Family, Stone, and Trust: What 100 Years in Business Has Taught Me

Every so often, someone asks me how Petrillo Stone has been around for more than a century. The truth is, there’s no secret formula. It’s hard work. It’s pride in what you do. And most importantly, it’s trust earned day by day, year by year, generation by generation.

Recently, my brother Frank and I had the opportunity to sit down and share a little bit about our story and partnership with Orange Bank & Trust. The testimonial was meant to talk about our banking relationship, but what came out of it was something more meaningful—it became a reflection on who we are and how we operate.

Because for us, this business isn’t just about cutting stone. It’s about carrying on something much bigger.

We Build More Than Buildings

My grandfather started Petrillo Stone in the early 1900s, and when I was old enough, I stepped into the shop and never really left. Over the years, I’ve come to see our projects not just as jobs, but as a legacy. We’ve worked on churches, schools, civic buildings, places that matter to people. And we approach each one with care, because that’s how we were raised.

Frank is now helping lead the business, and watching him grow into his role has been one of the great joys of my life. He brings new ideas to the table, but he understands the values we were built on. He knows that relationships matter, that your word means something, and that showing up and doing it right still counts.

It All Comes Down to Trust

“We don’t treat people like vendors, we treat them like partners.” Whether it’s the mason on the job, the person shipping the material, or the banker helping us plan for growth, it’s always been about building relationships that last.

We’ve weathered ups and downs in the market, changes in technology, and shifts in the industry, but we’ve never cut corners. That’s something we take pride in. We’re not just in the stone business; we’re in the people business.

Looking Ahead, Staying Grounded

I think a lot these days about legacy. What it means to lead a company with your name on it. What it means to pass something on to your children that was handed to you by your own father and grandfather.

This business has never been just about us, it’s about our team, our partners, and our community. That’s what keeps us going. That’s what makes it all worth it.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after all these years, it’s that real success comes from doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. That’s how we’ve stayed in business for 100 years. And with any luck—and a lot of hard work—we’ll be here for 100 more.