Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1519605
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 29, 2024 B11 2024 FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORY WINNERS: 1-50 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES Congratulations to the HBJ Winners! Meghan Rickard meghan@compumail.net 860-628-2770 298 Captain Lewis Dr. Southington, CT 06489 compumail.net Viking Construction Inc. Viking Construction is a general contractor with expertise in a diverse range of projects that provides assistance with cost estimation, alternative construction methods and value engineering. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. Recent accomplishments include completing high-profile projects such as renovations at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Armstrong Court phases two and three (Greenwich); Willow Creek Apartments phase three (Hartford); Westover Magnet Elementary School (Stamford); Straw- berry Hill School (Stamford); and work on capital projects in 21 schools for the City of Stamford. What are your family values and how do they contribute to your business success? Viking Construction originated as a family business with roots stretching back nearly a century. Viking is a family-owned business and family business, meaning individual employees form the Viking family. Our customers often work with the same project managers and leaders, yielding a level of confidence uncom- mon in our industry. Where do you see your business in the next five years? Viking is evolving at a faster pace than ever before. We are embracing new technologies and implementing processes to remain agile and responsive to the ever-changing business climate. Our goal is to be ready and to pivot quickly as market conditions change and different sectors emerge. HQ: BRIDGEPORT INDUSTRY: COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDERS: 1991, ANTHONY GAGLIO SR. & FRANK MERCEDE JR. (UNCLE) FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT COMPANY: ANTHONY GAGLIO SR., PRESIDENT; ANTHONY GAGLIO JR., VICE PRESIDENT – LEED AP BD+C, SON OF ANTHONY SR.; CAROLINE GAGLIO, WIFE OF ANTHONY SR. AND MOTHER OF ANTHONY JR.; CHRISTOPHER GAGLIO, SON; JESSICA GAGLIO, DAUGHTER GENERATIONS CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 3RD AND 4TH FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 50 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 3 WEBSITE: WWW.VIKINGCONSTRUCTION.NET Westminster Tool Inc. Westminster Tool is a small family-owned mold manufacturing company based in Plainfield. The company started in 1997 in the basement of owner Ray Coombs. Flashforward to today, West- minster Tool is a leader in the plastics industry. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. One of Westminster Tool's greatest accom- plishments in the last year is that we've put through more manufactured products with the least experienced team in the company's history, a tribute to one of the company's mottos, 'Hire for character. Train for skill.' With no previous manufacturing experience, several members of the Westminster Tool team worked together this year to learn, build their skills, and work together on complex projects. Some of these included using new technology such as automation and 3D printing. The company has been recognized for these efforts, along with recognition of our culture and Westminster Academy LMS, with industry awards such as Lead Time Leader (Mold- making Technology), Mold Builder of the Year (AMBA), Tooling Trailblazer (AMBA), and Best Place to Work (Plastics News). We also had several of our rising leaders recognized for their contribution to the industry: Mold Designer of the Year (Keith Lesage), Women Breaking the Mold (Plastics HQ: PLAINFIELD INDUSTRY: MANUFACTURING YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: 1997, RAY COOMBS FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT COMPANY: RAY COOMBS, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER; HILLARY THOMAS, VICE PRESIDENT, DAUGHTER OF RAY COOMBS; COLBY COOMBS, CFO, SON; HANNAH BELMONT, MARKETING AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT, DAUGHTER; SHERRY APPLETON, ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING, SISTER OF RAY COOMBS; MJ BELMONT, SALES MANAGER, SON-IN- LAW OF RAY COOMBS; AARON THOMAS, IT MANAGER, SON-IN-LAW OF RAY COOMBS; ALLEN HENRI, SENIOR CNC MACHINIST, COUSIN OF RAY COOMBS GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 2ND FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 30 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 5 WEBSITE: WWW.WESTMINSTERTOOL.COM ANNUAL REVENUE: $8.5 MILLION News, Hillary Thomas and Victoria Rooke), Emerging Leader (AMBA, MJ Belmont and Victoria Rooke). The second of Westminster Tool's greatest accomplishments is its advocacy for manu- facturing education in the local community.