Local Contractor Ralph Rossi featured as Expert Contractor in National Magazines, Bus Billboards and on National TV for Benjamin Moore’s “For Those Who Know More” Campaign

WESTCHESTER, NY: Friends and customers of Pratt & D’Angelo may notice a familiar face on the pages of the May national editions of House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Traditional Home, and Elle Décor. And, within the next few weeks, they may be further surprised when they turn on their TV’s. Already appearing extensively in National print media for Benjamin Moore’s ad campaign “For Those Who Know More,” Ralph Rossi, owner of Pratt & D’Angelo will soon appear on TV and Cable on the East Coast and beyond throughout 2010.

Located in Westchester, NY, Pratt & D’Angelo was recently recognized as The Very Best in The Business by Benjamin Moore Paints in their 2010 “For Those Who Know More” National Ad Campaign . The ad will be featured in national magazines, bus billboards, TV, and on an interactive Facebook page (http://apps.facebook.com/bmexperts/experts/51).

For its 2010 advertising campaign, Benjamin Moore has brought together eight top design and paint industry mavens who favor the company’s products and posed them in a photo portrait inspired by Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue covers.  The headline reads, “Paint With The Very Best” and is tagged with a double entendre final statement, “For Those Who Know More.”  It has been published as a double-page spread in the May national editions of Elle Décor and House Beautiful; and as a single-page horizontal in Country Living, Real Simple and Traditional Home, part of a regional buy that includes New York, Boston, Chicago, D.C. and San Francisco. Subsequently the ad will appear as a single-page horizontal in June, September and October issues of all five publications.

Though they are neither paparazzi prey nor household names, the eight personalities starring in the Benjamin Moore campaign are bona fide design and paint experts who, in the decorating world (and in the magazines where the ads appear), are recognizable and respected.  Perhaps the best known is interior designer Jamie Drake, whose celebrity clientele includes Michael Bloomberg and Madonna. Other interior designers who are featured are Darryl Carter, Celerie Kemble and Amy Lau. Canada, which accounts for approximately 15% of Benjamin Moore’s North American business, is represented by designer Brian Gluckstein and architect Vladimir Topouzanov. Two professional painting contractors complete the group: Jeff Hester, of Chicago-based Hester Painting and Decorating, and Ralph Rossi, President of Pratt & D’Angelo Painting, from Westchester County, NY.

Eileen McComb, Director, Corporate Communications, Benjamin Moore & Co. explains, “Ralph Rossi was chosen by Benjamin Moore Paints to represent the ideal contractor in our 2010 advertising campaign "Paint With The Very Best". We requested Ralph join us because of his professionalism, depth of knowledge, dedication to service, and exemplary ethics -- clearly his business is one that Benjamin Moore admires and respects. And we are proud that his company, Pratt & D'Angelo, specifies Benjamin Moore products."

Rossi, known for his professional standards as a paint contractor in the Westchester, New York region, is a dedicated advocate for environmental safety issues in the renovation industry.  Proactive as an Environmental Engineer, Rossi earned a Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and created, developed and taught Environmental Site Assessment courses at New York University’s (NYU) Real Estate Institute.

According to Deb DeHamilton, Senior Manager, Media and Web Communications for Benjamin Moore & Co, “Our management team loved our campaign 'For Those Who Know More' so much that they asked us to produce product specific TV spots that would highlight one of our designer/contractor testimonials.  The team selected Ralph Rossi’s comments for the Natura spot, since he said some great things about the product and benefits.”  The spot will be airing in NY Metro, Boston, Hartford and Providence in mid May and rolling out over other markets throughout 2010.

Benjamin Moore is aggressively using Facebook to unite the community of experts “who know more” with consumers who are hungry to learn more about decorating, design, color and paint. Visitors will be able to connect not only with the ad’s eight experts but also with dozens of other designers and hands-on painting contractors who Benjamin Moore will be regularly welcoming to join the site. Currently, video conversations with the ad stars can be viewed and there is an Ask the Experts tab, allowing a dialogue for advice and tips. On the flip side, the participating experts will have a forum for showing off their portfolio of work, a helpful promotional perq for their individual businesses. And, there will be occasional real-time live Ask the Expert sessions that will let visitors upload their own color/painting makeover projects to obtain suggestions and critiques from the professionals. Additionally, an Events tab will help direct consumers to local retailer programs, sales events and other in-store activities.

The campaign video can be seen on the Benjamin Moore Facebook pagehttp://apps.facebook.com/bmexperts/experts/51.  Visitors to the interactive site are invited to ask the experts questions pertaining to painting and decorating.

I want to tell you how much your enormous efforts managing this shelter transformation are appreciated. From bringing Pratt & D'Angelo into this project, to corraling, coaching and assigning over 70 volunteers, the management of this project was a tremendous feat.

Warmest regards,
Eileen McComb
Director Corporate Communications
Benjamin Moore Paints

The showroom is located inside the 12,000 SF commercial building acquired by both companies in late 2011.  Immediately following the aquistion, the entire building was rennovated to accomodate the new Pratt & D'Angelo and Xpress Bath corporate offices and warehouse.  The final stage of rennovations will be completed in late September 2012 and will be followed by a Grand Opening in early October 2012.  The new showroom will house products supplied and installed by both companies and includes the following:

• Decorative Moldings
• Affordable Custom Fabricated Millwork
• Wood and Vinyl Replacement Windows and Doors
• Accessible Bathrooms For The Disabled or Elderly
• Low Maintenance Baths and Bath Enclosures
• Ceramic Tile
• Bath Faucets and Fixtures
• Shower Doors
• Bath Vanities

The Grand Opening will be by invite to existing Pratt & D'Angelo and Xpress Bath customers and recent prospects.  Mr. Rossi receently expressed the following:

"I'm very excited about our new showroom in New Rochelle.  Whether its our line of affordable, elegant and quick bathrooms from Xpress Bath or complete room and house makeovers by Pratt & D'Angelo, our customers are sure to find the products and service they need at the prices they want."

The new showroom is located at 371 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801.  For additional details, call 914-459-1400.

Purchase, NY: Ralph Rossi, PE, Founder and President of Pratt & D’Angelo, a residential & commercial full service painting and staining contractor located in Westchester and Nassau County,  has been selected by Benjamin Moore as a presenter for their Fourth Annual HUE Awards. Rossi, will participate in honoring Architects and Interior Designers for their innovative use of color in residential and commercial design applications.  The HUE Awards ceremony and reception will be located at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York on May 5th 2010. Winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize and original hand-blown HUEY crystal sculpture.

Rossi will present a HUE award to Amy Wax,  recipient  of  the top prize for Residential Exteriors. Wax is the first professional color consultant to receive a HUE Award.  She  is owner of Your Color Source Studios, Inc., which offers color advice to homeowners and building and design professionals. Rossi was selected for this presentation  by Benjamin Moore for his reputation as a contractor expert and for his exemplary business standards and ethics which Benjamin Moore admires and respects.   

Besides Amy Wax, honorees include: Ghislaine Viñas Interior Design, New York, for Residential Interiors; Envision Design, Washington, DC, for Contract Interiors; and Allen + Philp Architects/Interiors, Scottsdale, AZ, for Contract Exteriors. All competed in their categories against a total of nearly 150 entries from around the U.S

Also, in a departure from previous years when the Benjamin Moore HUE Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to an architect, the 2010 honors will be going for the first time to an interior design firm, Diamond Baratta Design and its principals William Diamond and Anthony Baratta. A HUE Special Achievement Award will be going to Eikona Studios, Cleveland, OH, for its unique dedication to the restoration and preservation of mural art and masterpieces that grace the walls and domes of American churches, cathedrals and houses of worship. 

Benjamin Moore established the HUE Awards in 2005 in an effort to recognize the creative incorporation of color through the use of paint, building materials, textiles, design elements, and furnishings. Open to seasoned design professionals or industry newbies, the competition includes  the following categories: residential interiors, residential exteriors, contract interiors and contract exteriors. 

This year’s palette of judges features five professionals drawn from the design, fashion, and art worlds including: Thomas R. Krizmanic, principal of STUDIOS Architecture; Reed Kroloff, director of Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum; Mayer Rus, design and culture editor ofThe Los Angeles Times Magazine; Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics; and Tim Wisgerhof,  creative director, TwoSeven, Inc.

Ralph Rossi, an EPA “Certified Renovator,”  is an expert in the paint and renovation industry from color consultations  to information regarding the  most up to date rules and regulations involving environmental safety issues. Rossi earned a Masters Degree in Engineering from Cornell University and created, developed and taught Environmental Site Assessment courses at New York University’s (NYU’) Real Estate Institute. For information log onto   www.prattdangelo.com

Pratt & D’Angelo Painting is a residential & commercial full service painting and staining contractor located in Westchester County, New York. Pratt & D’Angelo is a member of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA). Ralph E. Rossi, President & owner of Pratt & D’Angelo Painting is a local leader in the painting & wallpaper industry and has served as past president and secretary/treasurer of the Westchester Chapter PDCA. Pratt & D’Angelo is highly regarded by the prevalent paint manufacturers and has strong working relationships with Benjamin Moore Paints, Sherwin Williams Paints, and Cabot Stains, and others.

Pratt & D’Angelo’s  offices are conveniently located to serve the following areas: Westchester County, New York City, Nassau County, Lower Fairfield County, including Greenwich, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, and Stamford. Pratt & D’Angelo offers free estimates, and all their work is guaranteed. The company is proud to produce a high quality job, on budget, on time and with the best customer service.

In Compliance with EPA’s New Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

When considering a home renovation, from painting interior walls to a total structural makeover, consumers now  need  more than a design and budget  plan. They need to know the law.  On April 22, 2010, the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule becomes fully effective and enforceable with fines for violating the rule starting at $32,500

Ralph Rossi, President of Pratt & D’Angelo, is prepared. Rossi, an EPA “Certified Renovator,” has completed the required EPA Certified Renovator training courses in compliance with the new Federal requirements. Through various resources, including Pratt & D’Angelo’s website, direct mail and other avenues, Rossi’s company is working diligently to alert and inform their clients and the general public about the importance of lead-safe work practices during painting, decorating, remodeling, renovation and maintenance projects in pre-1978 housing. Consumers are invited to log onto Pratt & D’Angelo’s Website: www.prattdangelo.com/

Rossi is a dedicated advocate for environmental safety issues in the renovation industry. Proactive as an Environmental Engineer, Rossi earned a Masters Degree in Engineering from Cornell University and created, developed and taught Environmental Site Assessment courses at New York University’s (NYU’) Real Estate Institute.  “As a company, we have always approached our work with an eye toward protecting our customers’ properties and families.  To that end, we invested heavily in specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums and air filtration units that contain and remove lead dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air during our renovation.  I’m glad to see EPA mandating all contractors follow safe and common sense work practices when dealing with pre-1978 housing.” states Rossi.

Everyone can be affected by the hazards of lead-based paint. However, children under the age of six (6) have a significantly higher risk. On April 22, 2010, the US Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule becomes fully effective and enforceable. This new Federal regulation is intended to protect children and adults during renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 housing and in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities, such as daycare centers, where existing lead-based paint will be disturbed by the work. 

According to James Gulliford, the EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, "Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable disease. EPA's new rule requires contractors and maintenance workers who renovate and repair older housing, child care facilities and schools to follow common sense lead-safe work practices so that children are not exposed to hazardous lead dust. By requiring renovators to be certified, we're also helping consumers identify contractors who are trained in lead-safe work practices. Our goal is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning as a major health concern by the year 2010."

Children exposed to lead at an early age are likely to suffer from a variety of permanent conditions, including brain, liver and kidney damage; slowed development; learning disabilities; behavior problems; lowered intellect; hearing loss; and restlessness. (http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/chancefactsheet.pdf)

Consumers need to know if renovation, repair or painting work in their home or apartment will trigger the requirements in the EPA Rule. EPA's website is the best source of information for consumers regarding the new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requirements. Visitwww.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm to get complete details about the regulation and valuable resources, including several PDF pamphlets on lead, lead-based paint, lead poisoning and steps to perform renovations in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities.

Consumers also need to know how find a qualified professional for these services. Painting and decorating contractors who perform work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities will need to apply to EPA to become "Certified Renovation Firms." Additionally, contractors and their workers will need to take training from EPA-accredited training providers to become "Certified Renovators."  

To contact Pratt & D’Angelo and learn more about their EPA Certified painting and renovation services, log onto their website at www.prattdangelo.com

Pratt & D’Angelo Painting is a residential & commercial full service painting and staining contractor located in Westchester County, New York. Pratt & D’Angelo is a member of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA). Ralph E. Rossi, President & owner of Pratt & D’Angelo Painting is a local leader in the painting & wallpaper industry and has served as past president and secretary/treasurer of the Westchester Chapter PDCA. Pratt & D’Angelo is highly regarded by the prevalent paint manufacturers and has strong working relationships with Benjamin Moore Paints, Sherwin Williams Paints, and Cabot Stains, and others.

Our offices are conveniently located to serve the following areas: Westchester County, New York City, Nassau County, Lower Fairfield County, including Greenwich, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, and Stamford. We offer free estimates, and all of our work is guaranteed. Our company is proud to produce a high quality job, on budget, on time and with the best customer service.

In the June Issue of O Magazine, readers were introduced to a concept called "The Color Of Inspiration".  Readers were asked to submit a deserving non-profit to be gifted a colorful makeover.  The results came in the form of over 1400 submissions from a very passionate audience.  The chosen shelter, known as Hope’s Door in Westchester County, supports women and children effected by domestic violence. 

THE COLORS: I was deeply moved to be a part of the project through creating the color palette for the home.  For me, it's a way to share the power of color.  The palette of colors came together as a story in tone, saturation, and vibrancy.  I looked for colors that had confidence at their core and stories in their steps.  Though it's a temporary home, the messages they may gain in the environment can be permanent.  My hope is that the women and children of Hope’s Door are energized, encouraged, and comforted by the color scheme.  I created three color schemes and the shelter's staff chose what they felt reflected the home best.  Here's what I proposed.

The Paint: Benjamin Moore wanted to ensure the best possible environment would be created so we specified that all the paint would be our "greenest"--Zero VOC Natura.  We arranged for a fantastic paint contractor, Pratt & D’Angelo, of Harrison, NY to get it all ready.  They completed minor repairs, primed and prepped the walls for volunteers who would paint, and painted out all the hard to reach spots (like ceilings!).  In addition to the paint, Benjamin Moore's alliance partner, Pottery Barn, was inspired to donate, too.  They gifted all new bedding, including quilts, for the seven bedrooms that provide a sense of home for the women and children of  Hope’s Door                                              

The Day(s) of Service: Over the weekend, volunteers from the local community, O Magazine, and Benjamin Moore teamed up with the mission of beautifying Hope’s Door.  What better way to spend a weekend than being an advocate for service and healthy environments through color? According to one source, the project resulted in a "phenomenal outcome- with the residents overjoyed in their transformed environment."  Now, that's the Power of Color. 

(From Blog by Sonu Mathew, Sr., Interior Designer at Benjamin Moore & Co.)