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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JUNE 16, 2025 B3 2 02 5 FA MILY B U S INE S S AWA R D S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES Morris "Bobby" DiGiorgi OWNER | DIGIORGI ROOFING & SIDING Morris "Bobby" DiGiorgi dedicated his life to growing the family business, DiGiorgi Roofing & Siding, into one of Connecticut's most respected home improvement companies. Taking the reins in 1960, he led with integ- rity, innovation and hard work, setting the foundation for future generations. Morris DiGiorgi's lifetime of service, innova- tion and integrity has left an indelible mark on his industry and his community. His story is one of quiet strength, perseverance and enduring dedication. What were your most significant professional accomplishments? After my dad passed, I took over the business with almost no experience. His crew helped me learn the ropes. Years later, watching my son come in and take it even further has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. How have your family members been involved in the company? My dad started the company in 1933. I took over in 1961 after working with him. My son helped out through high school and college, then took the lead. Now, my grandson is in the business too, working over at our other warehouse. What are your keys to business success? For me, success comes from staying personal and giving great service. Even at 95, I'm still involved and sometimes visit customers myself. I'm proud my son has kept those values going — they're a big reason the business has done so well. Krystyna Paluch CEO | PHOENIX MANUFACTURING INC. Krystyna Paluch is the owner and CEO of Phoenix Manufacturing Inc., an Enfield-based aerospace components manufacturer. Polish-born, she immigrated to the U.S. at age 15. Following her hUsband Lech's unexpected death in 2009, she assumed leadership of the company he co-founded in 1989. Under her guidance, the organization has grown steadily, investing in cutting-edge technology, expanding its skilled workforce, and growing its customer base to serve more aerospace and defense clients. She's committed to driving Phoenix through change and growth while never losing sight of its roots as a small, family-owned business. What were your most significant profes- sional accomplishments? One of my most significant accomplishments has been successfully transitioning the organization to second-generation ownership while maintain- ing our core values and company culture. We've also expanded our capabilities, invested in advanced manufacturing technologies, and built long-standing relationships with key customers. How have your family members been involved in the company? From the very beginning, various family members have played key roles — whether it's been in day-to-day operations, strategic planning or simply being a sounding board for big decisions. Second-generation ownership has taken the wheel, bringing fresh energy, new ideas and a forward-thinking approach that is driving meaningful growth. DIGIORGI ROOFING & SIDING HQ: Beacon Falls INDUSTRY: Home Improvement YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: 1933, Joseph DiGiorgi, Founder, and Eva DiGiorgi, Secretary, Wife of Joseph FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED: David DiGiorgi, President (Son of Morris); David DiGiorgi Jr., Window/Door Field Supervisor (Grandson of Morris, Son of David); Carol DiGiorgi, Marketing Manager, (Daughter of Morris); Rick Redzep, OPS Manager, Window/GD Department Manager (Grandson-In-Law of Morris); Anthony Zammit, Sales Representative (Grandson-In-Law of Morris) GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 3rd FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 127 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 3 WEBSITE: digiorgiinc.com PHOENIX MANUFACTURING INC. HQ: Enfield INDUSTRY: Aerospace Manufacturing YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: 1989, Lech Paluch FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED: Martha Prou, Vice President of Administration & Compliance; and Peter Paluch, Vice President of Operations GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 2nd FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 80 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 10 WEBSITE: phoenix-mfg-inc.com What are your keys to business success? Our success begins and ends with our team, as one of the most important lessons I learned was the value of surrounding myself with the best people; individuals who are knowledge- able, bring a new perspective and carry a sense of determination to get the job done. Honoring the state's top family businesses F amily-owned companies are the backbone of small businesses in Connecticut and across the nation. at's why Hartford Business Journal's annual Connecticut Family Business Awards are so important and popular with our readers. e awards highlight some of the best family-owned companies in the state. is year's class of honorees includes manufacturers, construction firms, a fitness company and many more types of businesses. In the pages that follow, we highlight our top winners, including what sets them apart from the competition, how they stay ahead in the marketplace and how they remain true to their founding principles in a modern world. For these companies, the key to long-term success is treating everyone like family, including employees and customers. Hartford Business Journal celebrated its Family Business Awards honorees during a June 12 event at Farmington Gardens in Farmington. HONOREE INDEX ADVANCED PERFORMANCE GLASS INC. B8 AORBIS INC. B10 BRD BUILDERS B8 CHACE BUILDING SUPPLY OF CT B10 DEGREE HEATING & COOLING B8 DIGIORGI ROOFING & SIDING | MORRIS DIGIORGI B3 DOM'S COFFEE LLC B12 ENVIRONICS INC. B7 GOODWAY TECHNOLOGIES B6 PHOENIX MANUFACTURING INC. | KRYSTYNA PALUCH B3 PARK CITY PACKAGING INC. B12 PAT MUNGER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC. B5 SAISYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. B4 SAVY & SONS B15 SHADY OAKS ASSISTED LIVING B8 SIGN PRO INC. B5 TITAN ENERGY B13 TRANTOLO & TRANTOLO LLC B4 UNITED HOME EXPERTS B6 WEST HARTFORD COWORKING AND WINDSOR WORX B13 WW UNIFORM SERVICES B6 YANKEE FITNESS COMPANY B15