Florida
Remodeler
of the Year

Master Builder: Barbara Ferrentino the first woman to receive top certification

Excerpts from the Star-Banner, June12, 1996

Barbara Ferrentino has come a long way since she was a window washer at her father-in-law's construction business 25 years ago. As president of Ferrentino and Son Inc., Ferrentino this year became the only family member - and the nation's only woman - to have certifications from two renowned construction and remodeling organizations. A slight smile appeared on Ferrentino's face when she talked about her success since she started working for the business in 1971, soon after she married one of the Ferrentino sons, Edward J. Ferrentino Sr. "I washed windows part-time," said the 43-year-old businesswoman of her initial job. "I soon left for a while to stay home with the children." Now, Ferrentino looks back at the experience as the necessary beginning to learning an ever-growing Florida occupation. And her career reached its pinnacle early this year. In January, Ferrentino became the first woman in the nation to receive a Master Builder's certification issued by the Graduate Builders Institute. Only 100 people nationwide have received the certification.
 

FIRST WOMAN MASTER BUILDER

Excerpts from Professional Remodeler, March 1997

Barbara Ferrentino, CGR, has received the Master Builder designation from the Graduate Builders Institute (GBI). Ferrentino is the first woman in the nation to receive the certification. She joins a select group of 100 Master Builders nationwide. Ferrentino has completed courses in new home construction, finance and other business-related fields. As president of Ferrentino and Son in Ocala, Fla., she oversees the daily operation of the third-generation, family-owned business, which includes one part-time and five full-time employees. With 1996 sales in excess of $1 million, Ferrentino and Son expects to build 10 new homes this year, in addition to its high volume of remodeling projects. Ferrentino started working for Ferrentino and Son in 1971 when it was located in the Tampa area. Ferrentino became a State Certified Building Contractor in 1992. In 1995, she received her Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation, becoming the second female CGR in the state of Florida. She is the current chairman of the Marion County Remodelers Council.

Ferrentino brings a lifetime
worth of experience to work

Excerpts from the Star-Banner, August 28, 1995

Eddie Ferentino's introduction to the construction business began as a young boy helping his grandfather communicate with the construction crew. I interpreted everything he said, " Ferrentino said about translating his grandfather's Italian into English. "So it was like I was running the business." Today, Ferrentino, along with his wife, Barbara, operates Ferrentino & Son, Inc. in Ocala, a company passed down from his grandfather. The company specializes in remodeling and renovations. Ferrentino works with several projects, including the Accessible Housing Committee, Mad Dads and Community with a Heart. "We make our living off the community, so we have to give back to the community and the industry," he said.
As a certified graduate remodeler, Ferrentino travels the state and nation lecturing about remodeling. Usually upbeat and smiling Ferrentino says his days can be hectic. In his office, classical music can be found in the compact disc player. "Many of the songs remind me of the cartoons, like Bugs Bunny, and I smile," he said. "This is the only business I know," Ferrentino said. "And my grandfather always said if you are going to do something, be the best at it."

Ferrentino & Son has been featured in newspapers and magazines in central Florida and nationwide, including: The Ocala Star-Banner, Southeast Homebuilder & Remodeler, Remodeling, Florida HomeBuilder, Professional Remodeler and more.