Passonno Paints
Fred Passonno worked in a small paint store in Troy before he worked as a salesman for the Benjamin Moore Company of New York. In the early 20's Fred was transferred to Cleveland as the General Manager of the Benjamin Moore Mid-West Division. During this time, he obtained the actual experience required to operate a paint factory. Passonno Paints began operation in 1926 under the name of the Passonno Hutcheon Company in Cleveland, Ohio. The paint sold under the OLO label (meaning Old Linseed Oil). The company was sold in 1946 when Fred Passonno's family wished to return to the Albany area. A few months later, Passonno Paints, as it exists today, was formed when Fred Passonno and his three sons purchased the James Roy Woolen Mill buildings on the banks of the Hudson River in Watervliet, NY. The Passonno Corporation manufactured and operated the normal dealer supply trade sale type business during the early years. Charles Passonno designated part of their office for the first retail store.
As the retail business grew, more space was devoted to a larger store and corporate offices in the neighboring remodeled Hooker Blind Building. In 1976, the first retail factory outlet store was opened in Glens Falls. Passonno Paints has 7 factory outlets today. In addition to the Watervliet and Glens Falls stores, you will find us in Albany, Amsterdam, Pittsfield, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady. In addition to manufacturing paint and protective coatings, Passonno Paints is a top ten distributor for Dupont High Performance Coatings and Graco spray equipment.
Passonno Paints has been successfully linked with families since 1926. Although the Passonno family deserves much of the credit, the employees and family businesses that have supported Passonno Paints since 1926 deserve equal recognition. For example, other family businesses, Hannay Reels, Reo Welding, Armory Garage, TEC Painting, Standard Mfg., Tarrant Mfg., and Mabey Moving and Storage are part of Passonno's extended family.
Passonno Paints is a fourth generation family business. Charles Passonno's son-in-law, Richard B. Cunningham is President and CEO of Passonno Paints. Richard Cunningham is committed to seeing Passonno Paints survive for another seventy years. His commitment is prevalent not only in the community but through local trade groups like Chemical Alliance and Chief Executive Network. There are only 500 independent paint manufacturers remaining in the country, thus it is a constant struggle to stay in this competitive, fast changing market.
The Passonno Paints family is an extended family. In addition to Dick and Keri's solid relationship, we also have a husband and wife team. The low turnover of employees also adds to the family feel at Passonno Paints. The customers expect the family friendly service, in addition to high quality products. Passonno Paints has competed and won against the Big Box Stores by providing consistency to the public. Our customers know the store staff by their first name and enjoy the personal touch.
Passonno Paints is also growing by providing Waverly Home Fashion products to coordinate with the many patterns of Wallcovering and carpet for commercial and residential jobs.
Passonno Paints is a leader and a well known voice for the small business of not only the Capital Region and New York State but also for the nation. Passonno Paints received the 1994 National Pollution Prevention Award from the National Paint & Coatings Association for creating the latex paint recycling program, recycling all waste products in house and recycling all cardboard, paper and alloys. Passonno Paints received the Small Business Award from the Capital District Business Review in 1995. Passonno Paints was recognized again in 1998 with an award from the Siena Family Business Institute. Stanley Simkins, Executive Director of the Siena Family Business Institute stated, "In the eyes of the judges, they reflected the proper family values."