By Bill Gelman and Lindsey Nolen
Vinny Talotta, Owner
Goldstein’s Men’s and Boys’ Apparel
2537 S. Broad St.
Years in business: 114
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Customer service, hard work, dedication and personalized service. That’s what sets us apart. We give the customer that special attention, we take care of you from start to finish.”
Location, location. Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“We moved to Broad and Shunk streets in February of 2016 from our original location. The new location is more of a boutique-style atmosphere, catering in boys, young men and men’s clothing.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“We’ll be here for the long run, and through all the fashion changes. That’s why we’re still here, the customers still continue to do business with us over the years.”
Tony Nardy and
Anthony Nardy, Owners
Oregon Window
628 W. Oregon Ave.
Years in business: 59
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Long hours and hard work. I’m still working in an advisory capacity, and I’m 85.”
Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“We went looking for properties for sale, and found one and then bought another next door as a warehouse and acquired another two properties on the other side of Oregon Avenue. Oregon Avenue in general is a good spot with a lot of traffic and is highly visible.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“People will always have windows in their home. With so many new buildings, venues and locations windows are a good business because they’re always needed. And kids will always play in the street and break windows, and that keeps us going.”
Greg Gentile, Owner
Family Chrysler Jeep Dodge
6735 Essington Ave.
Years in business: 47 (at current location)
What is the secret behind your success story?
“As with most success stories, hard work and dedication to your craft, and of course, loving what you do. I was blessed greatly by having my uncle and my dad as bosses and mentors in my early career. Also, having my brother, John Gentile, and high school best friend, Paul Sottile, as my partners made all the ups and downs of the auto business a lot easier, and going to work every morning a pleasure. A few years ago, my brother retired and my daughter, Amanda Gentile, joined the team as our Internet sales manager and now brings the third generation to the dealership.”
Location, location. Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“We started out as an American Motor dealer in South Philadelphia in 1956 at 17th [Street] and Passyunk Avenue owned and operated by my father, Gregory Gentile Sr., and my uncle, Joseph Gentile. We moved the dealership to its present location in the Philadelphia Airport Automall in 1970 as one of the original five dealers. Today, the Automall has grown to include 14 franchises, and Family Chrysler Jeep Dodge is still owned by its original family.
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“Recently my daughter Amanda Gentile and General Manager Frank Ingargiola graduated from Chrysler’s Future Dealers Academy in Detroit. I am confident our dealership will be in young qualified hands in the future and will carry on the tradition of being family owned and operated. We stand by our mission statement that at our dealership, you truly are more than a customer … you’re Family!”
Michael Fortuna
Fortuna Roofing & Home Improvements
Years in business: 84
What is the secret behind your success story?
“Family and service. We are always available, I answer the phone myself. Mike Jr. does the roof inspection with an eye for detail and Denis installs like it’s his own home.”
Tell us a little bit about the spot where your business is based.
“We are South Philly based, so in most cases we can be on site within an hour.”
Look into a crystal ball. Tell us something exciting about the future of your business.
“This generation is a tech-generation with pictures, emails, debit cards, etc. My pop would say my tool is a hammer, your tool is a cell phone. With the influx of new “Philadelphians,” information is key.”
