Larken Associates

Branchburg
David Gardner, president and CEO

Founded in 1965 by Lawrence Gardner, Larken Associates has grown from a single-family home builder into a leading full-service commercial and residential real estate firm based in Branchburg. Led today by President and CEO David Gardner, Lawrence’s son, the family-owned company has spent six decades bringing exemplary properties across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania to life.

Larken’s commercial portfolio spans approximately 4 million square feet and 1,200 tenants across office, industrial, retail and mixed-use properties, while its Larken Living residential portfolio includes approximately 3,000 units across 20 unique communities — and more than 1,300 additional units in the development pipeline. Guided by a long-term, hands-on approach, Larken oversees every stage of its development projects, from initial conception through lease-up, and retains ownership of its properties beyond stabilization.

The firm’s deep commitment to giving back is reflected in Larken Cares, its initiative that encourages employees to come together and support those in need, both in the local communities in which Larken operates and beyond. As a second-generation family business, Larken remains guided by the founding values of integrity, quality and reliability that have shaped its growth for 60 years.

Like Air (Lulu Snacks Inc.)

Madison
Allison Lin, co-founder

Like Air launched in 2020 with the mission to improve better-for-you snacking without compromising flavor. Founded by siblings Allison Lin and Steve Atieh, the business remains family-owned and proudly based in New Jersey.

Starting with the brand’s signature Puffcorn, featured on Shark Tank in 2024, the brand has delivered on its commitment to a flavor-first philosophy, launching nearly 30 unique and loveable flavors since inception. As of June 2026, the brand is now giving consumers a new way to enjoy snacking – Like Air Drizzled Rice Cakes.

Like Air is committed to creating delicious snacks the whole family can enjoy. All Like Air products are gluten-free and made in a nut-free facility.

NAI James E. Hanson

Teterboro
William Hanson, president

NAI James E. Hanson is a full-service commercial real estate firm founded in 1955 and is focused on helping clients navigate buying, selling, leasing and managing over 7 million square feet of properties across office, industrial, retail and investment sectors. As part of the global network of NAI Global, the firm combines strong local market knowledge with international reach with over 325 offices worldwide. The company is currently spearheaded by William “Bill” Hanson, the third generation to run the firm.

The company’s strong culture is evident in its outstanding employee retention, with two team members serving more than 50 years, one exceeding 40 years of service, and 12 employees reaching more than 10 years with the company.

NAI James E. Hanson is also committed to giving back to the communities it is part of. Partnering with various nonprofit organizations and charities each year, including The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties, Jersey Cares and Center for Food Action New Jersey (CFANJ), the firm organizes food drives, coat drives, school supply drives, fundraisers and gift donations for families in need during the holidays. Hanson, encourages all employees to participate and ensures the company makes a contribution equal to the donations raised by the team.

National Retail Solutions (NRS)

Newark
Elie Katz, founder and CEO

Established by President and CEO Elie Katz, NRS is one of America’s leading technology providers for independent retailers, convenience stores, neighborhood markets, liquor stores and bodegas, helping thousands of small businesses compete with larger retail chains through innovative, easy-to-use technology. Operating in more than 27,000 stores nationwide, NRS offers a complete retail ecosystem that combines advanced point-of-sale technology, payment processing, business management tools, marketing solutions, AI-powered insights, and customer engagement programs designed specifically for independent merchants and provides a complete retail ecosystem that combines advanced point-of-sale technology, payment processing, business management tools, marketing solutions, AI-powered insights, and customer engagement programs designed specifically for independent retailers and bodega owners, comprising over 27,000 active POS terminals in stores nationwide. NRS is a subsidiary of IDT Corp. The NRS Plus platform goes well beyond a traditional POS system by giving retailers everything they need to operate more efficiently, increase sales, improve customer loyalty, enhance security, and grow their businesses—all from a single integrated platform that can be managed both in-store and remotely.

Paramount Bakeries Inc.

Newark
Shraga Zabludovsky, president

Paramount Bakeries was established in Newark in 1924. For 102 years, the company has baked bread for the region it calls home, growing from a neighborhood bakery into one of the Northeast’s leading wholesale operations. For over three decades, Paramount has been owned and run by the Zabludovsky family. Under its leadership, the bakery has grown in scale while staying grounded in the values that built it: quality, reliability, and pride in the work. Today, Paramount produces 400,000 pounds of bread each week for customers across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware. Its ovens run nearly around the clock, turning out more than 150 items daily for grocery, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, education and institutional accounts. Paramount’s line spans everyday breads and rolls, sandwich breads, rye, Pullman, Italian and French loaves, focaccia and specialty items. Even at this scale, Paramount says it has remained a family business in the truest sense. “We are here every day. We know our customers. We answer the calls. We solve the problems. We stand behind every product that leaves our bakery, because our name is on it, and because generations of customers have trusted us to get it right.” What people know us for is the bread. Good bread begins with simple ingredients, but doing it well, every day and at scale, takes discipline, experience, and people who take the work seriously. More than 100 years after our founding, we are proud to keep baking in Newark.

Phillip Jeffries

Fairfield
Phillip and Jeffrey Bershad, co-CEO and president

From humble beginnings with just 10 grasscloths and a dream, Phillip Jeffries has grown into a global leader in natural, textured and specialty wallcoverings. The journey is built on creativity, craftsmanship and a deep passion for design. Phillip Jeffries also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Still proudly family-owned, the company’s mission is to inspire a more beautiful world through thoughtfully curated, award-winning collections. It believes walls are more than surfaces — they are opportunities to express style, evoke emotion and transform spaces.

With over a million yards in stock, the fastest delivery in the industry, and a team known for its dedication and expertise, Phillip Jeffries makes the design process seamless and enjoyable. From timeless textures to innovative materials, every product reflects a commitment to quality and love for beautiful design.

It also believes in making a positive impact beyond design. The company headquarters and warehouse are powered by 100% wind energy. Through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Phillip Jeffries has planted over 500,000 trees worldwide, helping restore land and reduce carbon emissions. Its goal is to reach 1 million trees. It also supports local communities through initiatives like clothing drives, soup kitchens and environmental clean-ups.

PrimoHoagies

Westville
Nicholas Papanier Jr., owner, president and CEO

PrimoHoagies is a family-owned brand founded in 1992 and headquartered in Westville. What began as a single South Philadelphia neighborhood hoagie shop has grown into a premier specialty sandwich concept with 100-plus locations across multiple states. Throughout its growth, PrimoHoagies has remained steadfast in the values that defined its founding: quality, authenticity, family, and community.

Under the leadership of the Papanier family, PrimoHoagies has transformed from a beloved local favorite into a nationally recognized franchise while preserving the family values that remain at the heart of the brand. Owner, President and CEO Nicholas Papanier Jr. has led the company’s strategic expansion into new markets, driving sustained growth while maintaining the high standards, operational excellence, and customer experience that have become synonymous with the PrimoHoagies name.

Known for premium meats and cheeses sliced fresh to order, signature seeded bread baked fresh daily, and authentic Italian family recipes, PrimoHoagies has cultivated a loyal following and a strong network of franchisees who share the company’s commitment to quality, consistency, and service. Today, PrimoHoagies continues to grow without losing sight of what made it special from the start: great food, genuine hospitality, and a strong sense of family. Proudly headquartered in N.J., the company remains committed to delivering a “real deal” hoagie experience to every community it serves.

Saker ShopRites Inc.

Holmdel
Richard Saker, CEO and president

The Saker family has been operating grocery stores since 1916, when their great-grandfather opened a mom-and-pop grocery in Freehold. Today, the family’s company, Saker ShopRites, is still a proud New Jersey-based business. Fourth- and fifth generation family members operate 40 supermarkets – including 39 ShopRite stores with ShopRite Pharmacies and one Dearborn Market – serving families throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Burlington, Somerset and Ocean counties.

Saker ShopRites has built its reputation on providing value, quality and selection while serving as a trusted neighborhood grocer. The company employs nearly 12,000 associates and is deeply committed to the communities where its associates and customers live and work. Saker ShopRites is also the largest member of Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative whose members represent independent, family-owned supermarket businesses.

Community involvement and support of local organizations is a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Through the support of associates and customers, Saker ShopRites has helped raise more than $1 million for the Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation, a New Jersey-based organization serving those living with ALS. The company also helps fight food insecurity through ShopRite Partners In Caring and partnerships with Fulfill food bank and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, reflecting its long-standing belief that strong communities help everyone thrive.

Schweid & Sons

Carlstadt
Jamie Schweid, president and CEO

Schweid & Sons is a family-owned premium protein purveyor with four generations of experience in the meat industry and roots dating back to the late 1800s. Headquartered in Carlstadt, the company crafts exceptional beef and protein offerings, including its signature burgers and ground beef. Schweid & Sons maintains a focus on innovation and is expanding into premium seasoned beef products. Schweid & Sons products can be found on grocery shelves and restaurant menus nationwide, bringing people together around meals worth savoring.

Stephen Gould

Madison
Justin Golden, CEO and president

Stephen Gould is the largest independent supply chain solutions provider in the United States. Family owned for more than 80 years, the company helps a wide range of businesses bring products to market through customized, end-to-end supply chain solutions. With more than $1 billion in annual revenue, more than 40 locations worldwide and a trusted global partner network, Stephen Gould delivers expert support that spans product and packaging design, prototyping, manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain management and global logistics. By combining global reach with personalized service and deep industry knowledge, the company helps clients navigate complexity, build resilient supply chains and accelerate growth.

Stew Leonard’s

Paramus
Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO

Founded in 1969, Stew Leonard’s is a family-owned and operated farm fresh food grocery store with eight locations across Connecticut (Norwalk, Danbury, Newington); New York (East Meadow, Farmingdale, Yonkers); and New Jersey (Paramus, Clifton). The stores are famous for their fun, country-fair atmosphere, earning them the nickname the “Disneyland of Dairy Stores.” Costumed characters and animated entertainment keep kids happy while their parents shop.

The chain’s legendary customer service is anchored by two famous rules: Rule No. 1 is that the customer is always right, and rule No. 2 states that if the customer is ever wrong, you must re-read rule No. 1. This philosophy is so core to the company that it is etched into a 3-ton granite rock at every store entrance.

This customer-first culture is driven by the acronym S.T.E.W., which stands for satisfying the customer, teamwork getting it done, excellence making it better, and WOW making it fun.

NJBIZ In the Lead 2026: Family-Owned Businesses Index
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