The Profile: All about Stephen Fanuka who has built up a client list that includes Tony Bennett, Lindsay Lohan and Beyoncé; landed a primetime reality TV show (Million Dollar Contractor on the DIY Network and published the home-repair guide What’s a Homeowner to Do? with New York Times contributor Edward Lewine.
Stephen has become “Contractor to the Stars” and built himself an unsurpassed reputation among the leading decorators, architects and elite clientele in Manhattan as the go-to guy for high quality general contracting and luxury interior renovation.
Stephen has become “Contractor to the Stars” and built himself an unsurpassed reputation among the leading decorators, architects and elite clientele in Manhattan as the go-to guy for high quality general contracting and luxury interior renovation.
Name . . .
Stephen Fanuka
Occupation . . .
Glorified General Contractor with a mean set of cabinet making skills. (That’s what I apprenticed to become. General Contracting was an amazing accident.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be tmost significant in your career . . .
Being convinced as a kid cabinet maker to go out and get my license to be a contractor by a painter who kept telling me that he sees something special in me. . . . I did and it worked.
Being convinced as a kid cabinet maker to go out and get my license to be a contractor by a painter who kept telling me that he sees something special in me. . . . I did and it worked.
What things do you not like to do . . .
Laundry
Laundry
What is your perfect pizza . . . .
Pepperoni and cheese – well done
Pepperoni and cheese – well done
What kitchen utensil do you use most frequently . . .
fork
fork
Who is your secret celebrity crush . . . .
Kate Upton . . . . great smile . . .
Kate Upton . . . . great smile . . .
Are you a night owl or a morning person . . . .
Night owl, I usually don’t speak for the first 30 minutes after I wake up . . . I start in mute mode
Night owl, I usually don’t speak for the first 30 minutes after I wake up . . . I start in mute mode
What time of day were you born . . .
early evening after 19 hours of trying to find my way out
early evening after 19 hours of trying to find my way out
Do you know your heritage . . .
100% Croation / American
100% Croation / American
Do you follow astrology? What zodiac sign are you . . .
Virgo . . the pain in the butt
Virgo . . the pain in the butt
What would your DJ Name be . . .
DJ Fanuklear
DJ Fanuklear
Do you have a favorite number . . .
10
How many pairs of shoes do you own . . .
I hate shoes . . . .but I do own 8 pairs . . I’m a vintage Puma guy. .. . About 40 pair of suedes.
Do you have a favorite fashion magazine . . .
Home improvement is my fashion so I’m going with Architectural Digest & HGTV Magazine
What is your go-to fashion brand . . .
I do love wearing Tom Ford when a jacket is required . . .If not I’m a Calvin kinda guy
If we were to peak in your closet what would the dominant color be . . .
Black & Blue
What is your present state of mind . . .
Zen with a hint of caffeine
Zen with a hint of caffeine
It’s 6pm at your favorite bar or restaurant, what drink do you order . . .
I don’t really drink but it would be a Kettle One & Club
I don’t really drink but it would be a Kettle One & Club
Do you awake with or without an alarm . . .
without . . .I got kids lol . .
without . . .I got kids lol . .
Uber, Taxi, Subway or Citi Bike . . . .
Neither . . . I insist on driving myself . . . even when cars are offered to me
Neither . . . I insist on driving myself . . . even when cars are offered to me
What song is ready to play on your playlist
ACDC . . highway to hell
ACDC . . highway to hell
What is the last photo you took with your cell phone . . .
My little angel Avery
My little angel Avery
One of the best lessons my parents taught me is to . . .
Life is like a set of steps, be sure to take it one step at a time, because if you try to up to the top too fast, you’re likely to fall right back down
Life is like a set of steps, be sure to take it one step at a time, because if you try to up to the top too fast, you’re likely to fall right back down
What is your favorite work of art . . .
Mine . . .lol
Mine . . .lol
What is your favorite building in Manhattan . . . .
Always had a soft spot for The River House
Always had a soft spot for The River House
Stephen’s company, Fanuka, Inc. works with some of the world’s top designers and architects such as Francois Catroux, Jacques Grange, Eric Cohler, Thom Filicia and Gordon Kahn.
Stephen is a contributor to The New York Times Magazine’s “Key” section and his work has been featured in numerous shelter publications and national newspapers as well as on The Nate Berkus Show and LX-TV’s “Open House NY” and “George to the Rescue“. He is listed in the Franklin Report as one of the city’s premier full-service contractors.
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