My Farewell Message: A Journey of Resilience, Growth, and Gratitude

To my beloved team,

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As I stand at this juncture, ready to step down after 20 years of leading Astacio Plumbing and Heating, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here. It's a story of resilience, growth, and gratitude, one that I hope will inspire you as much as you have inspired me.

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Our story began in the late '70s and '80s in the challenging environments of Queens and the Bronx. Amidst the adversity of drugs and alcohol, I found discipline and a sense of direction through boxing at the PAL Club in Flushing Queens and for a brief period in Morris Park, Bronx. My formal education might have ended prematurely when I dropped out in the ninth grade, but the real lessons were just beginning. The streets and the jobs I took on taught me the values of hard work and perseverance. I worked alongside individuals like Mike and met Ray, a superintendent who became a lifelong mentor, teaching me about hard work and perfection.

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In 1998, a significant year, my life took a pivotal turn. My wife and I were expecting our oldest son, Justin, and I secured a part-time job as a doorman at 143 Hoyt Street in Stamford. It was also the year I began working for Ralph D. Russo, who became a significant mentor. My dedication to learning and growing quickly propelled me through the ranks. By 2001, I had obtained my journeyman plumbing license, followed by licenses in heating, solar, medical gas, and Westchester plumbing, marking the start of a journey toward providing a better life for my family.

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In 2003, I married my high school sweetheart, the prom queen, marking a personal milestone that brought joy and companionship to my life.

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2004 was a transformative year—I moved from the Bronx to Stamford and founded Astacio Plumbing and Heating. This bold step was fueled by selling my beloved Rx7 to purchase my first work van and borrowing money from my home equity line to fund the business. It was a year of new beginnings, setting the stage for the growth and success that would follow.

We also welcomed our second son, Brandon. Shortly after that, I aimed to instill in my boys the importance of education and how much I value it; thus, I studied for and passed my GED test. Besides the birth of my two boys and my marriage, completing the long journey to obtain my GED was one of my proudest moments.

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Despite the challenges, like being defrauded by a contractor in 2005 and the loss of my grandfather, these moments only strengthened my resolve. By 2006, I had realized a dream by purchasing a home in North Stamford, a testament to the power of positive thinking and speaking blessings into life.

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In 2007, my journey took a profound personal turn as I embraced Christianity, a change that coincided with significant growth for our business, highlighting the profound impact of faith on my life.

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The subsequent years brought growth and challenges, from expanding our services in 2012 and then again in 2019 to navigating the difficulties of the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each experience taught us valuable lessons and reinforced the importance of resilience, hard work, and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated.

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Throughout this journey, the loss of mentors like Ray Interlandi and the impactful relationships formed with individuals such as Al Candito have been profound moments of reflection on the influence of those who have shaped my life and career. As I transition to a new role within Sila, my focus remains on supporting and energizing others, fostering genuine relationships, and helping people achieve greatness.

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This narrative, enriched by every milestone and challenge, underscores the importance of resilience, hard work, faith, and the power of positive thinking. It highlights the indelible impact of meaningful relationships on our personal and professional development. I am filled with gratitude for every person who has been part of my story. As I embark on this new chapter, I am reminded of the transformative power of setting goals, speaking positivity into existence, and the enduring support of family and friends.

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Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment have been the backbone of our success. As I step down, I leave knowing that the future of Astacio/Sila is bright in your hands. Continue to inspire, to grow, and to uphold the values we've cherished together.

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With deepest gratitude,