Mattituck High School who studied business at C.W. Post and married a Southold man who is a corrections officer. When they were dating, she was already working for Sullivan & Preston, a Southold accounting firm.

One of her bosses there, Jim Preston, told her she should become a CPA herself — and she did, studying nights at LIU Southampton. Married and eight months pregnant with her daughter Kristin, she took and passed the CPA test in 1990.

Today, Ms. Helinski’s office is in the same location on Beckwith Avenue where she first worked in accounting. But now she owns the company, having bought out George Sullivan when he retired in 1999 and CPA Lillian Sheldon when she retired in 2007. Mr. Preston left the partnership in the late 1980s.

“Anyone can crunch numbers,” Ms. Helinski said, “but it’s all about one’s personality and how you deal with clients, sitting and talking and getting a feel for their concerns. That’s what makes a CPA extra special.”

It’s also “good to have roots in the community,” she added.

Her daughter is studying math at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and could make a great CPA herself, Ms. Helinski said, but Kristen is thinking more about teaching at the high school level. Ms. Helinski said she has taught her accounting, though, in case she ever changes her mind.

The company, which has three staff accountants — Laurie Heroy, Ellen Schultheis and Adam Siejka — offers a range of services for individuals and businesses, including tax planning and preparation, accounting and auditing.

“We view every client relationship like a partnership,” Ms. Helinski said, “and believe that our success is a result of the client’s success. We prefer to take a proactive approach. By keeping current on new tax laws and legislation, we are in a position to identify key tax planning opportunities that minimize both current and future tax liabilities.”

The firm has an interactive website that clients can use to track important deadlines and even collect their own information, at www.karenhelinskicpa.com. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Atlantis Marine World's Hyatt Place hotel is being built next to the aquarium on East Main Street in Riverhead.

Owner(s): Jim Bissett Jr. and Petrocelli Construction

Year established: 2000

Location: 431 E. Main St., Riverhead

Phone: 631-208-9200 ext. 426

Number of employees: approx. 20

Where on the North Fork can you go on a shark dive, take a pirate snorkelling adventure or hang out at a sea lion coliseum? Where else but on Riverhead’s otherwise notably unexotic East Main Street — at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium?

Now in its 11th year, the aquarium has been going strong, adding new features and drawing record attendance of more than 300,000 visitors each of the last two years, according to one of the owners, Jim Bissett Jr. The aquarium’s newest and biggest additions, a Hyatt hotel and the Long Island Exhibition Center, are now under construction next door, promising to draw even more people to Riverhead’s downtown.

Back in the mid-1990s, Mr. Bissett, a scuba diver and boater, wondered why a region surrounded “by all this water,” as he put it, had nothing to showcase its connection to the sea. The founder, with his wife Joan, of Bissett Nursery Corp. in Holtsville in 1964, he decided an East End aquarium could draw visitors, and he teamed up with Long Island’s Petrocelli Construction of Ronkonkoma to develop the project.

The aquarium took about five years to make it through the review process before construction began in 1999 on a 3.2 acre parcel on the Peconic River. Atlantis Marine World Aquarium opened a year later, featuring a 120,000 gallon main tank and several side exhibitions that played to the theme of the lost city of Atlantis.

“It’s not a science center,” Mr. Bissett explained. “It has a theatrical theme” that helps make it fun for kids and families. Until recently, marketing was aimed strictly at Nassau and Suffolk counties because of limited hotel space in the area, he said. With the completion of the Hyatt, marketing efforts will be extended into the five boroughs of New York City, he said.

Aquarium visitors can see more than 800 species of fish, visit the largest living coral reef display in the western hemisphere, ride a cage into the shark tank, waddle with penguins, watch sea lions perform, go on a pirate snorkelling adventure and watch river otters play. Boat tours of the Peconic River and Flanders Bay estuary are also offered.

A for-profit enterprise, Atlantis Marine World also books private and corporate events. It offers seating for up to 500 and cuisine prepared “by classically trained chefs,” according to a press release.

In addition, the aquarium is the base of operations for the non-profit Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Education, the state’s only licensed facility for rescuing and treating stranded marine animals.

The aquarium is open all year, every day except Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit atlantismarineworld.com or call the number listed above.