This post is sponsored and contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
In my profession as a Realtor, not much is guaranteed – but I do know one thing for certain—I know I will meet interesting (okay sometimes even quirky) people every single day! Honestly, my favorite part of this job is simply getting to know people, taking the time to listen and understand their stories and help them plan for the future. These people enrich my life every day and I love that we are able to collaborate briefly and remain connected for years.
So, here’s a story about Conor and Ellen.
Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I remembered Ellen when she was a student at Assumption School in Morristown – lots of years ago. Through her mom, Joanne a long tenured teacher I would keep up with Ellen’s milestones. Graduation from Morristown High, then Notre Dame, then Law School. Wow – I don’t feel that old! Needless to say when Ellen called, introduced me to Conor (who received his MBA from Notre Dame) and asked me for help in finding the perfect home in the Morristown area, I could not be happier. I was “all in”.
Conor, Ellen and I had visited lots of homes, but nothing fit quite right. Until one Saturday morning when I got a call from Conor. Ellen was at work, and Conor drove by one of the listings that had just come on the market. Walking through the front door I could see the look on his face, it felt just right.
Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Conor looked a little nervous as he began to tell me the story of his life – right there on a quiet Washington Headquarters street. It was abundantly clear that faith, family and friends were Conor’s north star. I remember how impressed I was by this gentle and genuine soul. He then shared a little secret. He made 2 big purchases that week and having seen the home standing in front of us, he was convicted to make a third. A new truck, an engagement ring and now a new home. At the time, Ellen knew about only one of the 3, but when Conor told her about the house, she visited too and loved it as much as Conor. She found out about the third big surprise shortly thereafter!
Conor and Ellen were soon married and closing on their new home. I remember sitting at the closing table as Conor made a comment that spoke volumes about his personality.
“The road of life is paved with flat squirrels.” No disrespect to squirrels – simply a commentary on indecision.
Conor is a person who knows what he wants and doesn’t settle. So, having conquered mechanics, marriage and mortgage, he was on to his next idea, to create a space of his own – “man-cave”…but this would not be just any man-cave.
“My family thought I was a little crazy, especially my mother-in-law.”
Conor basically built a tiny house in his yard.
"I'm a builder," Conor proudly states. "I oversee the construction operations for the New Jersey office of a commercial construction general contractor. I love to build. I love it for the vast array of individuals I interact with from all walks of life and cultures, managing the risk, solving logistical and engineering challenges, the accounting - it taps into so many skill sets. I am always having to think creatively on how to get the ball across the goal line safely while delivering a quality building ahead of schedule, under budget and ideally in such a manner that the team of designers, clients, subcontractors and teammates want to do it again together."
Enjoying construction as much as he does and making little distinction between work and play, Conor wanted a home office man-cave where he could really work and spread out his blueprints. And that he did!
The interior of the man-cave and home office features exposed brick and interior wood frame, Pella wood windows, oil rubbed bronze door hardware and recessed lighting fixtures with wiring concealed In galvanized steel conduit, steel brackets to support the shelving and a polished concrete desktop, a glass top set at an angle to support blueprint drawings, bamboo shades, unfinished wood base and case trim, oak flooring and a pine tongue and grove vaulted ceiling with a mahogany finished 3 blade fan. The man-cave is also set up with a VRF heating and cooling unit, internet, TV, dual screen computer monitors and printer/scanner/fax. The exterior is accentuated with a slate roof and copper gutters. Conor enjoys that nearly all the materials used are natural reoccurring from the earth, giving it a rustic feel. As his wife Ellen says, "One of the things I love about Conor is that he doesn’t do anything half-way! His man-cave is no exception."
Conor applied his architecture and engineering knowledge to draw blueprints that include plan, section and elevation views and electrical layout, and he calculated the electrical requirements and recorded all of the materials used and labor applied so he would have a record if he were to build a home office for a friend or family member in the future. And little did he know that in less than a year's time, working from home and virtual learning would become the norm for most of us!
If anyone is looking to build a home office (or man-cave or she-shed, etc.), Conor is the man for the job! Shoot him a text or give him a call at (973) 385-8465 if you'd like to talk ideas!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
LISA MOLINARI
Weichert Realtor
20 Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
(C) 908.337.1748
MolinariRealtor@gmail.com
lisa-molinari.weichert.com
The Real Estate Market is Exciting. Contact me for a Free Market Analysis – or a conversation!
This is a sponsored post contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local sponsor. To learn more, click here.
