SMALL BUSINESS | Weather-Gard Aluminum Products

POLAND -- Randy Argiro finished high school during a time when he could have easily found a job in manufacturing, but he wanted something different.
"Back in 1965, the mills were booming and General Motors was opening its Lordstown plant, but I wanted to be a carpenter, so I took the test and for the next three years worked with different contractors," he said.
He then worked for one company until he decided to go into business for himself. His last employer became his competitor when he founded Weather-Gard Aluminum Products with partner George Leigh in 1972.
For six years, they worked out of their homes, installing aluminum siding, roofing, gutters and windows.
A big expansion came in 1978 when Vinylume sold the young company its awning division. The partners moved the business to 1399 E. Western Reserve Road and began focusing on awnings and patio covers, which they manufacture.
The company also installs carports, but it doesn't manufacture them.
"George was 20 years older than I was, and he taught me how to build the awnings. He retired in 1986 and he passed away five years ago," Argiro said.
His two sons have both been involved in the business.
Pat, his eldest son, earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from Youngstown State University and now works for Electronic Data Systems. He worked for the family business while he was in school.
Argiro's younger son, Vince, works at Weather-Gard, as does one other employee. Argiro said the business is seasonal. "Because of the economy and weather, it's a tough business. It seems like things will be slow and then all of sudden we will be so busy that we find ourselves six weeks behind," he said.
Argiro said he is looking forward to retiring and turning the business over to his son. "I've been doing this for 30 years, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like to work for someone else," he said.
He said he gets a lot of his business from contractors and insurance companies. "I love to see a heavy 12-inch snow. We haven't had one in long time. Maybe we are due," he said with a laugh.