Call us! 908-704-2100
The Staff of Skydell Contracting, Inc.
OUR STAFF
RICHARD SKYDELL
President / CEO
After working in his family’s retail business for six years, Richard began noticing how often friends and family were frustrated by all the little “honey do” jobs that never seemed to get done. So he started Skydell Contracting, Inc. in 1988 with the goal of doing just that.
With a BS degree in Industrial Studies from Montclair State College in Montclair, NJ, Richard’s background encompasses both technical and practical know-how. When he’s not helping a customer redesign their kitchen, sourcing energy-efficient skylights for their bathroom, or installing a dehumidifying system as the first stage of a total basement remodel, he can be found serving as a professional consultant in material selection, project management, and even as an expert witness in court cases related to household damage and insurance restoration.
Richard’s particular strength is helping clients separate their needs from their wants, in order to guide them in making the best decisions about remodeling. “I try to talk people out of doing their project as a way to make sure they have their priorities in line before getting started. Once we have a direction in mind, I provide all sorts of suggestions and ideas to help them realize the most value for their remodeling investment.”
Richard loves spending time traveling with his wife Monica and recently became a Grandpa. He is an active volunteer with the Jewish Community Center in Bridgewater, the Temple Sholom Cemetery Association, and the Jewish Burial Society of Somerset County.
RICHARD AND HIS DAUGHTER
in the early 1990s
ERIKA LEWIN
Office Manager
Between growing up with a contractor father, and managing a variety of community programs, we immediately recognized Erika's innate talent for working with people in the construction industry. As our Office Manager, she serves as the friendly, reliable backbone of Skydell’s service. When Erika is not working, she is often utilizing the power tool confidence her father instilled in her to create or build something in her own home.
ALAN CHIAPPA
Production Manager and
Senior Project Manager
As a third generation craftsman in the construction industry, you could say home remodeling is in Alan’s blood.
During his more than 30 years experience, he has developed a broad range of knowledge and perspective in home remodeling, which he continues to foster through regular project management seminars, trade shows, and industry related events to keep up with the newest construction products and techniques.
JOHN POYNER
Project Designer
John’s skills in 3D computer design technology help our customers explore, refine, and confirm the look and feel of their space before construction ever begins. He works closely with Richard in the design of home remodels and additions to scope out the concept, and then provide 3D renderings that enable our clients to test out the overall layout of their remodeled or new space, take a virtual “walk through” to confirm how it will function and feel, and explore specific design details, colors, and finishes until everyone has a clear, visual direction and permit-ready plan for the upcoming project.
KATHRYN STRAUSS
Logistics Manager
For over sixteen years, Kathryn’s friendly, helpful spirit has been one of the first positive impressions that customers have when they work with Skydell. Her responsibilities include assisting Richard with scheduling, permitting, and subcontractors, as well as serving as our customer's primary liaison.
TODD COULTER
Project Manager
Todd literally grew up in the carpentry business, and after more than 20 years, his passion for the industry has never dimmed. In addition to appreciating the wide range of project types we work on here at Skydell, Todd especially enjoys custom builds, and finding unique solutions that help our clients be happy in their newly remodeled homes. Clients tell us they're impressed with his high attention to detail, as well as his considerate and respectful nature. On the weekends, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife and rescue kitty, attending live sports, participating in community events that support local businesses and charities, and eating made-from-scratch cookies.
DEVON SKYDELL
Sales
Skydell Contracting is in Devon’s blood. From the time she was old enough to understand what construction was, she’s been fascinated by it. Growing up around father, Richard, she was his little helper who was constantly hearing about Skydell Contracting and the jobs that they were doing. She even attended kindergarten career day as a contractor with her very own tool belt!
After graduating from college with a Studio Arts major and Business Administration minor, Devon moved to NYC working in advertising sales. After nearly 7 years in that industry honing her sales skills, she’s returned to her roots by joining the family business and following in her father’s footsteps. Devon’s love for working with people and residential design makes her feel right at home.
In her free time, Devon can be found working on custom commissioned paintings or spending time with family and friends.
CHRISTINE KOMJATI
Bookkeeper
THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF HOME REMODELING, RENOVATIONS, AND ADDITIONS
When Richard Skydell started Skydell Contracting back in 1988, his goal was to help people with all those small, odd jobs that never seem to get done around the house. He had always done this type of work for family and friends, and figured it could be a great way to make a living, doing something he knew and enjoyed.
Before long, people were asking him to do bigger and more complex projects until eventually, that became the majority of what his company did. 35 years later, Skydell Contracting has become known as one of the premier home remodeling contractors in central New Jersey—and Richard is still doing what he loves best.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Earn up to $500!
To a small business, there is no higher compliment than a referral... this is our way of saying thank you! When you refer someone to Skydell Contracting and they contract with us for a remodel, you can earn up to $500 depending on the contract size. Choose between a Visa or Master Card gift certificate, -OR- we'll make a donation in your name to the charity of your choice [as long as it's a registered 501(c)(3)].