The Interview: Such Stuff that Dreams are Made of

With a tagline like ‘We go to extremes to build your dreams,’ Alure Home Improvement’s brand is memorable for its boldness. It’s a character trait that leads straight to the CEO’s office which, after all, is where great brands begin.

And that’s why we’re excited Sal Ferro is featured in this installment of The Interview, where we question the region’s leaders on all things great and small. In this case, we discover how a Halloween baby with a penchant for risk grew a company into a dream business, with much thanks to Dad and a nod to Jack Welch.

To learn all about Sal Ferro in the time it takes to drink a cup of joe, read on.

FMC: What are the 3 best things you’ve done in your life?

SF: First, becoming a father and raising my three kids. Then, being able to represent my industry by being part of helping to change the lives of eight deserving families for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. And being an integral part of creating this wonderful company we have today, helping homeowners on Long Island while also providing career opportunities for so many employees.

FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?

SF: Trying to expand before we were ready about 15 years ago.

FMC: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?

SF: A baseball player. I loved baseball, both playing and watching.

FMC: Why do you do what you do?

SF: In business, I do what I do because I have passion for the people and the industry. Philanthropically, I do what I do because I’ve always felt it was important to give back, and I feel very fortunate to be in a position to not only help others, but also to inspire others to do the same.

I’ve always found people are more proactive when they feel appreciated

FMC: What’s your biggest vice?

SF: My iPad.

FMC: What gives you hope for the future?

SF: Optimism in humanity overall  — and faith in the next generation to learn from the mistakes of the last.

FMC: What’s your idea of a great day off from work?

SF: Great weather and having the kids home with me in the backyard, having a BBQ by the pool with music.

FMC: Coke or Pepsi?

SF: Pepsi when I’m with my fiancée Molly, Coke when I’m alone. – 🙂

FMC: Who was/is the most influential person in your life?

SF: Many people and events have influenced me over the years, but I’d have to say my Dad for his work ethic and heart.

FMC: Favorite restaurant (anywhere)?

SF: Mannino’s in Commack and Insignia in Smithtown.

FMC: Last book read?

SF: The Servant, a simple story about the true essence of leadership,  by James C. Hunter.

FMC: Where do you get your news?

SF: The New York Post and Newsday on my iPad.

FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?

SF: My Dad, Jesus, Ronald Reagan, Ken Blanchard, Jack Welch.

FMC: What’s your idea of a leader?

SF: A leader to me is someone who inspires others, who manages by motivating and not by fear. Someone who respects their employees and takes the time to get to know them. A leader must lead by example and set the standard for others to follow. They should show and teach others, not just ‘tell’ them and make sure to get employees involved in the process.

Most importantly, a leader must show appreciation for his or her employees to get the most out of them. I’ve always found people are more proactive when they feel appreciated.

Jack Welch would be an example of a great leader for turning GE around.

FMC: Favorite drink?

SF: If it’s alcoholic, then it’s a Chopin Vodka Martini. Otherwise, unsweetened iced tea.

FMC: Is your house all tricked out?

SF: Well, I was always teased I was a trick being that I was born on Halloween! – 🙂

I have a nice house and keep it updated but I must admit sometimes I’m more focused on the outside. I remodeled my backyard with an outdoor kitchen and living room and I love to entertain.

FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

SF: That my prices are high, no …. I guess what I hear from people when they meet me is that I’m very down to earth, and they didn’t realize that before they got to know me.