GEM Doors & Windows: New Merrick Avenue Business is All in the Family

In May, Merrick welcomed a new business to the area, GEM Doors & Windows.

Not only is this not a big box home improvement store, it is a family owned company specializing in home improvements.

Jim Cuccias and his son, Patrick are the team running the Merrick Avenue business. Jim has been a contractor for 30 years, while Patrick has been learning from his father for as long as he can remember.

"I have been around my Dad's business my whole life," Patrick said.  "I was always with him, so I picked it up at a young age. I greatly appreciate what he taught me. He paved the way for me."

Officially Patrick has been working with Jim for nine years. All of the business James had over the years was all by word of mouth.

"Now we are advertising to get the word out. It's a little different," Patrick said.

Jim is also aware of how much his business came by way of his reputation.

"Being up front and direct is what our success is all about," said Jim.

GEM doesn't just sell doors and windows. They also carry vanities, bathroom and kitchen cabinets. It is a sister company to the home improvement business.

"We are more personal that the big box home improvement stores," Jim said. "You can't get any help when you go to those places. We provide that and we are honest and loyal. We answer all the questions up front, anticipate them before the customer can even ask them. We try to educate them from the beginning in every way possible."

Patrick added: "We wanted to branch out and try new things.  We are basically a one stop shop. We sell pretty much everything."

As for doors, there are all types, including high end mahogany doors.

"My dad was approached by a door business, and it turned into this whole idea," Patrick explained. "It was a way to go into the business from the retail end. So many of our customers always asked us about different products so now we can bring it to them directly. In the last five years it brought a more personal level to the homeowners with this line."

Merrick was the perfect place for the business to be in.

"We have lived here for about seven years, but my parents have been married for 35 years," said Patrick, who is engaged.

GEM Doors & Windows is located at 80 Merrick Avenue in Merrick. For more information, call 516-221-6400.