Basking Ridge Business Revamps Facade with State Grant

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Local business owners Rob and Andrea Quincy recently upgraded the facade of Ridge Marketing thanks to a small business improvement grant from the state of New Jersey. 

Rob Quincy said the couple had “all but signed a contract” to replace the siding and windows when then-mayor Jennifer Asay knocked on their door. Asay had been visiting businesses in Bernards Township hoping to spread the word about funding available through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Andrea Quincy explained that though the building was in need of a facelift, it was something she and her husband had put off because it was going to be a major expense, the cost of which kept rising. Andrea Quincy called the grant, which covered half of the $40,000 in repairs, a “godsend.” 

In 2024, Asay sought to help educate businesses on how to apply for grant funding by hosting multiple educational programs with Kathy Guzman, Senior Small Business Liaison from the NJEDA,  as well as Jessica Paolini and Ben Nanna from the Office of Economic Development in Somerset County.

Although Andrea Quincy had never attended any of these workshops or applied for a state grant before, she was able to complete the online application herself with minimal assistance from the website’s chat feature. She advises anyone interested in applying to have the necessary documents ready ahead of time in order to complete the online application. She explained that there are nearly 20 steps in the application, but it is not necessary to complete the document in one sitting. Rob Quincy gave his wife all the credit, saying, “We’re lucky Andrea is persistent and organized.”

To any businesses considering applying for a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Grant, Andrea Quincy said, “Absolutely do it. It is a time investment, but I think it’s worth it.” Rob Quincy added, “This is your tax money anyway, and for a few hours of work, you’ll get the benefit.” Andrea Quincy said the grant applications are less rigorous for projects under $50,000 and anything over $50,000 must comply with green building standards, but she advises other businesses not to be intimated by that. “It is a real opportune time to take advantage of the grant,” she said. 

Committeewoman Asay said, "I was thrilled to learn that Rob and Andrea received one of the NJEDA grants I’ve been promoting to local business owners, since learning about them from both Somerset County EDA and NJEDA. Their success inspired me to follow up with others in the community and encourage them to apply so they can benefit from this opportunity too."  

The exterior of Ridge Marketing, located at 91 South Maple Avenue, is now updated with new siding, windows and a fresh coat of paint. Although the repairs took longer than expected and included covering what Andrea Quincy described as a “fair about of rot and water damage,”  Andrea and Rob Quincy hope that the improvements they made will beautify the town. Rob Quincy said the building now looks “more refined and stately.” 

Andrea and Rob Quincy are local business owners and residents of Basking Ridge, and they are truly invested in improving the town they call home. “The businesses in town do set the tone and make this the place that it is,” Andrea Quincy said, emphasizing the important role local shops, cafés, and services play in shaping the character and culture of Basking Ridge. They hope that more local businesses will apply for grant funding so that the community can continue to flourish. 

Ridge Marketing is a full-service marketing agency with roots in Basking Ridge but serving clients from all across the world. Ridge Marketing specializes in web design and development, content and email marketing, advertising, and online search marketing. The agency helps businesses grow their brands and attract new customers. Ridge Marketing was founded in 2004 by husband-and-wife duo, Rob and Andrea Quincy. The agency’s tight-knit team of a dozen marketing pros (plus Finley, the office dog) works in a converted barn in the center of historic Basking Ridge.