Frank Palagi – 65 Years – A Workiversary to Remember
Ghilotti Bros., Inc. is proud to announce the 65 Year Work-Anniversary of Frank Palagi, on May 1, 2020.
65 years ago, May 1, 1955 to be exact, a fearless, young, Italian man started what was to become a lifetime of dedication and endless successes. In 1955, recognizing exceptional talent, Dino Ghilotti hired Frank to work for Ghilotti Bros. How did Dino know at the time Frank would become the mentor and guiding light for so many to come at GBI?
Like Dino, Mario Ghilotti Sr., also saw something special in Frank. Frank’s innate ability to lead, coupled with good old-fashioned hard work, strong drive and his relentless pursuit for precision in every task. Mario and Dino quickly moved Frank from Laborer, to Concrete Finisher, and finally, to Lead Man (Foreman in today’s world).
This is where Frank really shined in the role of a mentor and teacher. Frank is, and always will be, one of GBI’s finest in every sense of the word. Frank has mentored so many craft employees over the years, such as Dominic Nuccio, still with GBI and an impressive 47 years under his belt. Frank’s ability to take a green employee and guide them to their best potential and success is extraordinary and he has always done this with a patience, respect, and humility to be admired.
Frank’s timeless experiences with GBI are a result of his hard work and dedication. Frank exceled while operating as the Superintendent responsible for the construction of the San Marin subdivisions in the 1970’s. 1993 found Frank in Management at the San Rafael office, dispatching and running the back yard; This particular endeavor was ‘Dino’s baby’ and production engine of the Company. The confidence in Frank was evident when he was selected to fill this role.
For Frank, the jump to Vice President of Operations, from 1993 until 2016, was followed by his role as Vice President of Safety & Quality Control, the position Frank still holds today. Frank still keeps his hand and heart in what’s going on in the field, even as he finally cuts back a bit on the work hours! A skill many can learn from, Frank still maintains an impeccable filing system of GBI memos dating back to the early 60’s.
Frank’s talents are many including an excellent singing voice. He is GBI’s personal Frank Sinatra. As Mario’s fellow music lover, Frank’s crooning delighted them both and cemented their bond and mutual passion for music lasting 55 years until Mario’s passing. Many a late night after a construction association dinner, in a Denny’s somewhere, Mario and Frank would revel in their game of “name that tune”. Frank became the designated leader of the National Anthem at all of GBI’s picnics and Christmas parties and still leads us all today.
It is no surprise that Frank is fondly referred to as the 5th Brother and considered family in every sense of the word. An avid 49er fan, Frank would join Mario & Eva at Candlestick Park for home games. Frank at the wheel and Mario telling him to “drive faster” and in various directions for shortcuts. Saturday lunch at San Rafael Joes. God bless Frank for sustaining a 30-year Saturday working lunch tradition with Mario & Eva, and any other GBI employee who enjoyed a complimentary meal for coming into the office on a Saturday to catch up.
Frank exemplifies what devotion looks like. He has and always will be here for the company first, strong in form and character, with his best foot forward, a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Frank protects and personifies the legacy of GBI and everything James Ghilotti must have dreamed of. Frank’s mentoring and leading by example inspires everyone around him, the desire to emulate the qualities of excellence in their work, striving for high quality work and giving their best for the good of the community.
All of us at GBI, past and current, want to thank you Frank. Thank you for your loyalty, your support and leadership, and for being the best employee, friend, and person that a company could ever have. and for doing it longer and better than anyone else ever has!
Congratulazioni Senore Palagi — Millie Grazie !! Vi amiamo tutti. Stai al sicuro e stai bene… (Congratulations Mr. Palagi. A million thanks. We all love you! Stay safe and stay well…)
