Learning the Art of Business The Owners Biography from pools halls to cyber Security

With my new sanding machine and spinner loaded in the Chevy Malibu, I was eager to embark on my journey as an independent business owner. The excitement was palpable, but reality quickly set in. The first few months were tough. I navigated the steep learning curve that came with running a business from scratch, grappling with logistics, scheduling, and the inevitable hiccups that come with any new venture.
There were days when self-doubt crept in, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But just like in pool, where every shot counts, I reminded myself that success in the wood flooring business demanded persistence, patience, and precision. I had learned to hustle in the past, and I was determined to apply that same tenacity to my new endeavor.
I established relationships with suppliers, starting with Long Island Maintenance, where I bought everything from polyurethane finishes to wood floor sealers to sandpaper. Jerry, who ran the store, quickly became a valuable resource. I visited him regularly, tapping into his extensive knowledge about flooring materials. He was always willing to offer advice, whether it was about the best finishes for high-traffic areas or tips on selecting the right grit of sandpaper for specific jobs. Building that rapport with Jerry over the years proved essential to my business’s growth.
Despite the support, the early days were challenging. One of the major hurdles I faced was the power of my equipment. The sanding machine I had initially purchased ran on 110 volts, which worked for smaller jobs but lacked the muscle needed for larger, more demanding projects. I quickly realized I needed an upgrade if I wanted to take on the types of jobs that could really propel my business forward.
That’s when I decided to invest in what we called the Big Machine—a powerful sanding machine that ran on 220 volts. It was a significant investment, but I understood that to grow my business, I needed to provide the best quality possible. After discussing my needs with Jerry, I found the perfect machine at Long Island Maintenance. It became the cornerstone of my operations, allowing me to tackle jobs that had previously felt out of reach.
Alongside the Big Machine, I also purchased a new spinner, which was essential for sanding the borders of floors, especially up close to the floor molding. Learning to use hand scrapers for tight corners became part of my routine, and I took pride in ensuring that every job was not just good, but perfect. In my mind, perfection wasn’t just a goal—it was a necessity. If I didn’t do a flawless job, complaints would trickle up to Irving, and then, inevitably, to my mother. That was a fate I wasn’t willing to face.
As my business began to stabilize, I found myself thinking about how to differentiate my services. I realized that to truly stand out, I needed specialized equipment that would allow me to tackle every nook and cranny of a space. That’s when I invested in an under-the-radiator machine, a handy tool that enabled me to sand flooring beneath radiators and other hard-to-reach places. This little investment made a huge difference; I was now able to ensure that every floor I sanded was flawless, regardless of the obstacles in the way.
I remember one job in a charming old house in Baldwin. The homeowners had painstakingly renovated every room, but the floors were a patchwork of unfinished sections due to the presence of radiators. When they saw the transformation, I achieved with the under-the-radiator machine, their eyes lit up with disbelief. It was moments like these that reinforced my belief in the importance of attention to detail and the pursuit of excellence.
Word began to spread about my work. Clients were thrilled with the results, and referrals started to pour in. The combination of my persistence and the quality of my equipment had begun to pay off. I also learned the importance of marketing. I created a simple portfolio of pictures in 1987, way before the internet was invented, showing the before and after photos of my projects, highlighting the transformation that my work could achieve.
As my clientele expanded, I started thinking about the future. I envisioned a company that not only focused on wood flooring but also embraced the idea of creating beautiful spaces. I wanted to partner with designers to offer complete renovation packages, turning my business into a one stop shop for clients looking to enhance their homes.
The vision was ambitious, but I felt ready to take it on. I had learned so much in a short time, and I was excited to see how far I could push my business. With each project, I felt more confident in my abilities, more connected to my community, and more determined to make a name for myself in the industry.
As I stood back to admire each finished floor, I realized that I wasn’t just building a business; I was crafting a legacy. A legacy that celebrated quality, creativity, and the relationships I had formed along the way. Each grain of wood beneath my fingertips represented not just a job completed, but a step further in my journey. The challenges I faced only fueled my determination, and I was ready to embrace whatever came next, knowing that with each challenge, I was shaping my future.

With the momentum of my growing business, I felt a palpable excitement in the air. Each completed project not only represented a job well done but also the forging of my identity in the wood flooring industry. I had built a solid foundation, but I was eager to expand my vision further.
As the summer months rolled in, I started considering how to elevate my brand. I wanted to create something that resonated with clients, something that went beyond just wood flooring. I began to explore the idea of offering comprehensive home renovation services. This would allow me to collaborate with interior designers, contractors, and homeowners in a way that would create cohesive, beautiful spaces.
To kick off this new venture, I decided to host a small open house at my workshop. I invited local designers, real estate agents, and past clients, showcasing the various flooring options and samples I had in stock. I also prepared a few examples of past projects, complete with before and after photos to illustrate the transformations. It was a chance to connect with my community and demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship that defined my work.
The open house turned out to be a success. Attendees were impressed not only by the quality of the flooring but also by my passion for the craft. I shared stories about my journey, from my early days in the pool hall to culinary school, and now into the world of wood flooring. People appreciated the personal touch, and connections began to blossom.
Among the guests was a local interior designer named Rina, who approached me with enthusiasm. She loved my work and proposed collaborating on some upcoming projects. Her designs were fresh and innovative, and I was thrilled at the prospect of working together. We discussed how we could create a seamless experience for clients, combining her eye for design with my commitment to quality flooring.
In the weeks that followed, we teamed up on several renovations, combining our expertise to create stunning interiors. I learned so much from Rina about color palettes, textures, and the overall flow of a space. It was inspiring to watch our visions come together, and our collaboration quickly gained traction in the community.
As our partnership flourished, I realized that I needed to expand my team. I brought on a few more skilled workers, allowing us to take on larger projects while maintaining the quality that had become our hallmark. I carefully selected individuals who shared my commitment to craftsmanship and had the same drive to succeed. It felt good to build a team that mirrored my vision for the business.
With more hands-on deck, we tackled bigger jobs, from upscale residences to commercial spaces. Each project presented its unique set of challenges, but I was ready to face them head-on. I recalled the lessons I had learned early in my career—adaptability, attention to detail, and the importance of communication. I made sure to involve my team in the decision-making process, valuing their input and fostering a collaborative environment.
One of the most rewarding projects we undertook was for a community center that aimed to create a welcoming space for families. They wanted to revitalize their old, worn-out floors, and I saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community. We worked closely with the center’s management, offering our services at a reduced rate to help them achieve their vision.
When we finished, the transformation was breathtaking. The new floors added warmth and character, and the community center felt rejuvenated. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the families who would enjoy that space made all the hard work worthwhile. It reinforced my belief in the importance of giving back, and I made a mental note to continue supporting community projects as my business grew.
This approach paid off. I started receiving inquiries from clients outside Baldwin, including homeowners and businesses in neighboring towns. I was thrilled to see my reach expanding, but I also knew I needed to maintain the quality and personal touch that had defined my business.
I decided to implement a customer feedback system to ensure we were meeting and exceeding expectations. After each project, I followed up with clients to gather their thoughts and experiences. This not only helped me improve our services but also fostered a sense of trust and transparency.
One day, while sorting through feedback, I came across a note from a family whose home we had renovated. They expressed their gratitude for not just the floors but for the care and respect we had shown throughout the process. Their words resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about business; it was about building relationships and creating spaces where memories would be made.
Looking back on my journey, I felt immense pride. From the early days of uncertainty to the flourishing business I had created in wood flooring, every step had been worth it. I was no longer just a kid from Baldwin with a dream; I was a business owner, a community member, and a craftsman. As I looked forward to the future, I was ready to embrace the possibilities that awaited, knowing that my passion and dedication would continue to guide me on this remarkable journey.

Running my own wood flooring business wasn’t just about physical labor—it was about learning how to manage a business, deal with clients, and handle the day-to-day challenges that come with being an entrepreneur. I had always been good at working with my hands, but running a business required a different set of skills.
I learned how to give accurate estimates, how to negotiate prices, and how to build relationships with clients. Irving had taught me a lot, but there were some lessons I had to learn on my own. Not every job went smoothly—there were times when a client would complain about something, and I had to figure out how to make things right. But I never backed down from a challenge, and over time, my reputation as a reliable, skilled craftsman grew, and I made a lot of money for that time. By the time I was 23 or 24, I was making a solid income from my wood flooring business, and things only improved as I got older. For nearly a decade, I poured my heart and soul into the work, learning not just the trade but how to run a successful business.
I took great pride in every floor I sanded, polished, and perfected. My work was my reputation, and I made sure that every customer was left satisfied. Over time, word spread, and my business continued to grow. I got so busy that I started hiring extra help when larger jobs came in. I was making enough money to live comfortably, which allowed me to buy my first house on Sportsman Avenue in Freeport, Long Island. It was a milestone moment for me—the house was a symbol of how far I had come since my early days hustling at Baldwin Billiards.

As I look back on my journey—from the days of vacuuming tables at Baldwin Billiards to becoming a chef, and now a successful business owner—I realize that the common thread through all of it has been craftsmanship. Whether it was perfecting a pool shot, creating a dish in the kitchen, or sanding a floor to perfection, I’ve always been driven by the desire to master my craft.
The lessons I learned in the pool hall—patience, precision, and perseverance—have carried me through every stage of my life. I’ve faced challenges, setbacks, and failures, but each one has taught me something valuable. The people I’ve met along the way—Ralph, Irving, Santos, my brother—have all played a role in shaping the person I am today. I worked hard and built something from scratch, and there’s a special pride in that.
It wasn’t just about making money; it was about perfecting a craft and building a legacy. I didn’t always know where life was going to take me, but I always put in the effort, no matter the field. That dedication had paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

In 1989, everything changed for me when I fell in love with my first wife. It was an intense, whirlwind romance that shifted the entire direction of my life in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. At the time, I was living on Sportsman Avenue, fully entrenched in my wood flooring business. But love, as they say, has a way of transforming everything.
I was willing to make some bold decisions for her, and soon enough, we got married. That was the beginning of a brand-new chapter in my life. I decided it was time for a fresh start, so I sold my house on Sportsman Avenue. It wasn’t just a matter of starting over physically—I was ready to clear the slate entirely. I even sold all my wood flooring equipment to Jerry at Long Island Maintenance to pay off the debt I owed him. I didn’t want any unfinished business to hold me back as I set my sights on the future.
The next destination was Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It called to me, offering an exciting new beginning—new city, new climate, and endless opportunities. With everything packed up, we moved into a modest two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the second floor. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough for us to start this new life together.
But the reality soon hit—I couldn’t live off my savings forever. It became clear that I needed to find a job to support our new life. My first job in Fort Lauderdale was in a boiler room, working as a broker selling precious metals—silver, gold, and platinum. While it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, it felt oddly familiar. The skills I had honed as a salesman and entrepreneur transferred seamlessly into this new venture. I adapted quickly and, in no time, I began to rise through the ranks.
Life was moving fast, and though Fort Lauderdale marked a new chapter, it was only the beginning of more adventures and challenges to come.
Life in Fort Lauderdale brought a mix of excitement, challenge, and the kind of uncertainty that comes with starting over. After the whirlwind romance and the rush to settle in a new city, the realities of building a life together began to set in. I threw myself into the job at the boiler room, putting in long hours to ensure we had enough to live comfortably. The job was tough and high-pressure, but in many ways, I thrived in that environment. It reminded me of the grind I had experienced before in New York, hustling to make things happen, whether in flooring, culinary school or shooting pool.
I worked alongside over 125 other telemarketers in a bustling, chaotic environment. We were all chasing the same goal—making the sale. The people I worked with were a unique mix of personalities, some who had been in the business for years and others, like me, who had found their way to this job as a steppingstone to something else. My previous experiences as a pool hustler, managing the pool hall at only 14 years old, managing men who were two to three or four times my age gave me an edge. I knew how to talk to people, how to build rapport, and most importantly, how to close deals. It wasn’t long before I was making solid commissions.
But work wasn’t everything. I had just gotten married, and the early days of our relationship were filled with excitement and possibility. We spent time exploring Fort Lauderdale, getting to know our new home. The beaches, the nightlife, the warm weather—it was a world away from the hustle of New York. For a while, everything felt like it was falling into place. My wife and I were building a life together, and despite the long work hours, there were moments of peace and joy that made it all worthwhile.
Still, the nagging feeling of needing more lingered. I couldn’t shake the sense that I was meant for something bigger. The boiler room was good for the time being, but I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life selling precious metals over the phone. I knew that eventually, I would have to pivot again, just like I had done so many times before.
In the back of my mind, I was already thinking about what was next. I wanted more than just financial stability—I wanted freedom, the kind of independence that comes from being your own boss. But for now, I focused on making the most of the present. Every day, I worked harder, saved money, and dreamed of what the future could hold.
Fort Lauderdale was just the beginning of this new chapter, but it was clear that the road ahead would be full of unexpected twists and turns. My love for my wife had brought me here, and I was determined to make this new life work, no matter what it took. The love that had brought us together was still strong, but the pressures of life were starting to creep in. As I would soon discover, balancing love, work, and ambition wasn’t always going to be easy. But then again, nothing worthwhile ever is.