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Connecticut Family Businesses of the Year
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Business New Haven
12/11/2000
By: Priscilla Searles
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Administrators at the University of Connecticut School of Business believes that family businesses can be Connecticut's most effective mechanism for creating jobs, security and wealth. To recognize the commitment to Connecticut by these businesses, the school honors some of the best at the annual “Connecticut Family Business of the Year Awards.”
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc. of North Haven was named 1999 MassMutal National Family Business of the Year in the large-business category (250 or more employees). Founded by Frederick Ulbrich in 1924, the company became a pioneer in the stainless-steel industry. The business remains a family affair, with Frederick Christian Jr. serving as chairman emeritus, Richard as chairman and CEO and other members of the family serving in various capacities.
Ulbrich, which employees 540 workers in five states and three foreign countries, looked on with pride in 1969 as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon from the Apollo spacecraft built with Ulbrich metal.
Taking first place in the large-company category was Santa Energy of Bridgeport. Founded in 1940 by Stephen and Madelyn Santa, today the company employs three generations of Santas.
The company was born when Santa bought a truck and a kerosene route from his employer 60 years ago. Today the Santa Holding Co. has four divisions: Santa Energy, Inland Fuel Terminals, Buckley Energy Group and Admiral Transportation. Santa Fuel is the only petroleum marketer in Connecticut to sell low-sulfur fuel.
First place winner in the mid-sized category was Plastic Molding Technology of Seymour. Founded in 1973 by Charles Sholtis, the plastics injection-molding company serves the automotive, computer, electronics and medical markets worldwide. It offers value-added service and parts for cars, electric shavers, surgical instruments and laptop computers. Leadership of the company was recently passed down to the second generation, with sons Chuck and Todd occupying top management positions.
In the small-business category, Carmon Community Funeral Homes of Windsor was tops. It was founded in 1946 in the home of the late Frank W. Carmon Jr. and his wife Nan; sons John, Frank III and Richard joined the business in the 1970s. Over the years the company has grown to include six locations in the Hartford area,
The company established Mary's Place to provide free bereavement counseling for children, teens and families and Begin-Again, an adult support system that has met weekly for almost 25 years to help widows and widowers. The family recently joined President Clinton in Washington for the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony for the World War II Memorial.
Other family businesses cited included Calabro Cheese Corp. of East Haven, first runner-up in the medium-sized category. It was founded in Bridgeport by Salvatore Calabro and his son Joseph, who developed and produced fresh Italian-style cheeses and built their business by selling door-to-door. Other products developed by the company include a 100-percent fat-free ricotta cheese.
A finalist in the large-business category was Franklin Enterprises of New Haven. Founded in 1917 by the late Frank Tagliatela, the company is in the construction and real estate development business. In 1974, the Tagliatelas built the first indoor tennis facility in New Haven. The company also responsible for the East Shore Ice Rink in New Haven.
VA Construction of Waterbury was a finalist in the small-business category. Founded 12 years ago by twin brothers Vernon and Vincent Austin, VA is involved in residential, commercial and institutional building rehabilitation and new construction. The company has grown by more than 600 percent in recent years and was ranked 25th in Inc. magazine's Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing privately held businesses in the inner-city category.
Mantilia Motors of West Haven was also a finalist in the small category. The one-car showroom was founded by Albert Mantilia Sr. in 1934. Today the company is greater New Haven's largest Ford car and truck dealership. Mantilia Motors is in its fourth generation of family ownership.
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