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1st Street Partnerships

1st Street Partnerships is a Newark-based venture founded in 2023 by brothers Monk and Ifiok Inyang to help close gaps in access to artificial intelligence for underserved communities. Raised in Newark as the children of Nigerian immigrants, the brothers saw firsthand how limited resources and lack of access to technology exacerbate inequality. Their mission is to use AI as a tool for economic mobility and workforce empowerment.

The company’s core offering centers on Anchored Intelligence, a training framework designed to make AI adoption more approachable, practical and inclusive – providing live, high-energy learning experiences for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, universities and corporations.

1st Street Partnerships has developed partnerships with New Jersey Institute of Technology, Morgan State University and Gran Coramino Tequila, and has pitched its services to other organizations including Lyft.

“I think having access to quality education for people who care about that will have a ripple effect, especially with something like AI that creates what you do not even think of today,” Monk Inyang said. “I tell people all the time – it allows you to punch above your weight dramatically. It allows me to punch above my weight as I’m building my own business.”

The Alban Group

The Alban Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction firm based in Newark. Founded by Zeni Zerka, the company built its reputation on craftsmanship, creativity and a commitment to quality, a legacy that continues to guide its operations today.

The Alban Group provides specialized building services across the New York metropolitan area, focusing on high-end commercial and residential projects. Its expertise includes lobbies, hallways and office renovations, along with apartment, co-op, and condominium common element projects.

The company manages more than 800,000 square feet of commercial tenant fit-outs and build-outs annually, serving a broad range of clients, from residential buildings and corporate offices to institutional properties.

Through this work, the Alban Group, a 2024 NJBIZ Empowering Women honoree, has built a track record of delivering projects on time, on budget, and to exacting standards of design and craftsmanship.

In January 2025, the company promoted Tammy Smith to president, a newly created role that underscores its commitment to advancing women in the construction industry. Smith, recognized internally as “a driving force within the organization,” has been key to maintaining the firm’s reputation for excellence and growth, and her leadership reflects the Alban Group’s broader dedication to innovation, quality, and inclusion.

“We recognize the unique challenges women face in this field and are committed to breaking down barriers,” Smith told NJBIZ.

Alfred Sanzari Enterprises

Based in Hackensack, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises has been a cornerstone of real estate development and management in the region since its founding in 1945 by Alfred N. Sanzari. Originally focused on constructing single-family homes in Dumont, the company quickly expanded into multifamily, office, industrial and hospitality properties, building a reputation for integrity, innovation and long-term ownership.

Today, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises manages a diverse portfolio of over 6 million square feet, including 200 commercial tenants, more than 700 residential units and 700 hotel rooms across its flagship Glenpointe corporate campus in Teaneck, Court Plaza in Hackensack, and other premier locations.

With three generations of family leadership — David Sanzari as CEO, Ben Sanzari as vice president, and Ryan Sanzari as president — the company continues to prioritize strategic investments, property enhancements and tenant-focused amenities. Recent projects include capital improvements at the Glenpointe Marriott and leasing milestones at Court Plaza, reinforcing its commitment to creating spaces where people live, work and play.

This year, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Reflecting on the milestone, David Sanzari said, “From a very early age, my father learned the importance of financial responsibility, a strong work ethic, integrity and treating others with respect. His tireless work to ingrain these qualities in every aspect of our business has proved critical to our success over the past eight decades.”

Arizona Beverages

Arizona Beverages, founded in 1992 in Brooklyn, N.Y., is a family-owned and operated American company known for delivering high-quality beverages in distinctive, affordable packaging. While headquartered on Long Island, the company maintains a significant New Jersey presence, with its 1.2 million-square-foot Keasbey facility serving as its largest manufacturing and warehouse space since opening six years ago. The company sells $6 billion worth of tea, juice, water, energy drinks and cocktails annually, according to Forbes. Production spans multiple locations across the U.S. and Canada, but the Keasbey plant has become a central hub for both manufacturing and community engagement.

Last fall, Arizona launched “AriZonaLand,” an immersive, free 30-minute factory tour of the 70-acre campus. Visitors experience the beverage-making process firsthand, enjoy free samples of pre-released flavors, and learn about founder Don Vultaggio’s journey from truck driver to entrepreneur. The tour also highlights the brand’s 30-year legacy, innovative bottle designs, and vision for the future.

The brand has built a devoted following with its iconic 99-cent Big Cans, which it has kept at that price for more than three decades through efficient production, shipping practices and thinner cans.

“It would be a hell of a shame after 30-plus years [but] at some point the consumer is going to have to pay the price,” Vultaggio told The New York Times, reflecting on potential cost increases due to aluminum tariffs.

Atalanta Corp. / Gellert Global Group

Gellert Global Group, a third-generation, family-run business headquartered in Elizabeth, is one of North America’s largest and most established food importers. Founded in 1945 as Atalanta Corp., the company has expanded from a small family enterprise into a multi-brand organization serving manufacturers, retailers, food service distributors, hotels, restaurant chains, cruise lines and more. Today, Gellert Global Group generates over $1.7 billion in annual revenue, importing more than 5,500 products from over 60 countries worldwide.

Atalanta Corp., the company’s flagship subsidiary, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of excellence in sourcing and distributing specialty cheeses, meats, seafood, grocery items and other global foods. “Our 80th anniversary is not just about looking back — it’s about looking forward,” added George Gellert, chairman of the board of Gellert Global Group. “We are excited to continue exploring new opportunities and expanding our offerings while staying true to the values that have defined Atalanta for eight decades.”

In a major growth move, Gellert Global Group acquired Heartisan Foods, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty and flavored cheeses. Heartisan sells over 70 cheese products under brands including Red Apple and Cheese Brothers.

Boraie Development

Boraie Development, a family-led real estate firm in New Brunswick, has spent over 35 years reshaping urban landscapes across the state.

Founded by Omar Boraie, the company has grown under the leadership of Omar and his sons, Wasseem and Sam, earning a reputation for high-quality, transformative developments that revitalize cities while attracting tenants, residents and financial partners.

The firm specializes in mixed-use, transit-oriented projects, combining residential, retail and community spaces to create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods. Notable projects include ICONIQ 777 in Newark, a 370-unit mixed-use tower developed in partnership with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal; 930 McCarter Highway, a 25-story, 333-unit tower adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, supported by a $90 million Aspire tax credit; 11 Spring St. in New Brunswick, a 342-unit luxury apartment tower near Rutgers University’s medical campus; and The Aspire, a 30-story, 330-unit mixed-use building with retail space and 60 affordable units.

Boraie Development’s philosophy emphasizes long-term vision, unmatched quality and attention to detail — hallmarks instilled by its founder.

Bulbrite

Bulbrite, headquartered in Moonachie, is a family-owned lighting company founded over 50 years ago by Andrew Choi, an immigrant from Korea who came to New York City in the late 1960s to start a new life and pursue the American Dream. It is now led by his daughter, Cathy Choi.

Over the past five decades, the company has grown into a prominent leader in residential and commercial lighting by relentlessly focusing on three things: having the best people, making the best products, and truly caring about its customers.

The company’s flagship brand offers a broad range of decorative LED light bulbs, builder-grade bulbs and fixtures, and string lights, featuring nine distinct lighting technologies suitable for every application.

Bulbrite also emphasizes community and sustainability, partnering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to provide energy-efficient lighting solutions that help create brighter, more sustainable homes.

The company’s philosophy is summed up on its website: “Light is so essential – so fundamental – it impacts every moment of our lives. Everywhere there’s a well-lit moment, you’ll find BULBRITE – day and night. Indoors and out. At home and at work. It’s the light that creates an ambiance at dinner, brightens up our workspace, or creates a warming patio glow.”

Calandra’s

Calandra’s is a family-owned Italian bakery and culinary destination headquartered in Newark. Founded in 1962 by Italian immigrant Luciano Calandra and his wife Ortenza, the bakery quickly earned a reputation for its authentic breads and pastries. Their sons, Anthony and Luciano Jr., joined the business, carrying forward the family’s commitment to hard work, quality and customer service.

Today, Calandra’s operates three primary locations in Newark, Fairfield and Caldwell. The Caldwell site, known as Calandra’s Italian Village, combines the bakery with a gourmet deli, brick-oven pizzeria, wine shop, and even hotels and apartments. The bakery offers artisan breads, pastries, custom cakes and seasonal specialties, all baked fresh daily. The deli features cold sandwiches, hot pressed panini, fresh mozzarella, Italian sausages, and made-to-order catering for parties and events.

Over the years, Calandra’s products have expanded beyond traditional baked goods to include olive oils, coffee, fresh pasta, homemade sauces and Italian wines. The family’s hotels and apartments further showcase their dedication to hospitality and community. Although the business has grown considerably, its core philosophy remains the same: “Where we greet you and feed you like family,” reflecting the Calandra family’s enduring commitment to quality, tradition and customer experience.

Camden Apothecary

Launched in November 2023, Camden Apothecary is a one-of-a-kind cannabis dispensary located in Camden – building on a legacy that spans nearly a century. The shop operates alongside the historic Bell Pharmacy, founded in 1931, which originally dispensed cannabis until federal prohibition in 1937. With that history, Camden Apothecary is the only dispensary in the nation to have sold cannabis both before and after its long-standing ban.

The business was founded by third-generation pharmacists Anthony Minniti and Marian Morton, whose family took over Bell Rexall in 1997. The dispensary serves both recreational customers and medical patients, offering a full range of products including flower, cartridges, extracts, edibles, tinctures, topicals and pre-rolls.

Camden Apothecary has quickly become a regional leader, emphasizing a pharmacy-based cannabis model that integrates health care knowledge with therapeutic cannabis solutions. In February, the dispensary became the official cannabis partner of Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a recreational dispensary and a major entertainment venue.

Minniti said, “This is significant because it helps eliminate the stigma that is still often associated with cannabis and cannabis brands. I want to help demonstrate to the public that today’s cannabis products have a place among other well established recreational products like fine wine, craft beer, and spirits.”

Carson’s Cookies

Carson’s Cookie Dough in Fair Lawn is a mission-driven bakery dedicated to creating meaningful job opportunities for young adults with autism. Founded by Kelly Castro, the bakery was inspired by her son, Carson, who is on the autism spectrum, and the reality that many autistic adults lose support after age 21 and face unemployment rates as high as 80%.

Launched in 2023, the business began in a rented community kitchen, where Castro worked with students from local autism programs to teach baking, customer service and operational skills. A successful Kickstarter campaign raised over $52,000, allowing the bakery to open a permanent location in Fair Lawn. In addition to baked cookies and pre-portioned raw cookie dough kits, the storefront houses Just a Taste of New Jersey, featuring products from local businesses that also employ neurodiverse individuals.

Castro emphasizes that the goal is not long-term employment at the bakery, but to give participants the confidence and skills to transition into other workplaces. “I want them to start here, get some confidence, and then go and use the skills and the competency at a job somewhere else where their real dream is. And so, I really focus on the teamwork because I think that’s something you need no matter where you work and no matter what you do in life.”

Colavita USA

Headquartered in Edison, Colavita USA is a family-owned importer and distributor of premium Italian foods, known for its high-quality olive oils, pasta, vinegars, sauces and ready-to-serve products. Founded in 1979, the company has built a reputation for authenticity, producing specialty foods using traditional methods passed down through generations of the Colavita family.

The company’s commitment extends beyond taste, with sustainable production practices including recycling programs, zero-waste initiatives and energy generation via over 3,000 solar panels. Colavita also supports charitable causes through its Colavita Cares initiative, assisting individuals and families facing economic, physical or emotional challenges.

In March, Colavita USA expanded its portfolio by acquiring Vitelli Foods, the Englewood-based owner of the Luigi Vitelli brand, which has produced Italian pasta and tomatoes since 1885. CEO Giovanni Colavita said the acquisition preserves an iconic brand while leveraging Colavita’s distribution network to introduce Luigi Vitelli products to a broader audience.

“Quality and tradition is very important to us, and will always continue to be,” according to the company’s website.

The Connell Co.

The Connell Co., headquartered in Berkeley Heights, is a diversified, privately held firm with roots dating back to 1926, when Grover Cleveland Connell founded Connell Rice & Sugar in New York City. Over five generations, the family-led company has grown into one of the largest privately owned corporations in the U.S., expanding its operations into real estate, hospitality and equipment leasing.

Today, The Connell Co. is transforming its 185-acre Berkeley Heights campus, formerly known as Connell Corporate Park, into The Park, a mixed-use “work resort” destination. A major milestone in The Park’s evolution came this summer with the topping out of RT500, an 11-story residential tower offering 179 apartment units with resort-style amenities such as a pool, fitness center, entertainment lounges, and outdoor co-working spaces. This marks a key step in the $500 million repositioning of the campus toward a fully integrated live-work-stay environment.

“We’re thrilled to take steps closer to bringing our vision of what The Park could be to reality and we are truly excited for the momentum that we’re continuing to build here,” said Shane Connell, executive vice president.

Doherty Enterprises Inc.

Allendale-headquartered Doherty Enterprises has grown into one of the nation’s largest family-owned restaurant franchise operators since its founding in 1985 by Ed Doherty. The company started with a small portfolio of Roy Rogers locations in Connecticut and steadily expanded, adding Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and Applebee’s. Over the decades, it has become a top franchisee in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.

Today, Doherty Enterprises operates more than 160 restaurants, including 79 Applebee’s, 56 Panera Breads, 19 Wendy’s and two Chevys, alongside proprietary concepts like Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. The company recently expanded its Applebee’s footprint in New York City by acquiring 21 locations in 2024 and also introduced Jinya Ramen Bar to New Jersey.

Led by President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Doherty, the firm emphasizes employee engagement, low management turnover and strong community connections. Its culture prioritizes operational excellence, guest satisfaction and giving back through initiatives like the WOW A Friend Foundation, which has distributed $5.7 million to employees in need.

Eastern Janitorial Co.

Eastern Janitorial Co., a second-generation, family-owned business founded in 1977 as R&R Maintenance, is headquartered in Parsippany and has grown to become a leading provider of janitorial and maintenance services across the tri-state area and beyond. Under the leadership of the Rafanello family, the company has built a legacy of reliability, integrity, and customer focus, serving as a trusted partner for owners and property managers. Nick Rafanello serves as the company’s president and CEO

Eastern Janitorial offers a comprehensive suite of services, from general office cleaning, carpet and hard floor care, and window washing to specialty projects, green cleaning and janitorial supply management. Its focus on hiring skilled professionals, providing continuous training, and leveraging the latest industry tools has been central to its sustained growth and reputation for excellence.

The company has expanded both organically and through strategic acquisitions, marking key milestones along the way. Most recently, Dino Iuliano was appointed chief operating officer, bringing decades of leadership experience in building services, operations and multi-state growth to the organization.

Eat Clean Bro

Eat Clean Bro, founded in 2013 in Monmouth County, has grown from a $300 kitchen startup into a $20 million-plus meal prep brand with more than 100 employees. Co-founders Jamie and Kayla Giovinazzo have built the company around a mission of simplifying clean eating through chef-prepared meals made from all-natural ingredients, free from preservatives, chemicals and processed foods.

Under the leadership of the Giovinazzo family, Eat Clean Bro serves customers nationwide through direct-to-consumer subscriptions, one-time orders and a growing retail presence in supermarkets, including Livoti’s Old World Market, ShopRite, Fairway Market and Gourmet Garage. The company also operates storefronts at its Eatontown production facility and in Point Pleasant. Its menu caters to diverse diets — high protein, low carb, gluten-free, pescatarian and vegetarian — and emphasizes fresh, seasonal offerings with global flavor influences.

“Flexibility and empathy have become key – we’re constantly listening and adapting to what people need most,” said Jamie. Community engagement is central to the brand, with initiatives such as the “Bro Gives Back” program, meal donations to Children’s Specialized Hospital, support for first responders, and collaborations with local charities and celebrities like Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Todd Frazier and more.

More NJBIZ In the Lead 2025: Family-Owned Businesses honorees:

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