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GREENBROOK-- Returning to New Jersey to be closer to family after getting out of the Air Force was a good move for Chuck DeTorres, owner of Green Brook-based, King George Plumbing & Heating.
“I read up on plumbing, studied the code book, and took the code test in 1981 to get certified,” DeTorres said.
“Making $25 an hour in the late ‘70s,” wasn’t so bad, added DeTorres, a Wyoming resident at the time.
He recalled jobs like one at a Uranium Mine out in the middle of nowhere on government owned land, and work at a state penitentiary, smiling.
“They used to mine the prairie,” he said.
First, he worked for a Garden State-based plumber before launching his own business in ’81, using the name “Chuck D’s Plumbing.” He set up shop in his house on King George Road in Warren. A strong residential real estate market along the Route 78 corridor helped buoy business well into the ‘80s, more than supporting one of his first showrooms in Warren. New construction jobs were not hard to find, he noted.
People frequently stopped by and asked for quotes on all types of jobs. (The new housing boom provided all types of work.)
His sons, Andrew and Aris, have been involved in the business more than 30 years ago, while nearly all his employees have been at King George Plumbing & Heating for about two decades.
DeTorres also recruited his brother, cousin, and sons’ buddies as business grew rapidly.
King George Plumbing & Heating does both residential and commercial work. Take tenant fit outs in strip-malls, reconfiguring office building walls, bathrooms, and the many heating/air conditioning jobs that require new rooftop units, which King Georges is known for.
“We just did the Bobcat dealer on Route 22, replacing a 10 ton roof top unit the amount of cooling,” said DeTorres.
His secret sauce? “Answering the phone,” being there when you say you will, and “treating people fairly,” DeTorres said.
While King George’s competes with outfits that are many times larger, it brings in nearly two million a year in bathrooms alone, said DeTorres.
DeTorres owns the King George’s present location on Route 22 in Greenbrook where he has many recent improvements including the construction of the building and installation of a beautiful sign.
The showroom in Green Brook features things you do not typically see at the big box stores such as models of high efficiency heating, cooling and the newest plumbing eco- friendly.
Sitting back in his chair smiling in an exclusive interview with www.NJnewsjersey.com reporters Chuck mentions “Sometimes they put us in an Air Force helicopter to fix a faucet,” said DeTorres of his days in the service.
I wanted to be a photographer, and I joined the Air Force to do so. But they didn’t need any photographers: When I got my orders it said law enforcement. Had to guard nuclear missiles, which are still there in the ground.
“There’s no way I’m going to guard a missile silo for 4 years, what am I going to be qualified to do?” So I kept going back to the boss and saying you should give me something I can use when I get out of the Air Force.
“They made me a plumber; gave me the worst, dirtiest job you can imagine to try to get me to move on.” Fast forward and here I sit today looking up at my beautiful new sign!
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CRANBURY--Also known as New Jerseys BEST Christmas Lights Show located at 128 North Main St. in Cranbury. NJnewsjersey Reporters will be reporting live from the show tonight on our FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/njnewsjersey
A Personal Message from Keith the homeowner as this was mentioned on his website at www.cranburychristmaslights.com he mentions "We have been interviewed a lot lately, the common question is why do we spend so much time to put up such a large Christmas Display. There are several reasons. As a hard working middle class family (Keith is in the Wine business and Marina is a High School Teacher) we believe it is so important to give back to our community. As much of a struggle it is for us we know there are so many people who are so much worse off. We also feel it is very important to instill in our two boys (10 and 8) the values of helping others who may need it. Another reason. We LOVE to see the joy this display brings to all who come. When you see the kids dancing around, looking with amazement, wanting to ask so many questions not to mention the adults wondering can I do this! The donation aspect of the display we ALWAYS say this FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE we know everyone who comes here is not financially able to give AND THAT IS OK! We just want EVERYONE to walk away with joy in their hearts, a moment in the holiday season that your heart was brightened up! FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE . think about this display as a night out to a Broadway show or a movie. What goes into making this display possible you just cannot imagine. PLEASE help us to help others, PLEASE consider a donation of $20.00 or more. When I tell you the countless hours my family puts into this display and when we pull the $20, $50 and yes even $100’s it makes up so happy to know that so many people will have food on another day that they normally wouldn’t. Remember 100% of all the donations go directly to the food bank and 100% of that donation goes out to people who need it. The food bank is 100% volunteers with no overhead!That takes me back to the movie aspect of it, what would you spend on a night to see a Hollywood Film? This may not be Hollywood but we think it is pretty close! We have added one of the largest Pixel trees in the world. This tree will amaze you at 20 feet tall with 7000 pixels it is like a TV in the shape of a tree. It is stunning what it can do! Come and see the New Jersey and New York's largest amount of lights on a Christmas Tree!! Again, according to the Cranbury Christmas Lights web site.
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JAMESBURG-- “Recoil NJ” shooting range, at 25 Mott Street, may finally open for business this summer, according to its Facebook page.
While a use variance was approved at the end of the summer in 2012, a preliminary site plan was approved by the fall of 2014, according to Recoil's blog, which covers about five years of progress.
But Recoil’s shooting range will not be able to sell firearms at the indoor range; Recoil, which is located in a residential area, was reportedly not granted approval.
Recently, interior “block walls” were finished, while the steel work to support sound barriers and ventilation systems also progressed, according to Recoil.
And work on the exterior walls shaped up around Thanksgiving.
No outdoor shooting will take place at Recoil.
Still, it’s an eyesore, said one resident who lives on the same street from the range, adding she wished there were still more trees to camouflage the structure as she walked her young child down the street.
Asked if she knew about the project when she purchased her house on Mott Street, she said: “I had no idea” it was going in.
Several years ago, she recalled, a neighbor was soliciting signatures for a petition against the shooting range.
“The retail part of it got shut down,” she said
“We just got back from SHOT Show in Las Vegas!” read an update on recoilnj.com, nearly two years ago.
The trade show for firearms and shooting accessories was the biggest in the world, explained Recoil’s website, noting there were 1,600 exhibitors, and educational sessions.
Recoil NJ owner, Tarantino, also owns Tarantino Auto Body, located on Helmetta Road, down the road from the gun range.
According to the body shop's website, Tarantino began working in the automotive field when he was 15-years-old, purchasing the shop in 1982.
"We’ve been in business and family-owned since 1982," reads the shop’s website.
"We (met) with vendors and (got) information regarding the latest in firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories. We also attended a range development seminar where we learned even more about bringing the best features of successful ranges right to Monroe!” wrote Recoil, following the SHOT Show convention nearly two years ago (this year’s show is coming up next month).
But “everything has taken much longer than anticipated,” said the owners a few months later.
Approval for the range was granted from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in May of 2015.
“We are hoping to get on the June zoning board meeting for final site plan approval,” continued a late May 2015 report, reassuring the range was still being built.
A post on August 21 of that year said final site plan approval would be on August 25, 2015.
“We went before the Monroe Environmental Commission 2 weeks ago, and they didn't see any issues with our plan, so we got their approval,” read the summer update.
"For pretty much the 1st time in 5 years... We have officially begun construction!!! Not just moving dirt around or the foundation, but we have begun constructing the walls. The interior block has been delivered and started, and the exterior block is supposed to be delivered next week so we can keep rolling with the masonry work. We are as excited as ever since we have been waiting practically forever for this step,” read a blog update nearly two years ago.
“We don't foresee any more ‘major’ setbacks like we have in the past.”
Asked recently via Facebook if instruction/lessons would be offered at Recoil, the response was, yes.
According to a post on Recoil’s Facebook page, the facility is being designed to accommodate rifles.
Asked if shooting ARs would be possible, Recoil, responded, “Yes.”
Asked if annual memberships would allow 24-hour access, Recoil responded: “No not planning on offering 24 hour access at this time. (But) if we have enough interest, we will consider it in the future.”
However, Recoil does not plan on offering any “pre-construction” specials.
"We do not think it is a good business practice to take money from our customers until the day we open our doors due to the intricacies of a project to this scale. We hope you understand our decision."
"Psyched! Looking forward to my new hobby," posted a woman on social media.
“Can't wait for you guys to open,” said another comment.
“It will create a lot of traffic for the town,” said a resident who lives nearby.
“There is not enough lighting on Mott Street around the range, right now,” she added.
According to its website, the shooting range will offer: A 25-yard indoor range, 15 heated/cooled shooting lanes, memberships and hourly rentals, firearms and self-defense training, and competitions. Another shooting range will be opening soon as well and is located in Monroe.
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CRANFORD--In an exclusive interview with www.NJnewjersey.com reporters, we at Hina’s Salon are thrilled to announce the recent Grand Opening of the salon which is located at 124 South Avenue East directly across from the train station in this popular business area. Hina and her family fell in love with this location after going out to dinner with her family in September of 2016. “We were happy to see so many people walking around after dinner visiting a café or other establishments”. Hina and her family were surprised and pleased to see so much activity after 8 PM up until 10:30 PM in downtown Cranford, New Jersey. Hina's Salon new and existing customers are thankful that they now have their own first class full service salon which specializes in Eyebrow Threading and all natural organic Facials in or nearby their town. Men are also appreciating the excellent customer service and value at Hina's Salon. Men’s haircuts are only $15+ and children under 10 are only $12. Men and women are believers of eyebrow threading which looks really beautiful. Since Hina's Salon Grand Opening ribbon cutting celebration in October, Hina has been overwhelmed with the love and support of the Cranford community and the customers from surrounding towns who have been fortunate enough to have found her. The www.njnewsjersey.com reporter who spoke with Hina could not help but appreciate the new floors, the beautiful light shade of purple, and new equipment in the facials and waxing rooms, which you will have to see for yourself! Hina’s specialty at the salon is eyebrow threading. Many clients love the pampering affect of Hina’s all natural and all organic Facials which come in a wide variety to choose from. or those of you who are looking for something quick, Hina's Salon carries the Repechage Brand which will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Try one of Hina's Salon Face Packs, Vitamin C, Cucumber, Charcoal, Acne, Pearl, and Gold Packs. Hina’s Salon caters to all no matter what skin type and or needs! Get in touch w/ Hina’s Salon You will be happy you did!
or call us at (908)272-0436
Hina’s Salon Customer Testimonials from Facebook CHECK THESE OUT!!!
Sangita Shah visited on Oct 30------Had a wonderful time today with great personal care and her wonderful friendly service. Nice big and clean space with feeling loved with happy and positive environment.
Shefali Patel’s visit on Nov 21-------I usually get my eyebrows threaded in Edison. I went to Hina’s today and loved it! She did a great job on my eyebrows, she’s super friendly, the salon is clean and spacious. Definitely worth checking out!
Julissa Corrales visited on Nov 24------Visiting family, from Florida. I am so happy to have found this salon. Great service! Considering I have long thick hair and a lot of it, the pricing was great! Cut and blowout came out perfect! I’m definitely coming back when I’m in town again!
Nisha S. Patel visited on Nov19---------I tried the Keratin treatment to make my hair smoother and straight.I was extremely pleased at the amazing job(Thank You Hina’s Salon) I have never seen my hair this straight and smooth. After the blow dry, it has been a few weeks and I have not had to use a flat iron. The staff is very friendly. From start to finish I felt so pampered. I love the organic products offered. I would highly recommend Hina’s Salon and will definitely be a returning customer.
Patricia O’Brien Chiriboga patronized the salon on Nov 13-------I loved that when I walked in I was easily accommodated. I got a blow dry and an eyebrow threading which I absolutely loved. I would recommend this salon to anyone. Great customer service and care! I will definitely be back!
There you have it, everyone! Hina’s Salon is the Real Deal!! At Hina’s Salon you can expect top notch customer service in a serene and tranquil utopia. You will also find highly trained professionals for a very reasonable, affordable price. So if you’ve made it this far in the story- - you are probably grabbing your keys and heading over to Hina’s Sa
SPECIALS AT Hina's Salon Check these out!!!!
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