Date: Fri 11-Jul-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

snapshot-Peter-D'Amico

Full Text:

SNAPSHOT PETER E. D'AMICO

Occupation: Owner and president of Bulk Materials International. I do whatever

it takes to get the job done. I started the company 11 years ago. We supply

raw materials to the cement manufacturers for the eastern part of the United

States. Some of the raw materials are domestically produced, some are imported

from Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, Morocco, and Italy.

What do you enjoy most about your work: Two days are not the same; it's very

diverse. I go to Europe about six times a year. Although it's a lot of work,

it's also enjoyable. My business philosophy is: You do business with your

friends. I've met some very nice people in Europe, who are now friends. I

travel throughout eastern US and, again, have the same philosophy with my

customers there. I'm looking at maintaining business [relationships] for the

long run. In 11 years the company has grown from zero to $14 million in sales.

How long in Newtown: Since 1980.

Biggest change in town: The explosion of people, at least it seems that way.

The number of people, it's more hectic, and many more cars. But it still has

that small-town charm of New England.

Family: My wife, Marie, and four sons. Peter, 26, owns his own business which

we started a year ago. He imports wine from Italy, France, and Spain. It's

growing very fast. He'll probably do $2 million in business this year. Tom,

23, just graduated from UConn in engineering. He's started to work here at

Bulk Materials. Matt, 22, graduated this year, from WestConn in business

administration. He also works here. We're now exploring a business for him in

cigars. Christopher graduated from Newtown High School this summer and will be

going to UConn. My family is very important. There is nothing I would not do

for them.

Where were you born: I was born in Italy, in a small town in Sicily - I was a

country boy. My family and I arrived in the United States in 1960 without any

knowledge of English and without any money. We stayed with my father's cousin

for two months. I went to engineering school, New Jersey Institute of

Technology. After college I worked for Union Carbide for 17 years. And then I

started this company. I feel like I'm living the American Dream.

Pets: A dog, a German shepherd that's nine years old.

Hobbies: I play some soccer, volleyball, and I coach soccer - a boys' travel

team. I've coached different levels of soccer about 12 years. I've also

coached and played softball and baseball. I play golf once in a while.

Do you like to read: Yes. I read mostly magazines, and about current events -

that kind of thing. Or scientific stories.

Organizations: Newtown Soccer Club

Personal philosophy: I like to treat people the way I like to be treated.

"Giving is better than receiving" is the way I like to live. With soccer, I

don't have any kids playing soccer any more, but I still coach. I think it's

important for individuals to give to society their time.