Monk's Home Improvements

The Monk Team

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  About Us

  About Monk's Painting and Carpentry

  Monk’s Painting and Carpentry We have been honored to be invited into hundreds of homes across NJ and to meet the families that live in them. We wanted to take this opportunity to share a glimpse of our families and the homes we live in and maintain.

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  Link: About Us

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  Ty and Viviane Monk

  Founder

  I’ve been maintaining and renovating homes since I was 14 years old. I started as a helper for a local contracting company in Maplewood, NJ in 1988. Over the years I’ve held every job in the business from painting and carpentry to answering the phones in our office. In 2007 I founded Monk’s Painting and grew it into the company it is today. I’ve made every effort to take the simple lessons of two decades in the industry and make it our standard way of doing business. Over the last two decades, I’ve been able to put together a team of people and companies that truly care about the product they produce and the customers they work for. We run a family business with a family-friendly atmosphere. My wife Viviane handles all the billing and I’m lucky enough to work with my brother, Trevor. Our name is on every job we produce and the job we take care of for you matters to all of us personally. If you aren’t happy with our work, I’m always personally available to come to your job site to guarantee your satisfaction.

  Link: Ty and Viviane Monk

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  Trevor Monk

  Partner

  In 1998, after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, I spent my first summer working with my brother Ty. That year I power washed, painted and stained decks while I got re-acclimated to civilian life. I remained in the N.J. National Guard for the next seven years while I earned my B.A. from Rutgers and my M.A. from Rider University. Over the years I would often return to work with Ty over my summer breaks to help him with the company. Joining the family business full-time has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has been a non-stop adventure ever since. As soon as one project ends we are always starting a new one. The team of people we have built at Monk’s are a joy to work with and feel like an extended family. All of the people here are always ready and willing to lend a hand or advice on any project we are working on. I am very proud of the team we have built. I am personally in the field every day and am always available to come to your job site to guarantee your satisfaction.

  Education:

  Link: Trevor Monk

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  Greg Kihm

  Director of Sales

  I have been working in the construction industry since I was 15. After spending 4 years at Rutgers University obtaining an engineering degree and another 4 years working as an engineer, I decided to come back to what I always enjoyed most. I started at Monk’s shortly after it opened. Having known Ty Monk for many years before working with him, the decision to join the company was an easy one. I have seen and helped the company grow from the painting company it started as to the renovation and home improvement company it is today. As a home owner myself, I fully understand the challenges that come along with owning a home. I pride myself on informing my customers about the best way to maintain and improve their homes. I find it is best to work with an informed consumer who has been told of all the available options before venturing into a project. This allows my customers to get a great quality product that best suits their needs and budget. Recent maintenance and renovations to my home: 2009 – Full interior paint job, all rooms of the house. Changed all railings and spindles on the porch. 2010 – Gutted and renovated a bedroom. 2011 – Renovated a powder room and added a laundry room. 2012 – Painted the exterior. 2013 – Full kitchen remodel. 2017 - Purchased a new home. Too many changes to list! Greg Kihm creates quotes for large renovation projects.

  Education:

  Link: Greg Kihm

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  Roberto Abrantes

  Estimator

  I have been working in the chemical coatings industry since I was 18 years old. I began my career working for Sherwin Williams as a part-time employee working my way up to manager of the busy Newark, NJ location. Afterward, I worked for Ricciardi Brothers (Benjamin Moore) in the Maplewood, NJ location. Working for these two companies helped me gain a lot of knowledge about different types of paints and stains. I then had the opportunity to work as an estimator for a local painting franchise. I provided estimates for homes in the local northern New Jersey area. The homes in these towns were built starting from the late 1800s all the way up to new builds. Therefore, I learned hands-on about how different products performed in many different situations. Being a part of Monk’s Home Improvements, I am able to apply my extensive knowledge and put my people management skills to use. My wife Jenny and I currently have 3 beautiful children under the age of 3 and we are expecting our 4th child in the spring of 2020. Roberto Abrantes provides estimates for all types of home improvement and remodeling projects in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Roseland, Verona, the Caldwells, and West Orange.

  Link: Roberto Abrantes

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  Kurt Becker

  Estimator

  I started working in my father’s painting and wallpaper business in 1995. I gained valuable experience working alongside my father and we grew a steady clientele who valued our work and attention to detail. Six years later, I took over the business and worked for myself until 2011. It was in 2001 when I had my first experience with carpentry and home renovation through the purchase of a “fixer upper” in Basking Ridge that I still call home today. With the help of contractors in my family, I ended up managing and executing a full renovation of my home, including new windows, roof, bathroom, and rear addition with a larger kitchen as well as orchestrating the removal of an existing oil tank and old septic system. No better way to learn how to swim than to be thrown into the ocean, right? I met Ty Monk in 2009 and I used Monk’s to handle several projects that required more manpower than I had available to me. After getting to know each other better, I joined Monk’s in 2011. For 16 years I have focused on finding solutions for all of my clients’ needs and seeing their projects through until they were satisfied with the end result. I have grown to know many of my clients on a personal level and they are comfortable reaching out to me anytime they need help. Joining Monk’s Home Improvements has proven to be a natural extension of everything I was already doing and gave me more options to bring to the table for my customers.

  Link: Kurt Becker

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  Jon Clauson

  Estimator

  I spent many of my early years in the construction business working alongside my father. As a teenager and into my early twenties I worked on construction sites completing painting and carpentry jobs for my father’s small painting and contracting company. Once I graduated college I thought it would be exciting to work in NYC. So, I decided to take a job in downtown Manhattan in the insurance industry where I ended up spending approximately the next 10 years. Over those ten years, I’ve performed home improvement jobs in and around my town, in addition to my full-time work. I eventually chose to dive back into the construction and home improvement industry head first. So, with Monk’s Home Improvements I found the perfect opportunity. Monk’s is a great team with a great reputation in the industry. Together, we take pride in our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. I currently live locally with my wife Mary and our three children, Lucinda, Carter, and Scarlett. I manage all home improvement projects in Boonton, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Denville, and surrounding towns. He looks forward to working with you on your next home project.

  Link: Jon Clauson

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  Dave Cleaves

  Estimator

  I started in the construction field when I was 19 years old working with my friend’s paving company. From there my experience in the industry quickly grew as I made connections with contractors who specialized in different fields. This ultimately landed me on a year long job helping turn a sink-hole ridden piece of land on the side of a cliff into a multi-million dollar custom home. I have personally performed many aspects of both residential and commercial construction. Most recently, I was traveling all over the east coast doing many different types of carpentry. However, I specialized in installing cabinets and corian countertops. I took great pride in seeing my finished product put a smile on my customers’ faces. After laying roofs, framing rooms, hanging siding, and installing bathrooms and kitchens I am excited to be on the planning and design side of the business. I consider myself lucky to be a part of Monk’s Home Improvement, a company with a reputation for making customer satisfaction its number one priority. I look forward to being the solution to your home improvement needs. Dave manages all home improvement projects for Monk’s located in Gillette, Stirling, Millington, Warren, Watchung and Bridgewater.

  Link: Dave Cleaves

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  George Day

  Estimator

  I have been in the home improvement field since 2000. I started as a carpenter’s helper right out of high school. Over time, I progressed and became a trim carpenter. Eventually, I led a team of carpenters for large renovations. In 2006 I moved to the design side of home improvements. I designed everything from kitchens, decks, and closets. In 2009 I met Ty Monk when he was remodeling his home and sold him his carpeting in his home. We developed a relationship based on mutual referrals and I officially joined Monk’s in 2012. The best thing about home renovations is getting to see a project turn from a simple thought to actual completion. I love using my knowledge of homes to make a customer’s project come to life.

  Link: George Day

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  Ryan Finn

  Estimator

  After serving in the Marine Corps Infantry I returned home to New Jersey to pursue a career as a real estate appraiser. Timing is everything and in seven years I was fortunate enough to appraise roughly 3,500 properties in northern NJ. During that time I bought a house in Bedminster, NJ that needed a complete restoration. That’s when I realized the excitement, headache and stress that comes with the process of improving and maintaining a home. As the joke is told, “I met a guy at a bar” and was offered the opportunity to sell real estate in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. After selling my house in 2006, my wife (girlfriend at the time) and I packed up, drove across country, down the Baja, and spent the next four years on vacation in Cabo. In 2011 we decided to move to Las Vegas where I became a licensed home inspector helping home buyers identify problems before their purchase. In 2012, after six years away from family and friends, we decided it was time to move back to New Jersey, establish roots and start a family. I’m proud to be a part the Monk’s team and look forward to making my client’s life easier and their homes better. Ryan manages all home improvement projects for Monk’s in Boonton, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Denville, Lake Hiawatha and Pine Brook.

  Link: Ryan Finn

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  Maria Hernandez

  Estimator

  I grew up in the Construction field. As a Civil Engineer, my father supervised and managed all building phases for Residential, Commercial, and Hospitality projects. I enjoyed listening to him talk about his work and went on-site whenever I could. I obtained my Architect’s license in Nicaragua in 2001. Right out of college I joined Sinsa International as an External Salesperson. Sinsa is the largest company in Nicaragua supplying construction material. I designed and made renovations to all 9 shops and showrooms and provided the interior design plans for model homes for major developers. In 2005 I moved to New Jersey and joined an architectural firm where I worked for 3 years. During this time, I designed residential projects from small renovations and additions, to larger, new construction projects complete with interior design. Today I’m proud to say that I’m part of the Monk’s Home Improvements team, a company that takes pride in providing superior customer service and complete customer satisfaction. As a homeowner, I understand the value of maintaining a home and the importance to find the right person for the job. Here at Monks, not only will you find a group of professionals that will deliver a quality project, but also in a reasonable time frame.

  Link: Maria Hernandez

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  Ward Malnak

  Estimator

  Ward Malnak has an extensive background in remodeling, construction, and painting. He will bring a thorough knowledge of all home systems to your home improvement project. Specifically, Ward’s experience includes being an award-winning decorative painter. He’s also an experienced finish carpenter. In addition, he has a background in kitchen and bath design. No matter what you are looking to do to your home, Ward’s done it before and will guide you along the way to bring your ideas to life. Ward lives in Bernardsville. When he’s not remodeling, you can find him on the golf course or coaching lacrosse. Ward has two children, a daughter named Bailey and a son named Riley. Ward Malnak provides estimates for all types of home improvement and remodeling projects in Livingston, East Hanover, Whippany, and Cedar Knolls.

  Link: Ward Malnak

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  Angelo Santoro

  Estimator

  I have been designing and building my entire life. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in scenic design, my wife and I moved to Hoboken in order to pursue a career in the theatre. I worked in the off-broadway theatre in NYC and eventually landed at The Parade Studio, building the floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1980, we purchased our first home, a 3-story townhouse built in 1860, a fixer-upper in every sense of the word. The skills I learned renovating that house formed the foundation for my future career as a renovation contractor, cabinet-maker and a home builder. Maureen and I have since moved to Green Village where we raised our 2 sons and renovated our next home, a cape cod on 2-1/2 acres surrounded by the Great Swamp. Professionally, I have continued building both residential and commercial projects in NYC and suburban NJ. I am a trained cabinet-maker and have designed and built cabinetry, furniture, wall units and beautiful paneled rooms and millwork. Over the years, I have built new homes and additions, restored historical buildings and renovated the interior and exteriors of countless homes and apartments. I met Ty Monk 6 years ago when I hired him to paint a new home I was building in Chatham. The project was a great success and we continued to work together. We are now neighbors and co-workers and I couldn’t be prouder to a member of the Monk’s team. As the project manager for Monk’s Home Improvements, I have the opportunity to use all of skills and experience helping people to maintain and improve their homes. Angelo Santoro manages home improvement projects in Chatham, NJ and surrounding towns.

  Education:

  Link: Angelo Santoro

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  Jason Solomon

  Estimator

  After graduating from Rutgers University in 2000 with a degree in Business Economics, I started my professional career in the financial markets as an Equity Trader. After living through the boom bust cycles of the markets several times, I decided to move on to a more secure career. I have always had a passion for home improvements and found myself working on many home projects over the years including interior painting and light carpentry. I’m very happy that this hobby has turned into a career. I enjoy working at Monk’s Home Improvements because we share a commitment to providing unparalleled quality of work and customer service with every project we work on. I currently live in Westfield, NJ with my wife Brendee and two sons Noah and Everett. I’m pleased to be helping homeowners in my town with their home maintenance and improvements. Jason manages all of the Monk’s painting, carpentry and flooring projects in Westfield, NJ and the surrounding towns.

  Education:

  Link: Jason Solomon