ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP GUYS

Todd and Steven know their collaboration is a great example of how a robust and well-tended partnerships can transform everything. These two seasoned business partners have worked side by side for over twenty five years. Together, they purchased a struggling chemical plant in New Jersey and an industrial products company in New York and turned both into booming multi-million dollar industry leaders. Because of their strong partnership, they also managed to find plenty of time to raise families, take vacations, and lead rich, fulfilling personal lives.

Todd and Steven are practically the poster boys for ingenuity, analysis, and optimization. With a lot of work, they created a shared vision, defined complementary skills, and developed an unwavering commitment to each other's success. This exceptional partnership not only empowered them to navigate the choppy waters of industry (or “the business landscape”) but also helped them become more efficient, grow their core skill sets, and maintain satisfying personal lives. 

These partners didn't just stumble upon success; they worked hard at it. They went to workshops, sought out mentors, and kept communication open and honest to tackle any issues head-on. They built a robust business and a resilient, highly productive relationship by constantly nurturing their partnership. As their business flourished, so did the curiosity of peers and industry experts. Soon, everyone wanted to know their secrets to a successful business relationship.

And that's how The Partnership Guys came to be. With so many people asking for their advice, they decided to share their expertise through a consultancy dedicated to helping other business partnerships. Now The Partnership Guys can leverage their vast experience and proven strategies to help others navigate their unique challenges, whether resolving conflicts, enhancing communication, aligning visions, or fostering mutual growth. Their approach is practical, grounded in real-world experience and their understanding of the intricacies of business collaborations.

Meet tODD & sTEVEn

  • From a young age, Todd Leonardis has been all about hard work and genuine passion. His first job, dubbed "Patio Boy," had him on the maintenance staff of his town’s community pool at just 12 years old. It might sound humble, but for Todd, it was one of the best jobs of his life. He learned the importance of self-motivation, always asking, “What can I do next?” That early drive has stayed with him throughout his career.

    A true New Jersey native, Todd has a rich and varied professional background. Before teaming up with Steven, he ran and owned several retail businesses, including video stores in the late '80s and early '90s, and a pet superstore. He’s also been a property owner and manager and led multiple contracting and service companies, including mechanical contracting, HVAC-R, and cleanroom construction. He started his first company at the age of 22.

    Since partnering with Steven, Todd has shifted into the manufacturing industry, taking on roles in industrial chemical manufacturing, janitorial products, consumer household cleaning products, and surface finishing and abrasive blasting equipment and supplies. His partnership with Steven has been the cornerstone of his success, offering him the chance to grow, learn from his blind spots, and share the wild ride of business ownership with someone who truly “gets it.”

    Todd studied Accounting and Economics at Kean University, though he’ll tell you he “studied” rather than earned a degree. His education has served him well in his diverse career, but it’s his on-the-job experience and relentless curiosity about the world that really sets him apart.

    When he's not working, Todd enjoys staying informed on national and global affairs, cheering on his favorite football teams, walking, and spending time at the beach.

    But above all, his time is dedicated to his wife and two young children. They share a beach home with Chicken Nugget, a hairless sphynx cat, where they enjoy the simple pleasures of life, including endless playground visits.

    Todd values the calm, reflective nature of his business partner, Steven, who has taught him the importance of taking a moment to think before reacting. Together, they’ve built a partnership where Todd knows someone cares just as much as he does, allowing him to step back and focus on other areas of his life. And as for the best advice Todd’s ever received? "Stay humble—there's always someone quicker, smarter, and stronger out there."

  • Steven's entrepreneurial journey has been a testament to the power of partnership. With a background in multi-national chemical and food products, textile manufacturing, and consumer goods, Steven has navigated through diverse industries, each time emerging stronger and wiser.

    His career kicked off with an early post in fast food, where working at the cash register taught him a valuable lesson: trust, but always verify. Eager to move on from fast food, Steven earned a BS from Penn State and an MBA from Rutgers and quickly began working at the family business as a chemist, shortly thereafter taking the company over as President.

    Steven branched out when he started a business partnership with Todd Leonardis. Until this business partnership, his life had revolved around his role in his family's business. But it turns out that his relationship with Todd catalyzed his greater success. Having someone who always has his back, both in business and in life, has made him a better entrepreneur and a better person. His partner challenges him in a supportive and non-threatening (or aggressive) way, helping him grow continuously.

    When Steven isn't driving business growth, he's exploring his other passions—reading, cooking, and hiking. He is the proud father of three grown children from a previous marriage and shares a loving and supportive relationship with his beautiful wife, who continues to be his anchor. He has lived in Harrisburg, PA, and New Jersey, finding peace and inspiration in both places.

    Steven’s best piece of advice? Show up every day and do something. This simple yet profound mantra has guided him through countless challenges and continues to fuel his drive for excellence. Today, thanks to his strong business partnership, Steven can step away from the business—both physically and mentally—something he couldn't have imagined doing alone.