Italy American Construction company celebrates 60 years

By Mark Rutkowski Special to Press & Guide Newspapers

More than 60 years later, he admits that dream he had has been realized more than he could have ever imagined.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Italy American Construction, a company Armando started out of the basement of his home with one truck, less than $1,000 and a belief he could always do better.

I was married, and I told my wife I had nothing to lose, recalled Armando, who, at 86, still is in the office regularly. I had $600 or $700 and a used pickup.

What started primarily as a cement contracting company is today a full-service construction and remodeling business with offices at 8401 Telegraph Road. The company employs several crews who handle all aspects of residential and commercial work.

We are continuing to grow, said Antonio Mastroianni, another son and partner.

It most certainly wasnt that way in the beginning. Although he had experience working for a brother-in-law, Armando spoke little English and had no way of getting the word out that he was looking for business. With the help of a nephew, he answered a classified ad seeking a cement man.

The prospective employer asked if he was any good and to prove his abilities, Armando took a chance that would be hard to imagine today: He offered to do a garage floor and foundation for a new home on Linden Street. If the man placing the ad didnt like Armandos work, he said he didnt have to pay him. If he did like it, they could discuss other jobs.

The next day he called me, Armando said. I was afraid I was going to lose everything. He asked how many jobs I could take, so I took about four or five more jobs. Thats how it started.

The company continued to grow from that point on, and in the late 1960s, Frank Mastroianni started spending summers doing what kids do, namely helping in the family business. He later became a partner in the company, as did his brother, Antonio, in the mid-1980s. In more recent years, a third generation Franks son, Michael has joined the business. Continued...

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Italy American Construction company celebrates 60 years