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Local builder and renovator, PJ Antonik, has been hosting his show “Heart of Oak” for three full seasons, and season four is filming now. In the home renovation show, which airs on NECN and NBC Sports Boston, Antonik, his wife, Lizzy, and his team from Oak Development & Design turn outdated South Shore fixer-uppers and tear-downs into charming, custom homes. Projects have included adding a second floor to a ranch; a full gut and addition on an 1800s home; and the development of four marsh-front properties in Scituate.
The show has been filming for four years nonstop and, because of the South Shore’s high-demand and low supply real estate market, Antonik has to move fast in order to secure the properties he renovates. He knows he can rely on South Shore Bank to get a purchase deal done thoroughly and efficiently: “Not all banks understand construction loans—the necessary speed and attention to quality—but South Shore Bank is completely responsive in that way” says Antonik.
Antonik’s sister and Oak Development & Design’s CFO, Cindy Bello, initially recommended that they work with South Shore Bank. They met with Tom Osuch, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, and James Dunphy, President and CEO. “It was clear right away that they saw us as a partner, and not just as a nameless transaction. We collaborate with people who will look out for our best interests and, in return, we look out for theirs. We have that relationship with South Shore Bank. Our first house purchase with them went so smoothly that when we needed to fund an important 2.5 million waterfront deal, we made sure to work with South Shore Bank.”
Oak Development & Design has since moved operating accounts to South Shore Bank, and Antonik raves about the business banking: “The ease of working with South Shore Bank, in person and online, can’t be overstated.” For Antonik, having a user-friendly banking interface and a reliable lending partner is crucial; with two energetic kids, a booming business and a popular show, he does not have time for inefficiency with his transactions.
South Shore Bank is proud to partner with a business that has such a committed work ethic. Says Osuch, “Oak Development & Design was built on a strong foundation of being innovative, creative and forward thinking, but it is the attention to detail, communication, hard work and delivering on promises that truly sets it apart. The mission of South Shore Bank is to “Share Success” in the communities where we live, work and play. Such mission is shared and evident in the “heart” that PJ, Lizzy and the Oak Team put into their projects. I am thrilled to continue to support the future of our partnership with Oak Development & Design and Heart of Oak, but more importantly, I am excited, both as a fan and as partner, to watch as our local celebrities take it to the next level.”