It started when Eric Rouskas (Michael’s Grandfather) and Harry Terzako (Michael’s Uncle) decided to leave Kastoria Greece in 1913.  Kastoria was and still is the genesis of fur in Europe. Eric and Harry settled in Newark.  They started in working for Best & Company and on the side they made fur coats, collars and trimmings.  

At that time, America was the land of skins and trapping of wild boar tail, mink, muskrat, raccoons and beavers.  Foxes came later on in the 1930’s. When farming started in the 30’s and 40’s, the family got better quality mink and fox pelts. The fur industry grew to a point that it is now all over the world.

The family opened a store on High Street in Newark, and then moved to 19 Prospect Street in East Orange. They moved to 472 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell in the early 1970’s. The family members continued to be a part of the business.  You can visit their website www.terzakofurs.com for more details.

During high school and college, Michael Kambourakis (Eric Rouskas’ grandson) began to work in the business.  After graduating college & graduate school, Michael became a specialist in the spectrum of autism.  His love of family made him decide to become the 9th generation in Terzako Furs and his son Elias has joined him and is now the 10th generation.

Terzako Furs is a full service furrier, gearing their business to custom work, and are one of the few custom houses in the country.  Thousands of satisfied customers from the tri-state area continue to buy their fur coats, jacket, vests and other unique fur items from them.  In addition they make raincoats, shearlings, capes & fur blankets that are made on premises.  Several years ago, they began to import leathers from Italy. 

When it comes to storage, cleaning and refurbishing your furs for the summer, their on-site fur vaults are the perfect vacation place.  Of course, Terzako has a complimentary remodeling consultation and will update your old fur to the latest style.

According the Michael, his fur business is important, but his humanitarian work is his passion.   He initiated helping the people of the Dominican Republic years ago by himself, as he saw the need for clean water, educational supplies, clothing so kids could go to school, medicines and anything else he thought would help the people become educated and healthy.

His dreams of a medical facility have become a reality thanks to support of doctors, hospitals and the Caldwell Rotary (where he is an active member) among other sponsors.  Michael has been responsible to raise funds for five buildings and the clinic in partnership with LIG Global and Global Health from Barnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson. It is amazing that one man has made all of this happen. 

Michael’s family who came to America would be proud of his success in the family business they started, and also of the good deeds that benefit people with his caring heart.  This year marks the 103rd year of service and style, with honest pricing so you never have to wait for a sale.