Alure Home Improvements

Douglas Cornwell, Chief Operating Officer for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 1994.

Doug earned his bachelors degree from Muhlenberg College in 1975 and added an MBA and a MS-HRM from St. Joseph’s College in 2009 and 2011.

Doug has been involved in the remodeling business since 1976 as a designer, installer and owner of a local remodeling company.  He joined Alure Home Improvements in September of 1994 and served in several roles over the years including Project Manager, Department Manager, Executive Director and VP of Operations.  Currently, Doug serves as Alure’s Chief Operating Officer with responsibilities ranging from operations to compliance and legal issues.

Doug earned his accreditation as a CKD in 1984 and was certified by The Nassau County Supreme Court as an expert in Residential Remodeling in 2005.  He was instrumental in planning, designing and completing Alure’s eight builds for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.  Cornwell was the recipient of the St. Joseph’s College Thomas A. Doherty Award for Ethical Leadership in March 2010 and served on the Graduate Management Studies Executive Advisory Board from 2010-2013.  Doug has been recently added to the Business Department’s adjunct faculty beginning in 2014, is an avid sports fan, enjoys golfing, watching sports and doing small projects around the house.

Awards & Achievements:

• 1984 Certified Kitchen Designer Certificate (CKD)
• 2005 Certified as an expert in Residential Remodeling by Nassau County Supreme Court
• 2010 Thomas A. Doherty Award for Ethical Leadership
• 2010-2013 Served on Graduate Management Studies Executive Advisory Board
• Lead Project Manager in 8 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Builds
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within

Salvatore Ferro, President, CEO and owner of Alure, started his career with Alure in 1989 as a production manager.

After serving in production, sales, and general management roles, Ferro took on the roles of President & CEO of Alure in 2002. With Ferro’s leadership and remarkable people skills, Alure grew from a small painting contractor to one of the most successful remodeling companies in the country. Ferro believes the key to a successful company is its people and he has worked to promote a team attitude that focuses on an inclusive culture, where employees are encouraged to share input, as well as attend personal development training such as Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie Seminars. Ferro graduated from Lindenhurst Senior High School in 1981 and then attended SUNY Farmingdale where he graduated in 1984. Ferro spent some time in sales and financial planning before applying his passion for construction in his current career, working at a few different home improvement companies before joining Alure in 1989. He achieved his Certified Remodeler (CR) Certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 1997. He also achieved his Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) Certification from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) in 2002.

Industry professionals not only look to Ferro for advice on ways to improve and develop products in the remodeling industry, but also for how to manage a company and cultivate the right employees to reach the standard of service that Alure Home Improvements has attained. Ferro has appeared on numerous radio shows about home improvements; been featured in print publications such as Newsday, Remodeling Magazine, Building Long Island, Professional Remodeler and Replacement Contractor; spoken at various industry events including NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) and the Replacement Contractors Executive Conference; and hosted a number of renovation episodes on the D-I-Y channel, Bar Rescue and Smart Consumer.  Most notably, Ferro and Alure Home Improvements’ remarkable reputation enabled them to participate in the hit ABC T.V. show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where they completed eight projects for the show.  Ferro’s leadership, positive attitude, management capabilities, and determination were instrumental to the successful completion of each project.

Ferro, one of the most respected leaders in the home improvement industry, and Alure, one of the most successful remodeling companies in the country, have received numerous accolades for their work.  In 2010, Alure received the “Owens Corning Excellence in Customer Service Award” as well as the “Owens Corning Franchise of the Year Award. Alure was also honored with the “Forbes Business Enterprise Award” in February, 2007. In April 2010, the Long Island Press listed Ferro as one of the “Top 50 Most Influential People on Long Island” and he was subsequently inducted into the Long Island Press Powerlist Hall of Fame. In April 2006 the Long Island Business News listed Alure as one of “Long Island’s Hottest 25 Companies.” Alure has also received the “National Remodeler of the Year Award” from Professional Remodeler Magazine. He was honored by Owens Corning with the Panther Award for outstanding service, leadership and development of the Owens Corning Basement Franchise.  In October 2008, the HIMS group (Home Improvement Management Summit), honored Ferro as an Industry Legend, for his innovation, dedication and leadership, saying that his “creativity, improvisation, risk taking, and willingness to share have set a high standard for those who seek excellence in the Home Improvement Industry”. SUNY Farmingdale honored Ferro, a Farmingdale alumnus, at their annual Business Hall of Fame Gala in November 2008 inducting him into their Business Hall of Fame. In 2008, Ferro was featured on the cover of Replacement Contractor and Remodeling Magazine, and also received one of his most prestigious awards; The Fred Case  Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2009, Alure was honored with the Best of Long Islands Awards for Best Contractor, by both the Long Island Press and the Long Island Business News, and most recently, was honored by LIBN with an Outstanding CEO award in 2014. Ferro also hosted a weekly radio show, “Home on Long Island”, on WHLI that focused on all facets of home improvements. In 2013, Ferro put on the gloves and boxed in Long Island’s Fight for Charity as the main event (and event he now hosts annually) and in May of 2014, Ferro was honored by the Long Island Association with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service, and in 2015 voted as Long Islands Most Philanthropic Person by Long Island Press Best of the Best.

Ferro has achieved remarkable success at Alure, by implementing a Raving Fans philosophy that has every single employee feeling as if they are part of the family, and accepting responsibility for exceeding customer’s expectations at every step. Ferro lives in Commack with his 3 children, and his new bride Molly, along with her daughters.

Awards & Achievements:

• 1997 Certified Remodeler (CR) Certification from NARI
• 2002 Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) Certification from the NKBA
• Speaker at the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) and the Replacement Contractors Executive Conference
• The Fred Case  Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Owens Corning Panther Award
• 2008 “Industry Legend”  by the Home Improvement Management Summit Group
• 2008 Business Hall of Fame by SUNY Farmingdale
• 2010 “Top 50 Most Influential People on Long Island” by LI Press
• 2014 LIBN Outstanding CEO award
• 2014 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from the Long Island Association
• 2015 & 2016 Long Islands Most Philanthropic Person by LI Press Best of the Best
• Long Island Fight For Charity Participant
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within

Frank Stehlik, Director of Operations, Exteriors, Alterations, Sunrooms, Basements and Handyman Home Services Departments for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2004.

Prior to Alure, Frank was in the construction and banking industry.  Straight out of high school, Frank was in the construction field for 12 years, doing everything from new home builds to renovations.  After that, he was in the financial banking industry for about 15 years.   However, Frank’s true love was always construction, so in 2004, he got back to the field.

Frank started his career with Alure as a Basement Production Supervisor in 2004.  He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Director for Operations of the Sunroom department in 2006.  Alure saw Frank’s dedication and commitment to our clients as well as the company and he took on the additional role of Director of Operations for the Exterior department in 2010.  In 2012, he added on the departments of Alterations, Basements and Handyman Home Services to his operations role.

Frank is highly involved and oversees large alterations jobs himself, as well as oversees the day to day production operations of his team.  He has 7 project supervisors under him as well as 150+ trade mechanics.  Frank handles the responsibility of interviewing, training and managing production supervisors as well as all trade mechanics for his respective departments.

Frank is very involved and supportive of a number of charities including The InterFaith Nutrition Network, The Clark Gillies Foundation, J.E.T.S. (Joining Everyone Together To Share) and The Long Island Builders Institute.  When Frank is not working you can find him at the gym, golfing or traveling.  Frank’s favorite place to travel is the Caribbean.

Awards & Achievements:

• Owens Corning Certified
• CertainTeed Certified
• Knowing Point: Powerful Interviewing Skills
• Knowing Point: Profitability Booth Camp (Robert Ebers)
• Team Captain for Several of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Editions
• Rodney Web
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash The Power Within

John Brower, Director of Operations, Kitchen and Bathroom Departments for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2009.

Prior to Alure, John owned his own commercial construction consultant company for 25 years.  After that John was the Vice President and Production Manager for 8 years at a commercial construction company.  He worked on many large projects including the Liberty Science Center & Hall of Technology, The Hebert H. Lehman College Physical Education Facility and The Newark International Airport Monorail Remote Stations.  From there, John went into residential construction and was a Project Manager for 4 years handling multiple divisions.

In 2009, John started his career with Alure as a Territory Manager for Sales & Production in New Jersey.  Within a year, Alure saw John’s potential and made him the Director of Operations for the 5 Day Bathroom and 10 Day Kitchen Department.  He now manages both the Extreme and Custom Kitchen and Bathroom Departments at Alure.  He manages 20+ installation crews scheduling, reviews and troubleshoots production challenges, is responsible for recruiting, training and managing installers, service technicians and production coordinators and is the liaison between production and sales directing sales product knowledge and developing new products.

When John is not working you can find him at the beach, watching movies and watching his favorite team, the New York Giants.  John’s favorite movie is Godfather 2 with any James Bond movie coming in a close second.

Awards & Achievements:

• Licensed Commercial Contractor
• Home Improvement License
• Tony Robbins Unleash The Power Within

Matthew (Matt) Tarabokija, Director of Information Technology for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2009.

Before working at Alure, Matt was an IT Support Services Supervisor at Gucci for 8 years. Prior to that, he worked as a Field Desktop Specialist at Bank of America for 10 years.

Matt began his career at Alure in 2009 as a Systems Administrator. He was the front line of defense against all computer issues. Virus threats, hardware or software issues or negotiating service-provider contracts, Matt was up to the task and handled it all expertly. When the job of Director of Information Technology opened up, Matt was the sure fire choice to take the reigns and transitioned into the position seamlessly.

When Matt is not at work, you can find him watching his children play sports or volunteering his time at the youth football and high school snack stand. He also enjoys tinkering with projects around the house and using his new Weber app to grill food on the barbecue.

Awards & Achievements:

• Cisco Network Academy Course
• Network + Certification
• A + Certification
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Certification
• Red Hat Linux Training Course

Salvador Vines, Director of Operations, Custom Kitchen and Bathroom Department for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 1996.

Prior to Alure, Sal owned a local kitchen and bathroom remodeling company.

In 1996, Sal started his career with Alure as an Installer in their kitchen and bathroom department.  He worked his way up to a Production Supervisor overseeing multiple job sites and crews and in 2007 he became the Director of Operations for the custom kitchen and bathroom departments.

When Sal is not working you can find him playing beach volleyball, running, working out, dancing, biking, reading or spending quality time with friends and family.

Awards & Achievements:

• Dale Carnegie Course
• Highest Award for Achievement from Dale Carnegie
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within
• Team Captain for Several of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Editions

Byron Chandler, Sales Support Manager for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2009.

Prior to Alure, Byron was involved in the mortgage industry where he found much success between 2003 and 2008.  He began his career as a loan officer and finished his career managing a team of about 6 loan officers and answering directly to the VP of the brokerage.

In March 2009, Byron was hired as a Sales Support Representative at Alure.  He had the opportunity to learn on the front lines, considering the Sales Support team is the customer service hub.  They deal with everything from initial prospect interest to service of the project completed.

Byron has always had a niche for detail orientation and working well with others and these natural talents were quickly noticed by the Sale Support Manager who decided to appoint him Supervisor of the team after three short years.  In his time as a supervisor, Byron had the opportunity to hold dual responsibilities, still applying his talent and ability to Alure’s customer base while simultaneously working hand and hand with the management and executive teams. As a supervisor, he further developed his call center skills and abilities, working vigorously with the scripts and rebuttals in order to have the skills necessary to be the sole trainer for all new hires into sales support.  He was able able to evaluate all calls both inbound and outbound to uncover inaccuracies and instruct how to complete faster or more efficiently.

After two years serving as a Supervisor, Byron was offered the opportunity to run the entire Sales Support team as the manager and has not looked back since.

When Byron is not working you can find him at the gym 3 to 4 days a week, playing basketball, mixed martial arts training, visiting new restaurants on the island or in the city, since he’s a huge foodie and spending time with family and friends.

Awards & Achievements:

• David Yoho Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within

Gina Bonura, Director of Sales & Designs – Showroom Manager, Custom Kitchen and Bathroom Department for Alure Home Improvements, began her career at Alure in 2002.

Gina Bonura came to us with a diverse background.  Prior to starting a family, Gina was an executive legal secretary and paralegal for 11 years.  She also worked as a motivational speaker for an international company.  Once the family came along, Gina enjoyed her time as a stay at home mom for several years.  She began to take an interest in decorating and interior design and was often asked for design assistance from family members and friends.  Gina recognized that she had a great passion for space planning and the skill of combining light and color, so she decided to go back to school to pursue this dream.

Gina Bonura began her career at Alure in 2002 as a greeter while working on her degree in interior design.  Initially, seeking only to “follow around the designers for an internship,” Gina quickly realized she had found a company that would nurture and refine her talents and become her 2nd family.  Gina swiftly transitioned from greeter/ intern to successful Custom Kitchen and Bath Designer.  Over the next fourteen years Gina established a solid repeat and referral customer base, comprised of many “Raving Fans.”

In 2012 Gina was promoted to the Director of Sales and Design for the Custom Kitchen and Bath department as well as showroom manager.  Many of the beautiful and multifaceted displays in our 8,000 Sq ft. showroom in East Meadow are shining examples of her extraordinary talent.

Today, Gina is dedicated to training and mentoring new designers. She takes great pride in her team’s success and hard work ethic.  Gina continues to inspire every designer on her team by providing them with on going training and support.  Gina fosters a positive work environment where all the designers under her management can thrive and shine.

When Gina is not working she loves cooking, walking the boardwalk at Jones Beach, spending time with her family and their most recent addition, her adorable grandson Christopher, who is undoubtedly her true pride and joy!!

Awards & Achievements:

• American Society of Interior Design (ASID)
• National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Training Course
• Motivational Speaker International Company – Neuro-Linquistic Programming
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within
• Phil Rea
• Rodney Web

Michael Goldberg, Director of Sales, Extreme 10 Day Kitchen and 5 Day Bathroom Department for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2007.

Prior to Alure, Michael owned his own pool contracting company in Florida for 8 years before he moved back to New York.  When he came back, he got into real estate field for a few years before finding the love for home improvements.  He joined a bathroom remodeling company where he spent four years learning his trade.

In 2007, Michael started his career with Alure as a 5 day bathroom design consultant and then added 10 day kitchens to his specialties.  He was one of the first designers in this new niche department and quickly exceeded expectations in the field as well as in training new hires.  He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Director of Sales for the Extreme 10 Day Kitchen and 5 Day Bathroom department in 2009.

Michael has grown the Extreme Department from the ground up and which has become one of the most popular departments for clients looking to redo their kitchen or bathroom but either have time constraints or love their layout but need something new.

When Michael is not working you can find him at the gym, traveling, or going to New York City for dinner and a show.  He especially enjoys visiting Europe and in particular having a glass of wine somewhere along the Amalfi coast.

Awards & Achievements:

• National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Training Course
• Real Estate Licensed
• Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within
• David Yoho

Michael Kontryn, Director of Sales – Alteration and Basement Division for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in the beginning of 2016.

Prior to joining the Alure team, Mike started his career in the mid 80’s working the trade with his hands and tools.  He first went into framing new homes and then moved onto residential remodeling. In the mid 90’s Mike signed on to become an installer for Alure.  After just few jobs, Carl Hyman, one of the owners back then, said “why don’t you take off your tool belt and have an inside career.” So with that said, Mike moved into a Production Supervisor role and then into a Sales position which he held into the early 2000’s.

From there, Mike went on to become an Operations Manager for a large exterior contractor on eastern Long Island and then General Manager for a large residential remodeling company in Nassau. In early 2016, fate led Mike back home to Alure where he brings his 30+ years in construction and construction management to Alure’s Alterations and Basement divisions as a Sales Manager.

Mike is very involved with his two children, evolving from coaching them in youth sports to now watching his son play high school football and wrestling and supporting his daughter’s success through her college journey at Manhattan’s FIT. For recreation you can always find Mike outdoors. From boating, fishing, or playing golf to escaping to the Adirondacks for snow sports, hiking, or quading.

Awards & Achievements:

•  HUD/NARI Lead Remodeler’s Training Program
•  GAF Factory Certified Professional
•  Chief Architect Intermediate Training Seminar
•  David Yoho Training

Michael Camastro, Vice President of Customer Service for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 1979.

Prior to joining Alure, Mike attended Famingdale State College, spent 2 years in the U.S. Army and was a truck driver.

In 1979, Mike joined Alure as a painter.  After 1 year, he worked his way up from painting to a dispatcher, where he worked for the next 12 years.  In 1992, Mike became the Director of Operations for Alure. The company saw Mike’s dedication to the customers and as Alure expanded into many different divisions, Mike was promoted to the Director of Labor Relations 2010.

Mike is currently the Vice President of Customer Service, a position he’s held since 2012, where he oversees a group of in house service personnel. His commitment is to be a liaison between Alure and the clientele. He feels that the clients are the most important asset to Alure’s success and he’s committed to making every client Alure works with a “Raving Fan.”

Mike is an avid NY Mets fan, enjoys drinking a good bottle of red wine, bicycle riding, sitting by the pool and entertaining friends, trips to NYC and island vacations.

Awards & Achievements:

• 1997 HUD/NARI Lead Remodeler’s Training Program
• 1997 NKBA Kitchen Basics School
• 1998 NAHB/OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Training Course (Construction Safety For The Home Building Industry)
• 1998 Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• 1999 GAF Factory Certified Professional
• 1999 GAF Pro Field Guide
• 2000 Fred Pryor Management Conference
• 2000 Building Officials and Code Administrators International Seminar
• 2006 CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator Wizard
• 2006 Owens Corning Home Additions Installation Training
• 2007 CertainTeed  Quality Master
• 2007 Knowing Point ProfitAbiility Boot Camp
• 2007 Knowing Point Powerful Interviewing Skills Workshop
• 2007 New Horizons Computer Learning Center Excel 2003 – Level 1 Course
• 2009 American Society of Safety Engineers Member

Seth Selesnow, Director of Marketing for Alure Home Improvements, began his career at Alure in 2003.

Prior to joining Alure, Seth was a key member of the management team for PC Mall, Inc. in Torrance California and was Senior Sales Manager while they became the number 1 Apple Reseller in the country, overtaking Mac Warehouse. During his tenure at PC Mall, Seth assumed responsibility of the company’s entire training department, where he redesigned a three week new hire training program, developed the company training manual, and personally trained all company new hires during his tenure in the training department. Seth was instrumental in the development of the corporate training program, where he was responsible for the training of sales reps including consumer, corporate and government sales personnel. Seth was awarded with a “Training Leadership Award” for his role in developing the training program that helped PC Mall reach 1 Billion in annual Sales.

In 2003 after moving back to New York from California, Seth was initially hired to develop Alure’s new hire training orientation. Quickly recognizing Seth’s call center experience, Alure President Sal Ferro soon promoted him to manage Alure’s call center, and 6 months later, was promoted to Director of Marketing, assuming responsibilities for all of Alure’s advertising, events, website, branding, digital marketing and other marketing related duties, as well as overseeing Alure’s call center.

He has been instrumental contributing to the implementation and growth of Alure’s professional call center amidst other responsibilities as part of Alure’s Senior Management team. Seth has played a major role in developing and promoting the Alure brand through increased awareness facilitated by all channels of media that include print, radio, TV, trade expositions, cause marketing, digital marketing, and website presence, among others.

Seth’s call center background and knowledge were utilized to make significant developments in Alure’s call center, to handle the growth of additional products and services as well as growth into new territories. Seth’s drive and attention to detail have helped Alure’s team expand their marketing efforts through traditional media as well as expanding the events campaign and social media presence. In 2008, Selesnow was honored by Owens Corning as the National Network’s Marketing Manager of the Year, and in 2010 he was awarded the Exceculeadership Award for outstanding leadership on Long Island. He also played a key role in Alure’s relationship with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, overseeing public relations and Alure’s community outreach to recruit volunteers for all eight of Alure’s makeover projects, and was a judge for the 2014 Long Island Folio Awards for the Fair Media Council.

His background prior to joining Alure includes experience at PC Mall Inc, Scholastic Network and Seiko Incorporated. Seth has participated in many industry and management training programs including Dale Carnegie leadership training, and has been asked to speak at conferences about some of Alure’s unique marketing and customer relationship programs to Remodelers from around the country.

In addition to speaking annually at Hofstra’s Marketing Club and presenting at chamber of commerce meetings, Selesnow volunteers on several event committees including the Interfaith Nutrition Network, and the Clark Gillies Foundation, and is an avid hockey fan, enjoys playing guitar, chess, ice hockey, biking, travel, and debating politics.

Awards & Achievements:

• 2008 Owens Corning Network Marketing Manager of the Year
• 2010 Exceculeadership Award for outstanding leadership on Long Island
• 2011 Lindolfo Casagrande Community Service Award JETS of America
• Judge for the 2014 Folio Awards
• Annual speaker at Hofstra University Advertising Club
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within

Joanne Minkoff, Finance Manager for Alure Home Improvements, began her career at Alure in 1999.

Joanne’s first experience with Alure was as a customer in 1999 and she immediately felt part of the Alure family.  After having worked at Alure for over 15 years, she can honestly say that Alure is not only a work place, but a second home and family.

Working on the residential side of the home improvement industry, Joanne truly feels like she is helping people and changing their lives.  She says that there is no greater feeling than being able to tell a customer that their loan was approved and they can now do their dream project.

Prior to Alure, Joanne worked in the banking and accounting industry.  She has an extensive commercial construction background as an office manager and contracts administrator.

When Joanne is not with her Alure family, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and going to the beach.  Exercise is part of her daily routine, including swimming, walking, biking and Pilates.  She completed the Long Island Half Marathon in 2014 and has participated with the Alure Home Improvements Team in the Marcum Workplace Challenge 5k for the past three years.

Awards & Achievements:

• Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
• Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within
• Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women
• Certification from New York Real Estate Institute for Mortgage Origination