If the last name sounds familiar, well yes, it’s identical.
In early May, Jim Estramonte was named CEO of Starmount Healthcare Management, succeeding his younger brother Michael, who founded the company. Jim Estramonte recently retired after an exemplary 29-year career in the United States Coast Guard.
As CEO, Jim Estramonte is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations. Michael Estramonte will remain as president, developing larger, long-range projects to help the company’s growth.
Jim Estramonte, 51, rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was the Coast Guard’s Chief of Staff to the Commander, Pacific Area, from 2020-2022. Also, he was Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO, a ship that patrolled throughout the Pacific Ocean, including Central and South America, combating illegal drug flow, from 2018-2020.
Estramonte graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He earned a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University in 2006.
“As I grew into leadership management positions, I learned that you must deal with different types of people and get the most out of them. You lead and nurture them, and take care of your people,” Jim Estramonte said. “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses with the job they’re in. I don’t think that changes, whether you’re on a ship or in a business setting. You’re working with people from different backgrounds. I think that will translate well into my new role.”
Jim Estramonte said he’s immersed in learning every aspect of the Starmount organization. He was already familiar with his brother’s style and success.
“I love the culture that Mike has created, developed, and nurtured here,” Jim said. “I like it because it’s very similar to how I do things. He’s very decisive, he’s very ready to push forward on things and maybe take some chances when it’s smart to. If there’s one frustration from when I was in the service, there aren’t enough people like that. Mike’s not afraid to go after things that make sense. He’s not doing it haphazardly. I’m excited that all the pieces of this organization are in that same mindset.”
So, how will it be working closely with his brother?
“I think it’s going to be great. We’re both competitive people, whether it’s tiddlywinks, basketball or you name it. That will be a challenge when we get mad at each other,” Jim said, laughing. “I’m excited to be here working with Mike day to day, and my other brother (Dean) is right across the street.”
Dean Estramonte, the oldest of the three brothers who hail from Greenwich, New York, is a chiropractor at Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic.
Said Michael Estramonte: “Jim brings a wealth of leadership and operational experience from his decades of service in the United States Coast Guard, and I could not be prouder to have him accept the position as our new Chief Executive Officer.”
“Jim’s acceptance of CEO duties will allow me to transition into my new role as president and founder, affording me freedom to look beyond the horizon of our current organizational successes and business operations and identify even greater entrepreneurial opportunities to serve individuals, organizations, and communities that face challenges and barriers.”