In celebration of National Small Business Month in May we’re spotlighting our business customer – ES Builders Group, a licensed general contractor / construction management firm serving NY and NJ. Carmen Rivera (Spencer’s VP/Business Community Development Officer) recently sat down with businessowners Christian Perla and Jordan DeCandia to hear their business story and journey – including advice for those looking to start their own business and the perks of partnering with a community bank.
Can you tell us about your professional background?
Jordan: I have a degree in civil engineering and have been in the industry since I graduated in 1988. I’ve held several positions over the years, and by the age of 30 I was already a project executive. My background has always leaned toward administrative leadership and business development. I’ve worked with a number of companies, and through that journey, I’ve had the opportunity to lead, grow and build strong teams.
Christian: I started in the trades, like a lot of people in this business. I began as a laborer, then became a mason and cement finisher, and kept moving up from there. Eventually, I became a superintendent in New Jersey and later took a role as a general superintendent in Manhattan, where I stayed for over ten years. That hands-on experience in the field gave me a deep understanding of how to build – from the ground up.
What made you decide to start your own business?
Jordan: Christian and I go way back – we met working for another company in the early 2000s and kept in touch ever since. Over the years, we worked together at different points, including when I started a small company in Red Bank, NJ. When we both found ourselves at a crossroads not fully satisfied with our situations we said, “Why don’t we do something together?” That was in December 2017. We teamed up with a few people we trusted and took the leap. It’s been an incredible journey with sacrifice, persistence and hard work.
Can you tell us about your business?
Christian: When we started the company, our goal was to be the perfect size – not too big, not too small. We wanted to fill the gap between large firms that don’t take on smaller projects and smaller companies that may not have the resources or experience for bigger ones. We bring big-company expertise to mid-size and even smaller projects. We’ve built everything from small jobs to $50–$60 million developments. That flexibility has worked really well for us.
Jordan: Our company can handle a $500 task or a $50 million project. We’re adaptable and work across a wide range of services – construction, fit-outs, owner’s rep work and even consulting. Christian brings incredible hands-on building knowledge, and I handle more of the structured, long-term project management. We complement each other well. What sets us apart is that we’re involved from start to finish – we don’t just win a job and walk away. We stay on site, stay involved and keep overhead low so we can be competitive in tough markets. We’ve built a strong, flexible business that grows with the industry, and we’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished – there’s just always more work to do.
What advice would you give others interested in starting their own business?
Jordan: Starting a business takes hard work and honesty. You’re going to have ups and downs, and you must be ready to push through both. It helps to have a clear business model and just as important – check your ego at the door. Know your strengths, know your limits, lean on others when you need to and always treat your team with respect. They’re not just employees, they’re partners in the work. Never forget the value of character and integrity. People do business with people they like and trust. For me, it’s not about transactions, it’s about relationships. Mistakes will happen. Own them. Be honest. That’s how you build trust and longevity in business.
Christian: Perseverance is key. You’re going to fail. Everyone does at some point, but it’s about how you bounce back and learn from it. Make a mistake once, that’s a lesson. Make it twice, and that’s on you. How you respond to challenges and how prepared you are behind the scenes is what makes the difference in setting your business apart from a competitor. It’s also important to surround yourself with the right professionals – good accountants, insurance partners and banks. The people in your corner make a huge difference.
How does community involvement play a role in your business values?
Christian: We believe in the importance of giving back to our communities, especially the local schools. Each year, we donate backpacks, notebooks and school supplies to over 200 children. We also contribute to several important causes, including the Valerie Fund, local hospice programs and suicide awareness initiatives. Giving back is an essential part of who we are, we’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact.
What made Spencer stand out when choosing a community banking partner, and how has the bank’s support shaped your success?
Christian: We’ve been banking with Spencer for the last 3 years. We have various accounts with them – commercial checking, money market and business line of credit accounts. Spencer has been a huge part of our success, and honestly, Carmen is the reason why. She’s always there for us, whether it’s 8 o’clock at night or even when she’s away on vacation. That kind of commitment is rare. Spencer feels like a local neighborhood bank, but they have the power and resources of a much larger commercial bank. We previously banked with a big institution, and it was a nightmare. Spencer came in, gave us guidance, helped us set up the right systems and made things much smoother for us. It’s a small bank with big strength, and we love that.
Jordan: What makes Spencer different is how personal and supportive they are. They have the structure and resources of a big bank, but the people make it feel like family. A couple weeks ago, I went into the Elizabeth branch to get a cashier’s check, and the staff was just amazing – friendly, warm and genuinely kind. I even sent them lunch to say thank you! That’s the kind of relationship we’ve built with them. We chose a community bank like Spencer because we didn’t want to feel like just a number. And with Spencer, we don’t. They’ve helped us grow by being available, understanding our needs and truly caring. That kind of partnership makes a real difference in how we run and grow our business.
Contact Christian Perla and Jordan DeCandia (Owners, ES Builders Group) at 917-261-4223 or www.es-builders.com for more information on their business.
Contact Carmen Rivera (Spencer’s VP, Business Community Development Officer) at crivera@spencersavings.com for personalized assistance with all your business banking needs.