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February 9, 2007
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER WORKS TO REVIVE ASBURY PARK
From white collars to construction, Oceanfront developer realizes dream
Asbury Park, N.J. – After working in corporate America for more than 20 years, Earl Stephenson decided to step out on faith to follow his dream to build something with his hands.
Years later, that risk proved to be worthwhile. Stephenson now owns and operates a successful general contracting company that has recently joined in the revitalization of Asbury Park’s Oceanfront.
About four years ago, Stephenson made the life-altering decision, leaving a job as an operations manager to start Capital Investment Network (CIN) Construction. Stephenson, who worked on construction jobs to earn extra money while on college breaks, now owns and operates one of the many local companies working with Asbury Partners, the master developer of Oceanfront Asbury.
“After I graduated from Asbury Park High School and went on to college, I started my career in the corporate world,” Stephenson said. “But, I always knew that I wanted to play a role in the rebirth of Asbury, so I returned to the city to start my own contracting business.”
Stephenson hired local workers, tapping his education from New Jersey
City University and his experience as a laborer, to start his construction
company. CIN’s first job for Essex County was small, but proved to
be successful. Stephenson built the company’s reputation and his
contacts began to grow, eventually expanding CIN into the success
it is today.
“I love what I do, but what makes it even more gratifying is being able to employ local workers and improve the job base in the Asbury area,” said Stephenson.
Nowadays, Stephenson employs local union and non-union workers who work on construction projects in the Asbury Park area and elsewhere in the state. The general contracting company specializes in masonry and carpentry. Most recently, Stephenson received a contract from Asbury Partners to complete work on the streetscape project on the Boardwalk.
“From the start of the project, it’s been a priority for us to include local companies on the redevelopment project,” said Larry Fishman, Chief Operating Officer of Asbury Partners. “And they haven’t disappointed. We’re extremely pleased with CIN Construction’s professional workmanship.”
CIN currently employs about 10 workers who are traveling to a large project in Newark. About seven others are working on the Oceanfront Asbury project. The second phase of that project’s streetscape is beginning in March.
Work on Asbury’s redevelopment project is particularly gratifying for Stephenson.
“Asbury Park is such a strong community with so many assets, that I always knew someone would come along with a plan for redevelopment that worked,” said Stephenson. “I always wanted to be a part of the city’s revitalization, and it’s rewarding to be able to do that with construction needed in the city and creating jobs for the local residents.”
Stephenson’s involvement in the city’s rebirth has gone beyond his operation of his business as well. The contractor volunteers his time for Asbury Park’s Ridge and Bangs Revitalization Program, a program designed to unite the city of Asbury Park with local contractors to assist homeowners in making much needed repairs on their homes.
“Whether working on one of Asbury Park’s schools or the streetscape on the Boardwalk, it’s important to be doing everything possible to help Asbury Park get back on track,” Stephenson said.
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