Magnolia Home Remodeling Group (MHRG) has established itself as a leading name in New Jersey’s home remodeling industry, thanks to its dedication to quality craftsmanship and a deep sense of family values. Founded in the mid-90s by Vic Fiore and his brother-in-law Chris Fontana, the company has grown organically, relying on a reputation built on hard work, exceptional customer service, and personal connections.
In a recent interview, Fiore shares insights into the foundation and success of MHRG, touching on its origins, growth, and the special bond that fuels the business.
A Family-Oriented Business
Fontana and Fiore's journey into home remodeling began shortly after they graduated from college. Fiore, a graduate of Rutgers University, and Fontana, who studied at York College of Pennsylvania, decided to team up in what turned out to be a perfect business partnership. Their shared background in construction—with Fontana's father working as a construction supervisor at Con Edison and Fiore's family involved in various trades like contracting and electrical work—set the stage for their venture into home remodeling.
“We've always been around construction,” Fiore says. “When Chris got engaged to my sister, it just made sense for us to team up and start something together. We’ve been working together ever since.”
Building a Reputation Through Quality Work
What started as a small operation in the 90s has evolved into a well-known name in the community. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is known for its diverse range of services, from interior and exterior remodeling to additions, dormers, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
“We do pretty much everything—kitchens, bathrooms, basements, roofing, siding, and outdoor living spaces,” Fiore says. “But the key to our success has always been our satisfied customers. A lot of our business comes from referrals and repeat customers. They trust us, and that’s been the biggest driver of our growth.”
Over the years, Magnolia has carefully expanded its services and built a loyal client base. The company’s approach is simple: deliver high-quality work and maintain strong relationships with clients.
A Hands-On, Family-Run Business
Unlike many companies that claim to be family-owned, Magnolia’s hands-on approach is genuine. Fiore and Fontana are deeply involved in every aspect of the business, overseeing projects, meeting with clients, and ensuring that every detail meets their high standards.
“We’re very hands-on,” Fiore explains. “We run the business, we manage it, and we are on-site regularly. Our team members—even those who aren’t family—feel like family. Everyone’s invested in the success of the business and in making sure our customers are happy.”
This family-oriented atmosphere extends beyond Fiore and Fontana. Other family members, including nieces and wives, are actively involved in the business. “It’s great because we get to grow the business together. And the people who work here—they want to see the business succeed, too. We treat each other like family.”
Tailored to Clients’ Needs
One of the company’s standout features is its commitment to understanding the unique vision and needs of each client. Fiore notes that MHRG prides itself on working closely with customers to create personalized remodeling plans that align with their goals and budgets.
“We listen to what our clients want,” Fiore says. “People come to us with ideas, and we help them bring those ideas to life. We can work with their budget and make sure they get the most out of their investment.”
Seasonal Considerations and Planning
With summer approaching, Fiore highlights that some home remodeling projects are better suited for certain times of the year. For example, roofing and siding projects are typically best scheduled in late spring or early summer, as the warmer weather allows for optimal conditions.
“People often get in touch with us in the winter to plan for spring or summer projects,” Fiore says. “That way, when the weather turns, we’re ready to go. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are projects we can handle year-round, but for outdoor projects, starting early ensures you can enjoy them all summer long.”
The Magnolia Difference
What sets Magnolia apart from its competitors is its unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail. Fiore emphasizes the company's dedication to using the best materials and working with skilled professionals to deliver exceptional results.
“We invest in better installers, better materials, and more project management,” Fiore explains. “Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible experience, from start to finish. And it’s all about building relationships—with our customers and with the people we work with.”
Giving Back to the Community
In addition to their work in residential remodeling, Magnolia has also given back to the community by participating in charitable projects. The company has partnered with George to the Rescue, a popular NBC show that helps families in need of home renovations. Magnolia’s involvement in such projects reflects their deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact.
“We’ve worked on projects for Make-A-Wish and George to the Rescue, helping families who truly need it,” Fiore says. “It’s gratifying to use our skills to give back and make a difference in people’s lives.”
Looking to the Future
As for the future, Fiore and Fontana have no intention of growing too quickly or losing sight of what made their business successful in the first place. While Magnolia continues to expand its services across New Jersey, they remain focused on maintaining the quality of their work and the relationships they’ve built over the years.
“We want to grow, but we want to do it carefully,” Fiore says. “We want to continue providing a high level of service and ensuring that we’re the right fit for our clients. We don’t want to spread ourselves too thin.”
A Lasting Legacy
For Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, the future looks bright. As the company continues to grow, their focus on family, quality, and customer satisfaction will remain at the heart of everything they do.
From their humble beginnings to their present-day success, Fiore and Fontana's shared vision for Magnolia is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family in business. For anyone looking for reliable, top-notch home remodeling services in New Jersey, Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a name that stands out for all the right reasons.
For more information visit magnoliahomeremodeling.com.
“People come to us with ideas, and we help them bring those ideas to life. We can work with their budget and make sure they get the most out of their investment.” - Vic Fiore
“Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible experience, from start to finish. And it’s all about building relationships — with our customers and with the people we work with.” - Vic Fiore