Fathers and Sons

Hard work and integrity have kept Imperial running for four generations

By Tracey Weiss

Editor

Photos: Submitted

Rob Gallinoto said his grandfather always knew Rob was going to be good at the business.

“He said I would be great because I asked a lot of questions,” Rob said.

More members of the Gallinoto family, including Rob’s mother, Lynne Gallinoto, Michael A. Gallinoto, his grandfather, and his father, Joseph R. Gallinoto. Submitted photo

In fact, it turns out all the Gallinotos have been very good at what they do. Imperial Decorating & Upholstering was established in 1932 by Rob’s great-grandfather, Tony Gallinoto. Rob is the fourth generation to be running Imperial, which is known for upholstering, antique restoration, custom made pillow-making, furniture repair, foam replacement, and cane and rush seat weaving.

More members of the Gallinoto family, including Rob’s mother, Lynne Gallinoto, Michael A. Gallinoto, his grandfather, and his father, Joseph R. Gallinoto. Submitted photo

Since its inception, the business has moved from Hartford, Avon, Simsbury, Canton, and even West Hartford Center, but has been settled in Elmwood since 1999.

Rob said the business thrives because of his family’s “tough, hardworking Italian stock.

“We are very disciplined people. My great grandfather died when I was five, and I don’t remember him, but I get some of that from him,” he said.

Quality is the key to the business and the reason for its success,” he added. “We’re so busy. We’re working three months out.”

Rob Gallinoto’s relatives, from left to right: Michael A. Gallinoto, Rob’s grandfather; Maria Gallinoto, his great grandmother; Rochina Gallinoto, his grandfather’s sister; Joseph A. Gallinoto, his great grandfather; and Tony Gallinoto, his grandfather’s brother. The family came over from Florence, Italy. Submitted photo

And no product leaves the building “unless I’m happy with it,” Rob said. “We want to give everyone the best.”

Rob said he earned how to do upholstery from his grandfather. “My father added caning chairs and rush seating (to the list of services they offer). I learned that from him.”

Now, he runs the whole business—payroll, taxes bills, paperwork—Rob said he doesn’t really have the time to do the actual refinishing anymore. “But when I get a chance, I still likes to jump in and help out,” he added.

“Even though his father is retired, “he does come in and help out,” Rob said.

Even though Rob was a finance major at the top of his class and had job offers, he ended up choosing the family business.

“I enjoy the journey,” he said. “There’s a comfort to working with family. My dad taught me how to be thorough. I learned the routine, down to turning off the lights at the end of the day.” WHL

Imperial Decorating & Upholstering

41 Prescott St.

West Hartford, CT

imperialdecorating.com

860-232-2277

Rob Gallinoto said his grandfather (pictured) Michael A. Gallinoto always knew Rob was going to be good at the business because he asked a lot of questions. Submitted photo