Call us! 908-704-2100
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, Richard's daughter has joined the business, and they're carrying on the family name by doing what they love best!
OUR STAFF
DEVON SKYDELL
President
Skydell 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 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 skills, she’s returned to her roots by joining the family business to follow 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 loves working on custom commissioned paintings or spending time with family and friends.
Like father, like daughter in the early 1990s
RICHARD SKYDELL
Sales Manager and Founder
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 extensive construction background encompasses both technical and practical know-how. He has served 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 traveling with his wife Monica and grandchildren. 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.
TODD COULTER
Project Manager
Todd 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 rescue kitty, attending live sports, participating in community events that support local businesses and charities, and eating made-from-scratch cookies.
BRIAN KRETE
Lead Carpenter
From childhood on, Brian has always been interested in building things—whether helping his dad with projects around the home, or taking things apart to figure out how to put them back together. Training in the military and night classes honed his innate skills, and he began working on construction projects over 25 years ago. Whether it's a home addition, renovation, kitchen or bathroom remodel, clients love his calm problem solving nature, keen understanding of mechanical systems, and extra soft spot for their pets. When he's not managing projects for Skydell, Brian volunteers as a fire fighter with Dunellen, is a member of the American Legion, and loves fishing and growing his own vegetables.
JEAN CARLOS CARO
Lead Carpenter
Like so many in the industry, Jean grew up alongside a father who was an excellent carpenter, mason, and jack of all trades in the home renovation industry—talents that he clearly inherited. He loves helping clients explore ideas for their space, and is great at educating them about the construction process. Most of all, Jean loves seeing the sparkle in their eyes when the project is complete, knowing he had a hand in bringing it about. Born in the Dominican Republic and a fluent Spanish speaker, Jean spends his weekend cooking Dominican food, gardening, and enjoying playtime with his children and two puppies.
CHRIS GRAB
Carpenter
Chris has over 38 years of experience in construction, during which he's been a kitchen designer, sold interior and exterior millwork, and gained multiple certifications through WeatherShield, Anderson windows, and LJ Smith. Although he's more than capable of managing home additions and kitchen or bathroom renovations, his passion is doing custom carpentry for cabinets, built-ins, and fine millwork. Chris' favorite way to relax is spending time with family, when he's not going skiing, getting in a game of golf, and participating in a local softball league.
JORDYN PENNYFEATHER
Design and Estimating
After getting her start with Skydell back in 2013, Jordan has been working in the kitchen and bath industry ever since. From design and project estimating, to project management and coordination, her range of experience in everything from detailed 3-D design plans to hands-on project scheduling gives her a first-hand understanding of what it takes to bring a remodeling project to life. With strong communication and problem solving skills, she is known for making our customers feel comfortable and well informed throughout every stage of a project. Says she, "I keep them calm during a process that can be very overwhelming, and help them make informed decisions if they get stuck." Jordan's involvement in the remodeling industry extends to her community: she served as Communications Chair for the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Northern NJ Chapter for several years, as well as a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, local food banks, and the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. She also served as the Communications & Social Media Director for a local women’s networking group that focused on helping those in domestic violence situations. Outside of work, Jordan loves spending time with friends and family, reading, cooking, listening to music, and learning new things.
CHRIS POYNER
Design and Estimating
Chris came from a customer service-oriented family, and carries that philsophy into every project design and estimating effort. As a new homeowner, he understands first-hand the importance of finding a balance between cost and value, while incorporating the details that make a home feel like home. To date, he has successfully designed and estimated projects ranging from a kitchen and sunroom addition, and a remodel of a laundry/bathroom/guest bathroom, to an entire upstairs renovation of three bedrooms. "Communication is key to helping my customers understand everything about the process," Chris says. "I listen, and work hard to make the project feel like it truly reflects and belongs to my clients." When not on the job, he loves spending time with his young son and daughter, helping his church with fresh restaurant meal food drives, and lending a hand at a local retirement community for whatever help they might need, from cleaning to yard work. He also loves to draw and "am a big nerd when it comes to collectibles."
ELIZE CUMMING
Logistics Manager
Elize has always loved mixing creativity and analytics. With a bachelors degree in marketing and a masters in fashion marketing in New York City, she excels at keeping organized, solving problems, and making decisions based on critical thinking.
CHRISTINE KOMJATI
Bookkeeper
We couldn't be more blessed to have Christine as our fantastic bookkeeper for the past 22 years. She truly keeps this place running! In her spare time she loves working around her home and yard, spoiling her two dogs, and taking care of her chickens.
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)].