white glove service

These Brigantine professionals offer an exceptional "white glove" service to their clients; enhancing the whole experience while providing support and expertise.

text KRISTEN DOWD • photos KELLY & CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

When someone offers white glove service it means they are going to be meticulous with the task at hand. They will bring the same level of care and attention to the little details as to the big picture. In short, they will give clients exceptional service that goes above and beyond.

And this is exactly the type of service one can expect if they work with Realtors Ethel Hermenau and Christine Mazzulo or interior designer June Collignon.

"It's whatever they need," Ethel said. "It's doing what's best for your client."

June started her interior design business three years ago when she moved to Brigantine full time, and when Ethel and Christine, both of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore Brigantine, began working together in the real estate business last year, they also started using June's staging and design services with their listings. The businesses complement one another, especially since the three women all maintain that high level of white-glove service for every client they work. They also have excellent references.

Ethel Hermenau & Christine Mazzulo, Realtors

When Ethel managed the Islander office and ran rentals at the condominium association many years ago, people would tell her time and again that she should consider selling real estate - she was just so good with customers.

Ethel possesses extensive knowledge of the Brigantine market, a community where her family has deep roots. Her daughter, Paige, attended the local school, and her son, Zachary, followed suit. Now, her son Anthony prepares to graduate from Holy Spirit High School in 2025.

Christine has been immersed in nearly every facet of real estate from an early age. Raised on a farm in western Pennsylvania as the oldest of four sisters, she grew up watching her ambitious father-a farmer and real estate developer-buy, renovate, rent, and build properties.

"My hands-on experience began early; by the age of four, I vividly recall standing in front of a wall in one of my dad's rental homes, paintbrush in hand, ready to help."

Over the years, Christine's passion for real estate grew into a career that has included flipping houses, managing renovations, and owning commercial properties. Christine also credits her wholesome upbringing for shaping her honest, straightforward, and kind personality, along with the strong work ethic.

"I'm just a get-it-done kind of person, who always goes above and beyond. When I commit to something or someone, I give 150%-it's who l am."

She also brings a strong marketing background, having worked in television both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as a writer and producer. That experience gives her a well-rounded skill set and a creative edge that continues to serve her well in her real estate career

Ethel is the same way, and it's a big part of the reason the two work so well together. The seasoned Realtor said she wasn't looking for a business partner, but it was as if a higher power was at play when she met Christine.

The pair know the importance of having a strong Realtor at the table for both buying and selling homes, and they make sure their clients understand why they need their expertise.

"As much as technology has taken a lot of front and center, the truth of the matter is people need that interaction,” Ethel said.

There are also a lot of moving parts in the home-buying and selling process.

"We're able to say, Hey, look, I've got this. I will work you through it. I will make sure everything works out the way it needs to, and l'll tell you, step by step, what we need to do to accomplish your dream," Ethel said.

Christine agreed with this sentiment.

"There's so many details, and it's good to have somebody that's not afraid to speak up and advocate for you," she said.

"I put my clients first. I'm available 24/7."

A great Realtor needs to be honest and communicative, Ethel said, which are traits she and Christine (and Ethel's daughter, Paige, who also works with them) have in spades. Being able to educate their clients beyond just finding and sending listings is another huge plus when working with Ethel and Christine.

"That's why you need an experienced agent. You need someone that can walk you through. I don't want my customer stressing over anything" Ethel said.

According to Christine, their white- glove service is not just about getting a client a new home - a house or condo or townhome - but being available and helping them afterward.

"I like to call it my family. I create my real estate family," Christine said. "And I feel like, God puts people in your lives for a reason, and that you should value that and appreciate that and nurture that.”

June Collignon, Interior Designer

Ethel and Christine knew offering their clients staging to best showcase their homes was a valuable service. Recently, they started reaching out to June.

"June is just amazing, and she's very similar to me - she's doing it for the love of people," Christine said. "She just takes you in and becomes your friend and helps you."

Before her successful dive into the interior design world, June started in event planning - as far back as throwing her high school prom - and majored in interior design in college. She also worked in floral design for a period.

“The creative side has always been there for me,” she said.

June works with Realtors, homeowners and rental hosts across the island in all sorts of capacities from helping organize spaces to staging homes to large-scale redesigns.

She doesn't want anyone to be intimidated at the prospect of hiring an interior designer.

"It can be for any project. It could be a new patio that you want to put in, or it could be a bathroom. Maybe you just need organization in your closet, and you just need a closet insert," June said.

June assists clients with designing their space, offering options with furnishings, color, and so on. She also tries to be budget friendly, including offering free 30-minute consultations.

"But you're paying for excellent service," she said. "I'm going to bring in the best people for the job."

Consultations include a walk-through, chat about needs and budget, and June taking some measurements. She then goes home and starts a proposal that includes pricing. She also creates at least three inspiration boards, and she sources from all different places.

A smaller budget doesn't mean June can't help - it may just mean she's only helping with one phase, such as designing storyboards.

"I want my client to be happy. I want them to know everything that I'm doing for them, I'd do for myself. I take a pride in what I do," June said.