30. Sal Ferro

For LI’s largest home improvement company, 2009 could have been a devastating year. Instead, Ferro held the firm on track and is poised again for exponential growth when the economy fully rebounds. With so much of LI’s consumer economy centered on the home, Ferro has become synonymous with home improvements and remodeling. But his biggest character flaw is his greatest benefit to the Island—his inability to say no. Ferro and his staff are behind so many charitable endeavors it’s impossible to keep track of them all. For a contractor, Ferro is the consummate mush who is often moved to tears whether it’s during his role on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition or one of the numerous charitable functions he sponsors.