Company Profile

Mission Statement

Provide our clients with quality workmanship in the areas of paints, specialty coatings, wall coverings and faux finishes using only the highest quality products.

Owner

ROBERT LEPRE is co-founder and President and CEO of Abracadabra Painting Co., Inc. Mr. Lepre is charged with overseeing a painting and construction crew of 25+ and managing the daily operations of the painting company including scheduling, customer relations, and employee training. In 2009 Mr. Lepre bought into and became co-owner of Avante Contracting Corporation. Mr. Lepre is the head of the Project Management Team and coordinates the management and field supervision of all ongoing work. He oversees the daily maintenance of all construction projects, client relationships and contracts, and construction labor.

Mr. Lepre holds his 62-hour SST Supervisor card and Construction Superintendent License. He is an EPA Certified Lead Renovator, Certified Mold Professional. For many years, Mr. Lepre served on the board of the Mount Vernon Community Service Associates where he donated his time as well as, labor and materials for special projects taken on by the CSA within the community. Mr. Lepre is a longtime supporter of the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club and was instrumental in securing the guest speaker for The Club’s 2014 Annual Gala. For many years, Mr. Lepre was also a member of the Vestry at Christ the Redeemer Church in Pelham.

In Memory of our Founder

NANCY LEPRE was a co-founder and president of Abracadabra Painting Co., Inc. and founder and president of Avante Contracting Corporation. Until her passing in 2019, Ms. Lepre was the CEO and CFO and oversaw fund allocation, project management, and managed daily operations. Both companies are Women’s Business Enterprise certificated companies on the New York City and National levels. Ms. Lepre recently founded Avante Development LLC to expand her role in the field of affordable housing development.

Ms. Lepre earned a Masters of Business Administration from Iona College. She held the following industry certifications: OSHA 10 and 30 Certification, Allied Member of the American Institute of Architects, Construction Superintendent Certification by the New York City Department of Buildings, Home Improvement Salesperson License issued by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Ms. Lepre served on the boards of the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club, Pelham Family Services, the Pelham Arts Center, and was a member of the certifying committee for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. She was a member of the National Minority Business Council, Women Builders Council of New York, American Institute of Architects Associate Member, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, New York State Association for Affordable Housing, and the Supportive Housing Network of New York. Through her affiliation with some of these organizations she lobbied at the New York State Legislature and at the New York City Council in support of the preservation of affordable housing, as well as the participation of Women Business Enterprises in construction and the development of affordable housing.

In 2012, the New York City Women’s Chamber of Commerce presented Ms. Lepre with the Women of Excellence award for the testimony she presented to the New York City Council on behalf of Women Owned Businesses. In 2013 as well as 2017, Ms. Lepre was privileged to be a panelist in the Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum sponsored by HOPE Community Inc. Also in 2013, at their 45^th Annual Community Service Awards Dinner, HOPE Community Inc. presented Ms. Lepre with The George Calvert Community Service Award for her significant contributions to the East Harlem community. Ms. Lepre was dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and mentoring women in the construction industry and entrepreneurship as she always explored new avenues to promote and advocate for women in business.