How two founders built a reputation one building at a time
In the middle of one of the world’s loudest, busiest cities, a small construction company has quietly carved out a niche. They don’t build skyscrapers or flashy new towers. They don’t shout about themselves online. But if you’ve walked through New York’s Tri-state area, you’ve probably passed their work, and didn’t even know it.
That’s how Eric Schnellbacher and Valeriano Sendon like it.
“We’re not loud. We’re deliberate,” says Schnellbacher. “Our work should speak for itself, not our voices.”
Their company, Schnellbacher-Sendon Group, has been restoring and repairing building facades since 2005. Based in New Jersey, they focus only on exterior work. No interiors. No distractions. Just the shell of the city, bricks, stone, terra cotta, and glass.
Two Founders, One Focus
Eric and Valeriano started the company after years of working in the construction field.
“We saw how messy projects got when too many people were involved,” says Sendon. “We wanted to simplify. Do one thing really well.”
So they did.
They formed Schnellbacher-Sendon Group, LLC in December 2005 with a clear goal: specialize in restoring the outer layers of buildings, especially in dense and high-value neighborhoods like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City.
They didn’t want to be a jack-of-all-trades. Instead, they became masters of one.
What Makes Them Different
Schnellbacher-Sendon Group only does facade work. That means they fix cracks, restore stone, clean exteriors, repair damage, and handle preservation on both modern and historic buildings.
This specialization allowed them to build trust with property owners.
“When someone gives you a building that’s over 100 years old, they need to trust you,” says Schnellbacher. “You can’t fake it.”
They’ve worked on brownstones, commercial towers, and historic landmarks. But they don’t name-drop.
“Confidentiality is part of our culture,” says Sendon. “These are people’s homes and investments. We respect that.”
Doing the Job Right
One thing they’re known for: staying on budget and finishing on time.
“We’ve had clients who almost cried because we finished when we said we would,” Schnellbacher laughs. “That shouldn’t be rare, but it is.”
The firm also keeps a low profile on job sites. That’s not an accident.
“We don’t play music on scaffolds. We don’t yell across streets. We keep the sidewalk clean,” says Sendon. “Our work shouldn’t be a disruption.”
This quiet, careful approach has earned them long-term clients who call them again and again.
A Code of Conduct
The company runs on a set of strong values: professionalism, transparency, and responsibility.
Schnellbacher puts it simply: “If we mess up, we own it. No excuses.”
They also believe in being upfront.
“We tell the client exactly what we’re doing, how long it will take, and what it will cost,” says Sendon. “No surprises.”
Working in tight urban spaces means they often need to coordinate with city officials, neighbors, or building boards.
“Respect goes a long way,” says Schnellbacher. “Even just showing up clean and on time can change how people see you.”
A Business Built on Reputation
The company doesn’t rely on flashy ads or awards. Most of their projects come through referrals.
“Our marketing plan is just: do a good job,” says Sendon. “People talk.”
That talk has brought them steady work from residential, commercial, and historical property owners.
While other firms grow fast and wide, Schnellbacher-Sendon Group has stayed focused.
“Slow growth is okay,” says Schnellbacher. “As long as we don’t lose what makes us good.”
What’s Next?
Nearly 20 years in, the founders are still hands-on.
“We still visit every job site,” says Sendon. “That’s not going to change.”
They’re not planning to expand into other types of construction.
“There’s always more to learn about facades,” says Schnellbacher. “That’s what keeps it interesting.”
Interview with Schnellbacher-Sendon Group Founders Eric Schnellbacher and Valeriano Sendon
Why did you decide to focus only on exterior facades?
Eric: We saw too many projects go sideways because companies were trying to do everything, interior, exterior, plumbing, roofing. We wanted to do one thing well. Facades are complex and visible. If you mess them up, everyone sees it.
Valeriano: Also, it’s where history lives. A 100-year-old stone cornice tells a story. Restoring that is more meaningful than installing drywall.
What’s one project that really stayed with you?
Valeriano: We worked on a pre-war building in Manhattan where the terra cotta was crumbling. The owners were nervous, we were their last option before full replacement. We restored every detail by hand. When it was done, the board sent us a thank-you note. That meant a lot.
Eric: Yeah, that one was personal. You could see the relief on their faces.
What do you think clients value most about your work?
Eric: Honesty. We don’t overpromise. If something will take 12 weeks, we don’t say 8.
Valeriano: And we show up. Sounds simple, but we’re there when we say we will be. We keep the site clean. We treat their building like it’s ours.
How do you approach working in such dense, high-value areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn?
Valeriano: With a quiet footprint. No loud crews. No garbage in the street. We make sure neighbors aren’t complaining.
Eric: We’ve had buildings where the super said, ‘You’re the first crew that didn’t make a mess.’ That’s success to us.
Do you still visit the job sites personally?
Eric: Always. We’re not just behind desks.
Valeriano: Clients like seeing us. It shows we care. Also, we catch things early when we’re on-site.
Any advice for someone starting a niche business in construction?
Valeriano: Stick to your lane. Don’t try to be everything to everyone.
Eric: And build trust slowly. One job at a time. Don’t chase growth if it means cutting corners.
