Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

Selected to Super Lawyers

BARRY M. PACKIN

Selected to Super Lawyers

JAN K. SEIGEL

JONAS K. SEIGEL

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S 2 0 2 1 S U P E R L A W Y E R S H O N O R E E S

FOR 45 YEARS, O N LY P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y. A L L D AY. E V E R Y D AY.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com

We’re Plugged into our Environment WHEN IT COMES TO ECO, THE THEME OF THIS MONTH’S ISSUE, WHAT WORDS COME TO MY MIND? Wildlife, bird sanctuary, biodiversity, repurposed, recycled, ENERGY STAR®, solar, tax credits, smart homes, smart thermostats, smart shading, EV, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). If you are not aware of how these words relate to Northwest Bergen, simply check out the pages that follow for some remarkably interesting and powerful stories. Check out the “wildlife” that is happening right here in our own backyard at the Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. You will not be able to play golf; however, you

CRE ATI VE MANAGER

Jean Terman SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lauren Cali AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Haggerty

will be able to see some incredible “birdies.” For a “Barn Razing” experience, head north on Route 17 and make a stop at American Reclaimed in Upper Saddle River, where vintage American craftsmanship becomes repurposed into flooring, planks, beams, and furniture. These items as well as others are turned into design components which become your own personal treasures. When we think of April, we think of taxes...ugh! Consider the advice of Kelly Haggerty, CPA, Partner/Owner of The Haggerty Group in Ridgewood. Tax credits for residential homes and commercial buildings have been extended retroactively through December 31, 2021. And how about tax credits for your EV’s? Do you qualify? While everyone is remodeling, expanding and “smartening” their homes, a factor to consider is one that provides efficiency with technology. For a smart home

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

checkup, read our article on JMG Audio Video in Saddle River and then give Jason

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

a ring from your smartphone.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Last but certainly not least, Northwest Bergen Lifestyle welcomes a world class, lead-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

ing automobile manufacturer to Mahwah. Volvo Car Corporation has purchased a

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

LEED-certified building that will employ approximately 450 people from our commu-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

nity and beyond. With the recent introduction of the new XC40 Recharge pure electric vehicle, Volvo’s goal is that 50% of the cars they manufacture will be electric by 2025. Here’s a great reason to shop local in April: Environmental Impact is Reduced. Small local businesses have set up shop in the town centers, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community’s

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

footprint versus larger highway shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to congestion, habitat loss, and pollution. Continue the pledge with Northwest Bergen Lifestyle: SHOP LOCAL | EAT LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL Keep safe, be careful, and most importantly, stay healthy.

ON THE COVER Volvo XC40 Recharge chassis at Volvo HQ, Mahwah

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 4

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

Marc Schwartz, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 10 Live the Wild Life in Franklin Lakes Connecting with Nature in Suburbia

16 Wired for Conservation Smart Homes Save Energy Dollars

22 Barn Razing Discover Americana in Upper Saddle River

16 10

26 Leading the Charge Volvo's Turning the Key to Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

22 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Water & Woods

Renovate & Refine

26 Tech Savvy 34 Financial Buzz

AROUND TOWN

ART, FROM THE DECORATIVE TO THE FUNCTIONAL WITH VICKY HERBERT We welcome you to join the Schoolhouse Museum and Ridgewood Public Library for this virtual tour hosted by Vicky Herbert on Thursday, April 1 at 7 pm.

ECCR's emphasis is to provide a nurturing atmosphere and a comfortable, secure home-like setting. eccretreat.org

A HOME DIVIDED: THE HERMITAGE DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

From the high art of an early 19th-century oil

While the battlefields of the American Civil War

portrait to the low art of handmade crafts, people

never reached northern New Jersey, it was a grim

have long incorporated art into their daily lives. This

and turbulent time for the Rosencrantz family at

exhibit examines how artisans have embellished

the Hermitage. As Northern "peace" Democrats

even the most functional items used in the home

with a deep entanglement with enslavement, the

and celebrates centuries of art, artists, and creativity.

Rosencrantz family was caught between both

Ridgewood

sides of the Civil War. It was a time marked by deep

Historical Society’s Lenape Collection, this exhibit

family division, economic hardship, and personal

traces the development of pottery in the U.S.,

reckoning. Drawing from the personal accounts

Beginning

with

pieces

from

showcases quilts, coverlets, and an array of needle-

of the Rosencrantz family spread between

work common in the 19th century, and highlights

Virginia, Philadelphia, and Bergen County, this

the variety of ways artists made portraits using

virtual presentation by Victoria Harty explores the

paper and scissors and early photography.

varied experiences of a local New Jersey family

Registration required: http://engagedpatrons. org/E ve n t s E x t e n d e d . c f m? S i t e I D = 5 6 1 5 & EventID=427112

during an era that defined not only the nation but the Hermitage as well. The event is on Monday, April 12 at 7 pm. Questions? Contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-6705600 x135 or skiefer@ridgewoodlibrary.org Registration required: http://engagedpatrons. o r g/E ve n t s E x te n d e d . c f m? S i te I D = 5 6 1 5 & EventID=427412

ECCR BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW GROUP HOME The Board and Staff of the Eastern Christian Children's Retreat recently broke ground for its 11th community-based group home on Newtown Road in Wyckoff. The event was attended by members of the Wyckoff Township Committee and Molly Dugan from Congressman Gottheimer's office. ECCR is a nonprofit organization serving the

needs of individuals with intellectual and devel-

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

opmental disabilities across Bergen and Passaic

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

counties. Offering short-term respite care, residen-

NorthwestBergen using the Get In Touch link and

tial care, and a special needs adult day program,

let us know what you think.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

WATER & WOODS

live the wild life in

franklin lakes CONNECTING WITH NATURE IN SUBURBIA ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LORRIMER SANCTUARY

LACE-UP YOUR HIKING BOOTS, GRAB YOUR CAMERA,

The Visitors’ Center has an exhibit

FIND YOUR BINOCULARS, AND TAKE IN SOME WILDLIFE

and lecture room, a winter bird feeding

IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD.

station, interpretive displays, hands-on

Located on Ewing Avenue in Franklin Lakes, the Lorrimer

exhibits, and a gift shop, which benefits

Sanctuary was bequeathed to the New Jersey Audubon Society by

the Sanctuary. The shop is stocked with

Ms. Lucine L. Lorrimer in 1956. The main house, which dates back

birdseed, birdhouses, feeders, and field

to the late 1700s, is the Visitors’ Center and office. It served as New

guides focusing on environmental issues

Jersey Audubon’s first headquarters.

and programming.

As a privately supported, not-for-profit, New Jersey Audubon is the

The Lorrimer Center is not just “for the

largest conservation organization in the State. It is an independent

birds.” Kirsten emphasizes that their mis-

and separate entity from the National Audubon Society. New Jersey

sion is to educate and disseminate infor-

Audubon maintains stewardship of 34 sanctuaries and conducts its

mation on conservation and the natural

programs through seven staffed facilities.

environment. The Center offers gardening

Lorrimer Sanctuary Director Kirsten Holt says, “We have 14 acres

programs, maple sugaring, apple cider

here in Franklin Lakes, 11 of which have self-guided walking/hiking

(part of the property had once been an

trails. It’s an awesome opportunity for people to connect with nature

apple orchard), and spring wildflowers.

in the middle of suburbia.” As a wildlife sanctuary, all plants and ani-

Kirsten and her staff also offer opportuni-

mals are protected; however, members of the local deer population

ties for scout groups, Eagle Scout projects,

are not invited. They are kept off the property by an 8-foot fence to

summer camps, and class trips. Of course,

allow native plants and wildflowers to thrive. “The deer overbrowse

they also provide all kinds of birding and

the plant life, which severely impacts the forest’s biodiversity and

natural photography classes as well. All

vegetation. Keeping them away has allowed so many plants to come

in-person programs are held outdoors and

back, some of which have not been here for decades,” says Kirsten.

socially distant. Pre-registration is required. CONTINUED >

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

“It’s exciting to connect more people to the Center. Our staff is our biggest asset, and all of us have passion for the mission.”

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

“Smaller groups make the experience more intimate and

can benefit from this gift as well,” says Kirsten. This gift,

a better opportunity to see wildlife,” explains Kirsten.

along with an additional donation of $500k, has gotten

New Jersey Audubon also offers guided Eco Travel

Lorrimer half-way to its goal of $3m for an ambitious

opportunities led by members of their ornithology team.

renovation. “The Center has remained unchanged since

Once COVID restrictions are lifted, they’ll offer wildlife

the ’50s. This effort will include renovating the information

adventures in countries like Belize or Peru as well as

center, indoor and outdoor spaces, and will expand our

domestic trips. “They are unique experiences. We hope

reach to the Franklin Lakes community and beyond,” says

to get them up for 2022 and expand them to other types

Kirsten. The Center sees about 5,000 visitors annually, but

of wildlife as well,” says Kirsten.

Kirsten’s goal is to double that number.

Lorrimer runs a popular firefly program in the

“It’s exciting to connect more people to the Center. Our

summer, which provides education on various firefly

staff is our biggest asset, and all of us have passion for

species and how observing them can be an excellent

the mission. A lot of people who come in have never been

indicator of a community’s environmental health. New

here before, even though they live nearby. Once they visit,

Jersey Audubon also sponsors a monarch butterfly

they are hooked and make a point of coming back!”

monitoring program that primarily occurs in their Cape

The Center also sponsors seasonal plant sales.

May facility. A tiny sticker is placed on the wing of a

Springtime selections include milkweed plants (which

butterfly, and if found, information may be entered on

attract monarch butterflies), native wildflowers, and other

a website to help track the migration routes between

perennials that support local wildlife. Click on https://

Mexico and Canada. The Franklin Lakes facility offers

njaudubon.org/native-plant-sales/ to pre-order and sup-

monarch programming as well.

port the Sanctuary’s spring sale running from May 15-16.

It’s been an exciting time for the Lorrimer Sanctuary,

“We want to get people to connect with nature. Our

which recently received a generous donation of $1m from

culture is designed to be busy—we want to create

the Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation. “It’s the

opportunities for people to slow down, take a walk, and

largest donation that we’ve ever received. They are a great

enjoy nature,” says Kirsten.

partner, and we are especially excited that the community

njaudubon.org/centers/lorrimer-sanctuary/

N THOUGH THEY LIVE NEARBY. ONCE THEY VISIT, THEY ARE O KED AND MAKE A POINT OF COMING BACK!”

EVE

“A L

OT OF PEOPLE WHO COME IN HAVE NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE,

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

Don’t miss your LAST chance to become one of the FIRST Vista residents. The grand opening of The Vista is fast approaching! With inventory of floor plans at North Jersey’s premier Continuing Care Retirement Community going quickly, the time is now to become one of the first residents of The Vista. The benefits of being among the first are many: choice of floor plans, the advantage of helping to form the community’s character and programming, and your last chance to lock in 2021 prices. And while COVID-19 is still with us, ongoing safety measures are already in place at The Vista to ensure that every resident can feel safe when he/she moves in.

OPENING SOON!

Learn more! Call (201) 485-5354 today!

The Vista Information Center | Cedar Hill Plaza 525 Cedar Hill Avenue | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201) 485-5354 | TheVista.org Anticipated completion spring 2021

• HONEST PHILOSOPHY • PERSONAL APPROACH • PROVEN SUCCESS Steven W. Tarta, Esq.

201.444.8448 | tartalaw.com

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“I had the pleasure of recently working with Steven Tarta. He is highly professional, very knowledgeable, and promptly returns your phone calls and emails. He never rushes you and addresses all your concerns with great care and attention to detail, all while being sensitive to your unique situation and estate planning needs. I can’t recommend Steve highly enough! I’ve also told friends and family about the wonderful experience I had with him having dealt with other lawyers in other situations. I am happy to say that Steve is a cut above the rest!” ~ Patricia M., Wyckoff

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CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

RENOVATE & REFINE

wired for Conservation SMART HOMES SAVE ENERGY DOLLARS

THERE

ARE

RESOUNDING

BENEFITS

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JMG AUDIO VIDEO

microwave as a kid and never looked back. Having

SMARTENING UP YOUR HOME WITH ENERGY-

worked with several electronics companies over his

SAVING TECHNOLOGIES.

career, he decided to open JMG in 2009.

As the demand for “smart” audio/video systems

“I was drawn to this business and picked it up

continues to grow, JMG Audio Video in Saddle River is

rather quickly,” says Jason. “My brain thinks pretty

ready to answer the call.

logically, so the work comes easy to me. When I hire

Owner, Jason Santlofer, has been in business for

a new employee, we start the training by teaching

over 22 years. He started by taking apart his mom’s

how to pull wires. This helps people learn about the

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

infrastructure by understanding what wires affect the television or

significant energy savings and increased security by allowing the

the blinds. If you learn this from the beginning, it makes it easy to

homeowner to preset schedules. Depending upon your budget, sys-

figure out how things work together.”

tems can be activated by the time of day and season, or they can

Homeowners look to Jason and his team to advise and install

be equipped with a photocell sensor. Sensors will drop the shades

whole-house audio and video systems which integrate music and

to reduce heat buildup during the summer months or raise them to

video capabilities into one, easy-to-use system. JMG also installs

invite the sunlight and warmth during the winter. This is especially

home theater systems complete with the latest in audio and video

beneficial for large homes with many windows. “Closing and open-

components. Business is on the rise as more and more families are

ing shades can make a big difference in your energy bill,” says Jason.

interested in entertainment options that allow for relaxing safely at

Shades can be preset to automatically open and close to effec-

home without traveling or COVID concerns.

tively control sunlight to prevent harsh UV rays from damaging

I haven’t been inside a commercial theater that sounds as good as

expensive furnishings, rugs, and artwork. An energy management

our home theaters do,” says Jason. “When a room is custom-tailored

system allows you to monitor and control the air conditioner’s energy

to accommodate 10-12 people, it makes a drastic difference.”

consumption, lights, and electronics. Even more than just managing

A big attraction to the smart home systems is their cost- and energy-savings features. Lighting and HVAC control systems provide

what you are using, you can also monitor the energy created by your solar power, solar thermal, or hydrogen fuel cell.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

“We integrate everything. There’s a lot of technology, but it’s easy to use. Everything works at the touch of a button.” Alarm sensors know when the homeowner is home or

Of utmost importance the integration of all the systems into

away. If set in “away” mode, lights will be dimmer, and

one usable app. “When homeowners do these installations

room temperature will be adjusted. When someone arrives

themselves, they may end up with ten apps that do ten dif-

home, lights will brighten and room temperature will reach

ferent things,” says Jason. “We integrate everything. There’s a

optimal comfort levels.

lot of technology, but it’s easy to use. Everything works at the

“Twenty years ago, these systems were a rarity. Now it’s very commonplace, and homebuyers are expecting these types of features in new homes,” says Jason.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

touch of a button. No one wants to come home and have to figure out how to run the space shuttle!” jmgav.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN AND AMERICAN RECLAIMED

DISCOVER AMERICANA IN UPPER SADDLE RIVER

DISCOVER THE EPITOME OF AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP— REPURPOSED FOR ENJOYMENT IN YOUR OWN HOME. The furniture, planks, and flooring at American Reclaimed are literally a slice of history; born from hand-hewn planks, beams, and siding crafted for barns built some 200-300 years ago. Sal Mastropolo III and his team recycle—or rather—reinvent these materials, transforming them into stunning design elements for home renovation, furniture, and accent pieces. “My dad started the business in 1979 cutting and selling firewood in Manhattan,” says Sal. Interestingly enough, one of the senior Mastropolo’s best customers was a Manhattan resident named Robert DeNiro. The firewood business was good, but when Sal Sr. was hired to take down an old barn for the sum of $800 in 1979, he got the idea to approach barn owners throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to dismantle old barns in exchange for the lumber. He advertised his service by placing

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

BARN RAZING (CONTINUED)

flyers on cars where he delivered firewood. As luck would have it, one of the cars was owned by an employee of Polo by Ralph Lauren, resulting in the purchase of large amounts of barn planking for store interiors. Other notable corporate clients included Bergdorf Goodman, Toys R Us, and many area bars and restaurants. “One flyer set it all off,” says son Sal. A second business was later founded which specialized in natural materials for prop houses. The family business supplied items like acorns, bird nests, trees, stumps, and bullrushes needed to set the stage for movies or Broadway performances. Their materials even co-starred with Michael Jackson in his 1995 music video “Earth Song.” The family opened a new facility in Goshen seven years ago called Authentic Antique Lumber, supplying raw materials, live edge slabs, and barn siding. Sal joined the business soon after and took it over from his dad. A lumberyard and a wood kiln are located on-site, as well as a workshop where craftsmen build and customize the finished products. Fast-forward to 2020, American Reclaimed opened on Rt. 17 North in Upper Saddle River. “We were running out of space in our woodshop, so we decided to open a fully-finished, custom furniture company here in Bergen County,” says Sal. “We can now supply, build, and install everything from custom tables, mantels, flooring, and building materials.” The store specializes in a variety of wood specimens from all over the Americas. In addition to traditional barn woods, they also stock exotic species; many of which are cut from fallen trees. This is particularly appealing to those with environmental concerns. There is an entire wall of wood samples for custom-

contemporary customers. This is achieved

ers who want to compare color and grain to

by adding steel bases to the reclaimed wood

determine their preference.

elements for an interesting and appealing vibe

“People are looking for recycled and repur-

With the passing of his beloved dad several

says Sal. Although one may think that the

months ago, Sal is now sole proprietor. “I’m car-

repurposed barn wood would only suit those

rying the torch for the family business,” he says.

with rustic tastes, Sal and his crew love to

“We offer rustic décor from ceiling to floor!”

innovate the visual contrasts which suit their

that’s perfect for more modern tastes.

posed woods. They have more character,”

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

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TECH SAVVY

L E A DI NG THE C H A RGE

VOLVO'S TURNING THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Jim Nichols, Brand and Product Communications Manager

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN AND VOLVO CARS

NORTHWEST BERGEN COUNTY IS WELCOMING

green building certification system, providing third-

ANOTHER MAJOR LUXURY CAR MANUFACTURER

party verification that a building was designed and

TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Volvo’s Americas head-

built using strategies to improve performance across

quarters has recently moved from Rockleigh, New

metrics such as energy savings, water usage, CO2

Jersey, to MacArthur Boulevard in Mahwah, taking own-

emissions, and indoor air quality.

ership of the former Ascena (Dress Barn) site.

The building is powered by a highly efficient “smart”

Jim Nichols, Brand and Product Communications

HVAC system that heats and cools in coordination with

Manager, was instrumental in selecting Mahwah as

the outdoor weather, time of day, and population within the

Volvo’s new corporate home and worked to seal the deal

building. UV lamps within the air system help to eliminate

on this 145,000-square-foot, environmentally-sound

bacteria and bring in high levels of fresh, clean air. “This

building as Volvo’s new digs.

feature helped us to bring staff in earlier during COVID

“We looked at over 40 sites—none of which were a fit

because of the superior air quality,” says Jim. Low VOC

for us, so we decided to stay in Rockleigh and rebuild.

carpets and paint also help to improve the indoor envi-

Plans were drawn up, but our realtor encouraged us to

ronment. The lighting system is connected to sensors that

look at this building. I stopped for a look on my way home

adjust wattage according to room occupancy and available

one evening, and that was it. Negotiations followed, and

natural light. The entire building will soon be retrofitted to

we closed the deal in June of 2020.”

have all LED bulbs. Water conservation is another aspect

Taking possession of the building during the pandemic required a thoughtful plan and a comprehensive

of Volvo’s sustainability plan. All fixtures are low-flow, and there are no sprinklers on the grounds of the property.

phase-in process. “We opened the building to staff in

Environmental responsibility was the driving force in

late October, floor-by-floor,” says Jim. Eventually, the

purchasing this building and doing the required ren-

structure will accommodate 400-450 employees.

ovations. “Rather than what looked the nicest or what

In light of Volvo’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, the building’s unique appeal was

was the cheapest, we focused on what was the most energy-efficient,” says Jim.

its LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Volvo’s headquarters also features a state-of-the-art

Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized

fitness center and a corporate café operated by Bergen CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

TECH SAVVY (CONTINUED)

Community College’s culinary arts program. “It’s a

through a small turbine. “It’s beneficial for city driving

great opportunity for students to see corporate life

because the technology generates electricity which

first-hand,” says Jim. “Eventually, our employees

is delivered back into the battery,” says Jim.

will be able to enjoy cooking classes and farm-to-

The vehicle produces no tailpipe emissions and

table cuisine.” In keeping with their environmental-

features Google built-in with full voice recognition

ly-themed standards, the café will focus on reusable

and command capabilities. Google can show you

dishware and will not provide single-use plastic items.

how to get to the nearest charging station and even

The headquarters’ Brand Experience Center will

turn on your seat heaters! Drivers new to electric

highlight Volvo’s history and innovations over the

vehicles will want to install a charging station at

decades, including developing the 3-point safety belt.

home to charge the car overnight. Costs may vary;

Volvo is now leading the way to establish a culture that

however, they are not prohibitive.

embraces the shift to electric cars. They are commit-

As a forerunner in safety research and technology,

ted to enhancing their infrastructure by constructing a

Volvo has led the revolution for better engineering for

new electric car charging facility on the property. This

decades. “Our mission is to make vehicles that elimi-

represents a nice perk for Volvo employees who drive

nate or reduce the impact of a crash, whether people

hybrid and electric vehicles. The lot will also be open

are inside or outside of the car,” says Jim. “Most acci-

to the public on weekends for charging.

dents are caused by human error. So, we need to study

Volvo’s environment initiatives go far beyond their

how to eliminate those mistakes.” Over the years,

headquarters in Mahwah. “We will begin to phase out

industry research has brought about innovations like

gasoline engines over time and will be looking to con-

pilot assist, automatic braking, and blind-spot warning

tinually improve sustainability efforts and the impact

technology available from every car manufacturer.

of our carbon footprint,” states Jim. Carbon neutrality

These features don’t take over the driving tasks, but

is an ongoing initiative that will affect Volvo’s corpo-

they assist the driver by enhancing safety.

rate culture, the vehicles under development, and

What happens when the car takes full responsibility

even the logistics involved in vehicle shipping and

for all the driving tasks? Looking toward the future, Volvo

transportation. The company’s ambitious goal is that

is preparing for the time when our entire culture will

50% of the cars they manufacture will be electric by

evolve to accept fully autonomous vehicles on the road.

2025 and that in the same year, the carbon footprint

As self-driving vehicles evolve from fiction to fact, Volvo

of each vehicle will be lowered by 40%.

designers and engineers are giving serious thought to

Launched in 2020, the XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first all-electric vehicle and a significant milestone for the brand.

will accept giving up driving control in the future. “We could provide transportation to people who

The SUV’s two motors generate 402 horsepower.

are unable to drive for one reason or another,” says

“The torque is instant,” says Jim. “There is no lag

Jim. Shorter car trips, like traveling from New York to

when you accelerate like a regular gas engine. You

Boston, will be much more efficient by car than by

feel the difference when you pass another car.” The

plane. You could sleep while traveling by car during

vehicle features an electric powertrain that allows

the evening and wake up when you arrive at your des-

for regenerative braking. Volvo’s one-pedal drive

tination. The bonus is that we can significantly reduce

option instantly slows the car down when the driver

emissions by traveling in an electric vehicle instead of

takes their foot off of the accelerator, utilizing energy

traveling by air. The opportunities are boundless.”

from the decelerating wheels to generate electricity

the changing role of the car in society and how people

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

volvocars.com/us

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

TECH SAVVY (CONTINUED)

Q&A WITH THE CEO Anders Gustafsson is the Head of Volvo Cars within the Americas Region and President & CEO of Volvo Car USA LLC. Holding both roles since 2017, Anders’s area of responsibility spans more than 20 countries.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MAHWAH FOR THE HOME OF YOUR NEW HQ? Volvo Cars has a long history with the state of New Jersey. We opened our regional office in Rockleigh in 1964. As our business continued to grow, we saw the need to find a larger space that reflected who we are as a brand and were presented with this great opportunity to move to Mahwah. As you know, moving a business that has been in the same location for 56 years can be very challenging. After considering many locations, we found that Mahwah offered us a beautiful new building that fit our growing needs, while also having the smallest collective impact on our employees’ commutes – a factor we took very seriously. WE NOTICED THE BUILDING IS LEED-CERTIFIED, WHY WAS THIS IMPORTANT TO VOLVO? At Volvo we are very committed to the safety of our people and our planet. Sustainability is a key pillar of our brand and a top consideration in every

emissions in our manufacturing network, wider oper-

decision we make as an organization. In looking for

ations, supply chain, and through recycling and reuse

a new home for our business, we knew it needed to

of materials. We see this as one of many tangible

meet certain standards of environmental friendli-

steps we can take towards our ambition of becoming

ness. LEED certification confirms not only that the

a climate-neutral company by 2040.

building was built with the environment in mind, but also that we are committed to operating it in a way

YOU’VE JUST LAUNCHED YOUR FIRST ELECTRIC

that uses resources efficiently.

VEHICLE, THE XC40 RECHARGE, WHICH MUST BE A HUGE MILESTONE FOR THE VOLVO BRAND.

WHAT OTHER INITIATIVES DOES VOLVO PLAN TO ACHIEVE ITS SUSTAINABILITY GOALS?

We are very proud of the pure electric XC40

As I’ve mentioned, sustainability underlines every

Recharge. As the first of many great new electric vehi-

decision we make at Volvo Cars. Of course, that goes

cles that will be offered by Volvo Cars, the SUV really

for decisions about the products we sell, but it applies

highlights what is important to our brand. That is,

equally to the way we do business. That is why we’ve

offering beautiful products that meet the needs of our

set a goal to reduce our lifecycle carbon footprint

customers and remain true to who we are – a brand

per car by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025. This

that puts the safety of our drivers and our planet at the

means not only lowering tailpipe emissions by offer-

very forefront of everything we do.

ing pure electric vehicles, but also by reducing carbon

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS?

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

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These credits expire on December 31, 2021. THE CHARGE IS ON FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

KELLY HAGGERT Y

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Kelly Haggerty, Partner/Owner of The Haggerty

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | April 2021

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