Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479683
www.HartfordBusiness.com October 13, 2014 • Hartford Business Journal FBA-19 Finalist Finalist CATEGORY: Fewer than 25 full-time employees CATEGORY: Fewer than 25 full-time employees 2014 Connecticut Family Business Awards 2014 Connecticut Family Business Awards Capitol Transmission Clover Corporation What are the family values of your business, and how do they help you remain competitive in the market? Exceed customer expectations; keep up with changing trends. What would your founder say about the state of your company today and its achievements in the last year? He would say, 'Nice job in surviving in an industry where 60 percent of similar busi- nesses went out in the past 20 years. Amaz- ing that you survived many recessions, one depression, 9/11, and a fire which burnt your place down. In the past year, great job at using ever- changing technology to drive business to your door while keeping your basic approach grassroots and built on trust.' What is the biggest challenge to your business in the coming year? How to handle growth; diversifying prod- uct line; hiring. What are the family values of your business, and how do they help you remain competitive in the market? Our family values of service, customer loyalty, and technical engineering know- how are the hallmarks that have made us successful and keep us competitive. We are there for the sale, installation, and duration of the life of the equipment. Customers are our lifeblood, so service draws them back time and again. What would your founder say about the state of your company today and its achievements in the last year? The company was founded in 1971 after Harry Cullinane left Connecticut Natural Gas, and operated the new business out of our Glastonbury home. In 1976, it incorporat- ed as Clover Corporation and moved to Man- chester. When the Cheney Mills developed as apartments, we moved to East Hartford and stayed for 28 years. What is the biggest challenge to your business in the coming year? Our challenge today is locating skilled per- sonnel who will carry our values with them into the offices and facilities that require new and retrofitted energy efficient heating and cooling systems. STATS: Location: Hartford Industry: Auto Repair (specialty in transmissions) Founded: 1934 Founder: Paul Cordilico, Sr. Generation Currently Running Company: 3rd Full-Time Employees: 7 Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Paul Cordilico, Jr. (father); Paul Cordilico, III (son) Company Website: www.capitoltransmission.com STATS: Location: East Hartford Industry: HVAC Wholesaler Founded: 1971 Founders: Henry J. and Eileen A. Cullinane (husband and wife) Generation Currently Running Company: 2nd Full-Time Employees: 2 Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Henry T. Cullinane (brother); Brian J. Cullinane (brother); Leslie Cullinane (Henry T.'s wife), part-time Company Website: www.clover-corporation.com Hank Cullinane Brian Cullinane New York manufacturer Allied Air honors Brian Cullinane (center left) and Hank Cullinane (center right) with its corporate award. Paul Cordilico, III, (left) owner sits with manager Brian Rizor, manager, who has worked for Capitol for 30 years. Capitol Transmission is very involved in the community and sponsors soccer and baseball teams. Paul Cordilico, IV (far right) with the rest of his friends from Highcrest School in Wethersfield.