By Bill Gelman and Lindsey Nolen
Jason Douglas, Owner
DanceAdelphia
1100 Snyder Ave.
Years in business: 62
What is the secret behind your success story?
“My secret is simple: it was my grandmother, Mary Yanetti and my mother, AnnaMarie DiEgidio that made the studio successful for 31 years prior to my tenure as artistic director at DanceAdelphia. Their love and passion has brought forth in children a love for the art of dance that drives me every day to continue their legacy and with hopes, do so successfully. … I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people, some who have been with me here at the studio for years. Whether they stand proud as teachers, managers, assistants or production specialists, they each bring something special to the DanceAdelphia family. I am lucky to have the opportunity to share my days with my team and together, we have formed a unique, happy, and successful family, a family that values professionalism and a passion for the love of dance and education of our youth. I have learned that I am nothing without the love and support of my family and team members. As fond memories of the past fill my heart, I choose not to look back, but rather, to move forward toward a fruitful and successful future.”
Location, location. Tell us a bit about the spot where your business is based.
“DanceAdelphia is located at 1100 Snyder Ave., in the heart of South Philadelphia. A close-knit community, we teach many children from the neighborhood, but also welcome all students from various neighborhoods as well. All are welcomed to join our DanceAdelphia family. A building is just a building, but the love that fills it is what matters most.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“With each passing day, I never lose the excitement. The creativity witnessed here is rare, exceptional, inspiring. I have always opened my doors and my heart to others as my grandmother and mother have taught me. … As we continue to serve our customers the best we possibly can, we continue to enhance our vision. We want to maintain our current enrollment and continue to help it to grow. Many of our students from years ago now have children and grandchildren of their own and enroll them in DanceAdelphia in order to provide them with the same positive and loving experience they had here as students many years ago. We are honored to be Philadelphia’s longest running Dance Studio since 1956, a title we do not take lightly.”
John Bucci, Owner
John’s Roast Pork
14. E. Snyder Ave.
Years in Business: 87
What is the secret behind your success story?
“The secret behind my success is my family. My dad was the hardest working man I ever met. He was an animal. … It was a couple months before he died of lung cancer. We were working one day. It was the end of the day, I was 25 years old, and wanted to get out to start the night. I mopped the floor and said, ‘dad, I’m going. He responded, ‘leave the mop there.’ I said, ‘why I did the floor?’ He calmly responded, ‘No, I have to do it the right way.’” I immediately got the point! My Mom has ALWAYS been there for me. I am so blessed to still have her in my life. … We have been fortunate to receive so many accolades together, and Iam so happy we achieved that together. (I just wish my dad was here. He never saw our business in print.)“
Location, location. Tell us a bit about the spot where your business is based.
“Our location was just by chance. My paternal grandfather emigrated to the U.S. around 1918 from Abruzzo, Italy, with a recipe for roast pork and meatballs and many other southern Italian dishes. He was one of the first caterers, but wanted a place to work every day. He came upon the spot we are on today, which was owned by B & O Railroad. We rented from them for about 50 years. We had a 30-day lease. (real smart business. LOL.) When my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1987, I left college and started the long 18-month process of buying the property. Railroads usually don’t sell their real estate, but they made an exception in our case because it was such a small property and we fed their employees.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“Having survived Leukemia I try to take one day at a time. Just, trying to find peace, like us all. BTW, this June 6 will be the 10-year anniversary of my successful bone marrow transplant. We plan on having a big fundraiser at my shop.”
Brian W. Donnelly, Funeral Director/Owner
Murphy, Ruffenach, Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home
2237 S. Third St.
Years in business: Almost 125
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Our Funeral Home has been serving the South Philadelphia area for almost 125 years as the Murphy, Ruffenach Funeral Home. The Donnelly family purchased the business in 2013 proudly changing the name to Murphy, Ruffenach, Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home. We have made great progress since then and have great hopes and plans for the future of our business.
“We provide our families with sensitive and caring services treating each family as our own. We offer after care counseling to all those grieving in our community and the surrounding neighborhoods. I have been in the funeral industry for 25 years and have made an indelible imprint in this industry. Being a funeral director has been my passion since a young boy attending St. Nicholas of Tolentine School. I have always wanted to help people and even though death is a sad point in people’s lives, I can say we truly excel in helping those that choose our services during these difficult moments.”
Location, location. Tell us a bit about the spot where your business is based.
“Our funeral home is located in the heart of the Whitman area of South Philadelphia, which allows us to also offer services throughout the city and surrounding counties. The funeral home is warmly decorated and offers a comfortable home setting. We offer a spacious chapel, lounges and family gathering area where families can take a moment to gather and talk with friends in a more casual setting.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“We take great pride in helping veterans in their time of loss. I was named Civilian of the Year for 2017 by the Veterans Department and have worked in conjunction with them in regard to the “No Veteran left on a shelf” program. This program helps veterans who have died and have no family to provide burial for them. We make sure that each Veteran has a dignified burial service.”
Anthony Lombardi, Owner
Lombardi’s Prime Meats
1801 Packer Ave.
Years in business: 40-plus
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Secret of our success is twofold. Superior product that could only be attainable at Lombardi’s, and first-class customer service and appreciation. Our customers are truly like family to us. Always treat people the way you would like to be treated. A bit cliche, but so true.”
Location, location. Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“Our location at 1801 Packer Ave. has been one of our greatest decisions. Easily accessible to all of the highways and bridges. I grew up in Packer Park, so I knew the neighborhood and people really well. Parking is ample.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“The future is bright! We are currently planning to expand our store, making it wider and adding work area space which would allow us the bring in more prepared foods and different Italian products. However, always sticking to our roots with ‘the best’ chicken cutlets, sausage, Prime Beef and so much more.”
Lou Galdo Sr., Owner
Galdo’s
1933 W. Moyamensing Ave.
Years in business: 30-plus
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Is to make your name a brand. I believe all of the following has made Galdo’s a brand: Treat your customers with respect; give them quality and value for their hard-earned dollar; and always give back to your community.”
Location, location. Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“My location came about because of my previous businesses in my 41-year career. I started at the age of 17. I opened the original Oregon Steaks at 13th [Street] and Oregon Avenue, which led me into the restaurant business on Delaware Avenue called the Waterfront Cafe. That is where I learned the catering end of the food business and then I found my passion. I had my eye on a property where I grew up in Packer Park that was vacant for a few years. When I was a kid it was Ginos Hamburgers and Kentucky Fried Chicken at 20th [Street] and Moyamensing Avenue. To me it was already a landmark, and that was my dream location. I wanted to be the new Palumbo’s.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“If I could see the future, I see Galdo’s still a major player in the catering and entertainment business. I see my son Junior taking it to newer levels, and my name still a brand!”
